
TSE:WSP
Valuations are roughly comparable, and rich. WSP is bigger and more global. If you own WSP, don't sell, let it keep working. Access to capital for WSP is favourable.
Return on STN has been better this year, but that's because it was undervalued coming in. A switch wouldn't be that helpful.
The question was on comparing WSP Global and Waste Connections. The companies are very different. WCN is in the waste management business and WSP Global is more on the engineering side. Waste management is an important field and a consistent business. WCN traditionally has had an expensive valuation. Both are good companies. Hold or wait to buy.
WSP has seen a declining dividend yield over the past decade, from ~5% to 6% to its current less than 1% yield. The stock has become focused on paying down debt and acquisitions, alongside continuous, steady dividend payments. WSP has been in the income model portfolio for years, coming from a high yield to a now relatively lower yield. The income model portfolio aims to target an average portfolio yield of 4% to 5% and a total return target of 6% to 8%. We feel that while WSP does not help to bring up the average yield, the model portfolio continues to hold an average portfolio yield in the 4% to 5% range, and WSP's strong price appreciation has helped to near the total return target of 6% to 8%.
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Excellent company for long term shareholders.
Demand for engineering and design increasing.
Not exposed to construction side of business.
Growth through M&A going well.
Organic growth also increasing steadily.
US Federal stimulus packages good for business (infrastructure spending).
Disciplined on capital allocation and potential acquisitions.
Likes its positioning. Very nice acquisitions. Transportation infrastructure has good growth potential, especially yin US. Moving into environmental space, which should grow. Wide geographical presence, with Canada only 18% of revenue. Relatively strong balance sheet. Organic growth still attractive. Didn't raise guidance, but management feels backlog can support growth targets.
Her choice in the sector. It doesn't do construction, just engineering services and consulting. It's in all the verticals that are experiencing growth: environment, roads, infrastructure. Grows through acquisition plus organic growth.