Recent acquisitions are fitting in nicely

Article Excerpt

STANTEC INC. $43.25 (Toronto symbol STN; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (780-917-7288; www.stantec.com; Shares outstanding: 46.0 million; Market cap: $2.0 billion; Dividend yield: 1.5%) sells a range of consulting, project delivery, design and technology services. Stantec’s clients operate in a variety of industries, including transportation, construction and oil and gas. In the three months ended December 31, 2012, Stantec’s revenue rose 13.3%, to $483.9 million from $432.0 million a year earlier. Acquisitions were one reason for the increase. Stantec is also working on several new projects. Earnings rose 28.0%, to $31.1 million, or $0.67 a share, from $24.3 million, or $0.53. Stantec continues to grow by acquisition, including purchases of seven companies in 2012. Its most recent addition was Landmark Survey and Mapping, a 24- person firm specializing in surveying and mapping for pipelines. Stantec sees major growth potential in the oil and gas and mining industries. The company has raised its quarterly dividend by 10.0%, to $0.165 from $0.15. The…