
TSE:SJ
This summary was created by AI, based on 3 opinions in the last 12 months.
Stella-Jones Inc. (SJ-T) showcases a diverse portfolio including residential products, rail ties, and telephone poles, indicating its role as a significant player in its sector. However, recent performance trends suggest volatility, with previous highs surpassing $90 but not sustaining those levels due to various market pressures, possibly including tariffs. Analysts have observed that investor sentiment is closely tied to housing market activity, which implies that Stella-Jones's stock may experience fluctuations based on external economic conditions. Despite these challenges, the company's stable margins and robust long-term growth potential make it an attractive option for some investors, particularly those looking for compounders with a strong return on invested capital. Overall, while frustrations over past performance exist, there is a recognition of the company's competitive positioning and growth trajectory.
2016 was a tough year, and 2017 is a continuation of that. Railroad ties and utility poles. A business with a natural barrier, because they are heavy and can’t be transported too far. Also, they need a license to produce ties because of the type of wood preservative used. Railroad ties wear out over time based on age, train weight and how many times a train goes over that tie. In the latter part of 2016, there was some pressure as Class1 pulled back and effectively de-stocked a little which created pressure. Also, wood pricing moved, so that they knew pricing was going to come down, and there was a cost mismatch between inventory and what they could sell for. The back half of 2017 is going to get better. Not a bargain, but a reasonably fair price if you’ve got a 2-year time horizon.
One of the best run companies in Canada. The problem is that railroads are not buying railway ties, and utility companies have been slow to order new Hydro poles, so the company came out with a warning a few weeks ago that hammered the stock. Over the long-term, the story makes a lot of sense. The issue is Donald Trump. Can a Canadian company support these things?
Recently came up with guidance a little lower than what the street was expecting, and the stock sold off. It came up today, and he is not sure why. A lot of value managers have been doing a lot of work on this and finding that there is value. This has been really well-managed. Looking at the longer-term view, there is a huge replacement cycle. The poles in the US are past the recommended useful life, so there is going to be a constant demand.
Provides railway ties for railroads, and utility poles for North American utilities. Some of the major class 1 railroads have reduced their CapX. This company is one of the main suppliers, and railroads have to maintain their networks. Expects their business will come back in the 2nd half of 2017. He likes the company. Very strong management. They have a history of growing their dividends.
The chart shows this hasn’t really done much over the past year. They’ve missed some expectations, especially in the last quarter. Believes there is some news coming out about railway ties that aren’t selling is much as they used to. However, that should start to pick up again. This could be in for another rocky year or so.
The chart indicates that there is a little bit of support coming in, and it appears that it wants to bounce off that support. Support is at about $42, and you might very well see the stock return to the top end of the trading range. Probably not a bad buy if you like the fundamentals. He would be cautious once it gets to the $48 range. It looks like a trader right now.
Railway ties and telephone poles. Pressure-treated wood for specialty uses. This is on his radar. He would potentially like to own this. It hasn’t participated in this market. A cyclical business and is dependent on spending by rails and utilities which has slowed down a bit. Valuation is getting more in line to where he would be interested.
A name he had been Short but has now covered. Thinks it has an interesting future assuming all the infrastructure spending the government is talking about does occur. They do a lot of construction in camps out west, and thinks they will be a benefit of pipeline construction and infrastructure spending.
She loves the management. She took profits, but does not mean it is a sell. They warned their quarter will not be great. They keep thinking the poles will be kicking in. But it has not yet happened. Eventually the comps will start looking better. She may want to own it two years down the road.