3 Reasons to Be Bullish on SNC-Lavalin

The issues are well known. But there are reasons to be optimistic about this engineering juggernaut.

The Motley Fool

By Chris Lau

Alleged bribery and corruption has cast a cloud over the prospects of the engineering firm SNC-Lavalin (TSX:SNC). But despite the uncertainty surrounding these allegations, SNC continues to win contracts, revenue is growing and the company still pays a reasonable quarterly dividend.

And there’s more.  Today let’s go into some detail about three reasons to be bullish on SNC-Lavalin, despite the headlines.

1. Weak quarterly earnings ≠ a trend

Second quarter results appeared to be weak due to a number of one-off issues.  Sales grew to $1.94 billion in the second quarter (up 2% year over year), but SNC posted a $0.25-per-share loss, hurt by a 17% decline in gross margin.

The transient items that led to this result included the company’s Oil/Gas and Infrastructure/Environment segments which chalked up an operating loss of $104.7 million.  In addition, a $70 million loss was taken due to late penalties for a project in Algeria.

With these issues supposedly in the rear view mirror, SNC is expected to get back into positive territory with its earnings in the 3rd and 4th quarters.  The table below helps to illustrate the blip that was Q2.

 

Q2’12

Q3’12

Q4’12

Q1’13

Q2’13

Q3’13(E)

Q4’13(E)

EPS

$0.21

$0.76

$0.63

$0.35

-$0.25

$0.66

$0.70

 

2. The balance sheet is healthy

Cash and equivalents stood at $1.4 billion at the end of the June quarter and the company’s backlog of $9.7 billion help to ensure the debt that SNC currently carries is manageable.

As demonstrated in the table below, the company has historically maintained a reasonably levered balance sheet but the Total Debt to Equity ratio is currently in line with historical levels.

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Q2’13

Average

Total Debt/Equity

182.7%

171.5%

99.8%

118.6%

138.4%

155.7%

144.5%

Source:  Capital IQ

3. Notwithstanding the bribery and corruption concerns, the outlook is also healthy

SNC-Lavalin wants to put the bribery allegations behind it although admittedly it’s having a tough time of it. As recently as this past June, Algerian police raided the company’s office to investigate allegations on this matter.

While accusations will be a distraction for management, the company continues to focus on doing what it does best: looking for growth opportunities and managing projects around the world. The company forecasts net income to grow 10%-15% this year, to between $220 million-$235 million. That’s despite predicted losses from each of the Oil and Gas and Infrastructure and Environment segments. To help insure growth continues in the years ahead the company also plans to make acquisitions in the clean power and infrastructure sectors.

Foolish Bottom Line

A quarterly earnings loss for SNC-Lavalin has pushed the company’s share price lower, but it still has a strong balance sheet and good prospects ahead. As SNC-Lavalin looks for ways to enhance the operational effectiveness of its engineering and construction projects, earnings will improve. It will take some time for the reputation hit this company has taken to wear off, but there is an underlying business here that is intact, and robust.

Looking for great companies but can’t get past SNC’s reputational issues?  Click here now and we’ll send our special FREE report “3 US Companies That Every Canadian Should Own”.  The only reputation issue that these 3 companies have is that they are renowned for making their investors wealthy!

The Motley Fool’s purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canada’s free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in Foolish investing.

Fool contributor Chris Lau does not own shares of any of the companies mentioned at this time.  The Motley Fool does not own shares of any companies mentioned at this time.    

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.

More on Investing

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy New Gold Stock While It’s Below $8?

New Gold is a TSX mining stock that has more than doubled in the last 12 months. Is NGD stock…

Read more »

Nuclear power station cooling tower
Energy Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Stock Down 13% to Buy and Hold Forever

Canadian stocks can be tough when it comes to choosing the right option, but this one is a no brainer.

Read more »

A meter measures energy use.
Dividend Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Fortis vs Emera?

These utility stocks are on a roll. Is one still cheap?

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Cash-Gushing Dividend Stock

Investing in fundamentally strong TSX dividend stocks can help you outpace the broader markets over time.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, June 12

Cooling inflation data out of the U.S. propelled the TSX to a record close and boosted hopes for sooner-than-expected Fed…

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

Transform Your Retirement With This 4.7%-Yielding Dividend Knight

Retirement is supposed to be the best time, but can often be the scariest – except when you have this…

Read more »

Metals
Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy First Majestic Silver Stock While It’s Below $12?

First Majestic Silver is a TSX mining stock positioned to deliver outsized gains to shareholders over the next 18 months.

Read more »

Aerial view of a wind farm
Energy Stocks

5.8% Dividend Yield! I’m Buying This Dividend Stock and Holding for Decades

There are energy stocks, and then there's this undervalued dividend stock for long-term income.

Read more »