Building a portfolio can feel complicated. Investors are often faced with endless choices, shifting market narratives, and the pressure to get the timing right.
In the latest episode of Ticker Take, I spoke with Brian Belski of Humilis Investment Strategies about a more structured way to approach investing.
His strategy starts with identifying what he sees as the best parts of both the Canadian and U.S. markets, then building portfolios that lean into those areas.
From there, it becomes more forward-looking.
Belski focuses on companies he believes are best positioned for the coming environment. That does not necessarily mean the economy as it stands today. Instead, he is looking at where earnings are headed, how companies are operating, and how they are valued.
The underlying idea is simple, but important.
Stocks tend to lead earnings, and earnings tend to lead the broader economy.
By the time investors are reacting to economic data, he believes much of the opportunity has already passed.
That is why his process emphasizes company fundamentals and valuation first, rather than trying to time macroeconomic shifts.
With that framework in mind, Belski highlighted five stocks that align with his strategy. These are longer-term ideas tied to broader themes, not short-term calls. As always, this is not financial advice.
Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
Costco has built one of the strongest retail models in the world, driven by its membership structure and consistent value proposition.
Its scale, pricing power, and loyal customer base continue to support steady growth, making it a cornerstone name for many long-term investors.
Alphabet remains one of the most dominant companies in technology, with leadership in digital advertising, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
Its broad ecosystem and financial strength give it multiple avenues for growth across cycles.
Netflix continues to evolve as a global streaming leader, with improving margins and a growing subscriber base.
The company’s ability to scale content and refine its business model has helped it stay relevant in an increasingly competitive space.
Aritzia is a Canadian retail success story that has been expanding aggressively into the United States.
Its brand strength and execution have allowed it to gain traction in new markets while maintaining momentum at home.
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (ATD TSX)
Couche-Tard has grown from a regional player into a global convenience store operator through disciplined expansion and acquisitions.
Its defensive characteristics and consistent execution have made it a standout in its category.
The Ticker Take
There is no shortage of stock ideas in the market.
What stands out in Belski’s approach is the structure behind those ideas.
It is not just about finding strong companies. It is about understanding how they fit together within a portfolio.
And importantly, it is about looking ahead.
If stocks lead earnings, and earnings lead the economy, then the real work for investors happens well before the economic data confirms the trend.
In a market that often rewards short-term thinking, that kind of discipline may be one of the most valuable edges investors can have.
Jon Erlichman is a BNN Bloomberg contributor and the host of Ticker Take on YouTube.
