From The Editor: Wish List

At the end of November, Nexus held its annual client event in person for the first time since 2019. It was an opportunity to meet new faces, as the latest additions to the Nexus team were there to meet our clients, old and new. It was also a chance to try a new format for the annual event; one focused more on appreciating and celebrating you: our clients. We invited a guest speaker, Bruce Kirkby, an acclaimed explorer, writer, photographer, and television host. He shared with us some of his amazing travel adventures and brought perhaps a bit of inspiration in how to view the world and adversity.

The year also brought with it the passing of Nexus’s founder, Bill Berghuis. When I started with Nexus in the summer of 2019, Bill was still a frequent fixture in the office. I had only a brief period working with Bill before the pandemic had us all sequestered in our homes. But I’m proud to be a part of the firm he built. John Stevenson shares more about Bill’s accomplishments in his “In Memory of our Founder.”

Also in this issue, Jim Houston draws on his lifetime of experience to advise younger adults on why they should plan for the future. Geoff Gouinlock provides insights into the art and science behind long-term investing with his article, “Lessons From the Art World and Beyond.” And learn about an exciting update to our website from Alex Jemetz.

Finally, if it is unfinished holiday shopping you are contending with, I’ve asked Devin to lend a hand.

Your Nexus Holiday Shopping Guide from Devin Crago!

Are you plumb out of gift ideas to put under the tree? At Nexus, we’re here to help with our tongue-in-cheek Shopping Guide. Not only are these perfect gifts, but they’re also produced and sold by the very companies that you own in your Nexus portfolio. Like the magic of the season, these suggestions are sure to bring a sparkle to the eye of your loved ones as well as good tidings to the bottom line of your investment portfolio.

1. If you’re looking for a gift that makes a statement, how about putting an oversized bow on a BMW i7 Electric? Not only can this vehicle go from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds, but it’s also fully electric and has a range of up to 512 kilometers. Imagine how many post-COVID in-person visits to our office you could make on just one charge! While you’re visiting us for a portfolio review, we would be delighted to highlight the BMW shares we own, the compelling 6.7% dividend yield and attractive valuation.
2. If luxury German automobiles don’t speak to the loved one on your list, perhaps you ought to go even bigger. How about a GMC Hummer EV? It’s not just a truck, it’s a super-truck. It has 1,000 horsepower. It is equipped with CrabWalk^TM technology, which uses all four wheels to drive the car diagonally at low speeds. It can also be outfitted with GM’s Super Cruise driver-assistance technology for hands-free driving. It can raise itself an additional 6 inches, in case you need to pass over any pesky bags of coal. And of course, the Hummer’s off-road capabilities are legendary, making it just the thing for navigating your way through construction to Nexus headquarters in downtown Toronto.
3. Looking for something a little less splashy? Something rare and hard to find? Why not stock up on Children’s Tylenol at a CVS drugstore across the border? Nexus’s Dianne White and Devin Crago recently did just that, filling up their sacks for delivery to the team at Nexus and their families. While it might seem simpler to visit Rexall or Shoppers, global supply chain woes have made this product hard to find north of the border. Thankfully the shortage appears to be only temporary and the boys and girls of Canada, alongside their pediatricians and parents, should be well-stocked to begin the new year.
4. Are you hosting a larger family get-together than was possible for the past few COVID-restricted years? Head to Metro to load up on freshly baked holiday treats, yule logs, panettone, fine cheeses, sustainable seafood and eggnog. Just don’t forget the ultra strength Tums. We’re sure you’ll be delighted with the quality and will discover that, despite inflationary pressures, you’ll be able to find a deal to your liking in the Metro weekly flyer. In fact, this week roast beef is on sale for 6.88/lb!

On behalf of everyone at Nexus, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.