Other big banks look strong, too

In addition to TD (see page 21), we also like the outlook for Canada’s other four big banks. Each has its particular risks, but all are good choices for long-term growth and income. ROYAL BANK OF CANADA $71 (Toronto symbol RY; Conservative Growth and Income… Read More

CONAGRA FOODS INC. $25 – New York symbol CAG

CONAGRA FOODS INC. $25 (New York symbol CAG; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 414.5 million; Market cap: $10.4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.8; Dividend yield: 3.8%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.conagrafoods.com) makes a wide variety of packaged foods, including Chef Boyardee canned pasta, Hunt’s tomato sauce,… Read More

Two paths to growth

These two well-established food makers are using different strategies to increase their sales and profits.

Heinz continues to expand overseas, while ConAgra prefers to focus on its domestic business. Both companies continue to cut costs and improve their efficiency.

Both strategies should help Heinz and ConAgra spur… Read More

Food stocks should gain from lower costs

Food companies add stability to your portfolio. While they have to deal with changing costs and eating trends, they benefit from continuous, habitual buying by regular customers regardless of the overall economy. The recession has prompted more consumers to switch to cheaper, generic brands. But… Read More

CONAGRA FOODS INC. $20 – New York symbol CAG

CONAGRA FOODS INC. $20 (New York symbol CAG; Income Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 447.2 million; Market cap: $8.9 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.7; WSSF Rating: Above Average) makes a number of packaged foods, including Chef Boyardee canned pasta, Hunt’s tomato sauce, Peter Pan peanut butter… Read More

Stands to gain from lower input costs

GENERAL MILLS INC. $50 (New York symbol GIS; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 329 million; Market cap: $16.5 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.2; WSSF Rating: Above Average) earned $0.79 a share in its third fiscal quarter, which ended February 22, 2009. This is down… Read More