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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 would like your take, if possible, on the recent Globe interview (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-star-ceo-of-stella-jones-looks-back-as-he-moves-forward/) Brian McManus, the outgoing CEO of SJ gave on the future of the company. He spoke of the company having a long runway but my take was he went on to state that of the three main areas that they are in - railway ties, poles and treated lumber - only poles really seemed to have much growth. They control the market in ties but that sector isn't growing and he felt expanding lumber into the US seems a bit of a crapshoot (my words).

Are you able to comment on where you see the growth prospects for the company? It would seem to me that they will have to branch out into new areas and while they have a seasoned, long-serving team in place expansion into new avenues is not risk-free. I have been a long-time holder of SJ stock and while I am not concerned with the share price plummeting, I am wondering if there is any growth left. Or do we give the remaining team (and the soon to be named incoming CEO) the benefit of the doubt for now?

Appreciate your insight.

Paul F.
Read Answer Asked by Paul on August 09, 2019
Q: I am a little perplexed on the answer to Gervais on WEF and NFI. You say that with valuation changing but fundamentals still good that one can still make money from NEW valuations. How can one make money on New valuations if one already owns the stock down 50 percent? It needs to double just to break even. One could average down and buy more but we are being taught not to average down on a losing stock.
For example I am in on WEF AT $2.67 a share. It is now hovering around $1.25. So with the NEW valuation, it is great for someone who does not own WEF but how about someone who does own it. Just collect the dividend and wait for new cycle, average down the cost or sell? What would you do? Timeframe three more years.
Read Answer Asked by Helen on August 09, 2019
Q: MCHI Vs FXI
What's your opinion regarding potential return in 3-5 years.
Read Answer Asked by Rajendra on August 09, 2019
Q: Hi,

Looking for three names for a long term hold. Can you pick your best three choices for some growth, some income and not too volatile?
Read Answer Asked by Graeme on August 09, 2019
Q: Pizza Pizza is up 5% and seems to be on an uptrend following a multi-month fall from 40% higher. Could you comment on the earnings? Also, my dad already owns A&W and wants to know if this is a good moment to start a position in Pizza Pizza. He doesn't expect capital gains, but rather, some monthly income that will likely not be reduced too much by dividend cuts. Usually we stay away from downtrends but interest rates being back at 1.6% to 1.7%, we're looking at income stocks. Thank you.
Read Answer Asked by Matt on August 09, 2019
Q: Please comment on the growth prospects of these company. having made huge (10%+) jump on earnings the other day. And the company moving from its historical telecom to more cloud based business communications. Does the sector allocation change, or should keep in mind "partial sector" adjustment to technology in ones own portfolio sector allocation
Thanks,
Carl
Read Answer Asked by Carl on August 09, 2019
Q: Since May there has been frequent news regarding China - US rare earth disruptions. Has the price of rare earths increased since May? Has Oaktree's position in NEO changed since your last update about a month ago?

I understand NEO manufactures a broad range of light and heavy rare earth engineered products. Another segment of the company distributes a broad range of light and heavy rare earth functional materials. Is disruptive trade news and potential/real price adjustments positive or negative for NEO?

Another segment of NEO is the production of magnetic powders used in bonded and hot deformed fully dense magnets. What do you think of the recent deal (i.e. NEO's agreement to purchase of Asia Magnets (SAMAG), a privately owned manufacturer in Chuzhou, China, of compression molded NdFeB bonded magnets)?

Following this through, what would you anticipate the Q2 earnings on Aug 12, I believe, to look like?

Thank you
Read Answer Asked by LARRY on August 09, 2019