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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: Hi 5i,

So CSU spins out Topicus and the stock trades on the venture. Globe and mail states that Topicus’ equity value is $1.86B ($1.2 billion euros). Assuming that this is also the market cap, this would Topicus the largest stock on the venture. Some institutional money may have to sell due to restrictions (e.g. like not being able to hold companies that trade on the venture).

This puts downward pressure on the stock. It trades at a discount.

It then starts getting traded on the TSX and large institutional money flow back in. In addition, being a stand alone company gives it a higher multiple.

What do you think?
Read Answer Asked by James on September 28, 2020
Q: I have essentially equal holdings in these mega caps and other US and Canadian techs listed. For a new additional tech investment, any thoughts on the best addition? Would you recommend more to an index?
I'm trying not too add too many new names.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks,
Read Answer Asked by Peter on September 28, 2020
Q: hello 5i Research team,
Probably a very easy question: who are the “Jorday Group” and Ussel in the CSU spinoff? How would you rate them as significant shareholders? Do current Topicus.com B.V. CEO Daan Dijkhuizen who will be appointed CEO, and current TSS head Robin van Poelje future Chair have good pedigree?
Thank you for your collaboration, Eric
Read Answer Asked by Eric on September 24, 2020
Q: I have held a position in OTEX for some time, and have a moderate gain, but I was wondering if it would be prudent to swap out my OTEX for CSU. I have losses against which I can neutralize my gain, so tax implications are not a prominent factor. Both are good companies, with the reputation of CSU being quite extraordinary. I have decent exposure to technology, and I don't feel that simply adding to it by purchasing CSU through selling off an investment in another category would be as prudent as keeping within my current allocations. I would appreciate any thoughts you could share with me. Thanks so much!
Read Answer Asked by Domenic on September 16, 2020
Q: Two part question about CSU: some time ago there was an announcement of a transaction where a company acquired by CSU would be "spun out" to CSU shareholders. Can you provide details of what is to happen? when is it to happen? do you expect CSU's share price to decrease as a result? What tax consequence will there be to CSU shareholders?
Secondly, I recently read the following:
"Our Strong Sell is based on our conviction that it
is difficult to create shareholder value by
continuing to add shrinking legacy software
businesses to 100’s of other shrinking legacy
software businesses. With organic topline
contraction and fading operating leverage, we
see CSU’s “never-ending roll-up” finally hitting
hard limits. In our view, CSU is too reliant on the
assumption of customer stickiness for legacy
apps with expensive support contracts in
dozens of niche/vertical markets. We see these
apps increasingly dislodged by less expensive,
more inherently agile, cloud alternatives. A
Covid-19-driven economic downturn would
likely intensify this competition, as it is our
experience that, rather than preserving the
status quo, tough times drive customers to
overcome inertia and accelerate paradigm
shifts in enterprise IT."
What is your assessment of this?
Thank you for your excellent service.
Read Answer Asked by Leonard on September 15, 2020
Q: Good morning 5i,

Looking to add two names to my portfolio, with the only criteria being a combination of balance and growth, and with a long-term horizon. Currently thinking of GSY and REAL/LSPD, are you good with these at today’s levels? Listed some others I’m interested in too. Any other of your favourites you’d consider (already own KXS, WELL). Thanks.
Read Answer Asked by Jeff on September 10, 2020