Investment Q&A

Q: Morning 5i,
I bought FTG in mid 2017 at $4.55 as it was trending upwards, but then watched (and held on) as it slipped and slipped to a low of approximately $2.00 in early 2019. I then watched some more as it rose steadily through 2019 to peak at $4.21 in early January, 2020 - leading me to naively hope my loyalty might soon be rewarded - only to watch it crash mercilessly in Feb and March 2020. I think it had started that downward trajectory before COVID took hold and, at least initially, I don't think its decline was due to the pandemic.
I went through something similar with BUS, held on devotedly, and I'm now being rewarded as it has just recently exceeded my long ago purchase price and rightly or wrongly I think its future is rather bright.
My question - do you see any prospect for FTG to have the sort of resurgence that BUS has recently had (I know that apart from the rocky road they've both been treading over the past 3 or so years they have little in common, and also that FTG is significantly smaller) or would I be well advised to take my lumps and deploy the (now considerably less) money elsewhere.
Thanks, as always, for your thoughts and advice.
Peter

Q: Hi 5i,
This may well be 4 questions, so please deduct points accordingly.
Portfolio Analytics indicates that I'm underweight in Communications Services, Consumer Defensive, Industrials and Consumer Cyclical, and I'd like to top up these sectors.
I try to be a balanced investor and like income, but I don't mind taking on more risk and little or no income on something with a solid premise. Especially right now I'm looking for companies that are poised to benefit from the return to (more or less) normal life that 2021 might bring.
My present Communications Services weight all comes from the following ETFs - TXF, ZDI, DISC and ZWU. Can you provide a few Canadian equities to look at in this sector at this time, other than the big four?
My present Consumer Defensive weight comes mostly from NWC, with a smidgeon from ETFs like ZFI and DISC. Are there two or three Canadian equities in this sector you'd currently recommend looking at?
My present Industrials weight is in FTG (which I'd be happy to sell unless you think it has the potential for recovery in the coming year), QST and XBC. Are there another two or three Canadian names you presently favor in this sector?
And finally, my only Consumer Cyclical other than whatever might be in the listed ETFs is NFI (although I'd have thought it would properly be classified as an Industrial). Again, could you recommend two or three Canadian equity names that might qualify as viable Consumer Cyclical holdings going forward?
Thanks a lot and Happy New Year!
Peter

Q: All the three companies have had large insider buying activities since the start of the pandemic. Do you think they are good buys now?
Thanks.

Q: I thought FTG’s latest qtr was impressive qtr given covid and the impact on their aerospace clients. What is your take on the qtr? I’m thinking about putting this on my smallcap shortlist and adding some on weakness.

Q: Any idea on what’s behind the 10% decline today?
Would you consider this a long term hold?

Q: Hi, Could I get your thoughts on these companies? Im thinking about starting positions in all 4. Please take as many credits as needed, I just put these all in one question since its easier than doing 4 separate.
Thanks

Q: Has the recent announcement regarding the earnings delay changed your opinion Re the company? Is there reason for concern?

Q: Please comment on FTG's Q4.

Q: Any new thoughts on FTG since September and the last comment on the company? Looks to be breaking out nicely on the chart.

Q: I thought FTG had a great quarter and great outlook but the stock has pulled back recently after the initial run up. What do you think of the company now and going forward. Thanks

Q: pls comment on recent earnings

Q: Gentleman, I haven't seen any recent commentary on FTG. What are you thoughts please.

Q: Hi 5i,

FTG has had 2 good quarterly releases in a row now. Your last reply to a question re FTG (Oct 9) was just before they released Q3 numbers (Oct 10) (normally a quiet quarter).
Is there anything in their Q3 results to get excited about?
It looks like their transition activities for their last acquisition(s) is finally starting to contribute nicely.
Given the caveat that it is small cap, should one continue to watch this company (in this volatile market) or could one step in for a 1/3 position over the next 30-60 days (considering tax loss seasonality) given the lows of the stock price (down 38% YTD)?
There didn't seem to be much market reaction to the Q3 numbers but that could have been due to the market volatility ....or it simply went unnoticed.

Cheers,
Steve

Q: Hi 5i:
I've been struggling with what to do about some questionable decisions I've made over the last year or so and would greatly appreciate your advice.
Since we began handling our family RSPs 2 years ago the overall value has increased 58% (not including contributions) which we're pleased with. But that gain could be much better if not severely weighed down by Corus (4.5 % of portfolio & down 46%); Firan (2.7% of portfolio & down 43%); Freshii (2.3% of portfolio & down 51%); Extendicare (2.4% of portfolio & down 27%) and, more recently Transcontinental (6% of portfolio and down 18%).
I look at these and don't know what to do - hold or sell - and that indecision is creeping into the rest of my decision making to the extent that I'm pretty much doing nothing but letting the whole shebang sit where it is, which I don't think is a good investment strategy.
We have 6 years until conversion to RRIFs.
Could you tell me what you think would be my best next step for each of those listed above. If sensible to sell any or all and put the proceeds somewhere more useful I will, but before I take that step (and that loss) I could sure use objective advice as to whether that's the right thing to do on a case by case basis.
Thanks - your thoughts will be much appreciated. And if your answer requires more than 1 credit that's completely understood.
Peter

Q: please comment on Firan's Q2 including how it stacked up against expectations.

Q: Hi 5i team,
What are your thoughts on FTG's recent earnings?
I see it is/was down 11% today (Thurs). Is this an over reaction?
Is it a good entry point for a 1/3 to 1/2 initial position?
How does it look going forward and is it simply that the results reflect the digestion of it's recent acquisition(s)? It seems to be getting some decent simulator component contracts.

Cheers.....
Steve

Q: In view of recent earnings report, do you see any potential to justify holding Firan? (2% position) I have about 2.5% positions in both PHO and OTEX . Should I dump FTG to top up either or both of the other two??

Q: Can you comment on the sharp drop in share price today?

Q: Seasons Greetings 5i!!
I've done well on Firan Tech. over the last couple of years but it has stalled in 2017. I'm considering selling it and buying either TSGI or AVO for more growth. I'm concerned over which sectors I'm moving in or out of. Could I have your thoughts please?
Thanks
Dave

Q: Hello Team, The above stocks are a basket of small cap tech stocks that seem to keep cropping up in various analysts BUY recommendations for this sector. Can you rank order the remaining stocks with respect to a Top Pick for 2018 in this small cap tech sector. Before you start are there any you would scratch from or add to the list? Particularly add, after all there is no point in commenting on my picks when 5iR's might be completely different. I apologize for once again presenting 5iR with these investor conundrums. However, it seems to me the Team always does a smooth job of skating through these dilemmas. Thanks Team. Chris