This stock holds a lot of risk

Article Excerpt

You should remain wary of stocks that attract broker/media praise for their high-profile products or services and their business models. Here’s a closer look at one stock with risks that prospect investors should take into consideration: EXCHANGE INCOME CORP., $55.42, (Toronto symbol EIF; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (www.exchangeincomecorp.ca; Shares outstanding: 42.6 million; Market cap: $2.3 billion; Dividend yield: 4.6%) operates in two main areas: aviation and manufacturing. The aviation business (63% of revenue) serves communities in Manitoba, Ontario, B.C., Alberta, and Nunavut through regional airlines. The manufacturing business (37%) includes WesTower Communications Canada (a maker and installer of wireless communication towers), and a number of other businesses. Exchange Income’s stock now trades at 15.2 times the $3.64 a share that the company expects to earn for 2016. The shares yield a high 4.6%. However, Exchange Income prefers to expand by making acquisitions—and that growth-by-acquisition strategy also adds considerable risk. Newly purchased companies may come with hidden problems or face unforeseen setbacks. Meanwhile, the company’s long-term debt…