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Whistler Blackcomb HoldingsWB.TOTOP PICKMay 14, 2015Stock price when the opinion was issued
Their asset previously was mainly a ski operation and real estate, but more recently have gotten a very large capital program underway, to try and make it into a more all year round destination with spring, summer and fall activities. Long-term this will probably help them deal with the volatility of cash flow and dependence on weather. Dividend yield of 3.8%.
(A Top Pick May 14/15. Up 32.5%.) The Whistler Blackcomb ski resort and they own the real estate. He saw solid fundamentals for ski resorts, one of the few that was world class. Also, had an 8.5% yield which was sustainable. Still trading at a bit of a discount to US resorts, so there is still some upside, but is no longer cheap.
A ski resort with some real estate potential. Most of the real estate potential has been milked in the past. You are really betting on the weather and the US$. Pays a pretty hefty dividend, so that tends to support the valuation. He finds it very expensive for what it is. Not a lot of growth potential.
Not a cheap stock, but it has an irreplaceable asset. Also, this is a world that wants yield. They’ve had some lousy winters and an expectation is that there will be another one. In the meantime, they know how to make money. The Cdn$ is getting a lot more “destination” skiers. The only ski resort that makes money in all 4 seasons.
Whistler didn’t get a lot of snow this year, which can be a problem when running a ski lift operation. This is 2 years in a row. These are world class operators with a terrific asset. No one can predict what is going to happen with weather. Thinks earnings this year are going to be a little bit better than last year, so there is no cause for concern. The dividend is not in peril whatsoever. At anywhere under $19, he has been buying and adding. Not cheap at 27X forward earnings. 5.4% dividend yield.
Infrastructure is very important and these are long life assets. It is not snowing, so this company has a big problem. The good news is the Cdn$ is low, so that a lot of people who picked this as a destination, are still going. Hopefully the weather will turn. This is priced into the stock. He is adding more below $19.
A ski resort in BC. They had a terrible winter. What they have done over the last few years is build up the resource, making it an all season destination, increasing their prices and attracting more visitors from outside of Canada. Dividend yield of 4.97%, which is sustainable.