Latest Top Picks

Stock Opinions by Dan Rohinton

COMMENT

Believes it will be important to stay diversified and defensive in 2025. Will be important to keep gains from 2024 and 2023. After a period of strong gains - history of markets is towards average gains (~10%). Expecting China to remain important player in the global markets. Chinese markets could be a risk to recession if tariffs are placed on Asian markets. Even if investors don't own Chinese stocks - mush be observant. A.I. stocks show potential, but as a whole, is difficult to  measure cash flow/valuations etc. Will take time to determine winners in the A.I. race. 

Unknown
TOP PICK

Most diversified managed health care company (own clinics, software & insurance). Recent assassination of CEO not a major concern in terms of outlook for the business (although was a tragedy). Ability to raise prices very strong, with excellent margins on products. Will continue to buy shares. 

medical services
TOP PICK
Waste Connections

Regional monopoly in Canadian markets. Very good position within the market. Able to maintain pricing with margin expansions. Cooling inflation also good for labor costs and bottom line. Not a "roll up" strategy, but might start to look at buying other companies. 

Transportation & Environmental Services
TOP PICK
Microsoft Corp

Misunderstood company - best source of value is distribution (not new tech). Ability to scale new technologies unprecedented. Ability to manage capital and manage business very strong. Excellent margins and strong cash flows. CEO is essential to company success, but company has reached "escape velocity", so not concerned about management ability (can be replaced). 

computer software / processing
PAST TOP PICK
Linde PLC
(A Top Pick Jul 25/24, Down 6%)

Has held stock for 10 years, and will continue to buy more shares. Believes company is under valued, with great future ahead. 

chemicals
PAST TOP PICK
Mastercard Inc.
(A Top Pick Jul 25/24, Up 21%)

Has owned for ~10 years. Excellent business that will continue to own. 

other services
PAST TOP PICK
Tryg A/S
(A Top Pick Jul 25/24, Up 6%)

"Intact Financial" of the Nordic states. Very good dividend. Strong cash flow margins and business strategy. Will continue to own. Very good business. 

0
DON'T BUY
Gibson Energy

Would lean away from company. Large portion of EBITDA comes from marketing - not take or pay contracts (guaranteed income). Better options for midstream investors like Pembina. 

pipelines
BUY
Manulife Financial

Great business, especially with current interest rates. Would be top insurance pick in Canada. Excellent business with strong management team. 

insurance
HOLD
Uber

Future growth looks strong. However, unsure on future of automated cars with competition from Waymo etc. 

Technology
SELL ON STRENGTH
Reddit Inc.

Would recommend selling shares. Media and social media very competitive. Other companies like Snapchat, Meta and X can erase future of company very quickly. Too hard to determine outlook for this business. 

communications / media
BUY
Enbridge

Business has very strong dividend yield. No need to write covered calls (steady income). Is the best midstream company in Canada. Also has regulated utility aspect to earnings which is robust as well. 

oil / gas pipelines
BUY ON WEAKNESS
AtkinsRealis Group

Good price to enter right now. Would prefer WSB over this company. Quality earnings, especially after recent changes. 

0
PARTIAL BUY
BCE Inc.

Would hold for at least 5 years. Fiber assets and recent transition of business will take time to pan out. Strong dividend yield a signal of short term weakness. Investors must be willing to hold for a long term (at least 5 years). 

telephone utilities
SELL ON STRENGTH
Dollarama Inc.

Would recommend selling shares at this time. Strong business model, but company is over valued. Store growth in Canada has slowed - moving towards Mexico, which is risky. Buy on cheaper valuation. 

Consumer Products
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