Latest Stock Buy or Sell?

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly As one of Canada's largest financial and insurance providers, we again reiterate MFC as a TOP PICK. Recently reported earnings missed expectations, due to higher than expected mortality rates in the US due to COVID. However, moving forward the company recently de-risked a sizable portion of their US annuity business that frees up over $2 billion in capital. Higher interest rates will also benefit the company. It trades at only 5x earnings, supports a ROE over 18% and is valued just under book. It pays a healthy dividend, backed by a payout ratio under 30%. We continue to recommend a stop loss at $21.50, looking to achieve $28 -- upside potential over 18%. Yield 5.6% (Analysts’ price target is $27.67)

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly We reiterate this regional bank, who is growing market share in key markets in the Southeast, West Coast and Chicago and is expanding its presence with an effective fintech platform strategy. Recently reported earnings indicated growth in both loans and deposits. We like that cash reserves are remaining steady, while the company aggressively retires debt and buys back stock. The company has increased dividends for 11 consecutive years and the payout ratio is only 35% of cash flow. Rising interest rates will help their bottom line going forward. We continue to recommend a stop loss at $27, looking to achieve $48 -- upside over 25%. Yield 3.0% (Analysts’ price target is $48.36)

Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly We again reitereate this top retail pharmacy and health care insurance company as a TOP PICK. Sales are up over 8% over the year with net income of $8 billion. It pays a good dividend backed by a payout ratio under 40% of cash flow. We like that it has continued to build cash reserves, while aggressively retiring debt and buying back shares. We recommend moving the stop loss (from $90) down to $85, looking to achieve $117 -- upside potential of 24%. Yield 2.29% (Analysts’ price target is $117.39)

(A Top Pick May 05/22, Up 26.3%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with WEYS has achieved its $30 target. To remain disciplined, we recommend covering half the position at this time and trailing up the stop (from $19.00) to $24.50.

(A Top Pick Mar 24/22, Up 13.7%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with MRK is progressing well. To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $80) to $85.

(A Top Pick May 17/22, Up 12.7%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with EOG is progressing well. To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $105) to $115.

(A Top Pick May 10/22, Up 8.5%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with LFUS is progressing well. To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $210) to $230.