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

Opinion about MG-T: Very hesitant. Recent recovery has been sharp and quick, almost as though it's factoring in abolition of tariffs completely. We need more clarity on tariffs. Auto industry is highly cyclical and depends on health of the economy, and we're seeing signs of weakening.If you own it, don't need the cash, and have…

Opinion about CNR-T: (A Top Pick Aug 19/24, Down 13%) The transportation sector has been depressed this year and she sold in January. CN is the leading North American freight railroad. It is starting to look better with volatility stabilizing. The big story in on the operating levels and it is starting to look more…

Opinion about DAL-N: Anything tied to debt is rallying in the face of interest rate cuts. DAL has been reducing debt, but there's still a lot. Airline traffic remains robust in the US. DAL is very attractive now.

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

Opinion about NFI-T: He owns it in the Canadian portfolio. There is a supply shortage of buses and it has a new big order from Toronto. There have been some liquidity challenges but they are abating. They make any kind of bus but the electric ones carry the biggest price premium so they can make…

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: It comes highly recommended with a very strong growth profile. Its size is intermediate to junior. He also commented that a maximum of 10 to 15% of oil and gas companies should be in a portfolio. Utilities, a classic defensive space, would be smaller at 7 to 8% of a portfolio, and…

Opinion about BTE-T: The commodity is its main catalyst and it has been range bound for at least six months. There are better companies in the space. He quoted the common saying: Let your winners run and cut your losses.

Opinion about MEG-T: Thoughts on the offer? Both SCR and MEG held in taxable account. He's not an M&A guy. If you want a really good answer, ask somebody else 😉  A board will often reject something like this because they think it should be higher. And maybe a competitor will come along with a…

Opinion about SU-T: A core Canadian energy name, along with CNQ. Still, energy space has been very tough. Prices have been low, OPEC producing more than expected. Regulatory environment in Canada is challenged, as is the macro global economy. 

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: Technical analysts love to give fancy names to chart patterns 😉  The 5-year for this name is showing a cup and handle -- with that rounded bottom, perhaps a little pullback, and then a breakout and consolidation. Also a nice swing trade. Now testing the breakout point, and successfully so. Looks good.

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: The company he'd be owning 5 years from now. Partnership with OpenAI is most consequential company of our time. Totally ahead on AI. Absolute beast when it comes to distribution. Wide-reaching tentacles across every Fortune 500 company. Path of least resistance when it comes to adopting AI -- security platform, Office 365,…

Opinion about SIA-T: CSH.UN vs. SIA Supply/demand in the space is good. People usually move in to these places around age 80, and 2025 is the very beginning of baby boomers turning 80. This should really drive demand. Properties are hard to build, also tough to operate, so you really need good management. Entirely retirement,…

Opinion about CVS-N: Was down 43% in 2024, led by their managed care business, to be one of the worst stocks of 2024. But that business is now finally turning around, +12% in revenues in Q2 YOY, and revenues beating the street. So, the health insurance side is doing much better. They raised revenue guidance…

Opinion about CXXI-CN: Small cannabis producer in Nevada. Fantastic job in operations in a really challenging environment. Solid numbers. Needs a move in legalization and tax schedule change; if that happens, could be a takeout.

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: (A Top Pick Mar 12/25, Down 3%) (Note the short timeframe.)  He's not bearish on the market, just wary, so he's being defensive. The US market has more risk on the equity side than normal. His target remains around $90, still an OK place to make a couple of bucks. See his…

Opinion about WDO-T: (A Top Pick Jul 24/25, Down 6.4%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with WDO has triggered its stop at $16.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  This will result in a net investment loss of 6%, when combined with our previous guidance.