Topic: How To Invest

Hello Pat: What is your recommendation on Clearwater Seafoods? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

Clearwater Seafoods, $8.31, symbol CLR on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 50.9 million; Market cap: $423.4 million; www.clearwater.ca), is one of North America’s largest seafood companies and the largest holder of shellfish licenses and quotas in Canada. The stock has moved up from $5.90 at the start of November 2013 after the company released its results for the three months ended September 28, 2013. Revenue rose 12.2% in the quarter, to $114.0 million from $101.6 million a year earlier. Earnings per share jumped to $0.48 from $0.30. Clearwater’s long-term debt of $238.6 million is a somewhat high 56.4% of its market cap. That adds some risk. However, the company has been able to refinance to cut its interest rates and extend its maturities, so it should be able to handle its debt payments. Seafood demand is rising with a growing world population, shifting consumer tastes toward healthier diets and the rising wealth of middle class consumers in emerging economies. That’s good for Clearwater, though…