COMMENT
Markets. Expecting Q2, Q3 and Q4 should see a weaker Europe and some earnings revisions as the austerity measures start to take effect.
HOLD
Probably best of breed of large-cap companies. Good balance sheet, great dividend and good growth profile. In the next little while they're going to have to spend a ton of money upgrading facilities and ports. There is slowing Chinese demand. On the positive side they are getting into the energy business, which is currently about 30% of earnings. You might want to wait for an Australian dollar pullback and perhaps slightly lower commodity prices. If you get it a good entry point it could be a good long-term hold. 3% dividend.
BUY
If you can find a good quality telecom and hold it over time, GDP growth is about 2% and the telecoms find a way to take 2% of your wallet. Reasonable dividend. Good balance sheet. Reasonable growth profile.
WAIT
The big driver for the drop in price is effectively the issues in Spain. High unemployment, very competitive market and Vodafone has been effectively putting the boots to them. Company cut its dividend. Longer term he doesn't think the story is going to end really badly. If Spain can stabilize and growth in Latin America continues you can get some growth. Would wait 12-18 months.
COMMENT
What sector would you recommend for a young person just starting to build their portfolio? He would suggest buying some good quality dividend paying stocks. Telecom sector has generally performed quite well. Utilities are a little rich right now but as the economy starts to recover a little bit more you might be able to cycle into these as well. Start with something safe that has a good dividend.
COMMENT
Emerging market exposure. It effectively builds a portfolio of assets, builds them up, sells them off and monetizes assets. Its biggest stake is 44% of Verizon Wireless (VZ-N), which just recently paid its 1st dividend. Margins in India are very skinny but Africa is quite large growing market. Slow growth story but you get big dividends.
COMMENT
Is the 9.5% dividend safe? If there is a decline in the currency, it could be affected. Recently spun off Corus (?) division, which was a one time special dividend, which created a significant spike. Going forward, it will follow the Australian telecom space and bring a broadband network out.
DON'T BUY
There are some issues happening with regards to the shipping industry. On the container side you have overcapacity. 2010 was a record year but 2011 was a very poor year and you are generally starting to see freight rates climb. There are others that he would prefer.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jan 30/12. Down 8.09%.)
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jan 30/12. Down 7.74%.) (Euronext Exchange) Europe is basically unwinding but the business is doing fine and is growing. Very inexpensive. Still a Buy.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jan 30/12. Up 5.85%.) Carlsberg Beer. (Trades on the OMX Exchange). Still likes.
TOP PICK
(London Stock Exchange) The best performing supermarket chain in all of Europe last year and had positive growth. Buying back shares. Good dividend. Vertically integrated.
TOP PICK
LCD’s, which is everything from cell phones through to TVs through to screens. That business is currently having a pretty tough time but market is starting to rationalize supply, which will be good for the story. Into a joint venture with Samsung and ultimately any earnings will be 100% credited to earnings. Also make fibre-optic cable and the telecom business will do really well. Fortress balance sheet. Very cheap.
TOP PICK
29 years of consecutive dividend increases. Good balance sheet. Buying back shares. Should benefit from the low natural gas prices. 2.8% dividend.
COMMENT
Markets. We had a very strong day after 5 days down on S&P 500. There were some favourable comments out of China. There may be some easing in the future. There was a bit of the risk trade back on, which benefits Canada. Think this uptrend will continue, especially if we have lower oil prices, which will eventually translate into lower gasoline prices. Retail sales numbers are decent.