President & Portfolio Manager at Stone Castle Investment Management Inc.
Member since: Oct '13 · 1890 Opinions
It's still early. Interesting last couple of years. Any small caps that required capital or didn't have really strong earnings went straight down. Some in the group have performed well. In July, started to see some small caps outperforming and started to see more breadth. We've seen that continue to follow through in the last couple of weeks, now that markets have settled down.
Will be interesting to see if it's a short-term trend that leads to a longer-term one, but too early right now to know for sure.
These ones have been in a really challenging environment the last couple of years. The capital just hasn't been there. Market was pushing those stock prices down, and probably still continues today. But now we're seeing more and bigger financing. A year ago, average financing deals were sub-$10M; now they're in the $18-20M range.
Pipeline in place right now, waiting for facilities. Big thing right now is a pending sales agreement. Management confirms this week that helium price has a chance to move up, and focus is on getting the sales agreement done. Once the agreement is in place, you can step in with a bigger position, because company can then secure debt, build out facilities, and start producing.
Weak, while NA markets are at highs. Tremendous success in the past making acquisitions, integrating, and increasing margins. That hasn't changed. Once a market darling, people got carried away. Speed of acquisition has slowed.
Going forward, has technology to calibrate the increasing number of sensors on cars, which smaller shops don't. Needs to accelerate earnings growth.
Amazing chart over 2 years, not as attractive over last 2 quarters. High expectations, disappointment in numbers, investors started to exit. Ranks well in his longer-term screens, but not short term. He's watching, as there will be huge demand for infrastructure and infrastructure steel.
If you hold it now, continue to hold. If not, watch for the inflection point between earnings and higher margins, as stock price should start to follow. This way, you might pay a bit more, but you'll potentially save yourself some downside.
Continues to be a super-strong company. In the face of uncertainty and adversity, continues to move higher. Earnings and dividend continue to grow. One concern is what happens if there's a significant slowdown, (as lots of their loans are unsecured)? Loan loss numbers just get better and better.
Using AI to make things more efficient. Medical language model, using a finite universe of only medical data. Helps doctors to diagnose issues. Can be used by medical office receptionists, doctors, 911 dispatchers, nursing centres. Debt free. Deal signed with University of Edinburgh. A few more deals should make them cashflow positive.