
TSE:CSU
This summary was created by AI, based on 86 opinions in the last 12 months.
Constellation Software Inc. (CSU) has faced significant challenges recently, particularly concerning the departure of its long-serving CEO, Mark Leonard, and increasing fears about AI's potential disruption of traditional software businesses. Many analysts believe the company's strong acquisition model and established market presence position it well for future growth, although concerns about its ability to sustain its roll-up strategy persist, especially in light of competitive pressures and market sentiment around software. The consensus from various experts suggests that while the current valuation is attractive, especially compared to historical levels, caution is advised given the potential for continued volatility and the need for the company to demonstrate sustained organic growth. Overall, despite the mixed sentiments regarding its immediate future, a substantial number of analysts remain bullish on CSU's long-term growth prospects, reflecting confidence in its business model and management team.
Owns shares in company - longtime owner. Excellent company with history of compounding capital at strong rate. Largest software company in Canada (private). Vertical market software (niche business use) roll up strategy has proven very fruitful. Recurring revenue excellent for bottom line. On track for continued growth. Owner/operator mindset very good for investors. Company can be compared to a private equity company that specialized in software.
Without a doubt, one of the best investments you could have made. Management is unbelievable. Sound business, wonderful balance sheet. As a value investor, does he really wants to pay 35-40x earnings for the hope that the past will repeat? Much steeper incline at that valuation to repeat the same sort of return.
Probably one of the best capital compounders in the world. But the secret's out. Very few years that it hasn't had a positive return. (Research reveals that going back to 2006, 2022 was the only year not positive.) Excels at small deals that private equity firms won't do, and this lets them keep growing. Spins off lots of cash. Loves it. Valuation is rich.
Don't focus on PE. There are some nuances to amortization that make earnings look quite low, and PE look in excess of 100x. Look at price-to-cashflow or FCF yield. Trades somewhere around 30-32x cashflow, fairly reasonable multiple, comparable to a MSFT. Wait for a pullback, if you can get it.
Everyone wants it, so they pay up for it. There hasn't been a year in his career that he hasn't been able to add it to client portfolios. Take advantage of volatility on a bad quarter or headline news. Don't chase, just be patient.
He'd prefer CSU over TOI, but you should also look at LMN. LMN has done tremendously well since it was spun off. LMN was a vertical business that catered to agri, financial services, and education.
MSFT has software that goes horizontally across a whole bunch of industries, whereas CSU is more vertical. It's been very steady, even when the market goes into selloff mode. Has 5 operating segments.
TOI is out of Europe, and more on the engineering side.
Tongue in cheek, he estimates that in 5 years, price will double from today; in 10 years, quadruple. That's based on 15% compounding every year; at that rate, your investment doubles every 5 years. He doesn't actually set price targets. His largest holding at 15%.
Must look at fundamentals of the business. For CSU, haven't changed; in fact, have gotten stronger. Deploys increasingly large amounts of capital, disciplined in looking for high rates of return before acquiring. Founder-run, founder-owned. High margins. Not much debt. High and consistent ROIC. Well run.