Equitable Group (EQB.TO)

Had launched a bank, and got quite a bit of attention in January when they had a savings account that was paying 3%. It was remarkably successful, and probably more than they had anticipated. Since then it has scaled back to about 2.25%. If you are lending in mortgages and paying 3% on deposits, that is going to have a real squeeze on your net interest margin. On top of that, they did a fair amount of marketing and advertising in Q1, which may have an impact on their Q1 numbers. Also, have about an 8% exposure in Alberta.

This got tarnished with the Home Capital (HCG-T) brush. The big decline that occurred in the spring and summer was partly due to Home Capital. He has a lot more confidence in their due diligence that they do on their lenders and the systems they have set up. Trading at 1.2X BV and 1.5X earnings.

Mortgage lending to those without a T4 slip like contractors and the self-employed. It is a prudent lender. Loan losses are minimal as they have great credit judgment. 8 times earnings and pretty good growth rate. The dividend is half of the banks, however.

Despite its size, this stock is quite illiquid and doesn’t trade very much. One of his concerns is that they have a lot more exposure to Western Canada then some of its peers. Has also had outperformance this year and its valuations are lofty relative to its peers.

Good company. Screens very well right now. He has made his bets on Home Capital (HCG-T), which has a higher return on equity. In the context of everything he looks at, both of these would be a Buy.

(A Top Short May 27/13. Down 66.77%.) A subprime mortgage lender. Has taken a couple of shots at this thinking that the housing market in Canada was going to roll, especially when he saw the interest rates rise last summer. Highly speculative and a risky stock to own.

Very well run. He has taken some profits. Done an excellent job of turning around the company. Trading above tangible book (1.4 times). Could be a merger or takeover target. Have increased their dividend and returned earnings to shareholders. 1.5% dividend.

(A Top Pick September 10/12. Up 48.27%.) Well run company. Similar to Home Capital (HCG-T), nonstandard mortgages. Trimmed his position because it became well over 10% of his portfolio. Expect it will go higher. Cheap.

SHORT. Is running at about 20 times assets to equity and are very levered. It won’t take much to wipe out the equity as housing market slows.

Non-bank financials are one of his two top sectors. Stock has done well but can do better. Just had an excellent quarter. Excellent management. Could be a merger / takeover candidate. 1.8% dividend and just increased.