Topic: Growth Stocks

STANTEC INC. $30.05 – Toronto symbol STN

STANTEC INC. $30.05 (Toronto symbol STN; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (780-917-7288; www.stantec.com; Shares outstanding: 93.8 million; Market cap: $2.8 billion; Dividend yield: 1.2%) (all figures adjusted for a 2-for-1 share split in November 2014) sells a range of consulting, project-delivery, design and technology services. The company’s clients operate in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, transportation and construction.

In the quarter ended September 30, 2014, Stantec’s revenue rose 12.2%, to $544.2 million from $484.8 million a year earlier. Earnings gained 5.7%, to $48.6 million, or $1.04 a share, from $46.0 million, or $0.99.

Stantec continues to grow by acquisition. It has now completed its purchase of Montreal-based Dessau, a distressed firm that’s one of a number of companies caught up in a Quebec government inquiry into corruption in the construction industry. Under the deal, Stantec won’t be responsible for any of the millions of dollars in fines or penalties Dessau may have to pay.

The Dessau acquisition makes Stantec the country’s second-biggest engineering firm, behind SNC-Lavalin. Dessau is now involved in two of Quebec’s largest construction contracts: the replacement of Montreal’s Champlain Bridge and the Turcot Interchange.

Stantec increased its quarterly dividend by 12.1% last year, to $0.185 from $0.165. The shares currently yield 1.2%.

The company cuts its costs by sharing administrative expenses, financing and employee benefits among its divisions. But continually buying new firms adds risk, including the risk of writedowns.

Stantec is a hold.

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