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Stock Opinions by Chris Blumas

COMMENT
US consumer inflation slowing.

Today's data corroborated the trends already in place, that inflation across NA is cooling. It gets people wondering when rate cuts will start? Not only is inflation cooling, but there are so many economic indicators (especially on the consumer side) showing how drastically things are slowing.

Inflation and rate cuts are two big things that are capturing investors' attention right now.

Unknown
COMMENT
How much will Fed cut in September?

He doesn't think it would be 50 bps. Tough period macroeconomically because many signs of consumer weakness and a weakening economy, but on the flipside employment, wages, and stock market valuations are all still quite strong. So it would be difficult to justify a 50 basis point cut.

Unknown
COMMENT
Path for rate cuts.

In a softening cycle versus a hardening cycle, rate cuts can be a lot more gradual. It doesn't preclude that down the road, the Fed could revert and raise again. Historically, that has happened a few times. A shorter, more shallow rate-cutting cycle to get the economy back on track, and then they have to raise again.

It's a potential move that you don't hear much about.

Unknown
COMMENT
Opportunities right now.

He's both being defensive and buying the dips in tech. You look for opportunities when good companies sell off. Biggest value right now is in interest-sensitive, slower growth companies. Wouldn't chase valuations on higher growth companies, but when some do sell off and hit your buy price, it's a good opportunity to take advantage of.

Unknown
COMMENT
US vs. Canadian exposure.

He doesn't really break it down that way. But if you look at the US equity markets and the PE multiple on the S&P 500 relative to historical averages, it's richer than almost any other equity market in the world. You have to be cautious there.

Unknown
HOLD
Lumine Group

He got it as part of a spinoff from CSU. No issues with the company, well run. Valuation a bit rich. CSU is a lot more diversified, and that's his hesitancy in adding more. If you own it, hold. For a new position, wait for lower valuation.

Technology
DON'T BUY
Dye & Durham

Avoid. Lots of issues -- governance, infighting, balance sheet. Lots of volatility.

Technology
HOLD
Bank of Montreal

Overall, quite constructive on banking sector in Canada. Valuations are reasonable, dividend yields quite high, capital bases very strong. So important to look at capital, as that determines what they can do. Well run. 

Hit hard last quarter because of its acquisition of a regional bank, which tend to be bigger lenders to commercial real estate. Investors may look at this as a show-me story. If you own it, just sit tight.

He tends to own RY, TD, and BNS.

banks
BUY ON WEAKNESS

Absolutely wonderful. Well run. Very opportunistic on capital allocation. Circle K stores are popping up everywhere. Today's valuation of 18-18.5x earnings puts it above his buy price; he'd prefer a multiple point lower. Don't chase.

Very difficult to make money in this space, but they have a formula that works and is difficult to replicate. As they get bigger, they have scale and pricing power, which improves profitability.

(Analysts’ price target is $86.00)
food stores
BUY
Enghouse Systems

Very frustrating. He stays because of the valuation. Massive free cashflow yield, debt-free. Not doing all it can to realize value for shareholders. Needs an activist. He's holding, and would buy today for new clients.

computer software / processing
STRONG BUY
Alphabet Inc

Phenomenally undervalued. Sold off due to negative headlines on anti-trust. Whether it stays as one or gets broken up, massive amount of value. If it no longer pays fees for exclusive Search access on smartphones, but people still choose to use them, enhances profitability.

20x earnings, gushes cash, debt-free. He'd buy today.

Technology
DON'T BUY
Parkland Fuel Corp

Not a baby Couche-Tard, as PKI depends more on fuel. Internal struggle between owners. If you don't own, buy ATD instead on a pullback. If you do own, sit tight and wait for drama to play out. Not worth the risk.

merchandising / lodging
BUY
Walt Disney Co.

Really likes, almost made it to today's Top Pick. This quarter saw weakness in parks, but strength in media and streaming. Lots of hidden value, and management's taking steps to realize. Market's so quick to judge, but Iger has improved free cashflow and capital allocation.

entertainment services
DON'T BUY
Telus Corp

On most income stocks, you're just there for the dividend. He needs a bit of growth as well, as it helps your total return. He's wary of telecom right now. Price wars are not going to be short term. Earnings growth will be weak.

telephone utilities
PAST TOP PICK
Toronto Dominion
(A Top Pick Aug 03/23, Down 3%)

He'd still buy today. Trading at a discount to peers. Taking lots of steps to correct things.

banks
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