Alimentation Couche-Tard (B) (ATD.B.TO)

Down to 14x earnings in this correction. A safe growth stock. Easy growth with many takeover targets in Europe and a few in the U.S. They're good at acquire. You won't get much yield, but he targets the stock in the low-$70's. (0.7% dividend, $77.17 price target)

(A top pick May 11/18, up 15%). This name got pounded in the spring but was unwarranted. The last couple or earnings they reported were very strong. It is not trading at an expensive multiple. They have rebranded all their stations in the US.

Eventually, their gas stations will gravitate to electric cars. They've done a number of acquisitions, yet brought their debt back down in line. They did a few purchases at once, then the market got bored and went elsewhere. They paid off $600 million in debt in the last quarter plus a moderate growth rate. The balance sheet is loose, not as tight as he usually expects from a company, but ATD is the exception to this rule, meaning it's still worth buying. (0.7% dividend yield, Analysts' price target:
$77.17)

A stock that looks expensive, but always delivers. They own convenience stores globally. They are very good at what they do. Gas companies are happy to sell to ATD'B, because ATD'B increases their margins. They succeed in the U.S. where many Canadian companies have failed. This will continue to be a class act.

Has been a flatliner. Hasn’t done much for a while. Quarters have been spotty. Last quarter they came with an incredible same store sells (7%). She hopes that the rebranding is going to make them have a better string going forward. She thinks they are going to make a new acquisition. (Analysts’ price target is $77.00)

This is a Canadian company. It has Canadian exposure, but the majority of its locations are in the USA, with some additional locations in Europe. Fuel margins are currently high and have been expanding in the US. The stock hasn’t done much for a while. Some people are worried that electric vehicles will be bad for them, but the percentage of vehicles that are electric is still tiny. He doesn’t own the stock now but is looking at it.

(Past Top Pick, Oct. 11, 2017, Up 14%) It did poorly the same time Starbucks did, then it popped up into everyone's radar after a great Q1 growth rate of 30%. They had a strong footing on all their newly acquired businesses. All their margins like fuel that had been dragging were impressive. He reduced a bit, but wants to see this NAFTA overhang disappear.

A great operator. The ducks are lined up for sustained gains. It's the largest conveneince store operator in North America. Earns 20% ROE and growing earnings at 22% compounded over the last decade. Fine stores where the merchandise margins are 3-5 times higher than on fuel. A great acquirer and synergistics. A great grower. (0.6% dividend, Analysts' price target: $77.00)

(Past Top Pick, Sept. 11, 2017, Up 10%) Recovered nicely from a rough patch recently. Still likes it. It's a stable business. Dividend will slowly grow. They grow by acqusition, so a new acquisition is long overdue.

It is a buy and he currently owns it. It has a tough year, but will be able to grow at over 10% per year. They are testing electric opportunities in Europe – a forward thinking company.