Stockchase-logo
Track Stocks Watchlist
Top Picks Today
=iconClose Home All Opinions Top Picks Stocks Experts Top Experts Panic-proof Top 100 Stocks Monthly gems News
Watchlist Track Stocks
Top Picks Today
Home » Stock Lists

Top Companies Still Run By Founders

Melisa R. H. Posted On March 22, 2019
0
0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It

Founders have a vision, and those who are successful create an empire. Some of these companies, though established now, still have them as CEO. Many online platforms come to mind, such as Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, or Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg. But there are other companies that are still led by their founder.

Canada has its fair share of entrepreneurs turned successful businessman. Another Canadian unicorn is Shopify, who has become a global leader in e-commerce. There’s also the family-run giants such as Couchetard, Dollarama and Saputo who’s founders still weighs heavily in decisions.

Here are the top companies still run by founders:

💻 Technology

Shopify Inc. (SHOP-T)
A Canadian unicorn that’s grown to be the e-commerce leader. They provide a software platform for online commerce and retail POS systems. The have recently reported a sales growth of 45%, and it’s sure to keep growing as e-commerce spreads.

Shopify Inc. (SHOP-T) — Stockchase
Shopify Inc. (SHOP-T) — Stockchase

Opinion about SHOP-T: Very high valuation. On any fears of potential slowing, stock moves quite a bit. People probably trade it a lot. Great company, democratizing e-commerce for everybody. Tariffs may impact volumes until we get more clarity.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Evertz Technologies Ltd. (ET-T)
An electronic systems manufacturer based in Canada. Their technology is used for broadcasting and in the film industry. They pay a good dividend and are forecasting a 10% increase in earnings. Management is very good and they are a leader in the sector.

Evertz Technologies Ltd. (ET-T) — Stockchase
Evertz Technologies Ltd. (ET-T) — Stockchase

Opinion about ET-T: (A Top Pick Jan 02/25, Down 12.4%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O’Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with ET has triggered its stop at $11.  To remain disciplined we recommend covering the position at this time.  When combined with our previous guidance, this will result in a net investment loss of 9%.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Facebook (FB-Q)
The company that is synonymous with social media. They’ve had some scandals, but the technology is hear to stay. They also own Instagram and WhatsApp. They are huge in digital marketing and advertising. Instagram is being touted as the next big thing for e-commerce as users are increasing using it to find items.

Meta Platforms Inc / Facebook (META-Q) — Stockchase
Meta Platforms Inc / Facebook (META-Q) — Stockchase

Opinion about META-Q: Still owns it. The market liked what Meta said on the ad front, where clients can create their own ads with tools that Meta supplies--a game changer.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Twitter, Inc (TWTR-N)
The micro-blogging platform that is great for aggregating news and quick communication. Many experts say that the company is here to stay, but they need to update their monetization strategy. If they can figure out the advertising, this could be a good play on social media. Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and CEO of twitter, is also the founder of Square (SQ-N), a mobile payment platform.

Twitter, Inc (TWTR-N) — Stockchase
Twitter, Inc (TWTR-N) — Stockchase

Opinion about TWTR-N: Twitter, Inc. is the best and fastest place to see whats happening and what people are talking about all around the world. From breaking news and entertainment to sports and politics, from big events to everyday interests. If its happening anywhere, its happening first on Twitter. Twitter is where the full story…

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Netflix Inc. (NFLX-Q)
The online, on-demand content streaming service. They’ve moved into production of their own content, which has reaped big benefits. They are facing fierce competition with Amazon, Google and Disney but the company’s cash flow is improving. Their Q4 earnings were very strong, with 27% increase in revenue in the year.

Netflix Inc. (NFLX-Q) — Stockchase
Netflix Inc. (NFLX-Q) — Stockchase

Opinion about NFLX-Q: They will be the internet channel for the world. Is worth $542 billion. Don't double down because you might get an intra-day swing when you can buy. Is one of the best run companies in the world.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

GoPro Inc (GPRO-Q)
The company that created the GoPro action cameras. They shuttered their drone department to focus on video editing and their camera department. Their earnings have been having some problems, and a closer review is required of their product market as well.

GoPro Inc (GPRO-Q) — Stockchase
GoPro Inc (GPRO-Q) — Stockchase

Opinion about GPRO-Q: (A Top Pick Jan 25/16. Down 1.98%.) *Short*. Shorted this because we were having momentum to the downside in the market. Also, this had a high valuation.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Nvidia Corp (NVDA-Q)
One of the biggest names in graphics processing units. They reached their high of $270, and they’re trading at $184.28 as of writing. Experts are expecting a move up soon. The stock price took a hit after missing on earnings. Since they are a chip maker, they coincide with the semiconductor market and tech sector.

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA-Q) — Stockchase
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA-Q) — Stockchase

Opinion about NVDA-Q: Used to make 75% gross margins, but those have jumped to 90%. If it goes back to historic gross margins, even if sales continue, you'll see a huge degradation in profit. Sweet spot in terms of demand. Market thinks it can do no wrong. Worries that demand will abate or just normalize.…

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Square Inc (SQ-N)
A mobile payment platform and merchant services aggregator. Their organic revenue growth is 53% year over year and they’re a leader in the space. The company is growing, with lots of potential still. The company’s founder and CEO is also the founder and CEO of Twitter.

Block Inc (SQ-N) — Stockchase
Block Inc (SQ-N) — Stockchase

Opinion about SQ-N: 12-month price target of $83.50, nice long runway. If there's a company that can disrupt payment or banking systems, it's this name. Very strong growth prospects. Agreed to buy Afterpay. February earnings missed on top and bottom, though they did increase guidance (probably due to Afterpay).

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Paycom Software Inc (PAYC-N)
An online payroll and HR technology provider. They also provide data analytics. They’ve had a good track record of beating earnings. However, they are trading at 30-40 PE and is not cheap.

Paycom (PAYC-N) — Stockchase
Paycom (PAYC-N) — Stockchase

Opinion about PAYC-N: It's in a good sector--human capital software. Also likes Paycor.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Microsoft (MSFT-Q)
The company that is a giant in the information technology sector. They’ve transitioned from selling physical items to software as a service. We featured this on our “the Top 17 Enterprise Software Stocks”, stock list. They pay a nice dividend, and their subscription base means good recurring revenue with high margins.

Microsoft Corp (MSFT-Q) — Stockchase
Microsoft Corp (MSFT-Q) — Stockchase

Opinion about MSFT-Q: (A Top Pick Jun 24/24, Up 8%) Hitting all-time record highs, with more upside. Still holds. His biggest exposure to technology.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Alphabet Inc (C) (GOOG-Q)
The conglomerate created by Google. A good stock to hold long-term. They’re facing their own scandal in the EU with anti-trust concerns but the fundamentals are great, and they dominate the cloud space.

Alphabet Inc (GOOG-Q) — Stockchase
Alphabet Inc (GOOG-Q) — Stockchase

Opinion about GOOG-Q: In his firm's momentum portfolio. Dominant in Search and leader in digital ads, which are tremendously cash-generative. YouTube is an increasingly valuable ad property. Cloud services growing rapidly, one of top 3 players. Innovative AI investments should pay off nicely. Waymo is interesting for its cash-generating potential.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

🛍 Consumer

Dollarama Inc. (DOL-T)
The Chairman, Larry Rossy, who led the family run Quebec-based dollar store to an internationally recognized brand stepped down from the company in June 2018. However, he still holds majority stakes in the company and remains the executive chairman. The company is still in the family, being headed by Neil Rossy.

Dollarama Inc. (DOL-T) — Stockchase
Dollarama Inc. (DOL-T) — Stockchase

Opinion about DOL-T: In his firm's Canadian dividend growth strategy portfolio. Not a great dividend, though it does grow. Focused more on inorganic growth and share buybacks. Almost AMZN-proof, scale gives them buying power. In Canada, topline is growing close to 10%, margins are improving. Trades at over 40x next year's earnings, so wise to…

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Saputo Inc. (SAP-T)
Lino Saputo, the founder of the company, remains the executive chairman of the global cheese manufacturer. The company grows primarily from mergers and acquisitions. They are a leader in their space and are the biggest producer in many countries.

Saputo Inc. (SAP-T) — Stockchase
Saputo Inc. (SAP-T) — Stockchase

Opinion about SAP-T: (A Top Pick Feb 05/25, Up 15%) (Note the short timeframe.)  In Canada, it's retail. But south of the border it's more food services and is #3, and the US is dragging down its profitability. If it can return to half of former levels in US, it will be a very cheap…

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Alimentation Couche-Tard (B) (ATD.B-T)
The fabled Canadian convenience store is still run by the founder and chairman Alain Bouchard. They continually add value for investors, and are growing through acquisitions. They are also a major distributor of gas and their integration of acquired service stations have been going well. They were largely spared from the pull-back last December, and are hitting their 52-week high.

Alimentation Couche-Tard (B) (ATD.B-T) — Stockchase
Alimentation Couche-Tard (B) (ATD.B-T) — Stockchase

Opinion about ATD.B-T: Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research EPS of 68c matched estimates; sales of $20.90B missed estimates of $21.21B. EBITDA of $1.64B beat estimates by 3%. Supply-chain optimization could let Couche-Tard maintain fuel profitability across its key markets for the rest of the fiscal year. US fuel margins declined…

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Amazon.com (AMZN-Q)
The most popular e-commerce and cloud computing company. Their cloud business continues to grow and everyone has shopped on them before. One thing to note, Amazon’s PE is quite high.

Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN-Q) — Stockchase
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN-Q) — Stockchase

Opinion about AMZN-Q: Cloud business is the growth driver, sort of subsidizing the retail operations. Retail margins are much lower, only mid-high single digits. Using automation to try to decrease cost of delivery. Prime memberships provide nice recurring revenue stream. Investing in AI, which will benefit retail. Very well run and focused. Hasn't fully recovered…

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Boston Beer (SAM-N)
A leading brewer of beer. They’ve won more than 500 awards, and they have a huge market share on the craft beer sector. They recently jumped following a SmarTrend’s Buy recommendation.

Boston Beer (SAM-N) — Stockchase
Boston Beer (SAM-N) — Stockchase

Opinion about SAM-N: Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research SAM produces and sells a number of popular beer and seltzer brands including Samuel Adams and Twisted Tea. The stock has taken a hit recently after missing on revenue and EPS forecasts for Q2. Analyst estimates forecast significant EPS expansion over the…

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Under Armour (UA-N)
The apparel company that’s most recognized by their sports line. Their stocks stumbled in 2017 and is now recovering slowly.

Under Armour (UA-N) — Stockchase
Under Armour (UA-N) — Stockchase

Opinion about UA-N: A great spec. They need a couple of good quarters. Nike is coming back with a vengeance.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA-Q)
The leader in electric vehicles and clean energy. They are getting rid of their stores and cars will be purchased online. A lot of people believe in Elon Musk and he’s delivered quite consistently. This could have some volatility, but in the long-term, it is a great name.

Tesla Inc (TSLA-Q) — Stockchase
Tesla Inc (TSLA-Q) — Stockchase

Opinion about TSLA-Q: At today's valuation, you'd have to believe it will hit it out of the park in all areas and be super-profitable. He believes that the best EVs in the world today are Chinese, and at spectacular prices. Car manufacturing is not an easy gig. Buying this needs a major health warning attached.

stockchase.com stockchase.com

👨‍⚕️ Healthcare

Canopy Growth Corp. (WEED-T)
Bruce Linton leads the first cannabis producing company in North America to go public. They’re also the first cannabis producer that’s listed on the NYSE.The company has market support for capital, that has raised over $6 billion , with Constellation Brands taking a major stake in the company.

Canopy Growth Corp. (WEED-T) — Stockchase
Canopy Growth Corp. (WEED-T) — Stockchase

Opinion about WEED-T: Good for marijuana exposure. Speculative, but quality. 

stockchase.com stockchase.com

📦 Courier Services
FedEx (FDX-N)
An American multinational courier delivery company. They’ve pulled back quite a bit after they reduced their expectations for 2019. It’s been affected by macro events and the tariffs war. It is a quality name, with a buying opportunity.

FedEx (FDX-N) — Stockchase
FedEx (FDX-N) — Stockchase

Opinion about FDX-N: It reported last night. Their B2B has been stuck in neutral, though B2C is okay. FedEx missed numbers, but they have cut costs. The price now is an opportunity, but won't rally until we see how the tariffs shake-out. FDX depends alot on cross-border shipping.

stockchase.com stockchase.com
0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It




Trending Now
This Week's Stock Picks & BNN Top Picks Summary: XYL-N, FTS-T and 15 Stock and 3 ETF Top Picks (Jun 27-Jul 03)
Melisa R. H. July 4, 2025
JULY Gems
Allan Tong July 3, 2025
7 Essential Tips and Tools to Succeed as a Canadian DIY Investor
Read Next

7 Essential Tips and Tools to Succeed as a Canadian DIY Investor

  • logo

    We’re fintech passionates that reinvest almost all our revenues into the development of Stockchase and Wealthica. We hope you enjoy Stockchase and join Premium!

  • Top Reviews

    • Questrade Review: Pros & Cons of Trading with Questrade Canada (2023)
      8.5
    • The Ugly Truth About Identity Theft – Free Credit Report
      7
    • Questrade vs Others | The Review Competitors Don’t Want you to Read (2023)
  • Popular Posts

    • This Week's Stock Picks & BNN Top Picks Summary: XYL-N, FTS-T and 15 Stock and 3 ETF Top Picks (Jun 27-Jul 03)
    • JULY Gems
    • Weekly 52-Week Low (or 52-Week High): BSX-T, TBL-T, IB-X, GOLD-T and More 52-Week Highs and Lows (Jun 25-Jul 01)
    • Most Anticipated Earnings: GPV-X, RVX-T and more Canadian Companies Reporting Earnings this Week (Jun 30-Jul 04)
  • Stock Lists

    • Unraveling 15 of the Best Natural Gas Stocks: A Canada-USA...
      November 10, 2023
    • 13 Recession-Proof Stocks for Portfolio Safety
      October 26, 2023
    • The Ultimate Top Drone Stocks List for Sky-High Returns...
      October 25, 2023
    • Top Hotel Stocks to Buy for your Growth Portfolio
      October 12, 2023
    • Which Brookfield Stock to Buy? BAM vs BN: the Inspiring...
      October 9, 2023



  • Stockchase neither recommends nor promotes any investment strategies.

    About us : Privacy & Terms : Contact us

© Stockchase Inc.
Press enter/return to begin your search