Norman Levine
Member since: Feb '01
Managing Director at
Portfolio Management Corp
Portfolio Management Corp
4846 Opinions
Latest Top Picks
(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 74%) It has the problem that it has more debt than he would like because of an acquisition. They paid off a good chunk of the debt but there is still some left and they suffer compared to some others. It will look in the future as a super bargain at these levels. Some oil company somewhere in the world will go into bankruptcy. It makes no sense to sell it here.
(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 36%) Late last year it merged and it made them an even bigger presence in the south east US. It has a lot of cost cutting ahead of it. Long term he thinks the prospects are quite good.
(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 8%) All the new intelligent things going on in automotive makes them the biggest beneficiary of all this. He rode it up and then it came back. They are not going to go away. He is happy to own it and would buy on weakness.
It is a utility stock, a pipeline. It distributes to local people in parts of Southern Ontario. It delivers energy products and is being slammed with other energy stocks. He does not find it makes any sense. Today it is yielding 8.5%. In the long run it is going to be good. They raise their dividend every year. (Analysts’ price target is $57.95)
It is not economically sensitive even though the stock is getting hit. It is one of the biggest vaccine manufacturers in the world. They are working on a CoVid19 vaccine and they own an arthritis drug that could be a possible drug for treatment of CoVid19. (Analysts’ price target is $56.93)
Signal
Opinion
Expert
Chart
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March 12, 2020
Market. The markets cannot continue to decline the way they are as 10 days in Toronto and 15 days in New York would see the indexes at zero. In past huge dips if you owned quality companies and stuck with them, the dividend payments mostly stay where they are and the stocks will recover. He may sell bonds and go to cash. His worry is that at some point they will turn around and interest rates will go up.
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Market. The markets cannot continue to decline the way they are as 10 days in Toronto and 15 days in New York would see the indexes at zero. In past huge dips if you owned quality companies and stuck with them, the dividend payments mostly stay where they are and the stocks will recover. He may sell bonds and go to cash. His worry is that at some point they will turn around and interest rates will go up.
HOLD
HOLD
March 12, 2020
It is an excellent example of a company whose stock is getting hit here. Its economic sensitivity is as close to zero as possible. For the long term this is a great company to continue to hold. Step in and buy great companies if the stock price goes way down.
Show full opinionHide full opinionIt is an excellent example of a company whose stock is getting hit here. Its economic sensitivity is as close to zero as possible. For the long term this is a great company to continue to hold. Step in and buy great companies if the stock price goes way down.
food processing
BUY WEAKNESS
BUY WEAKNESS
March 12, 2020
All banks are down. This one is down 42% so far this year and could possibly go further. In the long term it is a bank that will continue to survive. Interest rates are going so low that they can't make a spread on the money they loan out. Banks are much better capitalized and in far better shape than in the financial crisis. It's going to hurt but you will look back in 5 years and say this was an opportunity.
Show full opinionHide full opinionAll banks are down. This one is down 42% so far this year and could possibly go further. In the long term it is a bank that will continue to survive. Interest rates are going so low that they can't make a spread on the money they loan out. Banks are much better capitalized and in far better shape than in the financial crisis. It's going to hurt but you will look back in 5 years and say this was an opportunity.
banks
WATCH
WATCH
March 12, 2020
He did not own this on the way up. It is one that is now on his radar for when things settle down. Demand for its products isnot going to go away. Most of its current problems are China-based supply chain problems.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe did not own this on the way up. It is one that is now on his radar for when things settle down. Demand for its products isnot going to go away. Most of its current problems are China-based supply chain problems.
electrical/electronic
HOLD
HOLD
March 12, 2020
It has a lot of assets outside of Canada. The price of oil has collapsed. They took quick action and kept their dividend where it was, then brought their dividend down in half and may have to again. He would not sell here. It will continue to be an oil producer for a long time.
Show full opinionHide full opinionIt has a lot of assets outside of Canada. The price of oil has collapsed. They took quick action and kept their dividend where it was, then brought their dividend down in half and may have to again. He would not sell here. It will continue to be an oil producer for a long time.
oil/gas
WATCH
WATCH
March 12, 2020
He missed it on the way up but will get a chance on the way down. It held up better than he would have thought recently. It is not going away and is going to continue to innovate.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe missed it on the way up but will get a chance on the way down. It held up better than he would have thought recently. It is not going away and is going to continue to innovate.
computer software/processing
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
March 12, 2020
(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 74%) It has the problem that it has more debt than he would like because of an acquisition. They paid off a good chunk of the debt but there is still some left and they suffer compared to some others. It will look in the future as a super bargain at these levels. Some oil company somewhere in the world will go into bankruptcy. It makes no sense to sell it here.
Show full opinionHide full opinion(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 74%) It has the problem that it has more debt than he would like because of an acquisition. They paid off a good chunk of the debt but there is still some left and they suffer compared to some others. It will look in the future as a super bargain at these levels. Some oil company somewhere in the world will go into bankruptcy. It makes no sense to sell it here.
oil/gas
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
March 12, 2020
(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 36%) Late last year it merged and it made them an even bigger presence in the south east US. It has a lot of cost cutting ahead of it. Long term he thinks the prospects are quite good.
Show full opinionHide full opinion(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 36%) Late last year it merged and it made them an even bigger presence in the south east US. It has a lot of cost cutting ahead of it. Long term he thinks the prospects are quite good.
Financial Services
PAST TOP PICK
PAST TOP PICK
March 12, 2020
(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 8%) All the new intelligent things going on in automotive makes them the biggest beneficiary of all this. He rode it up and then it came back. They are not going to go away. He is happy to own it and would buy on weakness.
Show full opinionHide full opinion(A Top Pick Apr 17/19, Down 8%) All the new intelligent things going on in automotive makes them the biggest beneficiary of all this. He rode it up and then it came back. They are not going to go away. He is happy to own it and would buy on weakness.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
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March 12, 2020
What if you have no more money to put to work? What happens in the short run can be very unpleasant but if you have quality it will do fine in the long run. Don't go in on margin or with debt, however.
Show full opinionHide full opinionWhat if you have no more money to put to work? What happens in the short run can be very unpleasant but if you have quality it will do fine in the long run. Don't go in on margin or with debt, however.
HOLD
HOLD
March 12, 2020
Nobody knows what the Saudi price is doing and Putin is worrying about himself and trying to be in power for life. SU-T will be a survivor. It has a health dividend that is probably not at risk. The share buy-back program may be at risk. He would not worry about it.
Show full opinionHide full opinionNobody knows what the Saudi price is doing and Putin is worrying about himself and trying to be in power for life. SU-T will be a survivor. It has a health dividend that is probably not at risk. The share buy-back program may be at risk. He would not worry about it.
integrated oils
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March 12, 2020
Currency Risk. You have to be cognoscente of currency around the world. He buys only the best companies around the world. It does not look like the Canadian dollar is coming down as much as the US$ so as you see huge losses on US markets, after currency conversion your investment has not come down quite as much. Coming out of the financial crisis the US markets were the ones to own. Currencies tend to even off after 10 years.
Show full opinionHide full opinionCurrency Risk. You have to be cognoscente of currency around the world. He buys only the best companies around the world. It does not look like the Canadian dollar is coming down as much as the US$ so as you see huge losses on US markets, after currency conversion your investment has not come down quite as much. Coming out of the financial crisis the US markets were the ones to own. Currencies tend to even off after 10 years.
DON'T BUY
DON'T BUY
March 12, 2020
He would wait for now and would prefer SLF-T. Insurance companies can't benefit from lowering interest rates.
He would wait for now and would prefer SLF-T. Insurance companies can't benefit from lowering interest rates.
insurance
TOP PICK
TOP PICK
March 12, 2020
It is a utility stock, a pipeline. It distributes to local people in parts of Southern Ontario. It delivers energy products and is being slammed with other energy stocks. He does not find it makes any sense. Today it is yielding 8.5%. In the long run it is going to be good. They raise their dividend every year. (Analysts’ price target is $57.95)
Show full opinionHide full opinionIt is a utility stock, a pipeline. It distributes to local people in parts of Southern Ontario. It delivers energy products and is being slammed with other energy stocks. He does not find it makes any sense. Today it is yielding 8.5%. In the long run it is going to be good. They raise their dividend every year. (Analysts’ price target is $57.95)
oil/gas pipelines
TOP PICK
TOP PICK
March 12, 2020
It is not economically sensitive even though the stock is getting hit. It is one of the biggest vaccine manufacturers in the world. They are working on a CoVid19 vaccine and they own an arthritis drug that could be a possible drug for treatment of CoVid19. (Analysts’ price target is $56.93)
Show full opinionHide full opinionIt is not economically sensitive even though the stock is getting hit. It is one of the biggest vaccine manufacturers in the world. They are working on a CoVid19 vaccine and they own an arthritis drug that could be a possible drug for treatment of CoVid19. (Analysts’ price target is $56.93)
Pharma & Healthcare
TOP PICK
TOP PICK
March 12, 2020
He has $130 Billion is cash right now so he is not panicking. He will view this as quite an opportunity.
Show full opinionHide full opinionHe has $130 Billion is cash right now so he is not panicking. He will view this as quite an opportunity.
insurance
WAIT
WAIT
December 18, 2019
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.
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.
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