Investment Q&A

Q: Not a question, but a comment, further to Valeant pharmaceuticals. Aren't they the company that bought up off patent drugs and then boosted the cost by a couple thousand percent, thus by passing the cost of R &D, but still charging the exorbitant prices they claim are necessary to make back R &D? I'm stunned nothing seems to have been done about this.

Q: Good morning,

Regarding Concordia Healthcare, it seems to be a darling among analysts on BNN as one of three top pics with increasing frequency. Assuming that these fund managers are adding to positions and assuming that there is a consensus both that the stock is cheap and that a takeover is likely, what do we take away from the continually falling price?
It would seem that the company is a buy based on valuation and if not for that reason, then the potential for a premium to be paid during acquisition. Three parts to this question:
1. Do you see it drifting lower until concrete news about a buyout (or not) emerges?
2. What do you see it as being worth if acquired?
3. If the revenue is growing and the debt levels are high but cash flows allow it to be paid down, is there something else causing the price to remain compressed?

Thanks

Q: Hi folks,
I took a small position in Prometic Life Sciences when it was at $2.70. It's gone up quite a bit since then and I've been waiting for an opportunity to buy more. Considering doing that this week but am now looking at Concordia given the big drop today (I was considering before the possible buyout news but thought I'd missed my opportunity). Any information on the 9% drop today in CXR? Thoughts on taking a half position in each this week? I have no other pharma/medical positions so my exposure to the sector is limited and the positions would be relatively small. Thanks.

Q: my ACB is $56. CXR is not a big part of my portfolio and in my TFSA. I was going to buy more on the low 30's then the Blackrock news came out. the price has now come back to $36/$37. My planned purchase would bring my ACB down to $46 at the current price. Am I throwing good money after bad? If CXR is sold now does it get more than $65/share? Or less because of the debt load? If you were a potential buyer what would you pay? What is your advice? Thanks

Q: What is your opinon og gild at this price? Your opinion for the future.

Q: Valeant was a company showing everyone that is was not a well run company with no R&D, and a CEO focused only on expansion and looking good to the stock market. And funny accounting.

But the market, Wall Street, Bay Street and most investors willing overlooked it!! Including 5iResearch.

Podcast: As identified from minutes 0:35:10 to 0:45:10

http://www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-4scbv-17fda94

Q: Hi 5i. Can you update me on MPH. Last answer was Dec/15 I believe. I bought and it keeps dropping. Any news? Much thanks

Q: Do you think the short selling attack (justified or not) on CXR makes it a sell....even with a potential offer from Blackrock?

Q: Hi Team, which one to choose for growth and some income, in the U.S. Health Sector, AmerisourceBergen, Baxter International or Johnson & Johnson. Thanks! Sam

Q: Hi Team,
I am willing to take a full position in Endo Pharmaceutical, it seems it has been overly punished by the market due to the similarities with VRX (and similar business model) I suppose.

I see limit downside risk and it is, I think, a potential takeover candidate at the current price level (similar to Concordia).
Earnings are coming soon, so I was thinking to take my first half position before the earnings and the rest of my position after but I am not sure... what is your opinion?

Bye the way, congratulations for the latest improvements on the site!

Michel

Q: What is your opinion of this company?

Q: What is the consensus Q1 and operating ebitda?

Q: Hi guys, in a previous answer today you stated that gud is worth a 5% holding within a portfolio, what about pli? I have them both equal inside my portfolio (balance), should I lighten up on pli and drop down to a 3% and bump up gud to 7% ?
Thanks
Jim

Q: Hi 5i Team,
Is it still okay to purchase CXR at today's closing price. I know the downside if the sale does not go through, but what is the upside if it does go through.
As always, thanks for your great service.
Ivan

Q: Two questions.Both ntb and hsm have moved the last few days helped by some hype.The president of hsm is scheduled,I think,on Bnn this afternoon.Your opinion of these companies is appreciated.

Q: Hello 5i,

One of my 'fun to own' companies is having both good news and bad news. The CEO just left (bad) and the company is reporting good news on an open trial with just 10 people taking voclosporin, they also have been given fast track designation. The company un-blinds their larger trial (phase 2b) this August. What do you think of all this, is worth holding for the binary event?

Thanks,

Q: Do you have thoughts about the new CEO? Does this change the fundamental outlook for Valeant in the short to medium term? Thank-you

Q: With CXR paying its dividend in US dollars, do you think a bid for the company would be in US or Canadian dollars? Thanks!
Linda

Q: Greetings, Peter and Co.
I currently have 14.8% of my investments, excluding real estate and bullion, in the biotech/healthcare sector. I hold
Biosyent (RX) 0.5% (I have a considerable loss in RX.)
Concordia (CXR) – 1.5% (I expect CXR to be acquired by a larger company.)
Merus Labs (MSL) – 2.2%
Prometic (PLI) – 2.4%
Amgen (AMGN) – 3.1%
Knight (GUD) – 5.1%
I am considering liquidating my holdings in CXR, RX and perhaps MSL and using the proceeds to add to my PLI position and/or an alternative that you might recommend unless you think I am too overweight in this sector.
Thank you for your analysis and recommendations.
With appreciation
Ed

Q: Looking to understand the process a bit better. At what point does a board of directors need to disclose that they have been approached about a possible sale? How do they decide whether to go public or to keep confidential? What are the odds a deal is announced this weekend?

Regards,

Robert