Investment Q&A

Q: I’m looking at a more concentrated portfolio. Thinking of selling Stella Jones and adding to my existing position in ATD.A. Do you see more growth in ATD.A over the next 5 years?

Q: In the LIRA account which is quite small the holdings are SJ, FSZ and TOY. TOY is only a 2% weight, SJ and FSZ both 3.6 % weight and all 3 are in a loss position. Would you add to any of these or look for a new stock to add like GDI to the LIRA? I have a long time before retiring.
Thanks

Q: Hi guys. Read your report back in July about Stella Jones (A- rating) What are your current thoughts on SJ as a long term hold for materials exposure? I currently own in an RRSP. Anything you would suggest as a better company to replace SJ with in that sector and why you would do so?

Q: I have Stella Jones in my TFSA . It's not done well in the last 4 years and I think it should be replaced. Currently I hold GSY, KXS ,OTEX, PHO ,PBH, SIS. Should I continue holding or replaced it. If replaced any suggestions ? Thanks

Q: comments on the quarter please?

Q: What are your views on SJ? Do you see any catalysts to jump start the stock over the next 6 months?

Q: This stock has not done much the past couple of years while I hold. Would you see any issue with switching to Boyd for a 2-3 year hold? Thank you. Bill

Q: I would like your take, if possible, on the recent Globe interview (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-star-ceo-of-stella-jones-looks-back-as-he-moves-forward/) Brian McManus, the outgoing CEO of SJ gave on the future of the company. He spoke of the company having a long runway but my take was he went on to state that of the three main areas that they are in - railway ties, poles and treated lumber - only poles really seemed to have much growth. They control the market in ties but that sector isn't growing and he felt expanding lumber into the US seems a bit of a crapshoot (my words).

Are you able to comment on where you see the growth prospects for the company? It would seem to me that they will have to branch out into new areas and while they have a seasoned, long-serving team in place expansion into new avenues is not risk-free. I have been a long-time holder of SJ stock and while I am not concerned with the share price plummeting, I am wondering if there is any growth left. Or do we give the remaining team (and the soon to be named incoming CEO) the benefit of the doubt for now?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: Could we get your take on SJ's latest quarter after the conference call the morning. Any insight you have on stock price impact would be appreciated.

Q: Hi,

Quick thoughts on these companies. I'm doing some clean up and these positions are under 1% in my portfolio. Which ones would you continue to hold, add to or just sell? Can you please rank. I have a diversified portfolio. Thanks!

Q: Saputo or Stella Jones - I'm following both on recently pullbacks. May initiate positions on one or both. Which one do you like best and why?
Thanks

Q: Stella Jones seemed to bounce back from its CEO-departure-triggered price-drop, but has retraced, today, below Monday's 'panic' level; is there some other issue now at work? I would have thought low-growth concerns were already priced-in.

Q: Hello,
Do you have any idea why Stella-Jones says CEO Brian McManus is to step down in October? No reason was cited according to what I read. Investors didn't like the news. Any suggestions on how to react as a shareholder?
Thank you, Michael

Q: I've been watching Stella lately, and am wondering with the drop today (on news of the CEO resigning, I think), would this be an opportunity to add to an existing position - Thanks as ususual...

Q: Views on departure go CEO. How significant is this?

Q: I noticed that SJ last report was in January 2018. Will there be a update soon on this stock? The last time you downgraded and just wonder if you would still maintain the same rating or downgrade it again? Would you be a buyer of this stock?
Thanks

Q: Have the above stocks in a TFSA. Would like to add 3 stock to the collections. Suggestions or should I just add to the exiting stocks. Long term hold 5 years plus. Thanks

Q: Just wondering what your top 3 Canadian manufacturing picks would be at this time? Thank you for a fantastic service!

Q: Hi, my only "basic materials" holding is Stella-Jones. It's a half position and is about 2% of my portfolio, which your analytics tool is telling me I need to bump up to about 4%. Could you suggest options under "basic materials" and whether I should increase SJ to a full position.

On your Portfolio Analytics tool, which I like, is there a way to enter holdings in US dollars, or are we to convert the Base Cost to USD when inputting those values?

Thanks,
Robert

Q: In response to Cam's comments about Stella Jones and concrete ties and poles taking their market share.... A couple months ago across the street from me a line of concrete poles was being replaced with wood. I chatted to one of the guys and he said the wood poles last way longer and that there is more maintenance required with concrete poles (cracking, rusting metal hardware were two of his examples). Judging by the trucks and team of people present there I would speculate the labor to maintain and replace a pole would be much higher then the pole itself. Cheers