From the blog

Each week, our team publishes a blog and webcast.

Jesse's: Pizza Pizza Delivered a Double-Digit Return After Our Tip

Pizza Pizza Delivered a Double-Digit Return After Our Tip

Pizza Pizza Delivered a Double-Digit Return After Our Tip

As global fast food chains struggle, Pizza Pizza is quietly gaining ground—thanks in part to the growing “Buy Canada” sentiment. Back in February 2024, we published a blog titled “We Expect Pizza Pizza to Deliver”. Given the rising food inflation, higher interest rates, and shrinking household budgets, our thesis was that cheaper food would be […]

Jesse's: When in Crisis, Always Bank on Charles Schwab

When in Crisis, Always Bank on Charles Schwab

When in Crisis, Always Bank on Charles Schwab

Anyone who lived through 2008 (or studied the 1930s) knows how frightening banking crises can be. The financial system runs on confidence, and once that’s shaken, restoring trust can take significant time. In 2023, the U.S. regional banking sector faced its own crisis. It started in March with the abrupt collapse of Silicon Valley Bank […]

Jesse's: Is It Time to Return to the Office with Allied Properties?

Is It Time to Return to the Office with Allied Properties?

Is It Time to Return to the Office with Allied Properties?

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon recently criticized remote work, using colourful language to make his point (as played on our webcast). Now Canada’s biggest banks (RBC, BMO, and Scotia) are doing the same, telling employees it’s time to show up in the office four days a week starting this fall. Mentorship and collaboration are two good […]

Jesse's: Don’t Let Scammers Call the Shots

Don’t Let Scammers Call the Shots

Don’t Let Scammers Call the Shots

Someone once said that if Al Capone had turned his talents toward legitimate enterprise, he could have been the CEO of General Motors. Today’s fraudsters are no different—highly organized, intelligent, and using sophisticated tools. Unfortunately, they’re applying those skills to deception, not innovation. My Close Call Recently, I received a phone call that appeared to […]

Jesse's: This July 4th, the Federal Reserve’s Independence Is at Risk

This July 4th, the Federal Reserve’s Independence Is at Risk

This July 4th, the Federal Reserve’s Independence Is at Risk

As markets watch for interest rate cuts, political pressure on the Fed’s independence could shape inflation and U.S. dollar credibility in the years ahead. By Jeff Pollock Though lower interest rates are generally good news for stocks, what will happen if it comes at the expense of U.S. central bank independence? The Federal Reserve was […]

Jesse's: Happy Birthday to Bill Allen, the Allen Expressway’s Namesake

Happy Birthday to Bill Allen, the Allen Expressway’s Namesake

Happy Birthday to Bill Allen, the Allen Expressway’s Namesake

Earlier this week, the National Club at Bay and King in downtown Toronto unveiled their “Legacy Wall.” It honours many people, including my late grandfather. His name was William R. Allen, Q.C.  Sunni Schneider, my mother, and I attended the lunch to honour Bill and the many other important people being recognized, including our Honorary […]

Jesse's: Don’t Put All Your Bricks in One Basket

Don’t Put All Your Bricks in One Basket

Don’t Put All Your Bricks in One Basket

Canadian real estate prices took off during the last two decades alongside ultra low interest rates. Many people sought to buy a second property in a real estate market that once seemed invincible. Lately, however, many regret that decision as prices have come back down to earth amid higher borrowing costs. As a portfolio manager […]

Jesse's: Pet Valu is Finally Off its Leash and Ready to Run

Pet Valu is Finally Off its Leash and Ready to Run

Pet Valu is Finally Off its Leash and Ready to Run

Anyone with a furry companion doesn’t need convincing about investing in a company that sells pet food and toys. Pets aren’t just animals; they’re cherished members of the family. The resilient pet industry even grew during the 2008 financial crisis and the recent global pandemic. Our clients are shareholders of Pet Valu, which is up […]

Jesse's: Lost in Translation: How Currency Can Wipe Out Your Wins

Lost in Translation: How Currency Can Wipe Out Your Wins

Lost in Translation: How Currency Can Wipe Out Your Wins

The financial crisis of 2008 was a defining moment for me as an investor. Watching the panic unfold on Wall Street, with banks teetering and markets swinging wildly, solidified my philosophy to buy when others are selling. One of my purchases during that period was Apple. In December 2008, I bought shares around $3.36 (adjusted […]

Jesse's: After Gaining +30%, is Canadian Utilities Running Out of Gas?

After Gaining +30%, is Canadian Utilities Running Out of Gas?

After Gaining +30%, is Canadian Utilities Running Out of Gas?

Our investment in Canadian Utilities (“CU”), which delivers gas and electricity, in November 2023 was based on a straightforward premise: its attractive 5.7% dividend yield positioned it as a prime beneficiary of anticipated interest rate cuts. We believed falling rates would naturally enhance the appeal of high-yielding dividend stocks like CU for income investors seeking […]