Investment Q&A

Q: Hi Peter. Just curious on your thoughts on First Asset Tech Giants ETF(TXF) as a way to get exposure to tech? It holds 25 names which seem to rotate based on momentum, and it has a current yield of close to 7% based on a call writing program. Given the higher implied volatility levels in tech names it only needs to surrender 25% of the upside though. Seems lightly owned given the low trading volumes, but a good way to play US tech without picking a winner?

Q: Hi Peter and good crew. An analyst on BNN mentioned UR. I wonder if you have any more info since your last comment in November.Thank Phyl in BC

Q: Good afternoon,
I am considering liquidating a position in either Cisco or Intel and investing the proceeds in Apple. Would you endorse this strategy, and, if so, which company would you sell?
Thank you for your assistance.

Q: Is it time to buy CGi ? Thanks

Q: Hello 5I Great Team:
Appreciate your insights on Sphere 3D, symbol ANY, has it is not heading in the direction of making money. thanks so much. Lorraine

Q: I have been considering buying Solium Capital (SUM) as it continues to rise while at the same time insiders are selling. I think I am missing something here and was wondering if you could provide and explanation and if you would recommend SUM. With thanks, Bill

Q: Re Descartes Systems Group (T.DSG). Is there a logical explanation for the significant short positions that were taken in the latter part of May and then again the latter part of June?

Even now, the short position still stands at over 12%.

Q: I'm wondering if you've had a chance to look at Espial (T.ESP) yet. With the trend towards cutting traditional cable in favour of video on demand plus the advent of smart TVs, they may be very well positioned to do well.

Thanks for a most invaluable service.

Q: I am considering buying 2 smaller companies--Input Financial (INP on venture)and Sandvine (SVC). I did a search on previous answers and found them most useful.
However I also use technicals and find that both right now have some extreme readings which normally would indicated they are trading at an unsustainable high.
Is it a reasonable time to take a position, given caveats (especial on Input Financial) which you mentioned in your early January answers?
Bryon in Elmira

Q: Hello and Happy New Year,

I need to reduce my portfolio by one stock, it's between AYA & MCR. Both stocks returns have been equal for me. Could you please advise on which one to drop.

Thanks

Q: OTC : One week ahead of earnings reporting, Open Text announces buying OTX Group with cash (with some financing) and shares of OTC. At the moment the market does not like this - presumably because of the financing?? What do you expert analysts think of the deal and where the stock will go?

Q: Hello Stellar 5i Team, please help me with AYA. It appears frequently as a top pick even though your latest report is out of date and the stock is up 100% from Sept 2012. True revenue growth is off the charts in part from great but not cheap acquisitions. But the company is not profitable, has therefore no ROE, it no longer has a stellar balance sheet; enormous G&A costs at 75% of revenue offset the appealing 97% GP margin. Annualized cash flow of only $12 million as a percent of market cap an is puny at less than 2%. When will growth translate to high returns on equity and how do you make sense of valuations like the 244x cash flow and over 5x revenue? I have locked in my SUM gains and am attracted to the recent 15% decline in the AYA price but am really struggling with the fundamentals here.

Q: your opinion short term on HGN

Q: Could you please comment on the results of Sylogist Ltd (SYZ) which were released this morning? Thank you, Peter

Q: Hi 5i

Can I get your opinion on VCM?

They paid a special dividend and it looks like they have lots of cash and higher margins. Is it a good buy at $5.76?

Thank you

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

I have held WIN for for a long time and no matter how many deals they seem to sign the litigation costs seem to eat into any revenue gains. Is it time to move on to other opportunities?

thanks

Q: Current thoughts on BB ?

Q: What do you think of Symbility Solutions (TSX-V: SY) now?

Q: Some people propose screening companies using the following:
*level of compounding capital/level of capital efficiency
*High returns on equity / high profit margins
*Low to no debt
*High levels of mgt ownership
If applied to your say B+ and higher rated companies - which ones look to meet the criteria the closest.

Thank you.

Q: We happily renewed our subscription today for 2 years. Thank you for all the great research.

We own CAE and after patiently waiting for 3 years it has finally made a move. The company recently made a new defense contract . Do you follow this company and what do you think of the aerospace industry? thanks