Investment Q&A

Q: I understand management rates poorly on Glassdoor. There is a question of whether AVO is experiencing more competition and margin compression. So my questions are:

How tight is the control of AVO - specifically how much does Mr. Fernandez own? If their products are superior and the share price low, what is the liklihood of a hostile takeover? Is there a big short position in the company?

Q: I have a question about the upcoming election. Most polls show the NDP leading. From your experience do you think it is reasonable to expect something of a market sell-off (perhaps leading up to the election if the polls continue to show the NDP leading or after the election itself) if this continues? Please note I am not asking anything partisan here. I am just considering whether or not there might be a good reason to wait until after the election to buy a few things. Thank-you.

Q: Do you think there is any liklihood of TOU initiating a dividend in the next year or so ?

Q: Hi Peter and Team,

Post if you want but I wanted to add some commentary for the discussion on MDA. I had the privilege of working for MDA for 10 years in the middle of my career (I am a non-engineer). A couple of observations from my direct experience:
1. Dan Friedmann was not only a talented engineer but an extremely astute business mind and has always let the results speak for themselves.
2. MDA has a history of pushing the engineering boundaries of what's possible - something that requires a certain mindset to balance the risks/costs with innovation. Not easy to do without deep technical knowledge of what you are trying to build. Just look at CanadaArm or Radarsat from their early years.
3. As a company, they were the single biggest collection of really, really smart people who knew how to get things done that I have ever worked for.
4. I never experienced the 'difficult' to work for environment. There is nothing like working in an environment of people who are extremely bright but humbled by knowing the person next to you just might be smarter and able to share their experience or knowledge in trying to solve very complex engineering challenges.

This was my experience for what its worth!

Q: Just like the last time you increased your prices, you have been very fair with current members. I know I totally appreciate that, as many others do. You are providing a very unique, yet wonderful service! Thank you!!!

It's your discretion whether to publish this, but when I read the notification, it sounded like if I renew for two years I'll pay the "old" price of $119.95 for the first year, but $119.95 less 10% for the second year. However, just re-reading now, it seems this was intentional as you consider the Two year membership as a package, not two one year memberships.

Honestly, I'd pay even more for this service as it has reaped returns far superior to what I would get on my own, or with ANY advisor.

Q: Hello Team,

Bought IT @16.75 and I am down. Following the conference call about the MIP, does it make sense to average down at this time? I have rarely averaged down on any stock but for this stock which has dropped so much so quickly while the fundamentals appear to remain in place it would appear to be an opportunity. What is your opinion. I currently own 100 shares. Thank you!

Q: With all the management changes at AVO, including the departure of the CFO last year, it looks like the CEO want to maintain a very high degree of control. It seems a bit fishy to me. Do I need to be worried that the company is cooking the books?

Q: What do you think of the current streamlined management just announced? Is this good? or is it another warning sign like when the CFO left right before Q1 earnings last year? Thanks.

Q: After backing off from it's highs this stock has commenced moving up aagain on considerable volume. Any observations, updates given the recent move?

Q: I know you answered a similar question back on August 25th - but am wondering if you still have "faith" in this company's ability to deliver, especially with the 10% drop today. The chart looks so ugly - it could keep going down for a while.

I keep on hearing what a jerk the CEO but that he is talented.

If AVO were not still in the portfolio I would have tossed it but am now really at a tipping point: if worth keeping I should probably buy more (?); but if it is likely going to be dead money for 2-3 years, then I should move on to something with more
short / nearer term potential like a CXI - BOS - DRT.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this dilemma.

Q: where are the portfolios in pdf??

Q: AVO is down over 11% today. Your thoughts please.
Thanks
john

Q: Hi Peter, can you please comment on the sector risk, geopolictical risk and market timing of these ETF's. QQQ (tech), XLF (financials), IHF (healthcare), EWG (Germany), EWA (Australia). I can purchase some or all or even wait if you recommend? Jeff

Q: Given the premium paid for Amica, 1.87x navpershare does this indicate that perhaps chartwell is undervalued. Chartwell trades at just slightly above napvpu(12.50).

Q: Chartwell is up over 10% this morning on high volumes. Do you have any insight into why it would jump this much on a down day in the market?
Thanks

Q: Dewflation--it may sound weird but my greatest feat is an outbreak of deflation, perhaps world-wide.

In deflation, I know to avoid commodities but what else to avoid and what to invest in ---how do you handle investments in deflation.

Bryon in Elmira

Q: Why the trading halt?

Q: Latest deal ?

Q: Have 1/2 pos'ns in drt & boyd.un. Will move all into byd.un after I have heard your opinion (I'm very aggressive growth).
Thanks, Bill

Q: I missed the ride from the mid-20s to the mid-30s and wonder if now might be a good time to get in, or is it likely headed lower (still rather high p/e)

Thanks,

Bob