The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Canadian Natural Resources, Methanex, Continental Building Products and Bank of Montreal
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – May 4, 2018 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Canadian Natural Resources Limited CNQ, Methanex Corporation MEOH, Continental Building Products, Inc. CBPX and Bank of Montreal BMO.
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Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:
4 Canadian Stocks to Buy in May as GDP Rebounds
After a forgettable January, the Canadian economy made a rebound in February on the back of a recovery in oil extraction and auto production. Moreover, on Apr 30, President Donald Trump said that the relief for steel and aluminum tariffs for neighbors Canada and Mexico will now be extended till Jun 1, instead of May 1.
Additionally, Canada is clearly making efforts to extend these tariff exemptions after the Justin Trudeau government recently approved new measures to handle dumping of steel by China. The United States has already imposed anti-dumping steel tariffs on China last month and with its northern neighbor supporting the cause, things seem to be going uphill now.
Canada’s lack of aggression on these issues in recent times and the prime minister’s willingness to talk about negotiations regarding the NAFTA has clearly brought focus on Canadian stocks. Hence, investing in stocks gaining from a thriving Canadian economy is an outstanding option.
Canada GDP Bounces Back in February
According to official data from the Statistics Canada (StatCan), after declining 0.1% in January real GDP rose by 0.4% in February to a seasonally adjusted rate of 1.77 trillion Canadian dollars or $1.38 trillion. Out of the 20 key industries, 15 registered increases. February’s GDP growth was also higher than Royal Bank of Canada’s (RY) economists’ forecast of a 0.3% rise.
Per StatCan, the February GDP growth was mainly due to a “rebound in the mining and oil and gas extraction sector.” Overall, the oil and gas extraction and mining sector advanced 2.4% in February, with the conventional oil and gas extraction sector, conventional oil extraction sector, and mining sector increasing 2.9%, 3% and 1.9%, respectively.
Additionally, transportation equipment gained 2.7% giving a boost to the durable manufacturing sector, which in turn led the manufacturing sector to advance 1%. Additionally, the construction sector increased 0.7% after residential construction rose 1.3%. Increase in both construction and manufacturing sectors also contributed to GDP growth in February.
Trump Administration Extends Tariff Relief for Canada
In March, Trump finally signed the tariff plan into law, slapping tariffs of 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports from other countries. However, Canada was one such country which was exempted from the new U.S. tariffs. This move is expected to benefit Canada, which is the biggest steel exporter and one of the key aluminum exporters to the United States.
Temporary exemptions for countries like Canada were to expire on May 1. However, in a statement on Apr 30, the Trump administration extended “negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days.”
Back in March, Justin Trudeau said that United States’ tariff move “makes no sense.” However, recently, the Trudeau government has sported a stance a similar to the the United States.
The country’s government has stated that it is focused on “preventing the arrival of dumped steel or aluminum from the global markets, specifically China.” While, talking about walking away from the NAFTA, Trudeau said that Canada is “always been willing to sit down” and adopt a constructive approach regarding NAFTA negotiations.
4 Canadian Stocks to Buy Now
Following a strong rebound in GDP in February and extended exemption from U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, Canadian stocks are expected to garner investor attention. Additionally, a recovery in the country’s mining and oil extraction sector and an increase in goods-producing industries have also given a boost to investor sentiment.
In this context, we have selected four stocks that are expected to move upward following these developments. These stocks also flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Canadian Natural Resources Limited explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs).
This Calgary-based company has a Zacks Rank #1. The company has an expected earnings growth of more than 100% for the current year, significantly higher than the industry’s projected return of 4.60%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 12.7% over the past 30 days.
Methanex Corporation produces and supplies methanol in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and South America.
This Vancouver-based company has a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 34.82% for the current year, higher than the industry’s projected return of 14.50%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 2.6% over the past 30 days.
Continental Building Products, Inc. manufactures and sells gypsum wallboard and complementary finishing products in the eastern United States and eastern Canada.
This Herndon-based company has a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 35.34% for the current year, higher than the industry’s projected return of 29.40%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 1.7% over the past 30 days.
Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America.
This Montreal-based company has a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 9.78% for the current year, higher than the industry’s projected return of 9.30%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 0.4% over the past 30 days.
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Bank Of Montreal (BMO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Continental Building Products, Inc. (CBPX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Methanex Corporation (MEOH) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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