Stantec Inc

STN-T

Sold off the construction side? STN-T sold off the construction side of the business, where margins were poorer. They will work to reduce debt going forward, so he is not concerned. He would prefer WSP-T.

WSP Global is pretty much the gold standard. They are pretty much 100% consulting, whereas STN-T and SNC-T are not. He has shied away from the whole sector. The problem is the engineering and construction business, which he has never liked. Margins are razor thin. STN-T wants to get away from E&C. He would buy WSP-T on a correction. STN-T might be a buy at some other point. SNC-T he stays way from and has done so for many years.

They just sold their construction business, which is a catalyst. Their contruction obscured their consulting business which will shine thought now. Got a good balance sheet so they can contine to buy. 17% EPS growth. It's trading below its peers. An infrastructure play, so even in a late cycle they can still attract capital. (1.65% dividend yield; no price target given)

STANTEC vs. AECON - He's studying the infrastructure space closely. He has no criticism about Stantec, but he prefers Aecon for its balance sheet ($260 million in cash) and low debt. And its new CEO has global experience, which is a catalyst for Aecon and will help them go global. He hasn't bought ARE yet, but will.