BUY
Tariffs -- how to benefit?

Consumer staples are outperforming in the last few days, and that speaks to the advantage of having a balanced portfolio. Companies like KHC, UL, KVUE, and Nestle. It's not that they won't be affected (their costs would go up), but they're far less cyclical than other businesses. Earnings will be much more stable. Earnings could fall 10%, but not 50%. Dividends will be sustained.

Companies like Unilever and Nestle are huge in NA, but huge globally as well.

BUY
Tariffs -- how to benefit?

Consumer staples are outperforming in the last few days, and that speaks to the advantage of having a balanced portfolio. Companies like KHC, UL, KVUE, and Nestle. It's not that they won't be affected (their costs would go up), but they're far less cyclical than other businesses. Earnings will be much more stable. Earnings could fall 10%, but not 50%. Dividends will be sustained.

Companies like Unilever and Nestle are huge in NA, but huge globally as well.

BUY
Tariffs -- how to benefit?

Consumer staples are outperforming in the last few days, and that speaks to the advantage of having a balanced portfolio. Companies like KHC, UL, KVUE, and Nestle. It's not that they won't be affected (their costs would go up), but they're far less cyclical than other businesses. Earnings will be much more stable. Earnings could fall 10%, but not 50%. Dividends will be sustained.

Companies like Unilever and Nestle are huge in NA, but huge globally as well.

DON'T BUY
Appealing markets outside NA -- Korea (EWY), Brazil (EWZ), or Germany (EWG)?

Whatever happens in the US affects the rest of the world. He wouldn't recommend emerging markets, as they tend to underperform if/when there's a recession. 

Investors would be better off buying the best companies in the German market, rather than the whole German market. Germany's the 4th-largest economy in the world, but it's had a bunch of issues with its own deficit and economic slowdown. He owns specific stocks in Europe. 

DON'T BUY
Appealing markets outside NA -- Korea (EWY), Brazil (EWZ), or Germany (EWG)?

Whatever happens in the US affects the rest of the world. He wouldn't recommend emerging markets, as they tend to underperform if/when there's a recession. 

Investors would be better off buying the best companies in the German market, rather than the whole German market. Germany's the 4th-largest economy in the world, but it's had a bunch of issues with its own deficit and economic slowdown. He owns specific stocks in Europe. 

DON'T BUY
Appealing markets outside NA -- Korea (EWY), Brazil (EWZ), or Germany (EWG)?

Whatever happens in the US affects the rest of the world. He wouldn't recommend emerging markets, as they tend to underperform if/when there's a recession. 

Investors would be better off buying the best companies in the German market, rather than the whole German market. Germany's the 4th-largest economy in the world, but it's had a bunch of issues with its own deficit and economic slowdown. He owns specific stocks in Europe. 

DON'T BUY
Appealing markets outside NA -- Korea (EWY), Brazil (EWZ), or Germany (EWG)?

Whatever happens in the US affects the rest of the world. He wouldn't recommend emerging markets, as they tend to underperform if/when there's a recession. 

Investors would be better off buying the best companies in the German market, rather than the whole German market. Germany's the 4th-largest economy in the world, but it's had a bunch of issues with its own deficit and economic slowdown. He owns specific stocks in Europe. 

BUY

Very stable business that will hold up better in the face of tariffs. Canadian utility-type business. Slow but steady dividend growth. Not cheap, but dividends will be rock-solid and even more attractive with yields low in Canada.

HOLD

Proof that not every stock he buys goes up ;)  He's held for years. Recent earnings were weak, and stock fell ~15%. Generating significant free cashflow, which now will be used to buy back shares incredibly cheaply. It's the best use of capital at this time. FDA investigation in one of their plants, costing about $300-400M in EBITDA. Yield is 4+%.

BUY

A core holding in his Canadian dividend strategy. Incredibly well run by bright people for a long time. Sold off ~10%, but chart's done extremely well. Likes that CEO has bulk of his net worth invested in shares. Quality operation.

PARTIAL BUY

Recently added a bit to his position. BUT: do not buy it for the current dividend yield. Management maintaining dividend for 2025, but Lorne strongly believes it will be cut in 2026 and he wants that cut. Generates lots of FCF, but lots has been going to the dividend. He'd much rather the FCF be used to pay down debt and invest in its business.

In his early days, someone said to him that when you see a high dividend like this one, "The dividend is talking to you." If the dividend were cut, the stock might actually pop a bit, as it would demonstrate management's focus on reinvigorating the business.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 01/24, Up 24%)

Fragmented industry, fantastic job buying up and integrating smaller operations. Double-digit earnings growth over a long time and for foreseeable future. Best in the business by far. Lots of runway. Based in UK.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 01/24, Down 22%)

Added recently around current level of $77. Online push didn't work; it can be part of the business, but not the main part. New CEO has gone back to basics. Huge FCF, minimal debt. Incredibly well positioned. Chance to buy on sale the world's best business in the sector.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Feb 01/24, Up 18%)

Going back to basics. In only 6 months, new CEO has put his stamp on the business. Should be back to double-digit growth next year. Early stages of a turnaround. Incredible franchise. Because people put $$ on their SBUX apps (to the tune of ~$3B), it's making money off this float just like a bank.

Focus includes getting orders through much faster, but creating a better and more welcoming atmosphere. So much about the retail experience today is about the vibe.

WATCH

He's looking at it. It's softened up considerably. Decent dividend payer, cut a few years ago but now back on track. High-quality company with share price having sold off. An opportunity, but he hasn't pulled the trigger yet.

Spike on chart due to strong earnings and a bunch of analysts giving it a "Buy". Got ahead of itself. Disappointment recently. He doesn't like buying at all-time highs, where there's often more downside than upside.