3 Reasons to Avoid Westport Innovations

Despite some nice growth prospects, there are some issues. Consider these before buying the shares.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Here at The Motley Fool, you will find plenty of arguments for why you should buy Westport Innovations (TSX: WPT)(Nasdaq: WPRT) shares. And there’s a pretty compelling case to make for the natural gas engine technology provider. Growth potential is sky-high – revenue was up 39% year-over-year last quarter. Profitability metrics are improving. And the shares have gotten bludgeoned, perhaps creating a nice buying opportunity.

But there are also plenty of reasons to avoid the company’s shares. Below are the top three.

1. Problems with competitiveness

The main appeal with Westport’s technology centres around cheap natural gas in North America. But over the past couple of years, natural gas prices have increased, reducing the cost advantage that natural gas enjoys over diesel. Longer term, there is the prospect of electric vehicles playing a more significant role in transportation, pushing aside natural gas vehicles.

This is a problem that investors face whenever a company must constantly innovate just to compete with other technologies. To illustrate, Westport spent over half its revenue on Research & Development last year; it’s hard to make money when you’re doing such a thing.

2. A lack of profitability

Besides high natural gas prices, Westport’s stock has also fallen because of a lack of profitability. In 2013, the company lost a staggering $185 million on just $164 million of sales. The good news is that this number is improving. Management expects positive adjusted EBITDA from operations by the end of 2014, and the company to be profitable overall by 2015.

But Westport has been burning cash for years now, and it looks like the company will need to grow revenue significantly to improve the bottom line. In situations like this, an investment in the shares becomes especially risky.

3. Still an expensive stock

Despite the recent share drop, Westport still has a market capitalization of about $1 billion – about six times revenue. This puts Westport on par with other high-technology companies, including plenty of companies that are more profitable.

A simple comparison draws a clearer picture. Consider auto parts manufacturer Magna International (TSX: MG)(NYSE: MGA), whose product line is not as sexy as Westport’s. Magna trades at only 0.6 times revenue, and unlike Westport, Magna actually makes money.

So despite the share price drop, Westport shares still are a very speculative investment opportunity. Higher natural gas prices have hurt competitiveness in the short run, and other technologies may hurt Westport in the long run.

The company is not profitable, partly due to a need to spend so much on research and development. And its shares are still very expensive. Eventually the company may grow enough to justify its share price, but so far it may be best just to wait and see.

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 Benjamin Sinclair holds no positions in any of the stocks mentioned in this article. The Motley Fool owns shares of Westport Innovations. Magna International is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

Canadian Dollars
Stock Market

Where to Invest $5,000 in April 2024

Do you have some extra cash to spare? Here are five companies to invest $5,000 in next month.

Read more »

Plane on runway, aircraft
Stocks for Beginners

Up 53% From its 52-Week Low, Is Cargojet Stock Still a Buy?

Cargojet (TSX:CJT) stock is up a whopping 53%, nearing closer to 52-week highs from 52-week lows, so what's next for…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Bank Stocks

Should You Buy Canadian Western Bank for its 4.8% Dividend Yield?

Down 35% from all-time highs, Canadian Western Bank offers a tasty dividend yield of 4.8%. Is the TSX bank stock…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Alamos Gold Jumped 7% on Wednesday

Alamos (TSX:AGI) stock and Argonaut Gold (TSX:AR) surged after the companies announced a friendly acquisition for $325 million.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: Why Record-Breaking Rally Could Extend on Thursday, March 28

The main TSX index closed above the 22,000 level for the first time yesterday and remains on track to post…

Read more »

Nuclear power station cooling tower
Metals and Mining Stocks

If You’d Invested $1,000 in Cameco Stock 5 Years Ago, This Is How Much You’d Have Now

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock still looks undervalued, despite a 258% rally. Can the uranium miner deliver more capital gains to shareholders?

Read more »

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Stocks for Beginners

3 Growth Stocks I’m Buying in April

These three growth stocks are up in the last year, and that is likely to continue on as we keep…

Read more »