Brett Girard, CPA, CA, CFA
Roper Technologies Inc.
ROP-N
HOLD
Jan 22, 2025
WACC is higher than ROIC.
Transitioning from hardware, now almost purely in software. Serial acquirers, only now is it easier to find deals at more reasonable valuations. High WACC is more a function of it being a small company, with market cap only ~$60B (high interest rates impact small companies the most).
Over time, ROIC will drive higher than WACC as it gets larger and continues to execute.
He has admired them for a long time. They are an aggregator of smaller niche profitable businesses. This generates a lot of cash and is well diversified. They have evolved into more digital technology companies and has adapted well. He would scale into a buy as it is pretty expensive here.
(A Top Pick Jul 29/19, Up 16%) They have purchased over 45 different software businesses. This is allowing them to increase multiples. A well run company and great allocators of free cash flow. He continues to hold.
A diversified industrial technology company. Medical imaging software, toll road software. They have a broad base of businesses geared to industrial technology. They take their cash flow and deploy it into acquisitions. They have a good track record. He likes the consistency of the income and cash flow streams. (Analysts’ price target is $439.31)
A great growth-by-acquisition story and cash flow machine which they funnel back into buying. He sees it as a software-based business rather than industrial in waste management. Cheap valuation and great managers. They're recharging to make more acquisitions. Buy now. Sees upside this year.
He likes it because it is going from a hardware business to a software business. It is a roll-up strategy. In the last month had sold off a non-core business. They quadrupled their investment over the last fifteen years. As they move into software, their multiple will go up.
(A Top Pick Dec 07/20, Up 18%) Industrial services technology. Good track record of deploying capital. In stable, consistent businesses. Operating as a SaaS business, high margins, "sticky" customer relationships. A unique story.
They supply software to companies, such as analytics. Trades at a high 50x earnings, and their earnings outlook for 12 months is flat. A great company, but a hold at best, but would otherwise sell it.
Recent all time high of the stock good for shareholders. American version of Constellation Software (Canada). Dividend has grown at ~ 14% annually the past 10 years. M&A skill very good - usually pay cash and is friendly. Excellent growth prospects for the long term investor.
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Transitioning from hardware, now almost purely in software. Serial acquirers, only now is it easier to find deals at more reasonable valuations. High WACC is more a function of it being a small company, with market cap only ~$60B (high interest rates impact small companies the most).
Over time, ROIC will drive higher than WACC as it gets larger and continues to execute.