23 Stock Top Picks and 3 ETF (Jan 25-31)

Opinion about MG-T: It won't pull back much from here. Given tariffs, this space is uncertain, but eventually we will settle this tariff war. Auto manufacturing is so emeshed between both countries that it would take a very long time to rejig it. This or Linamar are fine, but Magna pays a higher PE, though…

Opinion about CNR-T: Is watching it after falling to current levels. The rails track GDP levels. CN boasts a slightly lower PE and higher ROE than CP, but are paying much more in price-to book than CP, but you get more. Overall, it evens out slightly in CP's favour. You can buy some shares now…

Opinion about DAL-N: They reported last Thursday, reporting a small revenue miss but an earnings beat, but wouldn't reaffirm their full-year forecast, because the economy is too uncertain. DAL is being cautious, given how the White House changes its trade policy on a dime.

Opinion about EMR-N: He sold after EMR launched a hostile takeover, but he missed out. His mistake.

Opinion about NFI-T: Struggled over the years. Good exposure to EVs. Problem is lots of leverage. As well, a bus can't be shipped if it's missing even 1 component; it has to wait. Exposed to tariffs, as it relies on US for some of those parts. Management's done well refinancing debt and working through problems. If…

Opinion about VLN-T: Bought in just before the takeout deal was nixed by the French government. Rocket ride lately on the nuclear bid hype, so he sold. De facto world gold standard in nuclear valves. Cheap vs. tangible book value. May buy again if cheap enough. Sees eventual takeover.

Opinion about DRT-T: Customized, prefabricated environmental office interior solutions. High net cash position. Significant upside because of their flexible business model. Surge in office reconfiguration taking place across North America. Top management. No dividend. (Analysts’ price target is $3.46)

Opinion about FANG-Q: Bought more. Great management and M&A strategy, which will add to earnings regardless of the oil price. Likes their cost control and cash flow.

Opinion about BTE-T: (A Top Pick Apr 02/24, Down 56%) Drawdown 100% connected to price of oil. More debt than average. Risk-off market. Totally fine on liquidity. Deep value, but needs oil at $65-70 to really start humming.

Opinion about MEG-T: Very defendable business in current oil price environment. Massive resource depth. US shale is in its twilight, which means they'll eventually have to come to Canada. Very healthy FCF yield. Buying back lots of stock. At least 35 years of stay-flat inventory. Superbly high-quality asset. Good balance sheet. Sold off on tariff concerns.…

Opinion about SU-T: He likes the big integrated names, but doesn't own any oil producers now. His team deemed that group as having first-derivative vulnerability to tariffs on volumes and profitability. Premium brand in the space. He's waiting out some of the volatility on the price of oil before getting back in. Nice dividend.

Opinion about ECA-T: Just beat earnings and have increased production. Cheap valuation compared to peers. But it's getting more expensive heading into 2021. There's no growth here, but that goes with the entire oil patch. The real issue is will they survive. Their balance sheet is getting better, but still high for a blue-chip name.…

Opinion about ENB-T: Great income investment with its great dividend yield. Plans to expand main line and continue capex. Returning $$ to shareholders. Has become more US-based. Great story, continues to execute well, plans in place for future.

Opinion about PXT-T: Yield is 13%. Dividend not sustainable. Great candidate for tax-loss selling, and buy another high yielder (such as WCP) with the proceeds. WCP has meaningfully better assets, reliable management, with no Colombian geopolitical risk. 

Opinion about ATVI-Q: Hold tight or sell with pending takeover? From today's price, $5.50 is in play. As a shareholder, you have to decide if it's worth holding onto your shares to get your $95 per share. There is a chance that the FTC is successful in challenging the US court order, in which case…

Opinion about MSFT-Q: (A Top Pick Mar 27/25, Up 10.1%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with MST is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $340) to $374 at this time.  

Opinion about SIA-T: Demographics is a huge tailwind. LTC component is a steady business and government-controlled; transitioning a bit away from this. Canada-only. The 85+ demographic is expected to triple in the next 25 years. Yield is 5.6%. (Analysts’ price target is $18.58)

Opinion about CVS-N: Numbers are improving under the new CEO, with good numbers from Aetna and core drugstore business (they closed the weak performers). Though the health insurers like UNH have taken it on the chin recently, he expects Aetna to score. They report Thursday.

Opinion about CXXI-CN: (A Top Pick Aug 09/19, Up 10%) A cannabis company in Nevada. Like Indus, they cleaned up their situation and are turning around. They bought a large dispensary in Nevada near Reno. An overhang was owing the vendor a lot of money, but that vendor has become the new CEO has fixed…

Opinion about PTQ-X: (A Top Pick May 29/20, Up 55%) Oxygen delivery. Recurring revenue model. Very strong outlook.

Opinion about PGR-N: A number of P&C insurers in the US pulled back post-hurricane. Technically, not broken. Sector probably does pretty well going forward. 

Opinion about WIR.UN-T: (A Top Pick Jan 12/21, Up 48%) Great-managed REIT. Taken out.

Opinion about RWX-T: It's real estate in 28 countries. It's something different for Canadians and worth having a look.

Opinion about HRA-T: (A Top Pick Jan 29/19, Up 1.5%) Global Risk Parity balances the risk of growth and inflation. It balances the risks to keep you level. The peak draw down was 12% -- very manageable in the context of recent volatility.

Opinion about TLT-Q: The yield has been flat in the last two years though shares have been volatile with the bond market. The bond market is broken long term as a buy-and-hold; you have to be an active bond manager given inflation's impact.

Opinion about WDO-T: Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly WDO is a high-grade gold miner operating facilities in Ontario and Quebec.  Production in Quebec is ramping up as deep zone work is exploited -- creating a near doubling of production there.  Strong cash flow is allowing the company to aggressively retire debt while still seeing cash…