HOLD

This sector has good secular growth, lots of cybersecurity issues, governments are investing a lot. Has done very well.

BUY

Cloud component continues to grow, especially with growth in AI despite all the capex needed on that side. Not everyone is in the cloud yet. Ad business has exploded, growth will continue. Retail business is incredible, the logistics alone is very valuable.

SELL
Sell, take the loss?

Tough to be a telecom in Canada, so it's moving beyond our borders with its latest acquisition. CRTC is often overbearing. Capex is not bad in the concentrated GTA, but increases substantially as you go across our big and somewhat underpopulated country. Telus is in the same spot. Hard to hold over the next little while.

Overdone at these levels, will probably bounce over the next 3-6 months. Interest rates coming down should help. 

Makes sense to take the loss to offset other gains, consider getting back in after the waiting period. Thinks it can maintain its dividend. Pays a really nice dividend, and if you need that to live your life, you many not want to sell. 

COMMENT

Tough to be a telecom in Canada. CRTC is often overbearing. Capex is not bad in the concentrated GTA, but increases substantially as you go across our big and somewhat underpopulated country. BCE is in the same spot. Hard to hold over the next little while.

COMMENT
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP).

The DRIP is more about your financial circumstances and where you are in the life cycle of your wealth.

If you are a younger investor and don't need the income to live your life, the DRIP is perfect. It allows you to buy more shares in a company you really like by dollar-cost averaging every quarter. But if you need the dividend to live your life, then the DRIP is not as useful.

DON'T BUY

Lots of "brick and beam" properties, very beautiful. Redevelopment of those heritage buildings is much more difficult. Smaller square footage actually hurt them more from Covid, as many decided they didn't even need an office. Rental dynamics have changed since Covid.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 20/23, Down 3%)

Thought the fine was already priced in, so he was surprised by the huge drop once announced. Big issue is that US franchise was on autopilot, without the great returns from the Canadian side. A chance to reboot. Risk management should improve, and the multiple will come back. Acquisitions are restricted. Lots of capital on hand.

Not a high multiple at 1.2x book, 10x PE. Probably can't buy it any cheaper. Yield is over 5%.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 20/23, Up 35%)

Such an important area. Fell during Covid because classified as "elective" surgeries, but they aren't, as they help maintain quality of life without medication. Lots of opportunity to grow in EMs. Lots of free cashflow, which can be used for acquisitions.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 20/23, Up 38%)

Will continue to do well, interest rates coming down will help a lot. Will continue to pursue deals in the US. Great dividend and business. Trump coming in reinforces the oil & gas business.

DON'T BUY

Trades below book value. Going through large restructuring, which can make earnings numbers volatile. So you have to be careful. All banks should do well in next several years with deregulation coming. Yield is ~3.2%.

He prefers BAC or JPM.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Incredibly well run. Better opportunities than others because it has other businesses that don't rely on interest rates, such as credit cards and investment banking. Bigger and better than others, able to do more M&A as well.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Incredibly well run. Better opportunities than others because it has other businesses that don't rely on interest rates, such as credit cards and investment banking. Bigger and better than others, able to do more M&A as well.

DON'T BUY

Tries to stay away from specialty retailers, though LULU might be an exception. Seems to have bottomed out and is coming back. Tough business. He'd rather own an AMZN.

WEAK BUY

Strong brand. Liked the growth in Asia. Moved online very well during Covid. China slowing has hurt a lot of luxury brands. New CEO. Cut outlook for next year. Opportunity for stock to go up from here, but you need Asia to come back. Needs to exit lagging brands.

DON'T BUY

Chart shows it's done well. Interest rates coming down will help. Strong markets helps get a good price when they sell assets. Tough aspect is that more of the large institutional investors and pension plans are involved in private equity. More competition means they may overpay for assets. When they get money it's locked in, so they don't face the same liquidity crises that hedge funds do.