This niche leader has big gains ahead

Article Excerpt

SHAWCOR LTD. $34 (Toronto symbol SCL.A; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 70.9 million; Market cap: $2.4 billion; SI Rating: Average) makes sealants and coatings that protect onshore and offshore oil and natural gas pipelines from corrosion. The company also inspects and repairs pipelines. These operations account for about 85% of ShawCor’s total revenue. The remaining 15% comes from making industrial equipment such as electrical wire and protective sheaths. The Shaw family controls 89.4% of the company’s class ‘B’ multiple voting shares. Energy boom spurs ShawCor’s stock ShawCor’s stock has more than doubled for us in the past five years, largely due to rising energy prices. That in turn has led to a big jump in new pipeline construction. Consequently, ShawCor’s revenue rose from $699.3 million in 2003 to $1.06 billion in 2006. However, customers outside of Canada account for about 75% of ShawCor’s sales. The high Canadian dollar cut its revenue to $1.05 billion in 2007. ShawCor earned $0.34 a..