HOLD

His preference in the space. Leading manufacturer, so over time everything flows through them. Essential company in global economy. Because of the threat of Chinese takeover, will always trade at reasonable valuation. Now ~15x PE. Diversifying manufacturing footprint across mature markets in US and Europe.

WAIT
CNR vs. CP

Both are really good, monopoly-type businesses. On timing, don't do either right now. Tariff inflation hasn't happened yet, but it will. As that causes economic problems, it will affect the economically sensitive names. The NA economy is vulnerable right now.

That said, his preference is definitely CP. Now that it includes Mexico, its footprint is so unique. Growth profile gives them more upside on earnings, which provides a buffer during economic weakness. Both trade at less than 20x PE, but CP is more compelling, along with its phenomenal management team. An OK buy here, but be prepared to buy more if it does get hit. Perhaps buy 1/2 a position now, and then the other half later whether it goes up or down.

PARTIAL BUY
CP vs. CNR

Both are really good, monopoly-type businesses. On timing, don't do either right now. Tariff inflation hasn't happened yet, but it will. As that causes economic problems, it will affect the economically sensitive names. The NA economy is vulnerable right now.

That said, his preference is definitely CP. Now that it includes Mexico, its footprint is so unique. Growth profile gives them more upside on earnings, which provides a buffer during economic weakness. Both trade at less than 20x PE, but CP is more compelling, along with its phenomenal management team. An OK buy here, but be prepared to buy more if it does get hit. Perhaps buy 1/2 a position now, and then the other half later whether it goes up or down.

BUY

Loves it. Income name mainly, with some earnings growth. Probably the worst performer of the group over the last year. Does have midstream infrastructure, so assets aren't as bulletproof as those of an ENB. ENB is always his first choice, though PPL has better long-term growth outlook. He'd buy here.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Phenomenal compounder. Unique business model. Via its capital allocation infrastructure, king of doing the small deals that private equity can't do. Grows at an exceptionally high rate, rarely goes on sale. Look at its price to cashflow, with 3% being his threshold free cashflow yield. Right now, it's around 2.3-2.5%, which is above his buy price.

Definitely buy on a pullback, and hold for a very long time.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

This situation highlights a massively important point. When these high-index component companies trip and do a faceplant, they get massacred. Everybody jumps on the hate train, and all you hear are negative comments. Looking at the chart, stock's probably up 25% this year from the point of peak negativity. 

The biggest source of return in any investment is the change in the multiple. TD can still grow at a low single-digit rate, and then the multiple rerates. It went from 9x PE to 11.5x PE. Now slightly above his buy price. Excellent job righting the ship, and it was all the excess capital that was the key.

Longer term will do reasonably well. For those looking for income, and you get a bit of earnings growth. The big longer-term question is whether it stays in the US or not. Unlikely to commit additional capital to build out its platform in the US.

SELL ON STRENGTH

Fallen angel. Always looks cheap on any metric. Built with unique assets spread out around the US, so not really an attractive takeover target. Don't hold your breath on that hope. Still slightly capital-constrained to be able to go after growth opportunities. Will be range bound, limited upside. Use pops in the stock to exit.

DON'T BUY

Whole telecom space has been challenged, partly because of increased competition. No outlets to grow outside Canada. Profitability will be flat for some time. People own these names for the income. Rogers' purchase of Shaw gives it an edge on cost-cutting. Telus is the best operator. Rogers has the lowest dividend yield of the group.

Steer clear of the space. Even with an income stock you do want some growth, as it helps offset valuation risk elsewhere in the business.

DON'T BUY

Whole telecom space has been challenged, partly because of increased competition. No outlets to grow outside Canada. Profitability will be flat for some time. People own these names for the income. Rogers' purchase of Shaw gives it an edge on cost-cutting. Telus is the best operator. Rogers has the lowest dividend yield of the group.

Steer clear of the space. Even with an income stock you do want some growth, as it helps offset valuation risk elsewhere in the business.

DON'T BUY

Whole telecom space has been challenged, partly because of increased competition. No outlets to grow outside Canada. Profitability will be flat for some time. People own these names for the income. Rogers' purchase of Shaw gives it an edge on cost-cutting. Telus is the best operator. Rogers has the lowest dividend yield of the group.

Steer clear of the space. Even with an income stock you do want some growth, as it helps offset valuation risk elsewhere in the business.

TOP PICK
Down 17% YTD.

Software company, specialty is supply chain management and logistics. Unique, well run, exceptionally strong balance sheet. Currently trades at a rich valuation, but typically trades even higher. Hit by trade uncertainty from Trump tariffs. Still below his buy price today. Will do well long term. No dividend. 

(Analysts’ price target is $164.03)
TOP PICK

Lots of hidden value. Negativity on the anti-trust case and impact of AI on Search. Such a premier destination for online advertising. Business fundamentals still very strong. Generates a ton of cash. No loss of Search market share. Unique AI capabilities. Trades at 20x PE, which doesn't include the extra cash on its balance sheet, cloud services, or other subsidiaries. Strong buy today. Yield is 0.48%.

(Analysts’ price target is $201.40)
TOP PICK

This is today's pick for income investors. Very inexpensive valuation, less than 10x FFO. Very strong dividend yield. Global platform, diversified infrastructure footprint -- rail, storage, utilities, data, energy, midstream infrastructure. Opportunity for significant earnings growth over the medium term, plus opportunity for significant multiple expansion. Cashflow is great. 

May have been suppressed because of sluggish deal activity, but that's starting to pick up. Yield is 5.35%.

(Analysts’ price target is $54.59)