The 5 Minute Investor Podcast

A Mega-Merger Play (ATD) vs. A Wonder Drug Bet (TLT) | Ep. 9

A multi-billion dollar mega-merger is brewing in the convenience store industry. Jon Brown dives into the news that Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX: ATD) has signed an NDA to access the financial data of 7-Eleven's parent company, a critical step in a potential $47 billion takeover.
Then, Trevor Abes explores the high-stakes world of clinical-stage biotech. He profiles Theralase Technologies (TSXV: TLT) and its lead drug candidate, Ruvidar, which has shown incredible preclinical and clinical results against everything from bladder cancer to a host of viruses, representing a massive potential market.
This Episode's Picks:
Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX: ATD): The global convenience store giant (owner of Circle K) that is pursuing a massive acquisition of 7-Eleven's parent company. A recent NDA signing is a key catalyst that could unlock value.
Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSXV: TLT): A clinical-stage pharmaceutical company whose lead drug, Ruvidar, has shown promise against numerous cancers and viruses. A high-risk, high-reward bet on a potential breakthrough in medicine.
Topics Discussed:
Analyzing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as an investment catalyst.
The global convenience store market.
Investing in clinical-stage biotechnology companies.
Understanding the drug development pipeline (preclinical vs. clinical trials).
Assessing risk and reward in speculative, high-potential stocks.
Further Reading & Resources:
Alimentation Couche-Tard and 7-Eleven owner sign NDA over $47B acquisition 
Theralase uncovers new use-case for flagship drug
BCG-Unresponsive Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Carcinoma-In-Situ: A Patient’s Guide
This week’s picks: TSX:ATD | TSXV:TLT
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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.

A Discount Retail Winner (DOL) vs. A US Lithium Priority (SLI) | Ep. 8

As rising prices and trade tariffs squeeze consumers, which discount retailers are thriving? Jon Brown compares the strong performance of Canada's Dollarama (TSX: DOL) against its struggling US counterparts, making the case for the clear market leader.
Then, Trevor Abes follows up on the US government's push to expedite critical mineral development. He highlights Standard Lithium (TSXV: SLI), a company whose project is on the government's priority list and whose assets have a potential value over 10 times its current market capitalization.
This Episode's Picks:
Dollarama Inc. (TSX: DOL): The leading Canadian discount retailer, which has demonstrated strong stock performance and growth, significantly outpacing its US competitors in the current economic environment.
Standard Lithium Ltd. (TSXV: SLI): A lithium development company whose high-grade Smackover project in the US is on a federal priority list. The company presents a deep value opportunity with a Net Present Value far exceeding its market cap.
Topics Discussed:
The performance of the discount retail sector amid inflation and tariffs.
Comparative analysis: Dollarama vs. Dollar Tree and Dollar General.
Identifying market leaders in a competitive industry.
The impact of US critical minerals policy on specific mining projects.
Investing in lithium brine projects for the EV battery market.
How to spot a significant valuation gap between a company's assets and its market cap.
Further Reading & Resources:
Dollarama resilient in the face of tariff challenges
Smackover Lithium JV approved for brine production in Arkansas
This week’s picks: TSX:DOL | TSXV:SLI
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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.
 

A Defense Tech Bet (SCAN) vs. A Crypto Powerhouse (GLXY) | Ep. 7

With the US administration proposing a record $1 trillion defense budget, where can investors find companies poised to benefit? Jon Brown looks at Liberty Defense (TSXV: SCAN), a high-tech security company whose AI-powered weapon screening technology, Hexwave, directly aligns with the government's focus on enhanced security.
Then, Trevor Abes explores a more data-driven way to invest in the crypto market. He makes the case for Galaxy Digital (TSX: GLXY), a diversified and profitable digital asset powerhouse, arguing that investing in such "picks and shovels" companies is a smarter way to gain exposure to the volatile crypto space.
This Episode's Picks:
Liberty Defense Holdings (TSXV: SCAN): A security technology company developing the AI-driven Hexwave system for concealed weapon detection. A high-risk play positioned to potentially benefit from increased government defense spending.
Galaxy Digital Holdings (TSX: GLXY): A major, profitable player in the digital asset space with diversified operations in trading, asset management, and Bitcoin mining, making it a "picks and shovels" investment on the entire crypto ecosystem.
Topics Discussed:
The impact of the US defense budget on security technology stocks.
AI's role in next-generation security screening.
Analyzing high-risk, high-reward investment opportunities.
Data-driven approaches to investing in the crypto sector.
The "picks and shovels" strategy for gaining exposure to a market.
Identifying profitable companies in the digital asset space.
Further Reading & Resources:
First-ever proposed $1 trillion defence budget recognizes escalating threats
Five profitable crypto stocks creating value from digital assets
This week’s picks: TSXV:SCAN | TSX:GLXY
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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.
 

A Tariff-Proof Tech Giant (SHOP) vs. A Gold Value Play (FF) | Ep. 6

With trade tariffs dominating the headlines, how can investors position their portfolios? Jon Brown makes the case for Shopify (TSX: SHOP), arguing that the Canadian e-commerce giant's global footprint makes it a resilient choice in the current economic climate.
Then, Trevor Abes dives into a new policy proposal from the Conservative Party of Canada designed to streamline mining development. He highlights First Mining Gold (TSX: FF), a company on the government's list of essential projects, and explores the massive valuation gap between its market cap and its estimated $38 billion in in-ground precious metals.
This Episode's Picks:
Shopify Inc. (TSX: SHOP): The global e-commerce platform providing infrastructure to businesses in 175 countries. Its diversified revenue stream offers insulation from specific bilateral trade tariffs.
First Mining Gold Corp. (TSX: FF): A gold exploration and development company whose Springpole project is one of the largest undeveloped gold projects in Ontario. The stock presents a deep value opportunity, with a market cap that is a fraction of its in-ground resource value.
Topics Discussed:
The impact of trade tariffs on consumer spending and investment strategy.
The benefits of a globally diversified revenue stream.
How domestic policy proposals can act as catalysts for specific sectors.
Identifying deep value opportunities in the gold mining industry.
Analyzing the valuation gap between a company's market cap and its assets.
Further Reading & Resources:
Shopify merchant success powers Q4 outperformance across both top and bottom line
Conservatives view Troilus Gold project as key to Canada’s economy
This week’s picks: TSX:SHOP | TSX:FF
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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.
 

A Satellite Leader (TSAT) and a Cannabis Blueprint (CANB) | Ep. 5

In an episode of contrasts, we first look to the skies. With major defense and satellite contracts in the news, Jon Brown explores Telesat (TSX: TSAT), a Canadian-based global leader in satellite communications, and asks if a recent dip in its stock price presents a buying opportunity.
Then, we come back down to earth to analyze the tough Canadian cannabis market. Trevor Abes bypasses the big-name losers and instead uses Canndara Cannabis Inc. (CSE: CANB) as a case study. He explains what makes this small operator so profitable and why, due to a pending acquisition, it serves as a "blueprint" for what investors should look for in the sector, rather than a direct buy.
This Episode's Picks:
Telesat (TSX: TSAT): A global satellite operator with a next-generation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network. Despite a recent dip in price, the stock is up 120% year-over-year, presenting a potential entry point for investors.
CASE STUDY: Canndara Cannabis Inc. (CSE: CANB): A highly efficient and profitable cannabis company focused on concentrates. Note: Canndara is currently under a binding offer to be acquired by Simply Solventless Concentrates (CSE: HASH). This segment analyzes why Canndara is successful as a model for future investments.
Topics Discussed:
The global satellite communications industry and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks.
How to analyze a stock dip in the context of long-term growth.
Why most Canadian cannabis companies are unprofitable.
Identifying key metrics for success in the cannabis sector.
Analyzing a pending acquisition and its impact on retail investors.
Further Reading & Resources:
ADN Telecom signs multi-year Telesat Lightspeed partnership agreement
Top 5 cannabis stocks with operations in Canada
This week’s picks: TSX:TSAT | TSXV:CANB
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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.

Gaming ETF (HERO) vs. a US Graphite Play (GPH) | Ep. 4

After a last-minute pivot away from the volatile GameStop (GME), we explore a more diversified way to invest in the video game industry. Jonathon Brown makes the case for the Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (NASDAQ: HERO), highlighting key holdings like Take-Two Interactive, the creators of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.
Then, with the US government issuing an executive order to expedite critical mineral development, Trevor Abes dives into a US-based graphite play. He explores Graphite One (TSXV: GPH) and its massive Alaskan deposit, which is strategically positioned to supply the booming lithium-ion battery market for electric vehicles.
This Episode's Picks:
Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (NASDAQ: HERO): A diversified fund offering exposure to global video game publishers and esports companies, including Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, and AppLovin.
Graphite One (TSXV: GPH): A pre-feasibility stage company developing one of the largest graphite deposits in the United States, with a non-binding contract with Lucid Motors and significant backing from US critical mineral policy.
Topics Discussed:
The recent volatility of GameStop (GME) stock.
ETF investing as a strategy for sector-specific exposure.
The massive economic impact of upcoming game releases like Grand Theft Auto 6.
President Trump's executive order on critical minerals.
Graphite's essential role in the EV battery supply chain.
Further Reading & Resources:
GameStop selling Canadian and French operations as CEO laments ‘wokeness and DEI’
Trump to fast-track U.S. critical mineral production
This week’s picks: NASDAQ:HERO | TSXV:GPH
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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.
 

Trade Wars & a New PM: Corby Spirit and Wine (CSW.A) & Cematrix (CEMX) | Ep. 3

A looming trade war is pulling American liquor off Canadian shelves, creating a potential opening for domestic producers. Meanwhile, a major political shift is underway in Canada with former central banker Mark Carney taking over as Prime Minister and calling a federal election. What does this mean for investors?
In this episode, we explore the investment case for Corby Spirit and Wine (TSX: CSW.A) as it stands to benefit from a "buy local" push. Then, we analyze the policy leanings of the new Prime Minister and identify Cematrix (TSXV: CEMX), a green-focused cellular concrete company, as a potential beneficiary of his decidedly environmental agenda.
This Episode's Stock Picks:
Corby Spirit and Wine (TSX: CSW.A): A leading Canadian manufacturer and distributor of spirits and wine, reporting strong revenue and earnings growth as it gains domestic market share.
Cematrix (TSXV: CEMX): A profitable and growing North American provider of lower-cost, environmentally friendly cellular concrete, poised to benefit from a potential green infrastructure push.
Topics Discussed:
The impact of US-Canada trade tariffs on the liquor industry.
The investment implications of Mark Carney becoming Prime Minister.
Analyzing a politician's policy to find investment catalysts.
Finding value in a green energy stock that has seen its share price fall over 60%.
Further Reading & Resources:
Corby Spirit and Wine’s fiscal 2025 second quarter results
10 investment catalysts in Mark Carney’s Canada
This week's picks: TSX:CSW.A | TSXV:CEMX
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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.

Space Race & Small-Cap Value: MDA Space (MDA), Supremex (SXP), Maritime Launch (MAXQ) | Ep. 2

With geopolitical tensions rising, the European Space Agency is pushing for greater autonomy, creating new opportunities in the space sector. In this episode, Jonathon Brown dives into two Canadian space stocks positioned to benefit: an established industry leader and a high-risk, high-reward spaceport developer.
Then, Trevor Abes explains why broad market downturns are often the best time to hunt for value in small-cap stocks. He outlines a strategy for finding hidden gems and offers up a profitable North American manufacturer that he believes is trading at an excessive discount.
This Episode's Stock Picks:
MDA Space (TSX: MDA): The established Canadian leader in space robotics and satellite systems, well-positioned to capitalize on increased global investment in space and defense.
Maritime Launch Services (CBOE: MAXQ): A development-stage company building Canada's first commercial spaceport in Nova Scotia, offering a potential ground-floor opportunity for investors with a high risk tolerance.
Supremex (TSX: SXP): A profitable North American envelope and packaging manufacturer whose stock has fallen nearly 50% from its 5-year high, creating a potential value opportunity.
Topics Discussed:
The European Space Agency's (ESA) push for new partnerships and autonomy.
How geopolitical uncertainty impacts the space and defense sectors.
A four-step process for identifying attractive small-cap stocks.
Finding investment opportunities in companies the market has misperceived.
Further Reading & Resources:
Financing the future: Maritime Launch secures necessary approval
Unlocking the potential of investing in small-cap stocks
This week's picks: TSX:SXP | TSX:MDA | CBOE:MAXQ
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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.