Latest Top Picks

Stock Opinions by Fred Ketchen

TOP PICK
BCE Inc.
Being acquired in the late 1st quarter or the early 2nd quarter by the Ontario Teachers Pension plan at $42.75. There will be 2 dividends paid during that period. The yield over all will be about 9%.
telephone utilities
TOP PICK
Interesting menu and they have the health thing going for them. The US holdings is very limited.
food services
TOP PICK
Pulled the plug on Galore Lake and he feels they did the right thing. If the cost is out of line, pull back and wait.
Mining
HOLD
The problem with this company seems to be in their US operations and they have some challenges there. Give them a little bit more time to work through it.
insurance
DON'T BUY
Air Canada (A)
Suffering from the same things that a lot of airlines are suffering from, high fuel costs, high maintenance costs, etc. and until there is some appreciable increase in fares or some other way, he would stay away from it.
Transportation
WEAK BUY
Has had trouble squaring away revenues, profitability, inventory, etc. There is a lot of competition. Would consider going in at this time but would like to see what the next quarter brings.
specialty stores
BUY
CAE Inc
With the number of new aircraft being sold the requirements for flight simulators will continue to improve. There is growth there.
transportation equip & components
BUY
The smallest of the Canadian banks. Will be reporting next week. Was profitable last quarter. Good growth and pays a dividend.
banks
BUY
Good management. Company has grown, is profitable and pays a dividend regularly.
insurance
BUY
Toronto Dominion
Recently acquired Bank of Commerce in Manhattan and at a half decent price. The growth rate with this bank is going to be attractive.
banks
HOLD
Merging with the Reuters organization, which will probably change their business model. Pays a dividend. Not an exciting stock.
publishing / printing
DON'T BUY
Royal Bank
Prefers other banks and would be a seller on any strength.
banks
STRONG BUY
Encana Corp
Doing extremely well and will continue to do so. Has lots of growth potential.
oil / gas
TOP PICK
TMX Group
A strong a market performer. Almost has a monopoly on trading in Canada. Extremely well run. Should continue to grow.
other services
WAIT
Would wait to see the results of the inquiry of the SEC. The air needs to be cleared.
Healthcare
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