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Happy Canada Day!
We are now half way through 2009 and I thought it’d be a good idea to take a look at my top 5 stock picks for 2009. So here they are:
1. Rogers Communication , RCI.B -18.69% YTD
Rogers is Canada’s largest wireless service provider, it bought FIDO a few year’s ago in anticipation of more competition. Rogers currently has no debt due till 2011, growing consumer base although it slowed down last quarter. Although the stock is down YTD I’ll still stick to it. Rogers generates a strong cashflow and has consistently increased dividends over the years, currently $0.29/quarter, dividend was increased with Q4 results. Nadir Mohamed was recently announced as the new CEO of the company, Nadir has been responsible for the Rogers Wireless previously.
2. Bank of Nova Scotia, BNS +30.68% YTD
BNS is Canada’s most international bank, this stock was beaten heavily when I picked it and the yield on it was amazing. All banks reported very decent results recently, BNS being one of the stronger banks. Current dividend is $0.49/quarter.
3. RioCan, REI.UN +9.81% YTD
Canada’s largest REIT! RioCan is my REIT play, RioCan is disciplined in managing debt and has a distribution of $0.115/month, I think their distribution is safe for the immediate future should things get worse there might be a cut, but I believe RioCan is a great long term REIT play.
4. Husky’s Energy, HSE +3.92% YTD
Husky Energy is one of the largest integrated energy companies in the country. When I picked HSE oil prices were around the $50 mark since than oil has risen back up but HSE has not kept up with it. Husky current pays a dividend of $0.30/quarter.
5. Vodafone, VOD (ADR on NYSE) +1.46% YTD
VOD is my only none Canadian pick and international play, Vodafone based in UK is world’s largest wireless provider owns part of Verizon communication. Good position in the emerging market like India where mobile usage is still strong and continuing to grow. $1.35 annual dividend.
Summery
I guess not too bad, a little disappointed in Rogers so far. It held up well in the down turn but hasn’t been performing well lately. Overall still up about +27% not including dividends and all my picks pay a hefty dividend 
.
Anyone else want to share?
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Article by Ray
Ray is an ex-financial adviser and the founder of Financial Highway. Currently working in the financial industry and working towards completing his Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA, designation.
Ray has written 271 articles.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
It was been a good recovery time for stocks in Canada this year. I use Questrade and I love it!
My recommendations (all large cap stocks)
-> Agrium AGU
-> Research in Motion RIM
-> Royal Bank RBC
All great companies with good returns this year.
->
I think all three are good….but I mainly look for dividend payers and only RBC has dividends in that list
but all three are market leaders
Seems us Canadians love our dividend stocks…. I agree with your top 4, I don’t know if I’d go with Vodafone, though I’ve looked at them. How about Shoppers and Tim’s? Those have pretty much got their market, too.
Shoppers is great too…we actually hold some in our investment club fund……..I have always liked shoppers but I guess I was looking for a more international one in here.
Tim’s I have everyday i think is much better than rival Starbucks