Latest Stock Buy or Sell? Make More Informed Decisions!

A global asset manager, primarily focusing on 3 main areas; real estate, renewable power and infrastructure. There was concern earlier in the year about a backup in rates. Heavily invested in hard assets globally. They look for countries or areas that are undervalued, or companies that have a little problem so that they can buy them at a cheaper price, fix it up and realize the value. They also give regularly annual dividend increases.

This has done a pretty good job. They have assets in Western Canada as well as a natural gas play in Asia. Also has a Western Canadian refinery. They’ve done a decent job, but he prefers Crescent Point (CPG-T) or Cenovus (CVE-T).

Manufactures very powerful drugs for hepatitis C and HIV. Trading at a very cheap valuation, about 7.5X next year’s earnings. They also have a pipeline of new drugs. Has cash which can be used for an acquisition. Given the cheap valuation and their strong franchises in their drugs, this is very compelling.

For many years this had a very conservative balance sheet, primarily in Western Canada. A few years ago they made an acquisition in Texas. His issue is that their debt levels are very high at 5X debt to cash flow. The dividend payout is at about 112%. He prefers names that have a better, stronger balance sheet.

A global insurer, property, casualty, etc. Currently, they are trying to buy Allied World that has a $5 billion market cap, a Swiss based insurer. Right now, Fairfax is getting about 75% of their premiums from North America, and 25% from the rest of the world. It has spun off some different subsidiaries, and currently are in an IPO process for Fairfax Africa. A good company, but valuation is a little higher than what he likes to pay.

This has been in business for a long time. They have operations in Winnipeg as well as in Minnesota. Many of the cities get grants from the US federal levels. Having operations in the US, they’ve been compliant with the Buy American provisions. They’ve also helped consolidate the bus manufacturing industry, so now there are only about 3 or 4 main players. Very well-run company. He doesn’t expect any changes to the Buy American provisions.

An Eastern based railroad. When Hunter Harrison was still employed by Canadian Pacific (CP-T), overtures were made to do a merger. He used to own this because it was cheap, hoping that the existing management would turn it around. If you own, he would be inclined to take some profits.

Its big assets are Tim Hortons and Burger King. Bought this in the high $50s and thinks it is a good company. They have debt, but that will be paid down rapidly. With the extra cash flow, they will buy back shares and increase the dividend. He is more excited about Tim Hortons then Burger King, but overall thinks it is a good company.

(A Top Pick Jan 22/16. Up 9.17%.) This has energy and infrastructure. Mid-streaming was their original business. Also, has power in Canada and the US as well as some regulated utilities. Very well-run. 6% dividend yield.

(A Top Pick Jan 22/16. Up 17.23%.) This has over 300 plants globally. They are investing a lot of money into their Magna Steyr operations in Austria. The CapX is going to go up this year, but it will decline next year. Good dividend growth and good free cash flow.

(A Top Pick Jan 22/16. Up 34.16%.) A very solid, stable company. The original business was pension benefits, but have also expanded into employees’ system programs which is growing. They’ve acquired some contracts in the US and thinks there are good opportunities for acquisitions there. He still likes this. They’ve retained 97%-98% of their customers. They have the ability to grow their dividend at a steady pace.

A Western Canadian-based telecom provider. Many years ago they made the wise decision not to get into content. They’ve had a very successful record over the years of paying a dividend and growing it. Over the next couple of years, they will have to pay for some spectrum. Debt has increased on their balance sheet, so they really should slow down their dividend growth rate. They will face more competition with Shaw, after Shaw having acquired Wind Mobile.

We’ve had a fantastic Canadian real estate market for more than a decade. For the last 5 years, it has really been a story of Vancouver and Toronto. This company has a good model where they receive a royalty from their agents. There is a little concern that the number of agents may decline. Great company and great strong management, but not sure how long the residential real estate cycle can last. Dividend yield of 8.1%.

The former Aeroplan, originally in Canada and diversified to other countries. The CEO is taking a 4 months medical leave. He has concerns about growth going forward as well as debt levels. Dividend yield of about 9.3%.

Provides railway ties for railroads, and utility poles for North American utilities. Some of the major class 1 railroads have reduced their CapX. This company is one of the main suppliers, and railroads have to maintain their networks. Expects their business will come back in the 2^nd half of 2017. He likes the company. Very strong management. They have a history of growing their dividends.