STARS
CN Rail
It used to be the only demographic this company's fleet created value for was hobos. But with CN's share price up 1,000 per cent in 10 years -- breaking the $100-a-share barrier this week -- shareholders too are getting a smooth ride.
$103.25, up $10.58 (CNR-TSX)
General Motors
You know your company's had a rough year when you post an annual loss of $8.6-billion and your stock price rises. Still, those who bought shares in 2000 at 90 bucks a pop will be happy with this week's rise to $23. Only 300 per cent to go before breakeven!
$23.80, up $3.75 (GM-NYSE)
Tembec Inc.
Shares reversed course this week on hopes a new CEO may be able to sell assets or pull off a merger. Either new management will succeed, or this particular Stars and Dogs will fetch a hefty price on eBay because it'll be the only one where GM and Tembec are listed as stars.
$1.20, up 23¢ (TBC-TSX)
DOGS
QLT Inc.
Why do Canadian companies even try to operate in the States? In a play-by-play reenactment of the RIM saga, Vancouver-based drug maker QLT is losing a patent battle with a U.S. firm, and its stock price is feeling the pain. Clearly, it is not possible to create anything original ever again.
$6.92, down 82¢ (QLT-TSX)
Sleeman
Sleeman's shares continue to dive as the company deals with the new Canadian beer drinker's reality. Sure, it still take 26 beers before Joe Everyman passes out on his Toronto Maple Leafs area rug, but Joe's no longer willing to pay the same kind of prices for the thrill.
$12.45, down $1.05(ALE-TSX)
Cott Corp.
The North American consumer's cheetah-like reflexes once again catch beverage makers by surprise. Seems fewer people want to drink teeth-rotting, belly-expanding sodas any more. The new strategy? Join the energy drink craze and cash in on people who want to feel active while not doing anything.
$13.04, down $2.70 (BCB-TSX)
SOURCE: THOMSON DATASTREAM and WWW.GLOBEINVESTOR.COM / Note: Friday close and change from previous Friday.
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