Growth-by-acquisition Works for Saputo

Article Excerpt

SAPUTO INC. $49 (Toronto symbol SAP; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 103.7 million; Market cap: $4.6 billion; SI Rating: Average) is Canada’s largest producer of dairy products such as milk, cheese and butter. The dairy division, including operations in the United States, Argentina and Europe, supplies 95% of Saputo’s total revenue. The remaining 5% comes from its bakery operation, which makes snack-cakes, tarts and cereal bars. Saputo’s revenues rose from $3.4 billion in 2003 (fiscal years end March 31) to $4.02 billion in 2006, but slipped to $4.0 billion in 2007. Earnings rose from $1.66 a share (total $173.7 million) in 2003 to $2.20 a share ($232.1 million) in 2005. In 2006, a writedown cut profit to $1.82 a share ($192.1 million). Earnings improved to $2.28 a share ($238.5 million) in 2007. Saputo looks overseas for growth Much of Saputo’s recent growth comes from an aggressive acquisition plan, particularly outside Canada. While this increases its risk, Saputo has a long history…