Growth Stocks: This 1 Just Beat Earnings Expectations as Backlog Sets Record

Growth stocks like Stantec are hard to come by. Its latest earnings shows exceptional numbers, as infrastructure spending comes to life again.

| More on:

Stantec (TSX:STN)(NYSE:STN) provides professional consulting services in infrastructure. These services include planning, engineering, and many more. Recently reported first-quarter results came in above expectations. They showcased Stantec’s strength. As far as growth stocks go, Stantec stands out.

Let’s take a closer look.

Stantec: Some growth stocks are hitting new highs

Stantec has a long history as a top-tier global design firm. It’s a $4.9 billion player in the infrastructure world — and it continues to grow. As a high-quality company, Stantec has a track record of solid and profitable growth. In fact, the company’s earnings have a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15%. Importantly, its free cash flows have also been rapidly growing. Along with this, Stantec has prudent capital-management practices and strong ROEs.

Growth stocks Stantec

Stantec’s strength were on display again last quarter. Revenue rose 18%, and EPS rose 22%. Also, its backlog hit record highs. It’s grown 6% since December 2021 and now stands at $5.4 billion. A full $1 billion in backlog was added in the last year alone. This speaks to the extent of the activity and demand that’s out there. And that’s not all. According to management, the second half of 2022 will see even stronger infrastructure spending, as stimulus projects will be coming in.

Organic growth + growth via acquisitions

Stantec’s history can be characterized by consistent growth. The company has grown organically, but also via acquisitions. In fact, the company’s stated goal is to do both. This is how Stantec is consolidating its fragmented industry. And this is how it will continue to grow moving forward.

One of its most recent acquisitions was its acquisition of select businesses of Cardno. Stantec acquired it for its key strengths. These include ecosystem restoration, health sciences, infrastructure, and water. Sustainable design and climate change mitigation is the goal. Stantec is beefing up its capabilities on these fronts. It’s effectively preparing for the future.

The cost synergies that come with acquisitions such as this one are part of the attraction. These synergies obviously enhance the acquisition’s value. On the first-quarter conference call, management addressed this. Their targeted annual run rate of cost synergies of $10 million is ahead of schedule. They’ll be achieved sooner than previously expected. Once again, this highlights the company’s effectiveness in completing acquisitions.

Opportunities

Stantec continues to look for growth opportunities. It is a growth stock, after all, A key one that’s worth mentioning is in the mining industry. Commodity prices have been strong in the last couple of years. This, in turn, has created increased investment at mining companies. Stantec is on top of this.

According to management, there are a lot of opportunities in the sector. And the opportunities are pretty widespread geographically. Companies are spending money on new projects and expansions. Stantec will benefit from this.

Sustainability is a big opportunity in and of itself. Infrastructure needs to be retrofitted to meet sustainability goals. Stantec operates in more than 15 different industry verticals all over the world. Certain industries, such as the oil and gas industry and the mining industry, have to put a lot of thought and money behind their new sustainability goals. This will support growth at Stantec for years to come.

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 Karen Thomas has no position is any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

A data center engineer works on a laptop at a server farm.
Tech Stocks

3 No-Brainer Data Centre Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

Data centres are going to be a huge growth opportunity in the next decade. And these are the top buys.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Bank Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Dividend Stock Down 28% to Buy and Hold for Decades

This top Canadian dividend stock is underperforming its large peers this year, but a turnaround could be on the horizon.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Where to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution

The TFSA is attractive for investors who want to generate tax-free passive income.

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding Forever

These TSX stocks have the potential to grow their dividends over the next decade, making them top investments for TFSA…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Investing

Secure a Wealthy Future With These 3 Canadian Stocks

These Canadian stocks have the potential to appreciate substantially over time and may also enhance returns through dividend payments.

Read more »

Tractor spraying a field of wheat
Dividend Stocks

Is Nutrien Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

Nutrien is down more than 50% form the 2022 highs. Is NTR stock now oversold?

Read more »

analyze data
Investing

3 Blue-Chip Stocks Every Canadian Should Own

These blue-chip stocks are backed by large-cap companies with well-established businesses, solid fundamentals, and a growing earnings base.

Read more »

dividends grow over time
Stocks for Beginners

The Smartest Growth Stock to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

Do you have $2,000 to invest for the long term? These three TSX stocks have and will continue to deliver…

Read more »