Earnings Season Is Here and This Construction Stock Is a Winner

Post earnings, Toromont Industries Ltd. (TSX:TIH) stock is looking a little overvalued. Is it a buy, or is its competitor a better stock?

| More on:
Gold medal

Image source: Getty Images.

It’s earnings season, and stock-pickers are busy scrutinizing reports to see which companies reported what. Among the best increases by far is an analyst favourite, Toromont Industries Ltd. (TSX:TIH), an international heavy equipment provider based in Toronto. Best known for its Caterpillar dealerships, Toromont Industries can get a digger, 360, or most other heavy construction vehicle to you whether you’re in Newfoundland, Labrador, Manitoba, or Nunavut.

Let’s have a look under the bonnet and see whether Toromont Industries is a good buy today. We’ll also be looking at Finning International Inc. (TSX:FTT) and comparing the two stocks on their multiples and performance. Which one is the best quality overall, and should you consider buying both?

A homegrown construction stock to be proud of

Toromont Industries reported excellent Q2 profits Tuesday, announcing an increase of 67%, smashing estimates and sending its stock soaring the following day. Its share price rocketed +12% Wednesday as a result.

Overvalued by almost double compared to its future cash flow value. This is not surprising considering its recent good news. Its P/E of 25.7 times earnings is further reflection of this valuation, and is confirmed by a slightly high PEG of 1.8 times growth. What’s really off-putting, however, is Toromont Industries’ P/B of 4.7 times book.

Paying over four times what this stock is worth doesn’t make sense right now, even for its 14.6% expected annual growth in earnings. Would-be investors should balance this stock’s high debt levels with a middling dividend yield of 1.39%.

But which construction stock does the heaviest lifting?

Finning International sells, rents, and services heavy equipment, engines, and other machinery in both American continents and the British Isles. Its stock is similarly overvalued by almost 50% compared to its future cash flow value. Looking at its P/E of 22.1 times earnings we see confirmation of this.

However, Finning International has a PEG equal to growth and a lower P/B than its competitor of 2.6 times book. There’s higher growth, too, with Finning International expecting a 21.9% annual growth in earnings. It beats its competitor on dividend yield, too, offering 2.49%.

Overall, it’s easy to see how construction stocks get overheated when they post good results. While this leads to higher sales of shares, value investors would do well to stand back until overvaluation cools.

The bottom line

Investors looking for value should wait for both stocks to cool down somewhat. If you’re buying today, Finning International is the better choice in terms of value, growth, and dividends. Investors should also be aware that infrastructure may get increased funding from the top down in municipal areas such as the GTA. To use Toronto as an example, city expansion is likely to be an ongoing project that will boost the construction industry.

Meanwhile, domestic investors looking to buy construction stocks should also play close attention to real estate and property development markets as indicators of future growth. Rail and excavation stocks would also be good plays to pad out the industrial section of your portfolio, but be aware of possible contraction in the event of a widespread downturn.

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 Victoria Hetherington has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Finning International Inc. is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

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 »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

think thought consider
Dividend Stocks

Down 10.88%: Is ATD Stock a Good Buy After Earnings?

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock might not be the easy buy-case it once was. Here’s a look at what happened.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Dividend Stocks: Earn $1,200/Year Tax-Free

Canadian stocks like Fortis are a must-have in your portfolio to earn tax-free yields for decades.

Read more »

sale discount best price
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Stock Down 11 Percent to Buy Right Now

Do you want a great dividend stock down 11% that can provide years of growth potential? Here's one heavily discounted…

Read more »

Growth from coins
Dividend Stocks

1 Grade A Dividend Stock Down 11% to Buy and Hold Forever 

If you're looking for the right dividend stock at the right price, you're going to want to consider this insurance…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

Are you looking for dividend stocks to buy right now? Here are two top picks!

Read more »

edit Taxes CRA
Dividend Stocks

Tax Time: How to Keep More of Your Money

Nearly everyone hates paying taxes, although Canadians can lessen the financial pain with the right tax strategies.

Read more »