Norman Levine
Member since: Feb '01
Managing Director at
Portfolio Management Corp
Portfolio Management Corp
4830 Opinions
Latest Top Picks
(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Up 30%) A mid-cap specialty insurer. It can charge higher premiums as it is in niche markets. Their investing was very successful and they had lower insurance payouts.
(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Up 8%) Results were muted as the spring was wet for planting. Fall saw early snow and slowed demand. The thesis still stands, pricing will increase for potash and nutrients.
(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Down 14%) He sold at just around $13. The largest auto parts distributor in Canada. The company fired their CEO and announced a strategic review and nothing has happened since. They have done nothing to reorganize. He would not touch it.
The ultimate value stock. Money is going back into value stock and it is showing with a technical breakout. He started buying for clients last week.
Their may be a temporary setback if Warren or Charlie are not longer there as he believes there are already many qualified people making the investment decisions these days. Yield 0% (Analysts’ price target is $248.75)
Money appears to be returning into the energy sector. They still have some debt, but the oil sands properties are good. They are 80% oil based and own two excellent refineries. Yield 1.95% (Analysts’ price target is $15.20)
Signal
Opinion
Expert
Chart
WAIT
WAIT
This is a good indicator of the economy as it represents the movement of goods to the consumer. Amazon has disrupted their part of the world as they have setup their own delivery service in the US. At some point it will be time to buy, but it is not now.
Transportation
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
December 18, 2019
(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Up 30%) A mid-cap specialty insurer. It can charge higher premiums as it is in niche markets. Their investing was very successful and they had lower insurance payouts.
Show full opinionHide full opinion
(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Up 30%) A mid-cap specialty insurer. It can charge higher premiums as it is in niche markets. Their investing was very successful and they had lower insurance payouts.
insurance
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
December 18, 2019
(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Up 8%) Results were muted as the spring was wet for planting. Fall saw early snow and slowed demand. The thesis still stands, pricing will increase for potash and nutrients.
Show full opinionHide full opinion(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Up 8%) Results were muted as the spring was wet for planting. Fall saw early snow and slowed demand. The thesis still stands, pricing will increase for potash and nutrients.
agriculture
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
December 18, 2019
(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Down 14%) He sold at just around $13. The largest auto parts distributor in Canada. The company fired their CEO and announced a strategic review and nothing has happened since. They have done nothing to reorganize. He would not touch it.
Show full opinionHide full opinion(A Top Pick Dec 20/18, Down 14%) He sold at just around $13. The largest auto parts distributor in Canada. The company fired their CEO and announced a strategic review and nothing has happened since. They have done nothing to reorganize. He would not touch it.
wholesale distributors
COMMENT
COMMENT
December 18, 2019
BNS or TD? He prefers BNS over TD. TD is more of a play on the US and he wants a bank with the least exposure in Canada.
banks
COMMENT
COMMENT
December 18, 2019
BNS or TD? He prefers BNS over TD. TD is more of a play on the US and he wants a bank with the least exposure in Canada.
banks
HOLD
HOLD
December 18, 2019
Dividend safe? He owns ENB. It was a poor performer for a while, but it seems to be coming their way. Pipelines are getting approval, and Line 3 is beginning to flow in Canada. Michigan is putting up a fight so it may take a while. The dividend was announced to increase by 10% and he believes it is solid. He would have no issue owning it here. Just be aware that a rise in interest rates would hurt them as they trade like a utility.
Show full opinionHide full opinionDividend safe? He owns ENB. It was a poor performer for a while, but it seems to be coming their way. Pipelines are getting approval, and Line 3 is beginning to flow in Canada. Michigan is putting up a fight so it may take a while. The dividend was announced to increase by 10% and he believes it is solid. He would have no issue owning it here. Just be aware that a rise in interest rates would hurt them as they trade like a utility.
oil/gas pipelines
HOLD
HOLD
December 18, 2019
It has been a spectacular performer. It has a very profitable niche in Quebec. They have a strong wealth management business that has helped them as well. They are the largest custodian for large institutional investors. He would hold it here.
Show full opinionHide full opinionIt has been a spectacular performer. It has a very profitable niche in Quebec. They have a strong wealth management business that has helped them as well. They are the largest custodian for large institutional investors. He would hold it here.
banks
COMMENT
COMMENT
December 18, 2019
Canada has four major life insurance companies. Since the financial crisis, Sun Life aas done the best. He does not see much change at Manulife so would prefer Sun Life.
insurance
COMMENT
COMMENT
December 18, 2019
Canada has four major life insurance companies. Since the financial crisis, Sun Life aas done the best. He does not see much change at Manulife so would prefer Sun Life.
insurance
BUY
BUY
December 18, 2019
Money seems to want to return to the Canadian oil sector. He owns Suncor and would put more money into it. They are shareholder friendly, paying good dividends and buying back stock.
Show full opinionHide full opinionMoney seems to want to return to the Canadian oil sector. He owns Suncor and would put more money into it. They are shareholder friendly, paying good dividends and buying back stock.
integrated oils
COMMENT
COMMENT
December 18, 2019
Gold? He is likes gold as commodity prices are generally rising with a falling US dollar. The problem is that mining companies have a history of being self-destructive. He thinks the latest Kirkland Lake acquisition is a bad decision. He prefers Franco-Nevada that plays more as a royalty play.
Gold? He is likes gold as commodity prices are generally rising with a falling US dollar. The problem is that mining companies have a history of being self-destructive. He thinks the latest Kirkland Lake acquisition is a bad decision. He prefers Franco-Nevada that plays more as a royalty play.
precious metals
COMMENT
COMMENT
December 18, 2019
Gold? He is likes gold as commodity prices are generally rising with a falling US dollar. The problem is that mining companies have a history of being self-destructive. He thinks the latest Kirkland Lake acquisition is a bad decision. He prefers Franco-Nevada that plays more as a royalty play.
Gold? He is likes gold as commodity prices are generally rising with a falling US dollar. The problem is that mining companies have a history of being self-destructive. He thinks the latest Kirkland Lake acquisition is a bad decision. He prefers Franco-Nevada that plays more as a royalty play.
precious metals
DON'T BUY
DON'T BUY
December 18, 2019
He feels all cannabis stocks are gambling stocks. A maturing debenture is expected to keep downward pressure on the share price. There is no assurance that any existing company will be a survivor -- it is simply too early. No one is making money in this space. Without being able to predict revenues and expenses, it is too risky. He would stay away from these.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe feels all cannabis stocks are gambling stocks. A maturing debenture is expected to keep downward pressure on the share price. There is no assurance that any existing company will be a survivor -- it is simply too early. No one is making money in this space. Without being able to predict revenues and expenses, it is too risky. He would stay away from these.
BUY
BUY
December 18, 2019
He feels comfortable continuing to own this. The strike was a short term issue. It is the most profitable railroad in North America. The Prince Rupert terminal is a gold mine he thinks. He prefers owning Canadian rail companies over US entities. Yield 1.8%
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe feels comfortable continuing to own this. The strike was a short term issue. It is the most profitable railroad in North America. The Prince Rupert terminal is a gold mine he thinks. He prefers owning Canadian rail companies over US entities. Yield 1.8%
Transportation
BUY WEAKNESS
BUY WEAKNESS
December 18, 2019
He is not a fan of retail stocks, but Costco is in a world of its own. They rely on membership fees for profitability and those numbers keep growing. He would look to buy on weakness.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe is not a fan of retail stocks, but Costco is in a world of its own. They rely on membership fees for profitability and those numbers keep growing. He would look to buy on weakness.
department stores
TOP PICK
TOP PICK
December 18, 2019
The ultimate value stock. Money is going back into value stock and it is showing with a technical breakout. He started buying for clients last week.
Their may be a temporary setback if Warren or Charlie are not longer there as he believes there are already many qualified people making the investment decisions these days. Yield 0% (Analysts’ price target is $248.75)
Show full opinionHide full opinionThe ultimate value stock. Money is going back into value stock and it is showing with a technical breakout. He started buying for clients last week.
Their may be a temporary setback if Warren or Charlie are not longer there as he believes there are already many qualified people making the investment decisions these days. Yield 0% (Analysts’ price target is $248.75)
insurance
TOP PICK
TOP PICK
December 18, 2019
Money appears to be returning into the energy sector. They still have some debt, but the oil sands properties are good. They are 80% oil based and own two excellent refineries. Yield 1.95% (Analysts’ price target is $15.20)
Show full opinionHide full opinionMoney appears to be returning into the energy sector. They still have some debt, but the oil sands properties are good. They are 80% oil based and own two excellent refineries. Yield 1.95% (Analysts’ price target is $15.20)
oil/gas
TOP PICK
TOP PICK
December 18, 2019
A French drug company that is starting to run. Th patent cliff has occurred and they have been busy bringing in new products. They also have a very profitable consumer health business. Yield 3.44% (Analysts’ price target is $54.17)
Show full opinionHide full opinionA French drug company that is starting to run. Th patent cliff has occurred and they have been busy bringing in new products. They also have a very profitable consumer health business. Yield 3.44% (Analysts’ price target is $54.17)
Pharma & Healthcare
COMMENT
COMMENT
December 18, 2019
Market Outlook The market appears to be changing with money coming back into value stocks, not just growth and technology. He thinks there is still lots of money sitting on the sidelines that can fuel the market higher. Yield curve inversions have for the most part returned to normal -- even negative bond yields in Europe are starting to end. He thinks government and personal debt will be a problem, but highly levered corporate debt will likely be the first issues. He has been buying high quality (P2) preferred shares.
Show full opinionHide full opinionMarket Outlook The market appears to be changing with money coming back into value stocks, not just growth and technology. He thinks there is still lots of money sitting on the sidelines that can fuel the market higher. Yield curve inversions have for the most part returned to normal -- even negative bond yields in Europe are starting to end. He thinks government and personal debt will be a problem, but highly levered corporate debt will likely be the first issues. He has been buying high quality (P2) preferred shares.
BUY
BUY
December 18, 2019
As a cyclical stock it is starting to go back up and the outlook is fabulous. They are largest manufacturer of fluid pumps. They have a record of raising dividends for the past 40 years.
Show full opinionHide full opinionAs a cyclical stock it is starting to go back up and the outlook is fabulous. They are largest manufacturer of fluid pumps. They have a record of raising dividends for the past 40 years.
HOLD
HOLD
December 18, 2019
If you wanted to outperform this market, you had to own Apple. He has not owned it as he is not focused as much on technology. Although iPhone sales have not been robust, they have been moving into services and thinks 5G will create opportunity.
Show full opinionHide full opinionIf you wanted to outperform this market, you had to own Apple. He has not owned it as he is not focused as much on technology. Although iPhone sales have not been robust, they have been moving into services and thinks 5G will create opportunity.
electrical/electronic
HOLD
HOLD
December 18, 2019
This is a company you needed to outperform the market this year. He would continue to hold it as the valuation is getting a little pricey here.
Show full opinionHide full opinionThis is a company you needed to outperform the market this year. He would continue to hold it as the valuation is getting a little pricey here.
computer software/processing
WAIT
WAIT
December 18, 2019
All the telcoms in Canada have been excellent places to be as of late. Lower interest rates helped them this year. As interest rates start to go back up, the share prices in this space are vulnerable to weakness. He is not prepared to guess where rates are going. He would wait to buy.
Show full opinionHide full opinionAll the telcoms in Canada have been excellent places to be as of late. Lower interest rates helped them this year. As interest rates start to go back up, the share prices in this space are vulnerable to weakness. He is not prepared to guess where rates are going. He would wait to buy.
telephone utilities
BUY
BUY
December 18, 2019
A uber-cyclical stock into mining, roads, forestry, etc. The price of copper has broken out to the upside, which may be a signal for higher commodity prices and for this stock. He would consider buying here.
A uber-cyclical stock into mining, roads, forestry, etc. The price of copper has broken out to the upside, which may be a signal for higher commodity prices and for this stock. He would consider buying here.
machinery
DON'T BUY
DON'T BUY
December 18, 2019
He would not touch any of the cannabis stocks. They simply do not trade on any meaningful valuation metric. Even the big players do not know when they are going to become profitable. There are too many participants and there is no brand recognition yet.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe would not touch any of the cannabis stocks. They simply do not trade on any meaningful valuation metric. Even the big players do not know when they are going to become profitable. There are too many participants and there is no brand recognition yet.
agriculture
HOLD
HOLD
December 18, 2019
Being purchased? Why its trading over the $34 offer price is possibly due to short covering. There is a long period before the deal closes and Cineplex still has a chance of finding a higher bid. He would continue to hold it to tender and not sell.
Show full opinionHide full opinionBeing purchased? Why its trading over the $34 offer price is possibly due to short covering. There is a long period before the deal closes and Cineplex still has a chance of finding a higher bid. He would continue to hold it to tender and not sell.
other services
COMMENT
COMMENT
December 18, 2019
Guilty on federal charges Corruption acquisitions were dropped following a guilty decision on fraud. The stock is up almost 25% at the moment.
Show full opinionHide full opinionGuilty on federal charges Corruption acquisitions were dropped following a guilty decision on fraud. The stock is up almost 25% at the moment.
contractors
COMMENT
COMMENT
November 8, 2019
Market Outlook He thinks that sometime before the next Presidential election there will be a US-China trade deal. He is interested in what he sees as the market moving away from momentum into value stocks -- financials and industrials. Markets outside of the US are improving, including Europe, emerging markets and Canada. He sees valuations in Europe and Japan now being of much better value -- stocks in the US are not cheap. It may be time for more active management, as the US indices may not reflect what is going on globally. He has deployed some of his cash holdings recently and is looking to buy value when the opportunity presents itself.
Show full opinionHide full opinionMarket Outlook He thinks that sometime before the next Presidential election there will be a US-China trade deal. He is interested in what he sees as the market moving away from momentum into value stocks -- financials and industrials. Markets outside of the US are improving, including Europe, emerging markets and Canada. He sees valuations in Europe and Japan now being of much better value -- stocks in the US are not cheap. It may be time for more active management, as the US indices may not reflect what is going on globally. He has deployed some of his cash holdings recently and is looking to buy value when the opportunity presents itself.
HOLD
HOLD
November 8, 2019
Low interest rates? He bought the preferred shares and common stock during the last financial crisis and it has been a great stock for them. Money is flowing back into their investment business. Even in low interest rates they are prospering.
Show full opinionHide full opinionLow interest rates? He bought the preferred shares and common stock during the last financial crisis and it has been a great stock for them. Money is flowing back into their investment business. Even in low interest rates they are prospering.
insurance
DON'T BUY
DON'T BUY
November 8, 2019
He owned it earlier this year. He thought it would benefit when the North American Free Trade Agreement would be approved. That didn't quite materialize in the time line he expected. He thinks there may be better plays in the auto parts area.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe owned it earlier this year. He thought it would benefit when the North American Free Trade Agreement would be approved. That didn't quite materialize in the time line he expected. He thinks there may be better plays in the auto parts area.
transportation equip & components
DON'T BUY
DON'T BUY
November 8, 2019
He has been negative about cannabis stocks from day one. Yes, he missed the speculative run up, but he has avoided the down run as well. The sector is still in the first inning -- it is too early to know who will be the dominant players. Other sin stock sectors, like tobacco and alcohol, there are only a few large key players. When he can predict sales, earnings, cash flows then he will be willing to invest. The short term outlook looks scary as locked-in stock will be flooding the market soon. The hype is just too much. Stay away.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe has been negative about cannabis stocks from day one. Yes, he missed the speculative run up, but he has avoided the down run as well. The sector is still in the first inning -- it is too early to know who will be the dominant players. Other sin stock sectors, like tobacco and alcohol, there are only a few large key players. When he can predict sales, earnings, cash flows then he will be willing to invest. The short term outlook looks scary as locked-in stock will be flooding the market soon. The hype is just too much. Stay away.
agriculture
COMMENT
COMMENT
November 8, 2019
Westjet purchase? The purchase of on airline has always been a goal of Onex -- especially in the duopoly in Canada. Onex is largely a private equity company and sometimes accused of putting management ahead of shareholder needs. He worries a little about the valuation that private equity companies are carrying their investments at.
Show full opinionHide full opinionWestjet purchase? The purchase of on airline has always been a goal of Onex -- especially in the duopoly in Canada. Onex is largely a private equity company and sometimes accused of putting management ahead of shareholder needs. He worries a little about the valuation that private equity companies are carrying their investments at.
mngmnt/diversified
HOLD
HOLD
November 8, 2019
He owns BNS and has for a while. It is the least Canadian of the big 6 banks in Canada -- holding the least amount of assets in Canada. They have large holdings in Latin America and elsewhere. He holds US banks for exposure there.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe owns BNS and has for a while. It is the least Canadian of the big 6 banks in Canada -- holding the least amount of assets in Canada. They have large holdings in Latin America and elsewhere. He holds US banks for exposure there.
banks
HOLD
HOLD
November 8, 2019
For some of his income focused accounts he holds VET. He thinks the dividend is safe. He still believes in management. There have been some operational issues, but overall they seem to be doing well. He was concerned about their acquisition of Saskatchewan assets a year ago -- increasing in Canada was going away from their foreign asset strategy. Yield 14%
Show full opinionHide full opinionFor some of his income focused accounts he holds VET. He thinks the dividend is safe. He still believes in management. There have been some operational issues, but overall they seem to be doing well. He was concerned about their acquisition of Saskatchewan assets a year ago -- increasing in Canada was going away from their foreign asset strategy. Yield 14%
oil/gas
SPECULATIVE BUY
SPECULATIVE BUY
November 8, 2019
He used to own this. It is mostly a BC natural gas producer. Natural gas prices have been depressed and a lack of northern BC pipeline access has been shown in the stock price. He likes the management team, but the fundamentals are still a concern. Lately natural gas prices have been improving, but he wants to hold it long term. Maybe its a better short term trade. When LNG gets going on the west coast it will benefit.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe used to own this. It is mostly a BC natural gas producer. Natural gas prices have been depressed and a lack of northern BC pipeline access has been shown in the stock price. He likes the management team, but the fundamentals are still a concern. Lately natural gas prices have been improving, but he wants to hold it long term. Maybe its a better short term trade. When LNG gets going on the west coast it will benefit.
oil/gas
WATCH
WATCH
November 8, 2019
They bought a fake meat investment. They were also hurt on the Chinese tariffs on pork and beef. Investors hopes in fake meat seem to be disappearing. Like cannabis, this is the first inning of new market forming. We just don't know who will be the winners. China has made positive moves on taking more Canadian pork.
Show full opinionHide full opinionThey bought a fake meat investment. They were also hurt on the Chinese tariffs on pork and beef. Investors hopes in fake meat seem to be disappearing. Like cannabis, this is the first inning of new market forming. We just don't know who will be the winners. China has made positive moves on taking more Canadian pork.
food processing
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
November 8, 2019
(A Top Pick Nov 08/18, Up 5%) He bought this as the company has been under pressure following issues with their customers. They finally hired a new CEO, who was accepted by the market. There have been growth constraints placed on them by regulators and now they seem to be getting their act together. It is starting to follow the other US banks. He is happy to continue to hold.
Show full opinionHide full opinion(A Top Pick Nov 08/18, Up 5%) He bought this as the company has been under pressure following issues with their customers. They finally hired a new CEO, who was accepted by the market. There have been growth constraints placed on them by regulators and now they seem to be getting their act together. It is starting to follow the other US banks. He is happy to continue to hold.
banks
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
November 8, 2019
(A Top Pick Nov 08/18, Up 39%) It is a specialty semi-conductor manufacturer for factory automation and automobiles. They were subject to a takeover bid at $120. The Chinese government did not allow the deal to go through, which caused the stock to plunge below $80 -- it seemed like a smart play to buy when a big player was willing to pay much more. He is happy to continue to hold.
Show full opinionHide full opinion(A Top Pick Nov 08/18, Up 39%) It is a specialty semi-conductor manufacturer for factory automation and automobiles. They were subject to a takeover bid at $120. The Chinese government did not allow the deal to go through, which caused the stock to plunge below $80 -- it seemed like a smart play to buy when a big player was willing to pay much more. He is happy to continue to hold.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
November 8, 2019
(A Top Pick Nov 08/18, Up 7%) A German specialty chemical company that trades on the Pink Sheets in New York. They brought in a new CEO who has concentrated on their winning businesses. Interest is starting to come back into Germany and he sees good upside to come.
Show full opinionHide full opinion
This is a good indicator of the economy as it represents the movement of goods to the consumer. Amazon has disrupted their part of the world as they have setup their own delivery service in the US. At some point it will be time to buy, but it is not now.