Investment Q&A

Q: Based on the supposed increase in US infrastructure spending what US or Canadian companies would u recommend or ETF/
Thank you.

Q: I have very little gold or silver or other precious metals stocks. Silver Wheaton seems a bit beat up. As I know you are good with a small amount of such holdings in a larger portfolio , would SLW be a good choice in your view? Or would you prefer AEM or some other stock at the moment? Thank you!

Q: Can you please explain the difference between UL and UN (seemingly the same stock), and which one a Canadian retail investor should prefer and why. Also, given the large drop it has suffered in the past month, what do you think the reason is, and do you see it as a good long-term investment. Thank you!

Q: I current hold Canadian BOS,AQN,ALA ONEX, TD AND T
I also hold in us US funds KO, GE, MSFT and SYY

What is your opinion on these accounts and what changes if any
would you suggest I make.
Thanks for your help, John

Q: Tax loss season is upon us. Can you name 2 small caps and 2 large cap stocks that will be largely affected by tax loss selling, but have a chance for a strong rebound. Thanks

Q: I have owned STZ (constellation brands) for quite some time and have been very happy with it.
It has fallen significantly since the Trump win and I am somewhat concerned trying to figure out if tariffs will be imposed on Mexican imports Should I take any action
at this time. Any insight you may be would be appreciated. Suggestions for replacement if you deemed that prudent would be appreciatd.

Q: I'm trying to figure out the long term rationale for hanging on to DBO. From what I can gather, they've been a public company since mid-2006 and their highest stock price occurred somewhere in spring of 2007 at 84 cents. In 10 years, they don't seem to have built a lot ... either in terms of moving forward with their plans, or building stock holders value.

One question I have: Is it because it's a slow industry to break into, and it takes time to get such technology established ... or have they (perhaps) not been using their time and money wisely? In other words, how is the management in all of this?

Your comment to another member states: "The company has essentially developed a product that can drive higher margins for their customers (theatres that charge more for motion seats), has proven the business case and has relationships with some of the larger theatre chains."

What is their competitive edge, then? Are they assailed by lots of competition, or are they just not moving forward because nobody is quite sure they want this technology -- other than China -- which in itself might be years in the making.

I'm trying to figure out whether I should hang on for the long term (you quote a 5 year window) at these rates, and add when I see dips in their stock, or if I should just bail out now.

If there's lots of competition in the space, with better management, perhaps the answer is obvious.

Since you don't have a report on the company yet, I was curious as to the "backroom workings" of this company's management, and its moat.

Thanks for your expert advice!

Q: I have typically sold my losers and kept my winners, such that I have over $200,000 in unrealized gains against over $50,000 in realized losses. Should I be concerned with this situation? Would the federalistas ever suddenly surprise me?

James

Q: Re: Bank exchange fees when investing in U.S. securities, funds, ETF’s.

It is good to see 5I is involved in Financial Literacy Month. I think a valid contribution to your Members could be as follows:

I believe there is a (hopefully small) percentage of Canadian investors of U.S. traded securities that are purchasing and selling within their Cdn. dollar investment account. (As you know, even at par, buying a US security in a Cdn account will cost approx. 2% in bank exchange fees, and selling that security will cost another 2%).
I also believe that these self-directed investors are unaware that most banks will set up a USD investment account, registered or unregistered, for them at no charge allowing any trading and dividends to transact within that account avoiding the bank exchange fee on each transaction. Of course there will be that fee on the initial transfer of funds into that account, (but not if U.S. securities are transferred from the Cdn to the U.S. account).

I recall that Questrade was once advertising on BNN that they had an account to avoid these fees, but it really wasn’t an effective message.

Are you aware of any good method to purchase U.S. dollars at better rates than banks will offer?

Thank you!

Q: Hello 5I Team
Was there any news that caused the Boyd Group share price to drop today ?
Thanks

Claudio

Q: Mr. Hodson, you previously indicated a CSU update would come in the fall.

When do you expect this to come at the present time ?

Q: Hi, I am modeling 5i's Income Portfolio and I was wondering which stocks in the portfolio fall under the Health Care and Materials sector? If these sectors are not included what stocks would you recommend in an Income Portfolio that you would recommend.

Q: I have about 20% of my total portfolio in U.S. equities. Do you see that amount as reasonable or in lieu of stronger growth predicted in the US should I consider putting any new money into the US instead of Canada.
Would you have any favourite ways to play, for example much is being said about regional us banks, have things gone too far too fast to get in now. Your valuable opinion would be much appreciated.

Q: Could you please provide about 10 fundamental parameters to search out a potential US stock for me to buy in healthcare sector. I am looking at ABC and CVS, but want to be sure I am looking at the right things to judge them. I would purchase these in a non-registered US dollar account so no currency conversion issues. Many thanks always,
Marilyn

Q: Many analysts are predicting a turnaround in the oil services industry. The stocks seem to be anticipating this. You have recommended CEU. Has it moved to high for an investment at this time? Also, what do you think of ESI? It has an attractive dividend.

Q: I am considering the purchase of this security. Could I have your thoughts. Thanks

Q: I depend on dividends for much of our income and would like to have your opinion on one or two these stocks for a 1/2-3/4 position, about $15-20,000 or so. hot.un, car.un, aar.un, wir.u - Thanks, Ted

Q: For health care stocks I look outside Canada. Is there anything in particular one should look for in these? I view them differently due to the long process to bring a drug to market and potential law suits etc.

Any thoughts on whey a recent downturn in this sector?

I am considering purchasing Cardinal Health.

Many Thanks

Paul

Q: Do you think Capstone Mining at .98 is a good risk reward. I sold this in the high $2.00 but thinking of getting back in.
Thanks.

Q: Further to Edward's Q about reits with US holdings, I might suggest MRG.UN. It may be a tad pricey at the moment (I just sold mine, moving into the commercial side with HOT,UN and HR.UN) but I think the dividend is safe.