Cogeco Communications (CCA.TO)

Playing catch up. Multiples on cable TV in the US are higher and it is following suit. They feel they can make same tuck in acquisitions now.

(Top Pick Apr 12/13, Up 41.29%) Was undervalued. They were integrating new assets they purchased. Margins were getting a little more robust. He got out as they reached a target.

Likes cable companies. But this is a different model with a lower yield. They spent their free cash flow outside of Canada with Acquisitions. Their purchase in the US has done very well.

We are now back to the highs of 2012 and the market is starting to struggle a little bit. Not a fantastic entry point for the stock. Doesn’t think there is breakout potential. If we got a pullback in 2014 and we find support at last year’s lows, then it might be an entry point.

Generally he is fairly positive on the Canadian cable space but really doesn’t like this company that well. Have made a number of strategic acquisitions that have turned out to be big problems. Would prefer Rogers (RCI.B-T) if it got 4%-5% cheaper.

(Market Call Minute) stable cable play. Nothing fancy but core earnings 8-11% year in and year out.

Likes the cable space, not so much the cable business but the higher-margin stuff that they do on the side. Recently made 2 acquisitions in the US. Can see $50 in 12 months. Dividend yield of 2.34%.

A fine company and there are only so many operating in this business.

Cable operator in Ontario and Québec. Has been cheap for a long time. Just did a US cable company acquisition. Had a checkered past with acquisitions. Typically trades at 1.5%-0.5% discount to the group to EBITDA and is currently at the bottom end. Looks like there is some low hanging fruit on their US acquisition. Expects to generate 11% free cash flow over the next few years. 2.44% yield.

There are 2 things with cable companies. They are always run by families and they don’t always have other shareholders interests at heart. Also, more people are not watching TV, but are using iPads or laptops. Not fond of the space.

It has been speculated as a potential takeover by Rogers. CCA has stretched their balance sheet now with their latest acquisition. This is a name he would be cautious about and would prefer BCE or maybe Rogers as well as one of his Top Picks.

Went into an expansion in Portugal that did not work out and now they are into another expansion and the market does not like it. It is not a name with him.