Strong prospects justify their high multiples

Article Excerpt

FirstService and Colliers have rebounded strongly from last year’s low as businesses and individuals re-purpose their properties in response to the pandemic. Both look expensive in relation to earnings, but they are in a strong position to keep winning new contracts. Moreover, as market leaders, they can pass along higher labour and other costs to their clients. FIRSTSERVICE CORP. $238 remains a buy for aggressive investors. The company (Toronto symbol FSV; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 43.6 million; Market cap: $10.4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 3.4; Dividend yield: 0.4%; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; www.firstservice.com) has two main businesses: FirstService Residential (51% of 2020 revenue) provides property management services such as collecting monthly condominium fees and maintenance services; and FirstService Brands (49%) offers a wide variety of property management services through several franchised businesses, including Paul Davis Restoration and CertaPro Painters. The company continues to benefit as residential properties re-open their shared spaces, such as pools and spas. Strong demand for its…