Topic: How To Invest

Q: I was wondering, Pat, about your thoughts on holding Aecon (ARE Toronto) since the government blocked its takeover by China’s CCCC Ltd. Thanks.

Article Excerpt

A: Aecon Group Inc., $18.79, symbol ARE on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 60.8 million; Market cap: $1.1 billion; www.aecon.com), is one of Canada’s largest construction companies. The firm and its predecessors helped to build Canadian landmarks such as the CN Tower, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Halifax Shipyards, Highway 407, Vancouver Skytrain, and Terminal 3 at Lester B. Pearson International Airport. Aecon has two main divisions: The Construction segment accounts for 93% of the company’s revenue. It includes all aspects of construction of both public and private infrastructure projects, including industrial, transportation, power, and utilities projects. The Concession segment (7% of revenue) includes the development, financing, and operation of infrastructure projects such as the Highway 104 Cobequid Pass toll road in Nova Scotia and the Cross Israel Highway. Holdings like these can be highly profitable. For example, SNC-Lavalin (Toronto symbol SNC) has had great returns from its interest in Ontario’s 407 toll highway. Aecon produces its own construction materials, including asphalt and aggregates, from eight facilities…