The Globe and Mail
Benj Gallander is president of Contra The Heard Investment Letter. His focus is on contrarian investing.
Top Picks
TeamStaff
"TeamStaff is participating in some huge contracts, one worth $225-million and another $140-million. The corporate focus under the CEO who came on-board two years ago has been larger contracts with higher margins. This appears to be happening and should bolster the bottom line. Insiders own almost 30 per cent and were big buyers last year."
ATS Automation
"When ATS finally puts the Photowatt disaster behind them, which is likely this year, it could be onwards and upwards. The backlog certainly looks healthy, being at record levels, and if coupled with an economic recovery, this stock could triple."
Flextronics
"Flextronics has done a wonderful job in its turnaround since the huge loss in 2009 and the outfit should have revenues better than $30-billion this year. The debt level is quite low relative to revenues. The stock price spent an extended period of time over $25 and has the ability to get back there again."
Past Picks: Jan. 4, 2011
Magnetek
Before 1-for-10 reverse stock split, ex-date Dec. 15, 2011
Then: $1.39 (U.S.)
Now: $12.40
Total return: -10.8%
NTN Buzztime
Then: 38¢ Now: 26¢
Total return: -32.5%
Star Gas Partners
Then: $5.40 Now: $4.64
Total return: -8.9%
OUTLOOK
"Probability suggests that [U.S.]presidential [election]years are normally very good for the stock market. While 2008 was certainly a dramatic exception, if form holds true, 2012 should be pretty darn good. This remains a fine time to pick up bargains as lots of stocks are cheap and should appreciate handily over the longer term. Also, the market should be boosted by people fed up with low interest rates and the negative bond rates that have appeared in some countries."
Compiled by Franklin Cameron, BNN Market Call Tonight
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