STANTEC INC. $46.56 - Toronto symbol STN

STANTEC INC. $46.56 (Toronto symbol STN; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (780-917-7288; www.stantec.com; Shares outstanding: 46.2 million; Market cap: $2.1 billion; Dividend yield: 1.4%) sells a range of consulting, project delivery, design and technology services. Its clients operate in a variety of industries, including transportation, construction and oil and gas.

In the three months ended March 31, 2013, Stantec’s revenue rose 17.7%, to $513.2 million from $436.2 million a year earlier. Acquisitions were one reason for the increase. Stantec is also working on several new projects. Earnings gained 13.7%, to $28.4 million, or $0.62 a share, from $25.0 million, or $0.55 a share.

The company continues to grow by acquisition, with seven purchases in 2012. Its most recent addition was Roth Hill, a 30-person firm that designs systems for collecting and treating water and wastewater. Stantec sees major growth potential in the water industry.

Stantec raised its quarterly dividend by 10.0% earlier this year, to $0.165 from $0.15. The shares now yield 1.4%.

The company cuts its costs by sharing administrative expenses, financing and employee benefits among its divisions. But continually buying new companies adds risk, including the risk of writedowns.

Stantec is a hold.

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