Updating Bombardier Inc., Fortis Inc., Legacy Hotels REIT, and The Thomson Corp.

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BOMBARDIER INC. (Toronto symbols BBD.A $4.82 and BBD.B $4.79; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 1.7 billion; Market cap: $8.2 billion; SI Rating: Extra risk) estimates that demand for business jets will rise roughly 75% over the next decade, based on order backlogs and growing orders from international customers. Demand for regional jets is also improving, particularly for larger, more fuel-efficient models such as Bombardier’s new 100-seat plane. The outlook for the company’s transportation division is also getting brighter. It recently won new contracts to supply trains for public transportation systems in the UK and Shanghai, China. Bombardier is a buy. The multiple voting ‘A’ shares are the better choice. FORTIS INC. $28 (Toronto symbol FTS; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 109.6 million; Market cap: $3.1 billion; SI Rating: Above average) aims to complete its $3.7 billion acquisition of the gas distribution business of Terasen Inc. (formerly called BC Gas) by June 30, 2007 now that B.C. utility…