Investment Q&A

Q: Doing my research on sys. and noticed that according to Canadian Insider stock based compensation went from $59k to $3.6 million last year this seems excessive to me considering the earnings/loss. Wondering what you think?

Q: There has been a huge amount of insider buying at Sylogist recently- when do they report and what is the expectation? I can't find any info online. Would you guess that there might be some good news coming?

Q: SYZ has only been down and stuck at this level for a long time. Would you endorse a switch from SYZ to DSG.

Q: Hi, just to add to your response to Rory's question on large trading volume, it was part of NCIB buy back of 97,900 shares on November 3, per TMX. Thanks

Q: In the October portfolio there is a positive 36.4% return in 2015 for SYZ. I think this is incorrect and the return for 2015 should be a negative value.

Q: In spite of Sylogist being profitable , isn't a bit of a value trap ... It made a huge run a few years ago and then stopped dead in its tracks and has lost share value for us late investors.
Will there ever be enough volume / growth in it ? I just look every day and ask myself : " why do I own this ?" Thank you

Q: Hello Peter et al
At what point do insiders have to cease buying company stock when they are in negotiations to take over another company? For example there has been a lot of insider buying of SYZ in the past 10 months including the purchase by the CEO of 12600 shares on 15 Sept. Does the recent purchase in effect confirm there are no takeover negotiations in progress?

Also would you consider calling a company such as SYZ in an effort to obtain a first hand impression of how the company is doing? Obviously they can only pass on publically released information but a person may be able to “read between the lines”.

We have about a 2% holding of SYZ and in view of the Q3 results and insider buying are anxious to buy more, but need a little shove to do so.

Many thanks for any comments. Bob

Q: Hi, Thanks for your comments on Sylogist. Just to add, Comapany has also been buying back its stock, recently. Last purchase for 200000 shares on Sep/11.

Q: Could you please provide an update on SYZ?
Thanks - Richard

Q: any idea why SYZ is down so much today

Q: Now at 3.4% in the B.E. portfolio Sylogist I believe the position started at 5% as an original component; has any been sold along the way or has the position reduced because it has underperformed the p/f as a whole? Would it be prudent to add to a smallish position here held for 2 years now in a TFSA? Thanks, J.

Q: Hi, Sylogist just released Excellent quarterly results. Stock compensation, though still seems to be a drag on net earnings. Company has $44mln in cash. I have also noted that recently they have repurchased some stock. Could you please share your comments? Thanks

Q: Any known reason for the huge spike in volume for Sylogist (SYZ)? Is this a positive sign or buying signal? Thanks!

Q: Hello Peter and company. I am interested in your views on Sylogist Ltd. This company looks to be very similar to a micro CSU. How do you rate the balance sheet and future growth. Do you see the possibility of others in the space seeing this company as a interesting small roll up.

I was also wondering if I might pose this question to you. Given the current environment with Obama Care being extended,Canadian companies looking to acquire and interest rates very low around the world. If you where going to invest in 3 companies with high growth and good balance sheets what would they be. Thank you as always and keep up the great work. Jason

Q: insider buying is up. Your thoughts on this.

Tom

Q: I have been watching Sylogist for quite some time and thought this might be a good entry point. However looking at the chart, it went up for three years straight and then straight down from about 12 to 7 dollars. It has recovered a bit but not much. What is the reason for the rapid drop and would this be a good entry point. Where do you see it a year from now. What other small cap stocks would you recommend in the tech space?

Q: Hi, there has been a decent amount of insider buying reported after recent quarterly earnings release, in past few days. The next quarter is already 2 months in and besides the dividend increase, outlook provided by management was quite positive in the recent MD&A. Do you think, it could be a signal of strong performance by the company/stock price ahead of us? I also noticed in the quarterly report that company had almost 2/3rd of its revenue coming from US operations. What are your comments on this trend? CEO also made a note that they are looking for acquisitions in Canada and US. Thanks

Q: In the last quarterly filing income was impacted by $2.4M in share based payments to three officers. That seems high given that they also have a stock option plan. How would you view this for a company with only $7M in revenue for the quarter? As always, thanks!

Q: Good Morning Peter, Ryan, and Team,
I have been slowly accumulating shares of Sylogist Ltd. over the last couple of quarters while the price has been weak. Could I please get your opinion of their Q2 2015 results and their outlook ??? Thank you and have a great day. DL

Q: Hi, Could you please comment on Sylogist earnings, released this morning? Looks like another quarter of solid growth in revenue and Profit ( before taxes). What are your thoughts on dividend increase and CEO comments on NCIB and acquisition plans in Canada and US? Thank you