skip to content
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Investment Q&A
You can view 3 more answers this month. Sign up for a free trial for unlimited access.

Investment Q&A

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

Q: Hi 5I,

I need some clarification on your view of Syz. On Jan 29 a question from Rod on Syz top up yielded a "hold" response, and same type of question asked by Pierre on Jan 28 yielded a cryptic "fine" response. I too am looking at adding to my position (within target %) and came across an article in today's Globe stating CEO bought over $300k of shares in January. It would be great if your answer could delve into the potential of adding too/holding this company for 5+ years.

Thanks,
Chris M.
Read Answer Asked by Christopher on February 04, 2020
Q: My husband has some old capital losses that I think we should start to be using now in the event of any possible future rule changes. He has a 10 position unregistered account in which there are 3 equities with substantial gains from 125% to 1350%, i.e.: WSP, ENGH and CJT.
There are 2 equities with 50% and 70% gain, i.e. SYZ and WPM and 1 equity with 35% gain, i.e. KXS. The remaining 4 have small profit or loss, i.e. CAE, MCR, CCL.B, PBH.
Looking at selling WSP, ENGH, CJT, SYZ ,WPM and perhaps KXS to apply some of the old losses. What would you recommend to buy for replacement (a 1st and 2nd choice if you could) and would you move back into the original equity after 30 days or would you just stick with the replacement ? A dividend would be nice but not mandatory. Also, any thoughts on timing considerations or other issues ? We have diversified RIFs and TFSAs in addition to the above.
Many thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Alexandra on February 04, 2020
Q: I hold the following in my balanced equity type portfolio and they all represent less than a half position, either because they have dropped or because they have not kept up with the rest of the portfolio. I have enough new money to top up 4 or 5 of them to their original weightings. Which would you top up at this point and which would you simply let go?
Read Answer Asked by Rod on January 29, 2020
Q: Hello,
Would you add to these positions ? 5 year + hold.
Any favorites ? Your general comments are always appreciated !
Thank you

Read Answer Asked by Pierre on January 28, 2020
Q: Hi guys I know you are probably a bit sick of answering questions about Sylogist but just trying to get my head around how they operate. During the last year the company stated "the Company repurchased a total of 191,900 common shares at an average price of $12.81 for a total cost of $2.5 million." So with no debt and 53 million of cash on hand why wouldn't Mgmt. buy the bulk of the shares that are now being offered up at below $9 a share. IN other words if the shares had value at $12.81 wouldn't the shares be even a more prudent purchase now? Also I show a Return on Equity of above 30% yet the shares are trading for what they were 5 years ago. How does one square that? Has the P/E multiple come down that much, and if so why?

One strange idea that runs through my head is this company does so little to support the share price (e.g. also no press releases) maybe this is intentional so that Mgmt. is buying up shares at these much lower values?

Much thanks to any insights you may to give.
Stuart
Read Answer Asked by Stuart on January 22, 2020
Q: It would appear that although this is a solid company it is down about 5% at the moment. One analyst did downgrade it to hold. The criticisms of the company seem to be the pay structure (transparency) and minimal growth due to an M&A slowdown. Both of these concerns speak to management. Are you able to provide any information on the management team? Are they strong, experienced with a stake in the company? At this time I am thinking it is a good buying opportunity despite its lack of momemtum.

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 20, 2020
Q: Hi Team
Can i have your opinion on these 5 stocks and how would you rank them base on their
quality of management, growth and risk.
Read Answer Asked by Danny on January 16, 2020
Q: Hi, Sounds like many of SYZ small investors like me (and other 5i members) are frustrated with its recent performance (perhaps the only CDN Tech stock with a price decline during 2019 -20%) and questioning the wisdom of continuing to own it. You are right, boring sometimes could be beautiful and we are in no rush to sell our holding, specially with a decent dividend coverage. But, what I wonder is that something strangely appears to have changed with the company/management's approach after recent changes in executive compensation structure. Insider buying has dried up and company stock buyback is non-existent, despite a steady decline in share price. This has also added to the lukewarm market sentiment towards the stock, in my view. What are your thoughts ? Thanks
Read Answer Asked by rajeev on January 13, 2020
Q: I am getting to an inflection point with Sylogist as my portfolio has grown but it has declined. I like to keep holdings at a 2% minimum so at this point do I sell or add to it? I am a long term investor. If the dividend is considered safe, I would consider adding new money and ride out the investor indifference although I know you generally don't like investing into a declining stock. I would consider this holding as higher risk within my portfolio but I would be comfortable staying with it as well.

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on January 10, 2020
Q: I did a screen on "undervalued" companies with growing dividends. My aim is income and dividend growth. Possibly a DRIP if available. Which 2 companies would you choose and why?
Read Answer Asked by Jean-Bernard on January 06, 2020
Q: Good afternoon,
I would like your take (pros and cons) on the following please. I have owned Sylogist for some time, am comfortable with SYZ and familiar with it's trading pattern. The position is in my TFSA and after trimming at the top is still at these levels up approx 50% on the balance.
I am thinking of moving it into my cash account and with the current yield treating it like an income stock with some growth potential. I would also top it up SYZ to a 2.5% position.
I would then replace the value in my TFSA when making my 2020 contribution with the intent of purchasing a more “hopefully” growthy”stock.
I hope this is not too much like asking for personal advice.
Thank you for your input.
Brian
Read Answer Asked by Brian on December 16, 2019