WAIT

Technical structure has been very strong. 200-day MA trending higher. Stock's trading right at that 200-day, which could provide support. Fell off on the DeepSeek buzz (if not as much energy is needed, maybe not as much uranium is needed either) -- quite a stretch. Long term, makes a lot of sense. Expensive valuation.

COMMENT
Why should Canadian investors invest in US stocks?

That brings up issues of Canadian patriotism. He has to look at things from the stance of what he needs to do for clients to grow their portfolios in a risk-managed way. The US will always have the biggest sandbox; from WMT to SBUX to AMZN, it has names that we just don't have in Canada.

Lots of people are saying to buy Canadian products. That's fine, but they're in WMT and COST buying Canadian products. In his opinion, not sure how in this global world you can accomplish buy-Canadian in a major way that makes a difference.

WEAK BUY
Slightly lagged TSX return over 5 years.

Basket of about 21 Canadian names; ENB is the top weighting, followed by TD, SU, and RY. Insurance, pipelines, banks, etc. Insurance adds the factor of quality. Total return about 10.7% over 5 years. Makes sense. Yield is ~4.5%.

No issues with it, but consider that the US is on stronger footing right now.

BUY

Likes it. Globally diversified. Slightly better dividend than SLF right now, though he likes both names. Also slightly cheaper than SLF, so that's why MFC is in his portfolio.

HOLD

MFC has a slightly better dividend than SLF right now, though he likes both names. MFC is also slightly cheaper than SLF, so that's why MFC is in his portfolio.

TOP PICK

Global tech behemoth. His son always tells him that it's all about the ecosystem. That's what drives customer loyalty and recurring revenue. Innovation continues to drive earnings and customer loyalty. Services are where it's at on a go-forward basis. Apple Music is very high margin and recurring revenue, offsets sporadic cyclicality in hardware sales. 

AI initiatives offer good growth potential. Balance sheet is bigger than many countries combined. FCF generation very strong. Shareholder friendly initiatives. Sees 15% earnings growth going forward. High, high quality for long-term investors. Yield is 0.4%.

(Analysts’ price target is $250.59)
TOP PICK

Leading footwear and apparel, founded 1973. Explosive growth in running shoes segment. Highly profitable lifestyle brand UGG boots. Very disciplined inventory management. 

Direct-to-consumer channel very strong and driving margin expansion. Global demand for premium footwear is rising, this name can capture that market share. Robust balance sheet, good management execution. Sees ~15% earnings growth. 

Short-term comments and guidance caused stock to drop to the 200-day MA, but he's not worried longer term. Good chance to buy a quality name. No dividend.

(Analysts’ price target is $220.72)
TOP PICK

Diversified exposure to US banks, investment firms, asset managers, and insurance. Economic activity in the US is improving. Financials are poised to benefit from higher trading volumes and more robust capital market activity. New US administration is pro-business, and that will boost the sector via de-regulation, corporate tax cuts, and business-friendly policies. All that will drive M&A, increasing profitability and fees.

Top names include JPM, GS, Visa, BRK.B. All well-positioned to benefit from these trends. During Trump's first year in 2017, financial sector went up by 22%. Yield from Canadian banks is better, but US names will give you more capital growth. Yield is 1.4%.

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TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate RPRX as a TOP PICK.  The company is the largest holder of pharma based royalties, providing late stage funding for forward cash royalties.  The company just monetized a recent investment that netted $230 million -- a 76% return on investment -- allowing for a pay down in debt, continuation in share buy backs, and further product development.  The company trades at 8x earnings, 1.8x book and supports a ROE of 24%.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $22) to $26, looking to achieve $40 -- upside potential of 25%.  Yield 2.6% 

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TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate SNY as a TOP PICK.  Recently reported earnings showed sales growth for the third consecutive quarter that exceeded 10%.  Cash reserves are prudently being drawn down to retire debt and buy back shares.  It trades at 13x earnings, 1.6x book and supports a 25% ROE.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $42) to $47, looking to achieve $64 -- upside potential of 20%.  Yield 2.7%

(Analysts’ price target is $64.00)
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TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate AZN as a TOP PICK.  Recently reported earnings indicated a 19% increase in earnings and revenues.  Management announced positive development on 9 new drugs worth $5 billion in future revenues and a plan to invest over $800 million in Ontario creating 700 jobs.  The shares trade at 18x earnings and support a 30% ROE.  We recommend trailing up the stop (from $52) to $64, looking to achieve $88 -- upside potential of 21%.  Yield 1.4%

(Analysts’ price target is $88.24)
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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 28/23, Up 26.7%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with PCTY is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $175) to $193 at this time.  

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Aug 13/24, Up 12.1%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with GDEN is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $28) to $31 at this time.  

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 03/24, Up 9.5%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with WKLP is progressing well.  To remain disciplined, we recommend trailing up the stop (from $21) to $23 at this time.  

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1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Oct 24/24, Up 9.5%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with SHLE has triggered its stop at $13.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  When combined with our previous guidance, this will result in a net investment gain of 14%.