Investment Q&A

Q: I hold the following in my balanced equity type portfolio and they all represent less than a half position, either because they have dropped or because they have not kept up with the rest of the portfolio. I have enough new money to top up 4 or 5 of them to their original weightings. Which would you top up at this point and which would you simply let go?

Q: Hello,
Would you add to these positions ? 5 year + hold.
Any favorites ? Your general comments are always appreciated !
Thank you

Q: Hi guys I know you are probably a bit sick of answering questions about Sylogist but just trying to get my head around how they operate. During the last year the company stated "the Company repurchased a total of 191,900 common shares at an average price of $12.81 for a total cost of $2.5 million." So with no debt and 53 million of cash on hand why wouldn't Mgmt. buy the bulk of the shares that are now being offered up at below $9 a share. IN other words if the shares had value at $12.81 wouldn't the shares be even a more prudent purchase now? Also I show a Return on Equity of above 30% yet the shares are trading for what they were 5 years ago. How does one square that? Has the P/E multiple come down that much, and if so why?

One strange idea that runs through my head is this company does so little to support the share price (e.g. also no press releases) maybe this is intentional so that Mgmt. is buying up shares at these much lower values?

Much thanks to any insights you may to give.
Stuart

Q: It would appear that although this is a solid company it is down about 5% at the moment. One analyst did downgrade it to hold. The criticisms of the company seem to be the pay structure (transparency) and minimal growth due to an M&A slowdown. Both of these concerns speak to management. Are you able to provide any information on the management team? Are they strong, experienced with a stake in the company? At this time I am thinking it is a good buying opportunity despite its lack of momemtum.

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: SYZ is interesting. Would you start a position or add to existing based on earnings?

Q: Thoughts on earnings released today?

Q: Hi, Could you please comment on Sylogist results. How did company perform, if one time item of executive bonuses is taken off the results ? They commented on company's efforts in M&A and current elevated valuations. What are your thoughts ? Thanks

Q: Hi Team
Can i have your opinion on these 5 stocks and how would you rank them base on their
quality of management, growth and risk.

Q: Hi, Sounds like many of SYZ small investors like me (and other 5i members) are frustrated with its recent performance (perhaps the only CDN Tech stock with a price decline during 2019 -20%) and questioning the wisdom of continuing to own it. You are right, boring sometimes could be beautiful and we are in no rush to sell our holding, specially with a decent dividend coverage. But, what I wonder is that something strangely appears to have changed with the company/management's approach after recent changes in executive compensation structure. Insider buying has dried up and company stock buyback is non-existent, despite a steady decline in share price. This has also added to the lukewarm market sentiment towards the stock, in my view. What are your thoughts ? Thanks

Q: SYZ has been drifting down over the past year. Your last report (January 2019) rated it B. Will you be updating the report? If you had to rate it today, would it still be a B? Can you provide a quick summary of what you feel SYZ might do going forward. Is it on your recommend list or is it a hold?

Q: I am getting to an inflection point with Sylogist as my portfolio has grown but it has declined. I like to keep holdings at a 2% minimum so at this point do I sell or add to it? I am a long term investor. If the dividend is considered safe, I would consider adding new money and ride out the investor indifference although I know you generally don't like investing into a declining stock. I would consider this holding as higher risk within my portfolio but I would be comfortable staying with it as well.

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.

Q: Another occurrence yesterday of out-sized volume on this normally illiquid stock.
Any insight into what was transpiring and what, if any , significance ?
Thank-you

Q: I did a screen on "undervalued" companies with growing dividends. My aim is income and dividend growth. Possibly a DRIP if available. Which 2 companies would you choose and why?

Q: Good afternoon,
I would like your take (pros and cons) on the following please. I have owned Sylogist for some time, am comfortable with SYZ and familiar with it's trading pattern. The position is in my TFSA and after trimming at the top is still at these levels up approx 50% on the balance.
I am thinking of moving it into my cash account and with the current yield treating it like an income stock with some growth potential. I would also top it up SYZ to a 2.5% position.
I would then replace the value in my TFSA when making my 2020 contribution with the intent of purchasing a more “hopefully” growthy”stock.
I hope this is not too much like asking for personal advice.
Thank you for your input.
Brian

Q: Hi Guys
Any idea why SYZ is falling so much lately. I know it is a weird trader and end of the year but?
Thanks
Stuart

Q: Tagged this question to SYZ but it could apply to any listed situation. I'm looking for some trader perspective.

SYZ is relatively illiquid, TSX Venture listed and spreads between bid & ask sometimes wide. Not certain but think the market maker is Haywood brokerage house #62. Normal Course Issuer Bid is in place and I believe BMO brokerage is conducting that.

Recently I looked at live quotes showing visible market depth. Bid was small volume at 9.59 and small (but larger) offered volume at 9.68

I entered a buy order with volume size that would have taken out all of the visible offered at 9.68 and a little more up to 9.69.

My unsolicited limit buy order completely filled. Price received was better than the limit order price entered and midway between visible bid/offer prices on market depth.

Live quotes for trade history did not print the sales at either the TSX site or on Canada Stockwatch live trade prints. I do not know who buying brokerage was.

Live quotes after the done trade still showed same bid/offer prices and sizes on the depth of market.

Detailed long-winded description. The question -- Can you provide some background color on how some trade prints show up immediately while others (ie. above description) seem to be invisible. Just curious and trying to understand the behind-the-scenes mechanics of trade stuff better.

Q: The executives at Syz have really filling their pockets over the backs of share holders.
Huge bonuses and options.
In the mean time increasing share count.
As a result... a drop in shareholders value.
What is your thought about all this?

Q: Q3 was released on August 13 but can't find Q4. Have they released it yet?

Q: I am reviewing all portfolios and have an investment in each of these. Please provide your thoughts on each company going forward... Thanks!

Q: I would appreciate your thoughts on the prospects for each of the above. They have fallen below my 2.5% goal - should I consolidate? Hang in? Sell one and add to the other 2? Or ???
Thanks again
RAM