One of the tools that I use when researching companies on a regular basis, is the Sector Indexes Breakdown as produced by G&M every Saturday in ROB.  I can then compare good companies.  However it's difficult to compare when the sector location doesn't make sense.  Why auto parts manufacturers are where they are and not in Industrials, Shaw isn't in Communications and why there isn't an additional portion of utilities for pipelines, are questions I have.  Just picking the two biggest instead of the two best, (a judgement call) is also an important question.  For instance, CN and CP Rail are transportation and I would compare them with airlines, trucking and shipping.  I have Chorus Aviation which I have held for some time at great profit.  I have only one utilility but three pipelines.  I have Chartwell but sold Extendicare (I may get back in).  I have two REITs but not the ones mentioned.
I believe some flexibility is needed here plus dividend comparison.