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From Hollywood to Landfills: Wong’s Market Script for August

Stan Wong’s August 2025 portfolio plays target market leaders in streaming, payments, and environmental services.

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From Hollywood to Landfills: Wong’s Market Script for August

Equity markets are riding a wave of momentum as summer reaches its peak, with the S&P 500, TSX, and Nasdaq all trading sharply higher since the spring. Investors have been digesting a mix of encouraging inflation data, steady economic growth, and a corporate earnings season that has consistently outperformed expectations. Technology remains the driving force, buoyed by excitement in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and cloud computing, while broader market participation is beginning to show across cyclicals and defensive sectors.

In Canada, the TSX’s strength in materials has been tempered by softer performance in energy and health care. Inflationary pressures continue to ease, with U.S. CPI dropping to 2.7 per cent and Canada cooling to 2.4 per cent. The U.S. Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged in July, hinting at the possibility of easing if the disinflation trend holds. On the earnings front, S&P 500 companies have delivered profit growth approaching nine per cent year over year, with mega-cap tech leaders such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and Alphabet maintaining their dominance.

Stan Wong, Portfolio Manager at Scotia Wealth Management, remains constructive on equities, particularly high-quality North American large caps and ETFs. He favours a diversified, selective approach, emphasizing technology, financials, and health care, while maintaining a preference for government and investment-grade corporate bonds in fixed income. For August, Wong’s top picks reflect industry leadership, competitive moats, and compelling growth stories: Netflix, Visa, and Waste Management.

Netflix: Dominating the Streaming Frontier

Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) continues to stand as the undisputed leader in subscription video streaming. Its vast content library, advanced delivery infrastructure, and unmatched global scale—now exceeding 300 million subscribers—cement its position as the go-to platform for entertainment worldwide. Fiscal 2026 revenue is on track to surpass US$50 billion, driven by international expansion, the rise of its advertising-supported tier, and strategic pricing adjustments.

The company’s deep investment in original programming, regional content, and even live events has fostered unparalleled user engagement. Its latest quarterly report beat expectations on both revenue and earnings, boosted by strong subscriber growth across premium and ad-supported plans. Netflix’s forward earnings multiple sits around 40, supported by an expected 27 per cent earnings growth rate—figures that underscore both its dominance and its potential.

Management remains committed to reinvesting in high-quality content and platform innovation, ensuring Netflix stays ahead in a fiercely competitive streaming landscape. With advertising as a fresh revenue stream and a global platform ready to scale further, Netflix offers investors an attractive blend of growth and cash flow generation in the direct-to-consumer entertainment space.

Visa: The Engine of Global Payments

Visa (NYSE: V) stands at the heart of the world’s shift from cash to digital transactions. Its brand recognition, global reach, and trusted network position it to capitalize on the continued rise of e-commerce, cross-border payments, and real-time transaction services. Fiscal 2026 revenue is projected to top US$44 billion, with growth supported by pricing power, robust consumer spending, and a resurgence in travel-related transactions.

The company’s most recent quarter exceeded expectations, driven by strength in its high-margin cross-border segment. Visa’s focus on innovation—whether through enhanced fraud prevention, tokenization, or its expanding Visa Direct and B2B payment solutions—continues to push the boundaries of its business beyond traditional card payments.

Trading at 27 times forward earnings and projected to deliver 13 per cent compound annual earnings growth over the coming years, Visa offers a compelling balance between stability and growth. Its network effects create a nearly unassailable competitive moat, making it a cornerstone for long-term investors seeking exposure to the global digital payments ecosystem.

Waste Management: A Defensive Growth Powerhouse

Waste Management (NYSE: WM) commands the environmental services industry in North America, supported by long-term drivers such as population growth, urbanization, and the push for sustainable waste solutions. With fiscal 2026 revenue projected to approach US$27 billion, the company’s integrated network of landfills, recycling facilities, and renewable natural gas plants gives it both pricing power and high barriers to entry.

Its latest quarterly performance outpaced expectations, with strength in landfill operations, cost efficiencies, and steady volume growth across commercial and industrial waste streams. Waste Management’s consistent free cash flow generation supports dividend growth and share repurchases, appealing to income-focused investors seeking defensive positioning with lower volatility.

At 29 times forward earnings and an 11 per cent earnings growth forecast, Waste Management’s valuation reflects its premium positioning. The company is strategically investing in recycling technology and renewable energy capabilities, ensuring it captures value in a future shaped by the circular economy.

Market Positioning and Seasonal Caution

While the technical backdrop for equities remains strong, Wong notes that historical patterns point to September as a month of caution. Over the past decade, the S&P 500 has averaged a nearly two per cent decline during September, closing lower in six out of ten years. Still, with inflation easing, corporate earnings holding firm, and participation broadening, the market’s underlying health remains intact.

The Stan Wong Group continues to advocate for a disciplined, diversified portfolio anchored by high-quality names in sectors with strong long-term tailwinds. In a market where both opportunities and risks are shifting quickly, Wong’s picks—Netflix, Visa, and Waste Management—offer a mix of growth potential, stability, and industry leadership that could help investors navigate the months ahead with confidence.

Conclusion

Stan Wong’s August 2025 selections reflect the type of companies built for resilience and growth in a dynamic market environment. Netflix’s streaming dominance, Visa’s payment network leadership, and Waste Management’s essential services and sustainability focus all stand out as high-quality, long-term investments. In a period marked by easing inflation, solid earnings, and constructive technical trends, these names offer investors a compelling combination of performance potential and defensive qualities.

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