Topic: How To Invest

Dear Mr. McKeough: Thank you very much for your timely advice. I would appreciate getting your opinion of Computer Sciences Corp., and in particular Computer Sciences Canada.

Article Excerpt

Computer Sciences Corp., $49.19, symbol CSC on New York (Shares outstanding: 154.2 million; Market cap: $7.6 billion), sells software and computer-outsourcing services to businesses and government agencies. The company’s products and services help its customers automate routine functions, such as accounting and purchasing. That lets Computer Sciences’ clients focus on their main businesses, and improve their efficiency. The company typically enters into long-term contracts with its clients. That gives it steady, predictable revenue streams. Long-term contracts also let Computer Sciences build customer loyalty, and sell more services to its existing clients. The company has three divisions: The North American Public Sector division, which supplies about 40% of Computer Sciences’ revenue, provides a wide variety of services, including computer outsourcing. The division’s main clients are the U.S. government’s civilian agencies and branches of the U.S. military. The Managed Services Sector (40% of revenue) division sells computer-outsourcing services to private-sector clients in several industries, including aerospace, automotive, financial and telecommunications. Business Solutions and Services (20% of…