We have no additions to or subtractions from the How They Rate coverage universe this month.

Our evaluation of the coverage universe is ongoing, as we streamline our focus to companies with realistic opportunities to build wealth for investors for the long term, keeping in mind too that part of the rationale for building a coverage universe is to provide context and comparison.

Advice Changes

Barrick Gold Corp (TSX: ABX, NYSE: ABX)–From SELL to Hold. The company has made solid progress with its asset-sale program, while gold had a decent second quarter. Sentiment on the metal has reached rock bottom, perhaps reflecting overly negative attitudes. The share price has also recovered much of what’s been lost. We’ll look for continuing signs of cost cuts in management second-quarter report.

BlackBerry Ltd (TSX: BB, NSDQ: BBRY)–From SELL to Hold. CEO John Chen’s strategic shift away from devices toward business customers, software and mobile services such as the BBM messaging service is showing signs of progress, as the company reported a narrower-than-expected fiscal 2015 first-quarter loss of USD0.11 per share on solid, forecast-beating sales of USD966 million.

WestJet Airlines Ltd (TSX: WJA, OTC: WJAFF)–From Hold to Buy < 27. The Canadian dollar has strengthened, and competitive threats have receded. Management is now aiming at Air Canada (TSX: AC/B, OTC: AIDEF) with the planned acquisition of wide-body jets that will allow it to expand its service to overseas markets.

June traffic was up 5 percent, while capacity grew by 4.3 percent.

Rating Changes