
TSE:CSU
This summary was created by AI, based on 90 opinions in the last 12 months.
Constellation Software Inc. (CSU) is experiencing significant scrutiny due to fears surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on its business model, particularly following the retirement of its long-serving CEO, Mark Leonard. Analysts are divided on its future, with some seeing it as a compelling buying opportunity at current depressed levels, while others express caution due to ongoing organic growth issues and valuation concerns. The company boasts a strong track record in capital allocation and is adapting by leveraging AI within its existing operations. Despite short-term volatility, many believe that CSU's fundamentals remain robust, and the potential for future growth through acquisitions remains intact. However, the overall sentiment is cautious as investors assess AI's true impact on the software landscape.
When he originally recommended this, it was on 7 or 8 times earnings, but is now on about 28 times earnings. Considers this management to be the best capital allocators in Canada. They are raising debt right now, and why would they be doing this if they were not going to be doing big acquisitions. You won’t know about these until the morning the press release comes out, and the stock will pop.
(A Top Pick March 18/14. Up 44.13%.) Still buying today. The risk is that at some point the growth slows down, but in this case, it won’t be like a hay stack where it rolls over, but will just slow down because they got to a certain size. Did a bond issue last fall indicating they could be making an acquisition. They are brilliant capital allocators.
Growth by acquisition. Have done a very good job historically of buying companies. Ranks in the top 25% of his quantitative database. On a price to cash flow basis, it is trading about 14X 2015 earnings estimates, which is above the typical company. There is about a 13% cash flow growth forecast for 2015. He thinks they will continue to have organic growth as well as growth by acquisition.
Does not own it, but it is a hard company to bet against. Very high return on invested capital. They’re acquiring smaller companies. Their valuation allows them to do very accretive deals. It is expensive for his taste. Over the long term this is probably a good bet, however. The PE is over 20 today and he would get more interested at 15 times. It has been a great winner for growth investors.
(A Top Pick June 19/14. Up 100.22%.) Currently this is correcting with the rest of the market. A fabulous business model and an extremely competent/astute management team. It has had a big correction, so you are getting in at about $500. They are raising debt right now, presumably to make some acquisitions. They are really smart allocators.