A Comment -- General Comments From an Expert (A Commentary)

A lot of competition and the market is afraid margins will be squeezed. Feels they will defend their position and put the competition to rest. Cash flow will then be generated.

(Past top pick May 12, up $0.51) Happy with its performance.

Hold if you own. Not sure he would buy.

Has come under some pressure. Has a 3 prong earnings growth attack basic with the Cdn market and cost savings, the Brazilian market which is starting to get some traction and the US.

Had high hopes for this company. Has a lot of prospects. Trying to reposition itself. Has underperformed. Talk of becoming an income trust.

Their risk models are positive on the metals sector. Held up very well in the recent correction.

New management seems to finally be getting their head around their assets. Haven't seemed to be able to drive it forward. Would like to know where growth is going to come from.

Looking at turning some of their assets into a trust. This should provide somewhat of a lift.

(A top pick Mar 25/04. Up 7.3%.) Still likes. Well-run international company.

Solid fundamentals. Good management. A candidate as a takeout.

Think this there is potential for some corporate catalysts. Zinc, copper and nickel all got hit when there were concerns about a slowdown in China. Money is starting to move back into the sector.

Would not consider the stock even after it comes out of its current procedures.

Near bankruptcy. Will probably come out of it, but existing shares will be practically worthless.

(A top pick Apr 23/04. Down 4%.) Running into a bit of a horizontal trading range. Difficult to pick stocks in a market correction. Still in a good buying range.

Making sensible acquisitions. Even if housing does slow down, 60% of the doors sold are replacements. 9 X earnings.