DON'T BUY
Growth rate went from 30% three years ago to almost low single digits or flat. Not performing well. The group is in the early stages of a turn around, but would be more inclined to buy the company that has flourished through this period. Would prefer Abbott Labs (ABT-N).
DON'T BUY
A laggard in an industry that's been doing pretty well. There's better places to be. Would consider something that's more focused on nickel or copper.
BUY
The biotech sector is one of the first growth oriented groups that turned up and has been relatively strong all year. Likes this one because it has a diversified revenue line. Growing cash flow.
DON'T BUY
One of the concerns that he does have about the market is that the transport group is under performing the industrials and the utilities. Probably has to do with high energy costs. Probably the best run railroad in North America.
DON'T BUY
He doesn't buy stocks in decline and tries not to buy turnarounds. This one is getting to a point where some of the uncertainty is coming out of the company. However, they've had to make so many cuts, you wonder how they are going to fare with a significant decrease in R&D spending.
DON'T BUY
There's no sign whatsoever that they've got this thing turned around. Very little in the Canadian health care sector that looks good.
BUY
Of the technology companies in the US, one of the shining lights right now is the memory/data storage business.
DON'T BUY
Prefers others such as Abbott Labs (ABT-N).
HOLD
A great pure play on nickel. Share price performance has been reasonable because the metals have had a bit of a sideways consolidation in the last little while. Have upside on their 2 development plays. Would look to see a little bit more share price strength before he entered.
TOP PICK
Hits on a number of key market themes right now. Good yield. Looking for consitancy and cash return. This pays on a monthly basis. In 3 basic businesses 1) gas extraction which is 50% of their revenue, 2) Cold Lake pipeline for the growth coming out of the tar sands and 3) their conventional pipeline business which is very steady. Have raised distributions every year.
TOP PICK
If you want growth in North America, you have to focus on retail. Their core constituency is the 18/24 age crowd. In 22 states, so have lots of room to grow. Same store sales are growing very nicely at about 8%.
TOP PICK
A growth company. There's a lot of consumer debt in the US and companies have to very sophisticated about the way they measure the amount of risk. A cash flow story. Have been taking their excess cash and buying back shares. Pays a dividend and have increased their dividend along the way.
BUY
Things look good for them. Won a patent case against Johnson & Johnson (JNJ-N).
HOLD
A lot of problems with the government. Could be some buyers for the company and if you own, you could end up with a small premium over the present price. A lot of uncertainty and this will continue.
TOP PICK
Will be turning themselves into an income trust. Have sold their international drilling operation and their energy services. You are left with the domestic drilling business which is going great guns.