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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: I have no medical training nor have I worked in the field of medical research.
I do, however, have some knowledge of that area and have followed advances for several decades.
What thoroughly stunned me was the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 in the field of genetic engineering as well as our current ability to design molecules for use as therapeutics.
I have no doubt as to the success that will come in these areas. What stopped me from investing in them was the fact that so many people were working in these fields that choosing the wrong company seemed very possible. For example, who wants to buy the 3rd best cure for a disease threatening one of their own family. The many possible cures and therapies being investigated for Covid are examples of this.
It's rather like living in the early 20th century and becoming convinced that automobiles and airplanes might have a bright future, then going out and buying stock in Packard, Studebaker, Nash, Rambler, Hudson, etc. The list of failures goes on and on.
I finally bit on ABBV and CRISP just as we descended into Covid hell but not at the bottom. I chose ABBV for their expertise in therapeutics and CRSP for gene editing.
Fortunately I'm not asking you to comment on the technologies involved but rather on your impression of the abilities of both companies to manage their businesses. What are their cash reserves like? What's their current burn rate? When might they be next raising capital; that sort of thing.

In my earlier days I bought several positions in some truly impressive inventions. One actually resulted in several world records. Unfortunately they could neither manufacture nor sell the product. In fact some companies couldn't sell life preservers to a drowning man. The end is obvious. They went bankrupt.

Finally, you don't seem to include CRSP in your top picks in this area. I'm curious why. Don't like it, too many others to choose from or its European base?
Read Answer Asked by Larry on July 17, 2020
Q: Hi 5i Team - I have been reading an article in the Globe and Mail about the resurgence of investor interest in the biotech sector with a number of IPO's either recent or planned. Would you be able to recommend a few Canadian companies in this sector based on the following criteria: solid management, cash reserves for at least one year and preferably more, manageable debt, good growth prospects, any size capitalization but small to mid cap preferred, any risk level but not something that is purely speculative. These companies do not have to be on the forefront of Coronavirus research but could have innovative research into any health platforms. I am also interested in the U.S. side of this but will do this in another question. Thanks.
Rob
Read Answer Asked by Rob on July 17, 2020
Q: Hi,
Please explain why RIGL (US) is down today about 22% after it went up yesterday 100% (mid-day).
My exceptions for the stock were to go up & up after RIGL announce it's trial being conducted by Imperial College London to evaluate the efficacy of fostamatinib, its oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor, for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia
Thanks,
Morris
Read Answer Asked by Morris on July 16, 2020
Q: The above company has come to my attention lately. They appear to have developed a drug NURTEC ODT for pain relief, migraine particularly. I believe the drone just received approval. They are also investors in Kleo Pharmaceuticals working on a Drug for the treatment of COVID-19. I believe Bill and Melinda Gates have just put in 5 million to the same company. I’m just wondering if you were aware of the company and if you are do you have any thoughts about it?

I found this interesting article in Yesterdays Globe and Mail
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/BHVN-N/pressreleases/88829/

Thanks John
Read Answer Asked by John on July 16, 2020
Q: Hello Wonderful Folks at 5i!
I am just wondering what your thoughts are on the fundamentals and business going forward of this company? Would you consider it a buy for a 2-3 year hold? And would you place it along side (or in the same room) as companies such as Moderno and Innoviva?
Thanks for all you do, your service and the education you provide is unparalleled!
Read Answer Asked by Wes on July 16, 2020
Q: Is there a Canadian company that you would recommend that possibly would benefit from a vaccine to overcome Covid 19, if not what U.S. or international company would you recommend? Thank You.
Read Answer Asked by Brian on July 14, 2020
Q: The recent fall in the share price appears to be the result of the share issue at 0.40, which is well off the market price prior to the issue. So the market got this wrong? Or am I missing something? While phase iii tests appear to be lengthy the commentary was that at this stage risk is much reduced; and other bioT's entering phase iii tests do not seem to suffer as much; and I see no competitor(s) offering comparable benefits. Becoming more concerned than puzzled.
Read Answer Asked by Mike on July 13, 2020
Q: Hi 5i Team - At the risk of asking you to repeat some of the information in your recent answers to questions on Well Health Technologies could you provide some of the fundamentals of this company including cash on hand, debt, insider holdings/recent activity, cash flow, etc. I am interested in taking a small position but given that it is overvalued at this point (with good momentum though) are there any other Canadian companies in the same space that you feel might be a better buy at this point. Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Rob on July 07, 2020
Q: Hello Peter,
i feel that i have been fooled by Mr Goodman on Knight. I have been patiently waiting as others on a large acquisition and despite the purchase the stock is still languishing . I wonder if it is worth hanging on or throw in the towel. My current thought is take my 5 percent position and reduce it by adding to jamieson wellness and Xebec adsorption. Your thoughts please. Also, TDOC in US is constantly moving higher yet well in Canada (well health ) seems to be in trading range .. Any thoughts please.
Read Answer Asked by umedali on July 07, 2020
Q: I'm curious if come across any companies that would be a good way to invest in wellness clinics. Those offices that often have physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractor, acupuncture all in one office.


Between the aging population, working from home with less then ideal ergonomics and people willing to spend more on their health I feel like this area could see continued growth.

Thanks

Read Answer Asked by Dennis on July 07, 2020
Q: I know longer own GUD having sold it over a year ago due to dead money syndrome. However in the G&M today there was an excellent article today on some Canadian biotechs,eg Zyme, etc. that I encourage you to read.

As I've discussed in the past in this column there seemed to be a total vacuum of Biotechs in Canada, but having read this article my eyes are opened.

Are you guys looking into any of these opportunities?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-biotech-blind-spot-how-canadas-big-investors-missed-the-boom/

Sheldon
Read Answer Asked by Sheldon on July 07, 2020