The 5 Minute Investor Podcast

This week, we're looking beyond Canada's Big Six to find value and growth in the small-cap banking sector. We analyze two profitable and growing institutions that are carving out their own successful niches in a competitive industry. Jon Brown looks at Laurentian Bank (TSX: LB), a nearly 200-year-old institution that is undergoing a major digital transformation to compete in the modern era, all while offering a stable 6% dividend. Then, Trevor Abes dives into VersaBank (TSX: VBNK), a branchless, business-to-business fintech pioneer with an impeccable credit history, which is now expanding into the US and even issuing deposits on the blockchain. This Episode's Picks: * Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSX: LB): A legacy Canadian bank in the midst of a digital transformation, offering a stable value and dividend play with the potential upside of a future takeover. * VersaBank (TSX: VBNK): A highly profitable, branchless digital bank with a unique B2B model, expanding into the multi-trillion dollar US market and innovating with blockchain technology. Topics Discussed: * Investing in Canadian small-cap banking stocks. * The digital transformation of traditional banks. * Branchless and business-to-business (B2B) banking models. * The receivables purchase market and point-of-sale financing. * How blockchain and tokenized assets are entering the banking sector. Further Reading & Resources: * Laurentian Bank posts Q3 2025 profit despite revenue drop [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/08/29/laurentian-bank-posts-q3-2025-profit-despite-revenue-drop] * A small-cap bank excelling in the shadow of Canada’s Big Six [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/08/28/a-small-cap-bank-excelling-shadow-canada-s-big-six] * This week’s picks: TSX:LB [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote/t.lb/laurentian-bank-of-canada] | TSX:VBNK [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.vbnkhttps://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.vbnk] Follow The Podcast: * Follow on Podbean [https://stockhouse.podbean.com/] * Follow on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/48xHUGA908gwg9eC8ey62o?si=3747888de4844f03] * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-5-minute-investor-podcast/id1078444026] Disclaimer: The material provided in this podcast is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please visit themarketonline.ca/disclaimer.

This week, we're diving into the world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and exploring two different ways to build a values-based portfolio. Jon Brown looks at the Wealthsimple North America Socially Responsible Index ETF (TSX: WSRI), a one-stop solution for investors looking to gain diversified exposure to a basket of ESG-screened companies. Then, Trevor Abes highlights Anaergia Inc. (TSX: ANRG), a pure-play renewable natural gas technology company that is demonstrating explosive growth with a massive backlog of new contracts, including its largest to date. This Episode's Picks: Wealthsimple N.A. Socially Responsible Index ETF (TSX: WSRI): A diversified ETF offering exposure to socially responsible companies in Canada and the US, excluding sectors like fossil fuels, weapons, and tobacco. Anaergia Inc. (TSX: ANRG): A global leader in converting organic waste into renewable natural gas (RNG) and other sustainable solutions, showing strong revenue growth and a rapidly expanding contract backlog. Topics Discussed: * ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing. * How to use ETFs for a values-based portfolio. * The subjectivity of "socially responsible" metrics. * The renewable natural gas (RNG) and waste-to-energy industry. * Comparing a diversified ETF approach with a concentrated, pure-play stock. Further Reading & Resources: * ESG: A new era for small-cap compliance in Canada? [https://stockhouse.com/news/newswire/2025/08/21/esg-a-new-era-for-small-cap-compliance-canada] * Anaergia signs record contract amid improving financials [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/08/21/anaergia-signs-record-contract-amid-improving-financials] * This week’s picks: TSX:WSRI [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.wsri] | TSX:ANRG [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.anrg] Follow The Podcast: * Follow on Podbean [https://stockhouse.podbean.com/] * Follow on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/48xHUGA908gwg9eC8ey62o?si=3747888de4844f03] * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-5-minute-investor-podcast/id1078444026] Disclaimer: The material provided in this podcast is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please visit themarketonline.ca/disclaimer.

With the US on the verge of potentially reclassifying cannabis as a less dangerous drug, we're analyzing how two of Canada's largest cannabis companies are positioned to capitalize on this historic shift. Jon Brown dives into Canopy Growth (TSX: WEED/NASDAQ:CGC), exploring how its unique "Canopy USA" structure gives it a direct line into the American market, making the potential policy change a massive catalyst. Then, Trevor Abes highlights the impressive financial turnaround at Aurora Cannabis (TSX: ACB), arguing that its recent string of profitable quarters and positive free cash flow make it a compelling value play, especially as its stock price has yet to reflect its success. This Episode's Picks: Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX: WEED / NASDAQ: CGC): A major cannabis producer strategically positioned through its Canopy USA holdings to immediately benefit from the potential reclassification of cannabis in the United States. Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX: ACB): The world's largest medical cannabis company, which has successfully executed a financial turnaround to achieve consistent profitability and positive free cash flow, creating a potential value opportunity. Topics Discussed: * The potential US reclassification of cannabis and its market impact. * Catalyst-driven investing in the cannabis sector. * The strategic importance of the Canopy USA corporate structure. * Identifying financial turnarounds and value plays in the cannabis industry. * Contrasting the investment cases for two of Canada's largest licensed producers. Further Reading & Resources: * Canopy Growth Announces Mailing and Filing of Proxy Materials for Annual General and Special Meeting and Urges All Shareholders to Vote Now [https://stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2025/08/15/canopy-growth-announces-mailing-and-filing-of-proxy-materials-for-annual-general] * U.S. federal cannabis rescheduling: A game-changer for Canopy Growth? [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/08/15/u-s-federal-cannabis-rescheduling-a-game-changer-for-canopy-growth] * Aurora Cannabis: Profitability plus falling stock equals value play [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/08/12/aurora-cannabis-profitability-plus-falling-stock-equals-value-play] * Aurora Ignites Global Expansion with Whistler Cannabis Co. Brand Debut in Australia [https://stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2025/08/12/aurora-ignites-global-expansion-with-whistler-cannabis-co-brand-debut-in] * This week’s picks: TSX:WEED [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.weed] | TSX:ACB [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.acb] Follow The Podcast: * Follow on Podbean [https://stockhouse.podbean.com/] * Follow on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/48xHUGA908gwg9eC8ey62o?si=3747888de4844f03] * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-5-minute-investor-podcast/id1078444026] Disclaimer: The material provided in this podcast is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please visit themarketonline.ca/disclaimer.

In a time of economic uncertainty, investors are seeking resilience and reliability. This week, we analyze two Canadian defensive stocks from essential industries that are built to withstand market volatility. Jon Brown looks at Magellan Aerospace (TSX: MAL), a classic low-volatility defensive stock whose critical components for the aerospace and defense sectors are in constant demand, leading to an 88% year-to-date return. Then, Trevor Abes dives into ATS Corp. (TSX: ATS), a global leader in automation solutions, arguing its "evergreen" value proposition is fueled by long-term trends like labor shortages and reshoring. This Episode's Picks: Magellan Aerospace Corporation (TSX: MAL): A leading Canadian aerospace and defense company with a low-beta stock, offering investors stability, consistency, and a history of outperforming the market. ATS Corp. (TSX: ATS): A top automation solutions provider whose technology is essential for companies looking to counteract labor shortages and increase efficiency, giving it a long runway for profitable growth. Topics Discussed: * The principles of defensive investing. * Analyzing low-beta stocks for portfolio stability. * The resilience of the aerospace and defense sectors. * Long-term growth drivers for industrial automation. * How trends like labor shortages and onshoring create investment opportunities. Further Reading & Resources: * Turbulence ahead? Magellan Aerospace emerges as a portfolio stabilizer [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/08/08/turbulence-ahead-magellan-aerospace-emerges-as-portfolio-stabilizer] * ATS proves defensive prowess with a profitable Q1 2026 [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/08/07/ats-proves-defensive-prowess-with-profitable-q1-2026] * This week’s picks: TSX:MAL [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.mal] | TSX:ATS [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.ats] Follow The Podcast: * Follow on Podbean [https://stockhouse.podbean.com/] * Follow on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/48xHUGA908gwg9eC8ey62o?si=3747888de4844f03] * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-5-minute-investor-podcast/id1078444026] Disclaimer: The material provided in this podcast is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please visit themarketonline.ca/disclaimer.

With the Bank of Canada and the US Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady, the calm may not last. This week, we analyze two different companies that make a strong case for being "rate-insensitive" and can enhance portfolio returns in any economic environment. Jon Brown looks at Andlauer Healthcare Group (TSX: AND), a logistics company whose essential, highly regulated services make it a classic defensive play, with the added intrigue of a potential buyout from a UPS affiliate. Then, Trevor Abes dives into luxury brand power with Canada Goose (TSX: GOOS), exploring how its premium parkas give it the pricing power to weather economic storms and thrive. This Episode's Picks: Andlauer Healthcare Group Inc. (TSX: AND): A defensive healthcare logistics company whose services are essential regardless of economic cycles. The stock's valuation is also supported by a potential acquisition by an affiliate of UPS. Canada Goose Holdings Inc. (TSX: GOOS): The iconic luxury outerwear brand whose pricing power and strong brand identity have allowed it to deliver consistent revenue growth, making it resilient to economic pressures. Topics Discussed: * How to find rate-insensitive stocks. * The investment case for defensive sectors like healthcare logistics. * Analyzing the impact of a potential M&A deal on a stock's price. * The power of luxury branding as an economic moat. * Assessing company performance during periods of inflation and trade uncertainty. Further Reading & Resources: * Three TSX Stock that Can Weather Interest Rate Uncertainty [https://stockhouse.com/news/newswire/2025/07/30/three-tsx-stocks-that-can-weather-interest-rate-uncertainty] * Why Canada Goose stock is a hedge against inflation and recession [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/07/29/why-canada-goose-stock-hedge-against-inflation-and-recession] * Canada Goose grows revenue and gross profits in Q1 2026 [https://stockhouse.com/news/the-market-online-news/2025/07/31/canada-goose-grows-revenue-and-gross-profits-q1-2026] * This week’s picks: TSX:GOOS [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.goos] | TSX:AND [https://stockhouse.com/companies/quote?symbol=t.and] Follow The Podcast: * Follow on Podbean [https://stockhouse.podbean.com/] * Follow on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/48xHUGA908gwg9eC8ey62o?si=3747888de4844f03] * Follow on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-5-minute-investor-podcast/id1078444026] Disclaimer: The material provided in this podcast is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please visit themarketonline.ca/disclaimer.