Here’s Why I’m Loading Up on WSP Global (TSX:WSP) After Q1 Earnings

WSP Global (TSX:WSP) just delivered exceptional Q1 earnings. Here’s why its time to back the truck up on this high-quality compounder.

| More on:

The first quarter of 2022 was marked by strong double-digit organic revenue growth and increasing backlog strength for WSP Global (TSX:WSP). The massive consulting, engineering, and design firm saw its stock decline as much as 1% after the market opened this morning.

WSP Global: A consulting leader with an aggressive growth plan

WSP Global is a global consulting leader. It has over 55,000 professionals that advise under its banner. Key areas of its business focus include earth and environment, transportation and infrastructure, and property and buildings.

Its strong quarterly results come after WSP Global recently announced a new three-year strategic plan. From 2022 to 2024 it is targeting net revenues, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net earnings per share to grow by more than 30%, 40%, and 50%, respectively. Eventually, it hopes to hit adjusted EBITDA margins of 20%.

Strong first-quarter results

Its first quarter displays another step towards its strategic objectives. Here are some highlights from the quarter:

  • Net revenues rose 26% year over year to $2.1 billion. That included 12.7% organic growth from current operations.
  • Project backlog increased over the prior quarter by 6.2% to $11 billion. That is a 15.8% year-over-year increase.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was up 34.7% to $324.6 million. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues was 15.5% — a more than one percentage point improvement from 2021.
  • Adjusted net earnings were $136.4 million, or $1.16 on a per-share basis. That was a respective year-over-year increase of 44.8% and 39.8%.

WSP Global saw some major wins in the quarter, including the GO rail expansion in the Toronto region, a European offshore wind project, and a large Australian hospital redevelopment. The highest level of organic growth came from within Canada and then from the Asia Pacific region.

A well-diversified resilient business

This quarter demonstrated why this WSP stock is an attractive Canadian investment opportunity. Firstly, its business is well diversified and economically resilient. It has a large and growing project backlog. Likewise, it provides the upfront planning, design and development services. It has no construction or material cost risk.

Organic and acquisition growth ahead

Secondly, the company has a history of growing both organically and by acquisition. Over the past decade or so, it has acquired over 20 consulting businesses. Many of these have added platforms of expertise or talent that expanded its services offering.

A great example is the Golder acquisition last year. It vastly expanded its focus on environmental services. The company has lots of excess capital and debt capacity today, so it has fuel to further add businesses to its platform.

WSP Global is becoming more profitable

Thirdly, WSP is consistently growing its revenue base but also its profitability. It has an aggressive target to hit 20% EBITDA margins in the coming few years. It is implementing technology and operational efficiencies to achieve more and deliver higher-margin services. That is a recipe for strong operating leverage.

WSP Global 10-Year Chart

The recent pullback is a long-term opportunity

Lastly, WSP Global stock has delivered strong long-term returns for investors. It is up 489% over the past 10 years. That is a 19.4% compounded annual return! Its stock is down 28% over the past six months. At 22.8 times earnings, WSP stock is never “cheap.”

However, the recent pullback does present an attractive opportunity. Its stocks is the cheapest it has been since 2019. To me, that seems like a great opportunity to buy this high-quality, growing business at a fair price.

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 Robin Brown has positions in WSP GLOBAL INC. The Motley Fool recommends WSP GLOBAL INC.

More on Stocks for Beginners

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 »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

Asset Management
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA: 4 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Thinking about what to buy with the new TFSA contribution space in 2025? These four Canadian stocks are worth holding…

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Stocks for Beginners

2 No-Brainer Real Estate Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $1,000

These two real estate sector-focused stocks have the potential to deliver strong returns on your investments in the coming years.

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Stocks for Beginners

3 TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Don't ignore stocks just because they look like they're at a high price. Instead, see exactly why they've driven so…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 35 in Canada

At age 35, it might not seem like you need to be thinking about your future cash flow. But ideally,…

Read more »