Topic: Growth Stocks

STANTEC INC. $68.12 – Toronto symbol STN

STANTEC INC. $68.12 (Toronto symbol STN; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (780-917-7288; www.stantec.com; Shares outstanding: 46.6 million; Market cap: $3.1 billion; Dividend yield: 1.1%) sells a range of consulting, project-delivery, design and technology services. Its clients operate in a variety of industries, including transportation, construction, and oil and gas.

In the quarter ended December 31, 2013, revenue rose 15.7%, to $451.3 million from $390.1 million a year earlier. Acquisitions were one reason for the gain. Stantec is also working on many new projects, such as major pipelines and the huge Westside Subway Transit Corridor in southern California.

Earnings gained 14.8%, to $35.7 million, or $0.77 a share, from $31.1 million, or $0.68.

The company continues to grow by acquisition, with five purchases in 2013. In February 2014, it added California-based Processes Unlimited International, which has 450 employees in seven U.S. offices. Processes Unlimited offers engineering, project management and design services to customers in a wide range of markets.

Stantec has just raised its quarterly dividend by 12.1%, to $0.185 from $0.165. It now yields 1.1%.

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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