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Investment Q&A

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

Q: I have no medical training nor have I worked in the field of medical research.
I do, however, have some knowledge of that area and have followed advances for several decades.
What thoroughly stunned me was the discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 in the field of genetic engineering as well as our current ability to design molecules for use as therapeutics.
I have no doubt as to the success that will come in these areas. What stopped me from investing in them was the fact that so many people were working in these fields that choosing the wrong company seemed very possible. For example, who wants to buy the 3rd best cure for a disease threatening one of their own family. The many possible cures and therapies being investigated for Covid are examples of this.
It's rather like living in the early 20th century and becoming convinced that automobiles and airplanes might have a bright future, then going out and buying stock in Packard, Studebaker, Nash, Rambler, Hudson, etc. The list of failures goes on and on.
I finally bit on ABBV and CRISP just as we descended into Covid hell but not at the bottom. I chose ABBV for their expertise in therapeutics and CRSP for gene editing.
Fortunately I'm not asking you to comment on the technologies involved but rather on your impression of the abilities of both companies to manage their businesses. What are their cash reserves like? What's their current burn rate? When might they be next raising capital; that sort of thing.

In my earlier days I bought several positions in some truly impressive inventions. One actually resulted in several world records. Unfortunately they could neither manufacture nor sell the product. In fact some companies couldn't sell life preservers to a drowning man. The end is obvious. They went bankrupt.

Finally, you don't seem to include CRSP in your top picks in this area. I'm curious why. Don't like it, too many others to choose from or its European base?
Read Answer Asked by Larry on July 17, 2020
Q: Hi there,
In my US 401K in US Staples i own both HSY and SJM. SJM continues to underperform the Consumer Staples group. There always seems to be a reason for the failure to meet expectations and it just seems poorly run. I want to swap our for another stock - any suggestions for a US replacement. I am close to retirement so looking for a bit of growth and a dividend.

Thanks
Read Answer Asked by kelly on July 17, 2020
Q: We have sold out of USA Tech and have several full positions of USA $ in registered accounts. I no longer wish to devote as much attention to investments.
We know that USA is not your forte but could you recommend a couple of dividend paying "layups". Buy it and forget it ? We acknowledge that nothing is a sure thing.
Thanks for Your help
Read Answer Asked by Cacey on July 17, 2020
Q: Can you give me your opinion on mrk - it's current valuation and room to grow? Can you recommend five large cap us growth stock with room to grow?
Read Answer Asked by Mary on July 17, 2020
Q: Hi,
Please explain why RIGL (US) is down today about 22% after it went up yesterday 100% (mid-day).
My exceptions for the stock were to go up & up after RIGL announce it's trial being conducted by Imperial College London to evaluate the efficacy of fostamatinib, its oral spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor, for the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia
Thanks,
Morris
Read Answer Asked by Morris on July 16, 2020
Q: The above company has come to my attention lately. They appear to have developed a drug NURTEC ODT for pain relief, migraine particularly. I believe the drone just received approval. They are also investors in Kleo Pharmaceuticals working on a Drug for the treatment of COVID-19. I believe Bill and Melinda Gates have just put in 5 million to the same company. I’m just wondering if you were aware of the company and if you are do you have any thoughts about it?

I found this interesting article in Yesterdays Globe and Mail
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/BHVN-N/pressreleases/88829/

Thanks John
Read Answer Asked by John on July 16, 2020
Q: Thank you for your earlier response to my question on DocuSign.

As a timely follow-up, there's now news of a partnership between Microsoft and Citrix, whom you described as DocuSign's main competitor. Can you comment on this partnership and how you think this may affect DocuSign? Thanks again.
Read Answer Asked by Laxmyharan on July 16, 2020
Q: Good morning team,

In a bit of a portfolio cleanup in my TFSA yesterday I sold some laggards and reduced my Shopify shares to bring it more in line with my targeted weighting. After completing Norbert's Gambit, I will be deploying the funds to buy US stocks. Please share your 2 or 3 favourite growth stocks for 5+ year hold in each of the following categories: Health Care, Communication Services, and other non-Tech (if you have more compelling options than those listed in Health and Comm Service).

Thanks in advance,
Rory
Read Answer Asked by Rory on July 16, 2020
Q: I hope I'm not out of line asking this. But I've noticed that, while you seem to like Square, the lack of SQ appearing in your disclosures indicate that you don't own any.

What would be your reasons for not owning SQ? I'm thinking long term and see potential with Square's Cash App replacing consumer banking. Thanks again.
Read Answer Asked by Laxmyharan on July 15, 2020
Q: Could you recommend a stock and an ETF in the healthcare system? Thank- you.
Read Answer Asked by John on July 14, 2020
Q: These 3 grew out of UTX. I intend to eliminate 2 of them in favour of the other one. Which one offers the best prospects and why? Much appreciated. ram
Read Answer Asked by Ray on July 14, 2020
Q: What are your thoughts on Neogenomics (NEO-Q).

Peter
Read Answer Asked by Peter on July 14, 2020
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