DON'T BUY
Controversy over short-seller allegations and a lowball bid in a takeover attempt that puzzled investors. This has been rebounded off its lows but he can't accept the high valuations of these cannabis companies, some being extreme, and based on speculation.
DON'T BUY
Major assets include the 407, with the core engineering construction assets for a very low single-digit PE multiple. But SNC has perpetually disappointed through earnings misses or bad headlines. They need to win back investor confidence in their core engineering business. There's always another shoe to drop with SNC. Unpredictable.
DON'T BUY
Unpredictable and cyclical industry. He avoids steel. We're late in the cycle so it's dangerous. He prefers Stelco for its cleaner balance sheet.
COMMENT
Owning stocks in US vs. CA dollars Generally, to own some money in USD is a good idea as a diversification tool. The loonie is more volatile, given oil prices fluctuating. The US is one of the strongest economies in the world, certainly better than Canada's, due to weak performance in western Canada and rising taxes. A balanced approach between CAD and USD is the best. Say the CAD goes to par, then move into USD, and vice versa when CAD falls to 65 cents.
COMMENT
Cutting production and dividend recently, but the stock price is still low. It's the ultimate contrarian pick. Something eventually will happen to revalue this stock, like somebody buys it. Cutting the dividend and paying down debt were the right decisions they've made. With crude prices rising and the WCS spread shrinking, something will eventually happen to this stock.
TOP PICK
A well-run blue chip. The price fells after a poor Q3. But it's moving into organics and just announced a new poultry operation with a new facility in London, ON. Trades at only 8x EBITDA. Great value. Solid balance sheet. (Analysts’ price target is $38.22)
TOP PICK
Their core P&C insurance business has improved in recent years. They now have a lot of cash. You're betting on Prem Watsa's investing acumen who will put that capital to work. Trading close to book value for the first time in six years. (Analysts’ price target is $748.46)
TOP PICK
Poor Q3 pressured the stock, but sees secular growth in warehouse automation, healthcare equipment and e-cars (to do the automation in those factories). A healthy balance sheet. They just announced an acqusition; he expects more M&A to drive growth. Trading at a low multiple vs. history and peers. Good value here. (Analysts’ price target is $23.25)
COMMENT
News that the owner of a crypto exchange died and took the password to $190 million of cryptos with him. It's not the first issue in this space. Last year, there were similar problems in Asia with fraud or people losing the password. Generally, he sees how cryptos are useful in some cases, namely developing nations, but in a developed country with perfectly good banking, it raises the question of why tie up a lot of money in a crypto apart from speculating?
COMMENT
Markets trading higher today in the US. Tale of two markets for the last two months. Trade tariffs with China, corporate earnings growth, rising interest rates and slowing economy in US, which impacted markets down south and in Canada. In January, reversal of many of those factors. Closer to China trade deal, resilient corporate earnings, recession pushed off, Fed less aggressive. Q1 has started extremely strong, and if it continues, provides a good base for equity markets.
COMMENT
Do we need the US and China to reach a trade deal? Equity markets are important to Trump, and a deal will push them higher. We're going to get a resolution with China and tariffs. March deadline will probably be pushed out. It will be a fair trade deal, but good for Trump and his popularity, a springboard to launch the next election.
COMMENT
Earnings season thus far. Earnings season is as usual. Most companies beat because they guide towards a number they can beat. Recent anomaly is that companies have disappointed, but the market goes higher. So the market is looking out 12 months. Corporate earnings are moving higher, just at a decelerated rate. 2019 will move higher and provide a good base for the market.
BUY
Great Canadian success story. Not cheap, and extremely volatile. But it's resilient and has always bounced back. He'd continue to buy. It's a high multiple stock, so gets hit harder when the market gets hit.
BUY
Has been one of the leaders in the REIT industrial space. This is an opportunity to buy. Look at it for a 1-3 year hold. If you like the name, hold.
HOLD
One concern is where will they find growth. Does have safety, a strong dividend. A widows and orphans stock. He doesn't own it, but sees no problem if you do. (Analysts’ price target is $58.00)