Outsourcing trend continues to spur CGI

Article Excerpt

CGI GROUP INC. $13 (Toronto symbol GIB.A; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 306 million; Market cap: $4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.0; SI Rating: Extra Risk) is Canada’s largest provider of computer-outsourcing services. CGI helps corporations and government agencies automate certain routine functions, such as accounting and buying supplies. This lets its clients focus on their main businesses, and improve their efficiency. The company has over 100 offices in 16 countries. Canada accounts for roughly 60% of its revenue, followed by the U.S. (35%) and Europe (5%). BCE Inc. (Toronto symbol BCE) is CGI’s largest client, supplying roughly 12% of its annual revenue. Long-term contracts cut CGI’s risk CGI sells its services under long-term contracts, typically five to 10 years. This gives it predictable revenue streams, and lowers risk. Long-term deals also give CGI opportunities to sell more of its services to existing clients. The company further cuts its risk by focusing on less-cyclical industries, such as government services, health care…