BNN's portfolio manager interviews are a great repository of investment ideas from across the asset management spectrum.
Today we feature Excel Funds' Global Strategist, Gavin Graham. During the September 16, 2010 appearance, Graham, who joined Excel Funds earlier this year, after a long stint as a Director and CIO at BMO Guardian (formerly GGOF) where he oversaw $6-billion in assets, discussed, among other things, his current top three picks for the coming period.
His first top pick is Shaw Communication (B) (SJR.B-T) Graham said Shaw "bought Can-West assets fairly cheaply for [its library of] content. The company has cash gushing out of its ears now that it is built out the additional network." He added that Shaw "getting wireless has made it a quadruple play bundle." It pays almost a 4% yield.
In the oil patch, Graham points to Canadian Oil Sands Trust (COS.UN-T). The Chinese bought 90% of Syncrude and COS Trust own 36.7%. The trust units pay a 7.7% distribution and in his opinion, now is a good entry point.
Finally, on Graham's Top Pick radar, Ag Growth International Inc (AFN-T) "If you believe in the whole [big picture] food story, this is [of interest because it is] one of the companies that makes the augurs and grain bins," said Graham. Business is up 16% over the last year. Graham added, [There is opportunity in this company if you consider that] "only 25% of grain is professionally stored globally, so the market for this is enormous."
Report Card (How Did Last Year's Top Picks Do?)
Encana Corp (ECA-T) (Top Pick of Aug 25/09. Down 1.83%.)
Alimentation Couche-Tard(B) (ATD.B-T) (Top Pick of Aug 25/09. Up 18.44%.)
Rogers Communcations (B) (RCI.B-T) (Top Pick of Aug 25/09. Up 31.5%.)
Data: Stockchase.com
