Stock price when the opinion was issued
Surprisingly, hasn't met his goals for return performance. But starting points do matter, and it ran up dramatically prior to pandemic, so maybe it got a little pricey. Restoration business suffered due to good weather. Long-term thesis. Serial acquirer. ("Genius") founder run and owned.
First bought in 1998. It had a simple strategy, and was overlooked in the market. Over 26 years, has executed its strategy bigger and bigger -- buy into a new market, buy a business that fits in, build that position. Repeat. Grows at 4% per annum, and a further 15% or so a year because cash generated is not needed to maintain the business.
Really well run, very good compounder. Likes the business, always on his watchlist, but it always trades as such a rich valuation. Strong growth profile, but valuation exceeds it. If you can get it at the right price, hold for a long time because huge runway ahead.
Largely insulated from tariffs, as services take place locally whether Canada or US. Only hiccup would be if housing materials were hit by tariffs; still, labour costs (not subject to tariffs) are the bulk of renovation expenses. Would be sensitive, however, to a broader economic turndown.
An extremely well-run and well diversified business. They own businesses such as College Pro Painters and a home security business. Pretty big in property management in the US, especially the southern US.