Bruce Cooper

European Utilities: Can be divided into 2 categories. Energy market is deregulated so with higher energy costs they have higher power costs. There is also the regulated utility, which is the more defensive one. The utility sector is providing the traditional defensive haven. There are a lot that would yield 4% to 5%.

Australian Banks: Not bottoming as yet. 2 of them have issued profit warnings in the last few days. There has been a bit of a housing bubble in Australia, interest rates have gone up and housing prices are starting to roll over. Yields are attractive, but not sure they are safe.

British Gas: Probably one of the highest quality oil/gas companies in Europe. Has the fastest growth rate of all the major European energy companies. Very much focused on gas and LNG. Good long-term holding with strong fundamentals.

One of the highest quality Japanese companies. He would not consider a North American carmaker but he would look at this one. Strong balance sheet, high margins and constantly gaining market share. With US consumer under pressure, it has guided down in sales. Good long-term hold. Watch for near-term volatility.

Based in Spain but very strong franchise in Latin America. Spain is a bit more problematic because of their housing bubble. Earnings per share were up double digits. Strong balance sheet. Yield of around 4%.

Have been going through a slow motion restructuring over the last 5 years, which has been the right thing to do. Balance sheet is in great shape. Expected to buy back about 10% of their shares this year.

80% of earnings come from outside of the US. Has exceptional cash flow. Trades at about 15X earnings with a dividend yield of 3%.

Chemical conglomerate. Likes their position in agriculture. Sales were up 23% year over year. First half earnings were up over 20%. Trades at 12X earnings with a dividend yield of almost 4%.

Trades on the Paris exchange. Conglomerate but its best business is its global road building business, which has grown its earnings by 17% compounded annually for the last 20 years. Trading at 9X earnings.

Growing quickly. Good dividend but a little ahead of itself. Well managed.

Has struggled. Product they are working on has good potential, but is taking a long time. Risky.

Quite risky. No earnings.

Volatile. Too few projects on the go. Risky.

Likes the deal with Weightwatchers. May be a little ahead of itself.

High valuation. Return on equity is poor.