For a rising portfolio

Learn everything you need to know in 'How to Find the Best Growth Stocks' for FREE from The Successful Investor.

Canadian Growth Stocks: CGI Group, CAE Inc., Fortis Inc. Stock and more.

 I consent to receiving information from The Successful Investor via email. I understand I can unsubscribe from these updates at any time.

Topic: Growth Stocks

Growth stocks: Acquisitions push Stantec’s revenue higher

Stantec Inc., symbol STN on Toronto, sells a range of consulting, project delivery, design/build and technology services. The company’s clients operate in a number of markets, including industry, environment, transportation and construction. Stantec has over 9,400 employees in 150 locations throughout North America.

In the three months ended December 31, 2010, the growth stock’s revenue rose 11.9%, to $383.7 million from $342.8 million a year earlier. Acquisitions were the main reason for the revenue increase. The growth stock’s earnings rose 9.6%, to $22.9 million, or $0.55 a share, from $25.1 million, or $0.50 a share.

The company continues to grow through acquistions. In October 2010, it acquired Street Smarts, a Georgia company that specializes in roadway engineering. In December it bought Burt Hill, a 600-employee Pennsylvania architectural and engineering firm that focuses on health care and higher education. In February 2011, Stantec acquired QuadraTech, Inc., an engineering-services firm in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Stantec maximizes its sales by offering its services to existing clients. The company cuts its costs by sharing administrative expenses, financing and employee benefits between its divisions. However, continually buying and integrating new companies adds risk — including the risk of writedowns.

The company holds cash of $62.7 million, or $1.37 a share. The growth stock’s long term debt of $269.3 million is only 19.2% of its market cap.

You can get our full analysis, including our clear buy/sell/hold advice on Stantec and dozens of other stocks that may be suitable for the part of your portfolio you devote to aggressive investments in Stock Pickers Digest. What’s more, you can get one month free when you subscribe now. Click here to learn how.

Comments

Tell Us What YOU Think

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please be respectful with your comments and help us keep this an area that everyone can enjoy. If you believe a comment is abusive or otherwise violates our Terms of Use, please click here to report it to the administrator.