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Stock Opinions by Paul Harris, CFA

COMMENT

The volatility in the markets is partly due to the unpredictability of what Donald Trump will do. Also the market has been trading at high levels and interest rates are about 4.5% so it does offer an alternative to stocks. The Fed is unsure about what to do. We were on a path to lower interest rates globally but now the U.S. says maybe not. The tariffs would basically be a supply shock to the economy.  However you can use volatility to buy companies you really like for the long term at cheaper valuations. This is not necessarily good for short term traders. It is difficult for people to go from cash into the market.

Unknown
Unspecified

They make the Canada Arm but the real growth in the satellite business is in low orbit satellites - it is much cheaper. MDA is a leader in this with a big backlog and a lower cost structure. It has done well in this area lately but there is lumpiness in the earnings.

electrical / electronic
COMMENT

He doesn't follow it that well. Although quantum computing is quite far off AI will continue to grow the need for data centres so more energy will be needed. Therefore CEG should do well.

electrical utilities
Unspecified

The issue was in the U.S. resulting in a big fine but that is now out of the way. TD now has an opportunity to get rid of businesses not giving a good rate of return and an opportunity to do a better job than other banks. It has more exposure to the retail side. Also volatility helps investment banking. TD is under the microscope.

banks
COMMENT

It is going through a very big re-structuring but he's not sure what they want to do, They have a big franchise in Asia and the UK. They sold the Canadian side of the business to Royal Bank which did well with it.

banks
COMMENT

Nuclear power is a way forward and there is a case for smaller nuclear power plants. He doesn't like cyclical stocks but Cameco is in a bit of a sweet spot. Lots of power will be needed for AI data centres.

integrated mines
Unspecified

He owns Novo but Eli Lilly is a great company in the sweet spot of an obesity drug and other drugs as well. It has done well for the last little while. Manufacturing drugs is not easy and takes lots of time from approval to production. It is a huge franchise and can grow quite a lot.

biotechnology / pharmaceutical
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 28/23, Up 31%)

It produces medical devices which is a good business to be in. The aging population needs their products and there is a backlog from Covid. Their products change the quality of life and reduce hospital stays to a couple of days. 71% of its business comes from the U.S. and there is lots of growth internationally.

biotechnology / pharmaceutical
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 28/23, Up 35%)

There is lots of growth internationally. The banks take on the risks in using the cards. It has become too big but that can change. The loyalty programs really help in the credit card business but there is a possibility that they may not be used as much in the future.

other services
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 28/23, Up 53%)

It is a framing business for eye wear. People need more glasses due to so much computer use which can affect the eyes. Also includes frames for fashionable sunglasses etc. There is lots of growth.

Healthcare
BUY

He has owned it for a long time. There is a lot of overhang on the stock due to the attempt to buy the Seven Eleven chain. Investors wonder what happens next since it didn't go through. It is incredibly well run and rationalizes their acquisitions. It is ahead of the curve in several ways.

food stores
Unspecified

He owns both this and Manulife. Rates going up have helped a lot. They are working on improving the U.S. side which wasn't going well. The Canadian side is doing well.

insurance
BUY

He has owned this for a long time. The issue is partly AI and worries about how it can use AI effectively. Also its $80 billion in capital expenditures. This can hurt margins and free cash flow but Capex is coming down. It is big on the institutional side and we should see the value of that next year.

computer software / processing
BUY

It has been a very good year so far but people are worried about tariffs and unpredictability. However pipelines are safer with regard to tariffs. Pipelines find it difficult to do business in Canada with limited growth due to regulations but they do better in the U.S.

oil / gas pipelines
BUY

Its main business is a great one and they have sold off their non-core assets. At 23X earnings it trades at a premium to the sector. The buying of the Kansas City line gives them a franchise from Canada to Mexico. It is good to buy for the long term as well as CN Rail.

Transportation
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