Invest Like Warren Buffet: Avoid These 3 Falling Knives

Investing like Warren Buffet means knowing what to invest in and what not to invest in. Read about these “falling knives” Gildan Activeware (TSX:GIL), Extendicare (TSX:EXE) and Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B).

| More on:
close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett

Image source: The Motley Fool

With stock markets now beginning to sell off, contrarian investors, like Warren Buffett, now have quite a few options to choose from. Contrarian investors look for potential value in companies they feel have been hammered unfairly by investors.

Today I’m going to discuss three contrarian-looking companies with which I’d suggest caution.

Gildan Activewear

Perhaps in a dying industry, Gildan Activewear (TSX:GIL) has hummed along quietly as one of those oft-forgotten companies producing essential goods we often take for granted. The Canadian supplier of underwear, t-shirts and other textiles had an interesting earnings release at the end of February.

The company increased its dividend distribution by 15%. Their profit forecast underwhelmed investors and revenue declines were worrisome to many. This news item essentially wiped out all gains investors have seen over the past five years.

Some contrarian investors might think now may be a good time to jump in and pick up the pieces (and a juicy dividend to boot). However, I don’t see the long-term outlook for Gildan improving over time. I would caution investors with a long-term time horizon to search elsewhere for yield and value at this time.

Extendicare

Extendicare (TSX:EXE) is not really what one may qualify as a falling knife. While the company’s share price is down approximately 20% over the past three years, many view this as a safety/defensive play. I disagree for a few reasons.

My take on the aging boomer trade is that most, if not all, of the future growth expected in companies like Extendicare, that provide home care services to retirees, has already been priced in by financial markets.

Additionally, I believe key risks aren’t being priced in adequately. These include high levels of competition, particularly in key Canadian markets in which Extendicare operates.

Another key risk is the rising cost of healthcare workers, which will outpace inflation over the long term. Thus, margin deterioration is not being factored in right now to the appropriate degree. I worry that investors looking for sectors that may bounce back may incorrectly bet on this segment of the market.

I believe this market segment will likely decline for the next 5-10 years because of the real supply/demand issues coinciding with cost uncertainty.

Teck

Canadian resource/mining company Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B) has been on a very rough ride of late, down approximately 50% on a year-over-year basis. This market decline has been driven by a number of issues.

The recent news of the company’s decision to withdraw its application for its massive Frontier Oil Sands mine and take multi-billion dollar write downs accordingly on both Frontier and Fort Hill’s oil sands mines drove investor sentiment lower.

The company has also cut its sales forecast for its metallurgic coal operations, leaving investors without anything positive to hang their hats on, hence the selloff.

For contrarian investors, I think Teck is just too risky at this point in time relative to other options on the TSX. I would encourage those looking for bargains to look elsewhere at this point in time.

Stay Foolish, my friends.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

The Motley Fool recommends GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR INC. Fool contributor Chris MacDonald does not have ownership in any stocks mentioned in this article.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »