The Panic-Proof Portfolio (Stockchase Research)

We reiterate this regional US bank as a TOP PICK.  It trades at 10x earnings, 1.6x book, supports a 17% ROE along with a robust 26% margin.  Its dividend is backed by a payout ratio under 30% of cash flow.  We continue to recommend a stop at $22, looking to achieve $30 -- upside potential of 17%.  Yield 2.5%  

We reiterate V as a TOP PICK.  With a commanding ROE of 65%, it holds a dominant position in the personal credit realm.  We like that cash reserves continue to grow, while shares are aggressively bought back (albeit with a little more debt).  Revenues are growing by 15% annually over the past five years as the dividend has doubled over that same time.  We recommend maintaining a stop at $295, looking to achieve $383 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 0.8%

We reiterate CM as a TOP PICK.  If you are banking on the Canadian economy finding its direction thru infrastructure and energy development, the company is well positioned to benefit.  It trades at 15x earnings, 2.4x book and supports a ROE of 16%.  We like that cash reserves are growing, while shares are aggressively bought back and debt is retired.  We continue to recommend a stop at $140, looking to achieve $179 -- upside potential of 16%.  Yield 2.8%

Our PAST TOP PICK with URA has triggered its stop at $45.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  

Our PAST TOP PICK with RPRX is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $47) to $52 at this time.  

With recent quarterly earnings showing an increase in cash reserves and reduction in debt, we reiterate DAL as a TOP PICK.  The airline has successfully managed rising fuel costs, while expanding margins amid rising global air travel demand.  It trades at 15x earnings, 2.6x book and supports a 20% ROE.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $56) to $62, looking to achieve $94 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 0.9%

With recent earnings showing growth in cash reserves as debt was aggressively retired and shares bought back, we reiterate MSFT as a TOP PICK.  Its subscription based business helps stabilize cash flow as its AI and cloud based systems continue to show excellent development opportunities.  It trades at 27x earnings and supports a ROE over 30% and the dividend has been growing by over 10% per annum.  We continue to recommend a stop at $360, looking to achieve $531 -- upside potential of 24%.  Yield 0.8%

We reiterate this independent investment banking firm that provides strategic advisory, capital markets, and wealth management services to corporations, financial sponsors, and high-net-worth individuals as a TOP PICK.  Revenue growth has averaged 36% annually over the past two years and EPS has grown 70% annually as well.  Cash reserves are growing as shares are aggressively bought back -- albeit with slightly higher debt.  We continue to recommend a stop at $282, looking to achieve $410 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 1.0%

Our PAST TOP PICK with RY is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $220) to $242 at this time.  

We again reiterate VDY, a one-stop holding for Canadian income generation of high quality companies that has faired well during this recent market uncertainty as a TOP PICK and pays a reasonable dividend.  We recommend maintaining the stop at $69, looking to achieve $87 -- upside potential over 16%.  Yield 3.5%

Holding over 90 Canadian dividend paying stocks that have consistently raised their dividends over the past five years, we reiterate CDZ as a TOP PICK.  A steady performer with a good yield. We recommend maintaining the stop at $43, looking to achieve $54 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 3.2%

Holding over 11,500 individual stocks from around the world - excluding Canada -- we reiterate VXC as it provides instant diversification and broad market coverage.  The portfolio average PE is 22, has a ROE of 18%, and seen average earnings growth over 20% for the past 5 years.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $71) to $75, looking to achieve $99 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 1.4% 

Our PAST TOP PICK with GMAB has triggered its stop at $24.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  Combined with our previous guidance, this will result in a net investment loss of 17%.  

Our PAST TOP PICK with ULV.F has triggered its stop at $50.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  Combined with our previous guidance, this will result in a net investment loss of 1%.  

We again reiterate XMU, which focuses on US equities that demonstrate lower volatility over time, as a TOP PICK.  What makes it particularly interesting is its lower volatility despite a 13% average annual growth since inception over 10 years ago.  It also ranked in the top10% of an informal evaluation for minimizing losses during the market downturns in 2022 and 2018.  We recommend maintaining the stop at $83, looking to achieve $105 -- upside potential of 18%.  Yield 1.1%