Why Construction Stocks Are on the Rise

A Liberal pledge to invest heavily in infrastructure over the next decade has sent construction stocks like Aecon Group Inc. (TSX:ARE) and SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (TSX:SNC) soaring in the days following the election.

| More on:
The Motley Fool

For Justin Trudeau’s newly elected Liberal party, the honeymoon may not be over yet, but the big reception party certainly is. The Liberals walked out of the elections earlier this week with Justin Trudeau as the new prime minister and a majority government in parliament.

One of the major campaign promises made by Trudeau was to invest heavily to improve infrastructure around the country—a reported $60 billion over the next decade. The Liberals believe so strongly that this is a priority that they are willing to run a deficit of $10 billion for each of the first three years to get the program going.

Trudeau promised to dedicate funding to the provinces, territories, and municipalities, with a focus on social infrastructure—in other words, affordable housing, child care facilities, green infrastructure, and clean energy.

Let’s take a look at some of the construction companies that will be impacted by these projects and what they mean for your portfolio moving forward.

SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. 

SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (TSX:SNC) is focused on engineering and construction, primarily with regards to power generation and metals and mining. Some of the high-profile contracts that the company has worked on include Calgary West Light Rail Transit, and Ottawa’s Confederation Line, which is one of the largest rail transit initiatives ever undertaken.

SNC jumped nearly 2% after the Liberal victory, but has since lost some of its steam, settling near flat to where the stock was prior to the election.

The stock currently trades at just over $43, off the 52-week high of $49.06.

Aecon Group Inc.

Aecon Group Inc. (TSX:ARE) is the largest construction company in Canada, serving energy, mining, and infrastructure segments. The company already has an impressive record of being awarded high-profile infrastructure contracts, such as the CN Tower, Vancouver Sky train, and Montreal’s Trudeau International Airport.

Aecon jumped by 5% in the days following the election. The stock is now hovering near $15, near the 52-week high of $15.69.

Major infrastructure around the country is in dire need of upgrades, as most of the large capital projects of this scale were last worked on decades ago (when another Trudeau was living in Sussex Dr.). These projects will not only put more people to work, but will improve the economy and the country as a whole.

Companies that gain these potentially lucrative construction contracts will no doubt reap benefits and improved revenues. In my opinion, the current rally for these companies is short-lived, and the real rally that investors should be concerned with will occur once those contracts are signed and work is scheduled to begin.

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 Demetris Afxentiou has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

A cannabis plant grows.
Cannabis Stocks

Canopy Growth Stock Is Rising But I’m Worried About This One Thing

Canopy Growth stock is soaring as the legalization effort makes real progress in both Germany and the United States.

Read more »

young woman celebrating a victory while working with mobile phone in the office
Investing

3 Roaring Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

These top TSX stocks are excellent long-term buys, given their multi-year growth potential and solid underlying businesses.

Read more »

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

grow dividends
Investing

Here’s My Top 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

Even though the TSX has been rising, there are still some good bargains out there. Here are three top compounding…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Investing

Prediction: This Canadian Growth Stock Could Double by 2030

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) is a top growth stock that could do well over the next six or so years.

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

Could Investing $20,000 in Nvidia Make You a Millionaire?

Nvidia stock has made investors millionaires in the last 10 years. Is it too late to invest to become a…

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Stocks for Beginners

Have $500? 3 Absurdly Cheap Stocks Long-Term Investors Should Buy Right Now

If you're looking for cheap stocks, these three have a huge future ahead of them, all while costing far less…

Read more »