Inside Brett Girard’s November 2024 Stock Selections: Companies for Resilient Growth

Brett Girard’s expert picks showcase a blend of resilience, growth, and dividend strength, guiding investors through economic uncertainty.

Editorial Team (ET)February 10, 2026

Brett Girard, chief financial officer and portfolio manager at Liberty International Investment Management, is known for his sharp insights into the financial landscape and strategic picks that reflect a keen understanding of both market trends and fundamentals. As the Canadian and U.S. economies reveal contrasting dynamics, Girard zeroes in on three standout investments: Great-West Life, Steris PLC, and Kelly Partners. These picks reflect his focus on companies that drive shareholder returns through a blend of resilient business models, strategic growth, and prudent capital management.

Market Outlook: Positive Signals Amid Economic Uncertainty

In Canada and outside the United States, recent interest rate cuts have created a stimulus effect, potentially aiding sectors under strain. However, the broader economic outlook remains mixed. In the U.S., affluent consumer segments continue to bolster consumer spending, even as lower-income households feel the pinch. Decreasing inflation and a stronger labor market in the U.S. have fueled a cautiously optimistic outlook for economic resilience south of the border.

Despite these economic indicators, Girard emphasizes that successful investing is not about reacting to economic headlines but about identifying companies that exhibit consistent cash flow, robust shareholder yields, and disciplined management. His top picks illustrate this philosophy, focusing on businesses that can navigate market challenges while delivering reliable returns to shareholders.

Top Picks: Girard’s Strategic Selections for Resilient Growth

Great-West Life (GWO TSX)

A cornerstone in Girard’s portfolio, Great-West Life is a Canadian financial services giant with a diverse portfolio spanning life insurance, health benefits, retirement services, and asset management. A key growth driver is Empower Retirement, one of the largest U.S. retirement service providers, which has expanded both organically and through acquisition. With a dividend growth rate averaging around 8% over one, five, and ten-year periods, and a payout ratio generally between 50-70%, Great-West Life represents stability and growth potential. Girard values the company's ability to support dividend growth and sees further upside as Empower continues to capture market share in the U.S.

Steris PLC (STE NYSE)

Steris PLC, a leader in infection prevention and sterilization services, holds a unique position in the healthcare sector with substantial revenue from recurring streams, including maintenance and repair of sterilization equipment. Following a dip during the pandemic, Steris has seen earnings per share (EPS) return to pre-pandemic highs, underscoring its resilience. The company’s dividend growth, reaching 15% over the past decade, aligns with Girard’s preference for robust, steady-yielding stocks. With a solid business model backed by rising demand in healthcare settings, Steris is a compelling pick for investors seeking stability and dividend growth.

Kelly Partners (KPG ASX)

Kelly Partners, an Australian-based consolidator of accounting firms focused on small and medium businesses, rounds out Girard’s selection. Since 2006, Kelly Partners has systematically expanded its reach across Australia and, more recently, the U.S., filling a growing gap as seasoned practitioners retire without enough new graduates to replace them. The firm’s 22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue and EBITDA over the past five years highlights its growth trajectory. Kelly Partners is exploring a cross-listing on a U.S. exchange, which could further fuel its expansion and make it an attractive buy for global investors.

Why These Picks Matter

Each of Girard’s picks demonstrates key qualities he seeks in investments: cash flow consistency, strategic management, and shareholder-focused policies. Great-West Life, with its stable dividend and diversified revenue sources, offers security; Steris, as a healthcare mainstay, presents growth from recurring income; and Kelly Partners’ expansion strategy taps into an underserved niche with high growth potential. These selections showcase Girard’s emphasis on businesses that “control what they can control,” focusing on factors within management’s reach rather than unpredictable economic shifts.

Conclusion

Brett Girard’s top picks for November 2024 offer a balanced mix of growth, resilience, and value. As Canada and the U.S. navigate distinct economic paths, Great-West Life, Steris, and Kelly Partners stand out as companies well-positioned to thrive amid both challenges and opportunities. For investors seeking returns grounded in strategic management and dependable cash flows, Girard’s selections offer a roadmap for steady growth.

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