Feb 21, 2017
Robert McWhirter's Top Picks: February 21, 2017
BNN Bloomberg
Robert McWhirter, president, Selective Asset Management
Focus: Canadian dividend and growth stocks
_______________________________________________________________
MARKET OUTLOOK:
U.S. equity prices appear overvalued as the Shiller cyclically-adjusted price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 28x is 70 per cent higher than its long-term average. In addition, Hussman Strategic Advisors recently noted that the median price-to-sales ratio of the S&P 500 companies of 2.4x is almost double its long-term average.
However, global economic activity continues to improve. 26 of the 30 Global Purchasing Manager’s Indexes (PMI) are now over 50 (indicating growth) and the global PMI was at 52.7 in January. The rising price of both WTI oil and copper appear to be confirming this global economic growth. From a technical analysis perspective oil appears headed to US$75 in the next year.
Rising interest rates are an important factor for stock prices. Goldman Sachs’ private wealth management group recently noted that over time stock prices rise with rising bond yields until the U.S. 10-year Treasury hits 3.9 per cent, about 60 per cent above today’s 2.4-per-cent yield.
Since December defensive themes have performed well. This looks likely to continue, as technical analysis indicators suggest U.S. 10-year bond yields appear to be headed lower.
We believe stocks will continue to do well over the balance of the year.
TOP PICKS:
FORTIS (FTS.TO)
A diversified, international distribution utility holding company with a $17.3 billion market cap.
NEW FLYER INDUSTRIES (NFI.TO)
The largest transit bus and motor coach manufacturer and parts distributor in North America with fabrication, manufacturing, distribution and service centers in Canada and the United States, with a $2.7 billion market cap.
WESTERN FOREST PRODUCTS (WEF.TO)
Endeavors in timber harvesting, reforestation, sawmilling logs into lumber and wood chips, and value-added remanufacturing, with a $0.84 billion market cap.
DISCLOSURE | PERSONAL | FAMILY | PORTFOLIO/FUND |
---|---|---|---|
FTS | N | N | Y |
NFI | Y | Y | Y |
WEF | N | N | N |
PAST PICKS: FEBRUARY 8, 2016
AGNICO EAGLE MINES (AEM.TO)
- Then: $47.24
- Now: $60.71
- Return: +28.51%
- TR: +29.61%
BORALEX (BLX.TO)
- Then: $15.19
- Now: $20.45
- Return: +34.63%
- TR: +38.90%
SAPUTO (SAP.TO)
- Then: $37.04
- Now: $46.26
- Return: +24.89%
- TR: +26.61%
TOTAL RETURN AVERAGE: +31.71%
DISCLOSURE | PERSONAL | FAMILY | PORTFOLIO/FUND |
---|---|---|---|
AEM | N | N | N |
BLX | N | N | N |
SAP | Y | Y |
Y |
WEBSITE: selectiveasset.com