23 Stock Top Picks and 3 ETF (Jan 25-31)

Opinion about MG-T: Very hesitant. Recent recovery has been sharp and quick, almost as though it's factoring in abolition of tariffs completely. We need more clarity on tariffs. Auto industry is highly cyclical and depends on health of the economy, and we're seeing signs of weakening.If you own it, don't need the cash, and have…

Opinion about CNR-T: Attractive today. Makes sense in the narrow sandbox of Canada. Assets are pretty robust. Prince Rupert expansion should help volumes.However, take a closer look at UNP.

Opinion about DAL-N: They report Thursday. One of the best stocks in airlines, but is still -5% this year. There's still demand for travel, though the consumer is weaker. Caveat: airlines are tough to own, since so much can go wrong.

Opinion about EMR-N: He sold after EMR launched a hostile takeover, but he missed out. His mistake.

Opinion about NFI-T: He owns it in the Canadian portfolio. There is a supply shortage of buses and it has a new big order from Toronto. There have been some liquidity challenges but they are abating. They make any kind of bus but the electric ones carry the biggest price premium so they can make…

Opinion about VLN-T: Bought in just before the takeout deal was nixed by the French government. Rocket ride lately on the nuclear bid hype, so he sold. De facto world gold standard in nuclear valves. Cheap vs. tangible book value. May buy again if cheap enough. Sees eventual takeover.

Opinion about DRT-T: Customized, prefabricated environmental office interior solutions. High net cash position. Significant upside because of their flexible business model. Surge in office reconfiguration taking place across North America. Top management. No dividend. (Analysts’ price target is $3.46)

Opinion about FANG-Q: It comes highly recommended with a very strong growth profile. Its size is intermediate to junior. He also commented that a maximum of 10 to 15% of oil and gas companies should be in a portfolio. Utilities, a classic defensive space, would be smaller at 7 to 8% of a portfolio, and…

Opinion about BTE-T: Has gone through lots of turmoil. Talk of selling its Eagle Ford assets. Split between Canadian heavy oil and lighter oil on one hand, and Eagle Ford shale. That sale would be a catalyst, making it a pure-play in Canada.

Opinion about MEG-T: Heavy oil producer. Strathcona put in a hostile bid -- liquidity is an issue, assets are not as high quality as either MEG or CVE. Board has recommended the CVE offer, even though on paper it's a lower bid. CVE offer would provide better synergies.He sold MEG on limited upside, and happy…

Opinion about SU-T: Commodity price has been weak. As well, seeing some rotation out of the large caps. CVE deal with MEG is taking up a lot of investor appetite. Management doing great job. He owns CNQ instead, likes those assets better.

Opinion about ECA-T: Just beat earnings and have increased production. Cheap valuation compared to peers. But it's getting more expensive heading into 2021. There's no growth here, but that goes with the entire oil patch. The real issue is will they survive. Their balance sheet is getting better, but still high for a blue-chip name.…

Opinion about ENB-T: He's been cautious on the pipes. The pipeline ETF in the US is hitting RSI new lows for the year, as are a lot of the pipes in Canada (including the best-performing one, ENB). Price chart looks fine, relative strength is weak. Fine for the yield.People looking at long-life, more-utility-type assets are…

Opinion about PXT-T: Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research PXT has staged a small recovery, up 30% YTD now. It remains very cheap at 8X earnings, with an 8.13% dividend. The balance sheet remains strong, with $75M net cash. Financials are still lower than they were several years ago, but consensus…

Opinion about ATVI-Q: Hold tight or sell with pending takeover? From today's price, $5.50 is in play. As a shareholder, you have to decide if it's worth holding onto your shares to get your $95 per share. There is a chance that the FTC is successful in challenging the US court order, in which case…

Opinion about MSFT-Q: (A Top Pick Apr 15/24, Up 24%) Steady 10-15% earnings growth, and a lot flows through to FCF. Can easily fund a lot of the AI buildout. Can't actually build fast enough to get the GPUs they need to grow the business, so this might be an issue. Azure still growing almost…

Opinion about SIA-T: Aging demographics continue to be a tailwind, but prefers Chartwell. Scores 7 for value and 5 for fundamentals. The 5% dividend could be stable. They operate across Canada in many markets and constantly add new properties.

Opinion about CVS-N: UNH question CVS is a cheaper way to play the private benefits market, so he added that recently and it offers a better valuation than UNH.

Opinion about CXXI-CN: Small cannabis producer in Nevada. Fantastic job in operations in a really challenging environment. Solid numbers. Needs a move in legalization and tax schedule change; if that happens, could be a takeout.

Opinion about PTQ-X: (A Top Pick May 29/20, Up 55%) Oxygen delivery. Recurring revenue model. Very strong outlook.

Opinion about PGR-N: A number of P&C insurers in the US pulled back post-hurricane. Technically, not broken. Sector probably does pretty well going forward. 

Opinion about WIR.UN-T: (A Top Pick Jan 12/21, Up 48%) Great-managed REIT. Taken out.

Opinion about RWX-T: It's real estate in 28 countries. It's something different for Canadians and worth having a look.

Opinion about HRA-T: (A Top Pick Jan 29/19, Up 1.5%) Global Risk Parity balances the risk of growth and inflation. It balances the risks to keep you level. The peak draw down was 12% -- very manageable in the context of recent volatility.

Opinion about TLT-Q: If you want growth from your bond portfolio. But these don't have great tax treatment. Depends on what kind of investor you are.

Opinion about WDO-T: (A Top Pick Jul 24/25, Down 6.4%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly Our PAST TOP PICK with WDO has triggered its stop at $16.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  This will result in a net investment loss of 6%, when combined with our previous guidance.