Canadian Western Bank

Canadian Western Bank has passed my value screen and I decided to increase my holdings. As I focus on small and mid-cap stocks, I chose not to purchase any of the larger banks even though there seems to be a consensus that now is a great time to buy them.

Given the strength of the economy in western Canada, I believe that shares of CWB will outperform the big banks in the coming year.

Canadian Western Bank has 33 branch locations and is the only Schedule I chartered bank headquartered in and regionally focused on Western Canada. The Bank, which has total assets of $7.3 billion, specializes in mid-market commercial lending and offers a full range of retail services. Trust services to independent financial advisors, corporations, income trusts and individuals are also provided through the Bank's wholly owned subsidiaries, Canadian Western Trust Company and Valiant Trust Company. Canadian Direct Insurance Incorporated is a wholly owned subsidiary providing personal automobile and home insurance directly to customers in British Columbia and Alberta.