Latest Top Picks

Stock Opinions by Jonathen Wellum, B. Comm, B. Sc

BUY
A leading laboratory and diagnostic business. Less susceptible to changes that could occur in the health sector in the US. Very profitable with a lot of free cash flow. Very defensive.
medical services
TOP PICK
This is a business that has strong long-term secular growth because of the pharmacy. They are also doing a wonderful job on the up-front side of the business. Margins are going up. There are aggressively growing their square footage by about 10% a year.
specialty stores
COMMENT
Loblaw Companies Ltd
Numbers just released were pretty good. Starting to get on track. Not out of the woods. Have a lot of brand equity in the President's Choice, location, real estate, etc.
food stores
BUY
Home Depot
There is pressure in the housing market, but is largely contained to aggressive lending. This company has a wonderful franchise. If you have a longer-term view, they are a great long-term business. Generates exceptional amount of free cash flow. Buying back stock.
specialty stores
COMMENT
Metlife
On his watch list. Likes the space. Good long-term demographics to support it.
insurance
TOP PICK
Most of their business is in the US so have had currency headwinds. Have great databases. Stock has come off because of the Reuters acquisition. Feels this transaction is going to add further value to the stock.
publishing / printing
COMMENT
Morgan Stanley
Have done a wonderful job of building their business. Prefers Merill Lynch (MER-N). Dollar cost average when buying these stocks during this intense volatility.
investment companies / funds
COMMENT
Very powerful retail brand franchise, much stronger than Morgan Stanley (MS-N) and much more conservative. Dollar cost average when buying these stocks during this intense mortality.
investment companies / funds
DON'T BUY
Whenever there seems to be a problem, there seems to be an inordinate amount of exposure at this bank. New CEO has made huge strides in de-leveraging the business.
banks
BUY
Barclays Bank PLC
Has a very strong history. A diversified business. Well managed. Valuations on British banks and are trading at a discount to Canadian banks.
banks
HOLD
UBS Group AG
This is a powerful asset management company. It taps into a lot of the petro $’s. A lot of Arab money flows up in that direction. It won't be able to grow at the level that it has over the last few years.
banks
TOP PICK
Manulife Financial
A good example of a very well run company in terms of astuteness and capital management. Good global diversification.
insurance
COMMENT
A play on aerospace which is in a good cycle right now. A risky business and not an easy one. A short-term investment.
transportation equip & components
TOP PICK
FedEx
Companies like this, United Parcel (UPS-N) and DHL continue to control a larger and larger portion of goods around the world. This one has a huge global imprint. A good way to play the retail market. 15 X earnings. Big cash flow generator.
Transportation
TOP PICK
Laboratory testing. The leader in the United States. Fits in well with demographics and growth in diagnostic testing. Recently lost a contract with United Health, which took the stock down 20%. Good price. Great long-term position.
medical services
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