COMMENT

On his radar. One of the best in class natural gas producers, but he prefers another one. He's not super bullish nat gas right now, though perhaps there's a long-term opportunity if they build more infrastructure on the west coast.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Mar 28/22, Down 12%)

A year ago, oil prices spiked sharply because of the Russian war. Also, a leftist government won the Colombia election so there was a fear of higher royalties paid. Still likes Parex: debt-free, pays nearly a 4% dividend and are buying back lots of shares.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Mar 28/22, Down 36%)

He sold it last year at $7. The post-Covid reopening impulse has long ended.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Mar 28/22, Down 6%)

Has performed relatively well vs. the index, as do the Canadian banks. People are concerned about credit risk as we face an economic downturn. Still likes TD. Pending is a massive deal with First Horizons, a U.S. regional bank that will make TD an even-bigger bank in the US.

SELL

Recent results were a little better than expected. They have fits and starts, but never breaks through $30--that's their problem. Until then, sell at the top of the range and buy at the bottom. Trades at a cheap PE, cheaper than the other lifecos and banks. Pays a high dividend. They have a big presence across Asia, which is a secular growth driver, but China's reopen won't have that much impact. Holding them back is exposure in liabilities in the U.S. , though they have been selling off some of them. Would rather sell than buy it right now.

HOLD

He prefers CVS which has more dynamic growth in many health businesses, though if you already own WBA you don't need to sell it. WBA has a strong balance and the dividend is safe. Better stocks in healthcare elsewhere.

STRONG BUY

Likes it very much, a huge oil producer with some natural gas production. Pays a 4.5% dividend--it's a cash cow. Also bought back $5.6 billion of shares in the past 12 months and aren't adding debt to do it. In fact, debt levels are strong. Executives own a lot of shares. Can buy at current prices though it's showing lower highs and lower lows recently, but he expects prices to climb

HOLD

A good dividend and balance sheet is strong. Cash flow, too. Most of your return will come from the dividend. The problem is that they're in a secular growth industry anymore, not like the 1990s or the early 2000s, and it's being disrupted by fintech. IGM is fine, but will not appreciate much.

DON'T BUY

Nothing wrong with this, but it's not his favorite telco. It lags in growth and capital appreciation. Held back by over-relying on wireline subscription. If you own, the dividend is stable to collect.

TOP PICK

Canada's top natural gas producer and is performing better than nat gas. Also is the largest processor of nat gas. Good geographic exposure--from the Montney, Deep River and Peace River. Earnings are growing at double-digits despite nat gas prices falling sharply. Are good at getting nat gas to market at good prices. Trades at 4x cash flow. Pullback in shares is good to buy.

(Analysts’ price target is $92.00)
TOP PICK

It grinds out profits year in year out, and grows at double digits. They will expand from 1,500 stores to 2,000 over the decade in high-traffic locations and moderate costs. Same-store sales growth will continue. They have a controlling interest in a Latin American joint venture, Dollar City, which extends growth in that faster-growing region.

(Analysts’ price target is $90.46)
TOP PICK

They serve 17 million benefits plan members, focusing on Medicare, the fastest-growing segment in US healthcare. Boasts 20% return on shareholder equity, growing earnings at 14% compounded over the past decade. This should continue, given demographics and inflation. Also, in a non-cyclical part of the market in coming quarters. Pullback allows a good entry point.

(Analysts’ price target is $597.91)