Investment Q&A

Q: the stock action in xebec the last few weeks has been telling us something is not right.
In my opinion, this company cannot be trusted.
i read the previous questions and answers and wonder why your hesitating.
xbc has missed before-this is not the first time.
and how does the trust return-i doubt it does.
please comment
dave

Q: A general comment in response to the flurry of questions pursuant to XBC's recent declines. I, too, have taken a paper hit on XBC (down by half). But I went in knowing the risks and am playing the long game. This could turn out badly, or not. But it is part of a well-diversified portfolio, so the one hit is tolerable.

I'd like to remind fellow members all stocks have risks, and 5i to its credit has been consistent about potential risks of XBC and the view that it is a longer-term hold. Below are quotes pulled from 5i's December 21, 2020 Review (Report), followed by answers to some recent questions from members.

REPORT

"Xebec has customer concentration risks with five main customers accounting for ~40% of Xebec’s total revenue."

"...XBC faces risks associated with volatility of oil and natural gas prices as many of Xebec’s customers rely on the sale of natural gas."

"While the stock can see severe volatility in any short-term period, we think XBC is a name in the renewable energy space that has the potential to reward patient investors over the long-run."

"B+. Fundamentally strong. ... Good for the long-term, but some risks exist."


ANSWERS

Feb. 11, 2021 to Garth: "We like XBC's prospects and growth. It is still quite high risk and the higher valuation today adds more."

Feb. 1 to Ilie: "We think XBC has room to run from here, but we would take a long term approach."

Jan. 26 to Warren's question in which he states he's looking for growth and has high risk tolerance: "We would consider ... XBC..."

Jan. 21 to Kay:
"...would be fine buying XBC today with a long term view."

PS: I'm a paying member as everyone else and have no relationship whatsoever with the company or any of its owners or staff.

Q: stock pulled big Friday. this an opportunity to buy? think the guidance is temporary? this company has been a favorite in the renewable space.

Q: Hi Peter, Ryan, and Team,

Sorry for yet another question about Xebec. I realize that stocks in the growth portfolio are by nature quite volatile, and since this holding is in a TFSA, and XBC closed today (Friday) with a loss in the account of 36.6%, we're wondering (based on your long experience in bull and bear markets or when a particular stock runs into difficulties), what kind of timeline we 'could' expect to recoup this loss.. We're aware that the 'green' sector, of which Xebec is a key player, stands to benefit from environmental initiatives and programs from different governments, including our Canadian regime, and the Biden administration, among others. However, since Xebec's problems appear to be somewhat company related, what advice can you offer? I should add that we both are fortunate to have defined-benefit pensions, and don't need the TFSA funds, but it's certainly gut-wrenching to see such a loss in one day! Your guidance is always greatly valued.

Q: Good Morning Peter & Team,

Lots of questions have been asked already. Everyone will be in the red on this one I am sure. Things happen.

My Question? What would your bottom line advice be today? Sell and take the loss ahead of quarterlies in 2 weeks? Or hang in there and look towards a rebound in the coming months/years?

Thanks for all you do

gm

Q: Hello 5i team,
On the 5i website, for EIF's company description, it says that they focus on 2 sectors namely aerospace/aviation services and equipment/manufacturing.

As the pandemic wanes, will this company's fortunes improve or is this already factored into the share price(since the share price is close to an all time high)?

Is equipment and manufacturing still in the aerospace/aviation sector, or is it generally in sectors entirely different?

Thank You,
Andrew

Q: Further to my prior question today regarding XBC , I am considering a buy with a long term 5-10 years. I know nothing is a sure thing but do you agree it is worth the risk at the current corrected price. Also would be a small % of portfolio.
Thanks
John

Q: I have an average cost base of $190 for Kinaxis. I still think it is a good company but was thinking it is maybe time to take a capital loss and move on. I was wondering if there are companies that you prefer more at current valuations and growth potential at this point in time? Or is Kinaxis at the top of the list and I should stick with it?

Q: Hi...is there a reason why a company would “pre announce” poor results a week or two before releasing the actual financials? Thanks

Q: Do you agree that this looks like a good time to invest in XBC.
Thanks
John

Q: Please comment on earnings. Would u continue to hold or suggest a replacement co. Thanks Clare

Q: Friday morning 9:40am and XBC is down heavy based on pre-announcement of sales decline. XBC has been touted as one of 5i's top growth stocks. But things happen. In earlier question today you replied that you would have to do more work on this. How and when will this new information be passed along? How do you now rate the stock? Is this a one time incident that will be overcome or does this significantly change your view?

Q: Hi,
I realized the news on Xebec is not great but is the sell off overdone in your opinion? 36% seems a bit extreme
Thanks

Q: Hello 5i. What is your view on Xebec’s latest update to 2020 guidance? Revision in revenue estimate appears material.

Q: I have noticed WSP's share price seems to be quite volatile going up one day, down the next , and back up the next. For a company involved in engineering, construction type contracts which are usually long duration I am curious about what I see as unususal volatility. Comments please.

Q: Did otex pay 210% of its profit as dividends last year? Is there growth projected this year? If already owned, would you hold or sell?

Q: Hi, I am a holder and have had the recent pleasure of walking through the Sangoma Proxy materials and have read more about the deal with StarBlue and I'm wondering your thoughts of the transaction, specifically around the details that the StarBlue CEO will be THE major holder of Sangoma (25%). I understand that Sangoma is using their much better capital position to expand and magically double their revenue and garner much more SaaS ARR, however, it feels like the StarBlue organization was far less diligent in their balance sheet management and overall operations. Do you feel the Sangoma management will actually be able to exert their clearly quite strong operational 'chops' on StarBlue? It sort of feels like a reverse buy; As in, StarBlue convinced Sangoma to 'buy' them and thus give them capital, but the actual ownership is with StarBlue.

Q: I would appreciate your comments of the latest acquisition, Vend.
“Vend generated revenue of approximately $34 million and GTV3 of more than $7 billion in the trailing twelve month period ending December 31st, 2020. Lightspeed will acquire Vend for total estimated consideration of approximately $350 million, satisfied by way of payment on closing of approximately $192.5 million in cash and the issuance of subordinate voting shares in the capital of Lightspeed valued at approximately $157.5 million. The deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions and post-closing working capital adjustment, is expected to close towards the end of April, subject to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.”
As always - many thanks.
Clayton

Q: One of the "highlights" from Kinaxis' recent quarter was the decline in gross profit. From what I can tell, it seems that R&D spending was significantly higher, in part to augment AI capabilities. Can you shed any light on this decrease in profit and if it was from higher R&D is that not a good use of capital and does that not bode well for the company going forward?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: Hello Peter, Ryan, and Team,

Wondering if you think it's still worth putting some money into the re-opening trade via one of the airlines. I'm considering reducing my position in REAL in order to do so. Although REAL is relatively cheap right now, its price trend is still moving lower. I know you like Southwest Airlines, but Air Canada's share price is nowhere near pre-pandemic levels, while LUV is already there. I have been reluctant to invest in the airlines, as I'm convinced that business travel will never return to the same levels. Many companies have finally realized it's often unnecessary and that cost-effective, technology-based alternatives are preferred. However, I think the pent-up leisure travel demand will likely make up for this on a short-term basis. Can I please have your thoughts?
Thank you.
Brad