Global push pays off for CGI

Article Excerpt

CGI GROUP INC. $31 (Toronto symbol GIB.A; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 309.3 million; Market cap: $9.6 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.5; No dividends paid; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk; www.cgi.com) is Canada’s largest provider of computer outsourcing services. CGI helps its clients automate routine functions, like accounting and buying supplies. That makes them more efficient and lets them focus on their main businesses. CGI continues to profit from its August 2012 acquisition of Logica plc, a U.K.-based firm that provides computer-outsourcing services in 36 countries. Thanks to this $2.7-billion purchase, CGI’s earnings rose 66.3% in its 2013 second quarter, which ended March 31, 2013, to $175.9 million from $105.7 million a year earlier. Due to more shares outstanding, earnings per share rose at a slower rate of 40.0%, to $0.56 from $0.40. These figures exclude unusual items, such as costs to integrate Logica. Revenue soared 137.0%, to $2.5 billion from $1.1 billion. In addition to the contribution…