(Business Edge writer David Hatton regularly profiles the top stock picks of some of Canada's most accomplished investment pros.)
FEATURED PRO: Laura Wallace is an investment adviser with Toronto-based Coleford Invest-ment Management (www.coleford.net). Prior to joining Coleford, she was an executive director for AGF Private Investment Management, responsible for the investment management of high net-worth individual and foundation portfolios. Her past experience includes senior investment positions with Gluskin Sheff and Associates and Confederation Life Investment Counseling in both institutional and high net-worth portfolio management. She is a member of the Toronto Society of Financial Analysts and of the Association of Investment Management and Research.
Investment Strategy: "We think the best focus is on quality equity stocks that are going to perform well over the long term. It's a case of companies that are not just currently doing well, but have a lot of long-term potential."
First Star
* IGM Financial (TSX:IGM)
* Recent Price: $51.59
* 52-Week Range: $56.34-$45.55 (05/23-01/05)
* Snapshot: Canada's largest manager and distributor of mutual funds and other managed investment products, with more than $119 billion in total assets under management. The company operates under several other distinct banners, including Investors Group Inc., Mackenzie Financial Corp. and Investment Planning Counsel.
* CEO: Murray Taylor (CEO and co-president) and Charles Sims (CEO and co-president)
* Head Office: Winnipeg
* Vital Stats: Price/Earnings Ratio (ttm), 16.20; Revenue (last fiscal year), $763 million; Earnings Per Share (ttm), $3.19; Market Cap, $13.6 million
* Wallace's View: "This is the largest independent mutual fund company that stands to do well at least in part because of the upcoming Baby Boom generation. They have a pristine balance sheet and good management ... I'm fairly impressed with them."
* Risk Rating: Low
* Web Watch: www.igmfinancial.com
Second Star
* EnCana Corp. (TSX:ECA)
* Recent Price: $66.25
* 52-Week Range: $71.21-$51.55 (06/20-01/04)
* Snapshot: EnCana Corp. is an independent gas and oil company focused on the development of unconventional reservoirs.
* CEO: Randy Eresman
* Head Office: Calgary
* Vital Stats: Price/Earnings Ratio (ttm), 14.30; Revenue (last fiscal year), $16.4 billion; Earnings Per Share (ttm), $4.62; Market Cap $49.6 million.
* Wallace's View: "EnCana is the largest independent natural gas producer in North America.
"Natural gas prices lately have been disappointing, but this is a strong company we've been watching for quite some time."
* Risk Rating: Low
* Web Watch: www.encana.com
Third Star
* Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:BDX)
* Recent Price: US$83.48
* 52-Week Range: $84.90-$69.30 (09/21-01/05)
* Snapshot: Becton, Dickinson and Co.
manufactures and sells a line of supplies, devices and systems used by health-care professionals, medical research institutions and the general public. BD's operations consist of three worldwide business segments: Medical Systems, Biosciences and Preanalytical Solutions.
* Vital Stats: Price/Earnings Ratio, 21.70; Revenue (last fiscal year), US$6.4 billion; Earnings Per Share, $3.84; Market Cap US$20.4 million.
* CEO: Edward Ludwig
* Head Office: Franklin Lakes, N.J.
* Wallace's View: "BD targets the hospital supply market in particular with its products used to service people with diabetes. It (sells) about 75 to 80 per cent of the world supply of diabetes products, in fact.
They have been strong and are positioned to do well in the future."
* Risk Rating: Medium
* Web Watch: www.bd.com
NOTE: This feature is provided for informational purposes. Investors are advised to do their own research or consult a qualified investment professional before making investment decisions).
(David Hatton can be reached at hatton@businessedge.ca)
