3 Reasons to Buy Maxar Technologies (TSX:MAXR) Stock Right Away

Maxar Technologies (TSX:MAXR)(NYSE:MAXR) stock is beaten down. However, a successful restructuring plan coupled with a low valuation and positive investor sentiment could make this a big winner in the years ahead. 

| More on:

Maxar Technologies (TSX:MAXR)(NYSE:MAXR) has probably been on every growth investors’ radar for years. The potential of the commercial space industry is undeniably huge. Maxar was an early mover and is now one of the most well-established firms in the industry. However, Maxar stock paints a different picture. 

Over the past few years, Maxar stock has steadily declined. Now, the company’s market value is at an all-time low. That’s despite the fact that other space-tech companies, such as Virgin Galactic and SpaceX, have seen their valuations surge. Maxar looks like the underdog, which might be a good reason for contrarian investors to take a closer look at it.

Here are three reasons growth investors with a healthy appetite for risk should take a deeper dive into Maxar stock in 2020.

Shift in direction

Maxar’s key issue was debt. The company borrowed far too much money to power its acquisitions in recent years. The cost and size of this debt became a mortal threat to the company last year. Investors were worried about the company going bankrupt. 

Fortunately, Maxar seems to have restructured and turned things around. It moved its headquarters to the United States, which allows it to win lucrative government contracts there. The team has also sold some of its assets and shut some segments of its business to cut costs. This has reduced debt considerably and boosted sales. 

This turnaround pushed Maxar stock from $5.40 in 2019 to $22.65 today. If the turnaround continues, investors could be in for another massive windfall. 

Growing investor excitement

Investor sentiment in the space-tech sector is thoroughly optimistic. SpaceX is one of the most valuable private companies in the world. Jeff Bezos has dedicated billions of his personal wealth to Blue Origins. Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic is worth US$4 billion and was recently worth as much as US$6 billion.

Savvy investors see Maxar stock as an underrated asset with similar potential. In fact, the stock is one of the biggest holdings in hedge fund manager Michael Burry’s (of The Big Short fame) portfolio. 

Burry is a notorious value investor, which means he probably considers Maxar an undervalued growth opportunity. 

Maxar stock valuation

Maxar stock currently trades at just seven times earnings and offers a ludicrous 6.5% dividend yield. The stock also trades at a 16% discount to annual sales per share. Over the past year, Maxar has generated $360 million in operating cash flow. The company’s market value is four times that amount. In other words, Maxar stock trades at a price-to-cash flow ratio of four. 

Those metrics are highly atypical for a growth stock in an industry that could be worth more than US$1 trillion in just a few years. 

Maxar’s cash flows also seem somewhat stable. The company’s government and commercial contracts take years to execute, which means management has enough visibility for revenue several years ahead. This should help them restructure the company and reduce debt steadily over time. 

Bottom line

Maxar stock is beaten down. However, a successful restructuring plan coupled with a low valuation and positive investor sentiment could make this a big winner in the years ahead. 

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Vishesh Raisinghani has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. The Motley Fool recommends MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

More on Tech Stocks

investment research
Tech Stocks

Is OpenText Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Is OpenText stock poised for a 2025 comeback? AI ambitions, a 3.8% yield, and cash flow power make it a…

Read more »

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Emerging Canadian AI Companies With Big Potential

These tech stocks are paving the way to an AI-filled future, but still offer enough growth ahead for a strong…

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Tech Stocks

Is Constellation Software Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

CSU stock has long been a strong option for high growth, high value stocks. But are there now too many…

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Tech Stocks

Canadian Tech Stocks to Buy Now for Future Gains

Not all tech stocks are created equal. In fact, these three are valuable options every investor should consider.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Tech Stocks

2 Rapidly Growing Canadian Tech Stocks With Lots More Potential

Celestica (TSX:CLS) and Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) are Canadian tech darlings worth watching in the new year.

Read more »

BCE stock
Tech Stocks

10% Yield: Is BCE Stock a Good Buy?

The yield is bigger than it's ever been in the company's history. That might not be a good thing.

Read more »

Happy shoppers look at a cellphone.
Tech Stocks

So You Own Shopify Stock: Is it Still a Good Investment?

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock has had a run, but there's still room to the upside.

Read more »

A person uses and AI chat bot
Tech Stocks

AI Where No One’s Looking: Seize Growth in These Canadian Stocks Before the Market Catches Up

Beyond flashy headlines about generative AI, these two Canadian AI stocks could deliver strong returns for investors who are willing…

Read more »