Summer Sale
50% off Premium Yearly
Opinions Michael Sprung
Stuart Olson IncSOX.TOCOMMENTNov 21, 2014
Michael SprungStock price when the opinion was issued
As of Sep 29, 2020. Market Open.
You might be interested:
In the construction space his favorite is WSP Global. SOX is similar and he thinks they may be a value trap as there is some concerns about the dividend, the strength of the balance sheet and their ties to the energy sector.
Benj Gallander
Benj GallanderMichael SprungMichael SprungBenj GallanderBenj GallanderMichael Sprung
A past top pick. The problem with construction companies is that they're much more volatile than the engineering ones. SOX is more construction, less engineering, and more dependent on the Alberta economy. It has a lot of upside from here, but it's riskier than peers Aecon, Stantec and SNC Lavalin.
Michael SprungIt has been a top pick in the past. It is a higher risk than a company that is both construction AND engineering. They have been figured as an Alberta-centric company but they have diversified somewhat. If we see any infrastructure dollars going to work, this company is likely to get them.
Michael SprungThe company has not only created some stability within operations, but also have the potential of improving operations going forward. When they converted from the old Churchill Corp. they took on a lot of contracts that were fixed price that went over budget, making it a real drag. Since then, they’ve diversified into other markets. They have more presence in other provinces than just Alberta. If there is going to be more spending in electrical work in buildings, and infrastructure to some extent, this company should still have a bit more room to run. If you own, he would take some profits and limit this to a smaller portion of your portfolio.
Had some problems a couple of years back with fixed price contracts that went way over budget and really hurt their bottom line. That has been working through, but not quite as fast as people had hoped for. Believes they are writing newer contracts that are going to be at better margins going forward. Commercial and industrial divisions have been doing a lot better recently. This is going to be a matter of time. As non-profitable contracts drop-off and newer ones come into play, he feels management is going to be very diligent in seeing that these margins come through. In the meantime, you are being paid a very generous dividend. Feels it has very good potential for capital appreciation with very limited downside risk. Wouldn't be surprised to see the stock well through $10-$12 in the next couple of years.