Topic: Growth Stocks

Growth stocks: Acquisitions push up Stantec’s revenue

Stantec, Inc., symbol STN on Toronto, sells a range of consulting, project delivery, design/build and technology services. The company’s clients operate in a number of markets, including industry, environment, transportation and construction.

Stantec is one of the growth stocks we analyze in Stock Pickers Digest.

The company has over 11,000 employees in 170 locations throughout North America. It also has four international offices.

In the three months ended June 30, 2011, the growth stock’s revenue rose 11.1%, to $412.3 million from $371.2 million a year earlier. Acquisitions were the main reason for the gain. Earnings rose 8.4%, to $25.7 million, or $0.56 a share, from $23.7 million, or $0.52 a share.

The company continues to grow by acquisition. In May 2011, it bought the Caltech Group, a Calgary-based consulting/engineering firm. Caltech adds about 200 employees to Stantec’s workforce, and expands its business in the North American oil and gas and electricity sectors.

Stantec maximizes its sales by offering its services to existing clients. The company cuts its costs by sharing administrative expenses, financing and employee benefits between its divisions. However, continually buying and integrating new companies adds risk — including the risk of writedowns.

This growth stock’s balance sheet shows cash of $5.6 million, or $0.12 a share. Its long term debt of $275.6 million is a reasonable 26.2% of its market cap.

We updated our advice on Stantec and other growth stocks in our August 26, 2011, Stock Pickers Digest hotline, which you can immediately view when you take a 1-month free trial to Stock Pickers Digest. Click here to get started right away.

(Note: If you are a current Stock Pickers Digest subscriber, please click here to view Pat’s recommendation. Be sure to log in first.)

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