Latest Top Picks

Stock Opinions by Craig MacAdam

PAST TOP PICK
Suncor Energy Inc
(A Top Pick May 14/09. Up 3%.) Now hearing more details on the integration with Petrocan. Should continue to strengthen.
integrated oils
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 14/09. Down 1.7%.) Historically the pharmaceutical side is very profitable but the Ontario regulatory review is making investors nervous.
specialty stores
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 14/09. Up 53.8%.) Of all the base metals copper still looks the most attractive. Have come a long way on the ramp up of the new Zambia mine. Still likes.
metal mines
TOP PICK
Strong management and strong franchise network. Just posted 2 profitable quarters in the US. Things are still doing very well in Canada. Long-term PE multiple is about 20X.
food services
TOP PICK
Anvil Mining Ltd.
Pure copper play in the Democratic Republic of Congo so extremely risky because of politics. They were in a financially distressed position but now have a partner and are back on track.
metal mines
TOP PICK
Daylight Energy Ltd
Acquisition of Highpine gave them a 30% weighting in oil. Will be able to take the cash flow from this and reinvest it in natural gas. Also has a lot of conventional acreage but new technology will make these plays a lot more profitable. 11.2% yield should be safe for the next 12 months. When they convert to a corp, dividend will probably go down but will be more than made up for in growth.
oil / gas
WAIT
One of the few plays left to play pure steel stocks in North America. Global player. Would be cautious on steel companies today because of the significant ramp up of production in China while prices have been pretty well flat. Demand could be down because of economies. Earnings coming out on Nov 5.
steel
HOLD
Not a national player. Consolidation will continue in this market and will eventually be a target so you are better to wait for this and get the 8% yield.
telephone utilities
BUY
Cameco Corporation
Very bullish on uranium and this is one of the market leaders. Fully integrated in the nuclear cycle from mining to enrichment as well as some exposure to electrical generation. You have to be prepared for operational disappointments.
integrated mines
DON'T BUY
Manulife Financial
$26 stock price is not too far-fetched if we get the US consumer coming back and there is economic growth in the developed world and there is continued recovery. Extremely exposed to what happens in the equity markets.
insurance
HOLD
Telus Corp
5.7% dividend is safe. Rogers (RCI.B-T) has the most exposure to wireless and cable and Bell (BCE-T) has the least exposure so this company falls in between. If you're willing to take risks, Rogers would be your choice but for a more defensive play, Bell would be it.
telephone utilities
BUY
McDonalds
Leader in their space and able to take advantage of their competitors. Great core position. Good exposure to emerging markets. Foreign currency profits gain through a weaker US$. 3.7% yield.
food services
BUY
iPhone will be available to Bell (BCE-T) and Telus (R-T) by the end of the month, which is a significant competitive threat to them. A Buy if you are more aggressive on the telecom space.
Cable
DON'T BUY
Exploration/production oil company in Columbia. Has had a really good run. He recently sold his holdings. Doesn't see them being acquired in the near term. Could see it reaching $17-$18 in 3 years if they keep operating as is so you have to wait to get there.
oil / gas
DON'T BUY
Augusta Gold
Between Eldorado (ELD-T), Goldcorp (G-T) and Yamana (YRI-T), Goldcorp would be his favourite however, seasonally, he is a little bit cautious on gold. US$ has been extremely weak and very beneficial to gold prices but is becoming a a bit of a crowded trade so commodities are probably poised for a pullback.
precious metals
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