A humorous look at the companies that caught our eye, for better or worse, this week.
Canadian Natural Resources
CNQ (TSX)
Mar. 6, 2015 close: $37.47
up $1.11 or 3.1% over week
An energy company that actually raised its dividend? You’re not hallucinating. Even as other oil and gas producers chop or eliminate their dividends to cope with sinking crude prices, Canadian Natural Resources raised its payment by 2 per cent after earnings per share nearly tripled in the fourth quarter, boosted by higher production volumes. Not everyone’s thrilled, though: Managers are taking a 10-per-cent pay cut.
Great Canadian Gaming
GC (TSX)
Mar. 6, 2015 close: $22.45
up $3.03 or 15.6% over week
Gambling rule No. 1: The house always wins.
Shareholders of Great Canadian Gaming – which operates casinos and racetracks in British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia – hit the jackpot after fourth-quarter revenue surged 14 per cent and earnings topped estimates, prompting analysts to upgrade the stock. With the flagship River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, B.C., raking in more cash, investors are doubling down.
Costco Wholesale
COST (Nasdaq)
Mar. 6, 2015 close: $149.55 (U.S.)
up $2.59 or 1.8% over week
What you go into Costco intending to buy: A few groceries.
What you come out with: groceries, a 51-inch television, espresso maker, tablet computer, elliptical trainer and set of all-season tires.
The retailer that specializes in getting consumers to make impulse purchases reported a 29-per-cent jump in second-quarter profit – better than analysts had expected – as low fuel prices left customers with more cash to spend on stuff they don’t need.
SNC-Lavalin
SNC (TSX)
Mar. 6, 2015 close: $36.69
down $2.65 or 6.7% over week
SNC-Lavalin shareholders, have you ever considered investing in something less volatile, like maybe a nice, safe GIC? Shares of the engineering and construction firm – already reeling after SNC was charged with fraud and corruption in connection with its business dealings in Libya – sank to a new 52-week low after the company’s 2015 forecast fell short of analyst estimates. Earning 2-per-cent interest looks mighty fine by comparison.
Avigilon
AVO (TSX)
Mar. 6, 2015 close: $19.31
down $5.57 or 22.4% over week
Avigilon makes video surveillance systems and other security products to protect businesses. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a product that protects investors from losing money on its stock: The notoriously volatile shares plunged after the company released slightly lower-than-expected results for the fourth quarter and said its operating expenses will rise faster than sales in 2015 as it invests in the business. Smile, you’re on camera.