Topic: How To Invest

Good afternoon Pat et al.: Could I please have your opinion on Centric Health? Thanks very much.

Article Excerpt

Centric Health, $0.33, symbol CHH on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 153.0 million; Market cap: $49.7 million; www.centrichealth.ca), is a health care services provider operating in five main areas: physiotherapy, pharmacy, surgical and medical centres, assessments, and medical equipment. In the three months ended September 30, 2013, Centric’s revenue rose 3.0%, to $110.6 million from $107.4 million a year earlier. The company lost $0.30 a share, compared to a loss of $0.05 a share. However, cash flow per share was positive, at $0.05, compared to $0.04 a year ago. The company aims to continue its aggressive acquisition strategy. For example, it just bought a 75% stake in SmartShape Weight Loss Centres, a provider of gastric-bypass weight loss surgery in Mississauga, Ontario. Dr. Chris Cobourn will continue to hold the remaining 25% of SmartShape and will oversee the expansion of these procedures into Centric’s facilities in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto and Sarnia. Centric’s revenue is growing, and its cash flow is positive. However, its growth-by-acquisition…