Value Stocks: Why SNC Lavalin Is up 70% in 2021!

SNC Lavalin stock has a volatile history. As this fades into the background, we’re left with a value stock riding super-strong growth tailwinds.

| More on:
Hand arranging wood block stacking as step stair with arrow up.

Image source: Getty Images

Value stocks are hard to come by these days – but today, I have found another one. SNC-Lavalin Group  (TSX:SNC) is an engineering services company that’s seen its share of controversy and scandal. From high-level bribes to widespread corruption, this has been a disaster. But what if this same company is actually now a very compelling buy opportunity? I mean, its troubles were the very thing that made it a value stock. Bear with me as I take you through the reasons that SNC stock is up 70% in 2021, yet it’s still a value stock. And here are the reasons why this stock is set up for success.

A value stock with a strong long-term growth runway

There are many growth trends that SNC is set up to capitalize on. First, let’s recall the business that this company is in. SNC provides engineering services, its biggest segment. In this segment, SNC brings projects to life in many different industries. For example, the transportation industry is a big contributor. In terms of future growth, water infrastructure and power/renewables infrastructure represent rapidly growing areas.

So within this, there are some megatrends that are driving current growth and future expected growth. For instance, infrastructure is aging. Most of the infrastructure in the United States was built between 1930 and 1950. In Canada, it’s pretty much the same story. What this means is that significant spending is coming for infrastructure modernization and replacement. SNC stock certainly does not reflect this huge opportunity. This makes it a value stock.

Net-zero targets and de-carbonization spurs rapid future growth prospects

The environment has taken centre stage in recent years. Governments worldwide are increasingly establishing net zero emissions targets. These goals will obviously require big capital investments. SNC is readying itself for the estimated $120+ trillion that will be spent in the next three decades. The clean energy transition will certainly be very expensive. From the design of de-carbonization infrastructure to the implementation, SNC has all areas of this value chain covered. The value that SNC will capture here is huge, but I don’t believe it’s reflected in its stock price.

There’s also good news in the more immediate future. In the U.S. and Canada, both President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau have passed legislation to upgrade infrastructure. This translates to a more than $30 billion prospect pipeline for SNC in the next three years. It’s pretty significant stuff.

Leaving its shady businesses — and depressed valuation — behind

SNC hosted its investor day this week. To me, the company’s presentation spoke volumes. There was a big focus on integrity, ethics, and oversight. Clearly, the company knows it has some work to do. It’s difficult to get past the shady deals the company has been part of. Because of this, SNC stock is trading at depressed valuations. Here’s the good news.

Value stock SNC Lavalin

In fact, SNC stock trades at a price to earnings multiple of fewer than 20 times. For a company that’s swinging from net losses to net earnings with a rapidly growing backlog, this is low. Also, investors can look forward to lower debt and rising cash flows as SNC de-risks and focuses its business.

Without the corruption overhang, there’s no telling what SNC stock can do. Because the fundamentals are strong – both in the short and the long term.

Motley Fool: the bottom line

In summary, SNC stock’s performance in 2021 has been exceptional. It’s been a long time coming but the company is finally focusing and improving its business practices. But it’s still a value stock worth buying. Long-term drivers should continue to drive the stock higher. The world is rapidly changing and improving. SNC is part of this change.

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 Karen Thomas does not own shares in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

thinking
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy BCE Stock for its 8.6% Dividend Yield?

Down over 20% from all-time highs, BCE stock offers you a tasty dividend yield in 2024. But is the TSX…

Read more »

grow dividends
Tech Stocks

Why Nuvei Stock Jumped 26% on Monday

Nuvei (TSX:NVEI) stock saw shares surge today as the company confirmed it's in talks to go private through a buyout.

Read more »

consider the options
Investing

Better Buy for the Dividend: Enbridge or Nutrien?

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) and Nutrien (TSX:ENB) are great dividend plays for new investors going into April.

Read more »

Gold bars
Stocks for Beginners

TSX Materials in March 2024: The Best Stock to Buy Right Now

Materials have been quite volatile, though the price of gold has surged to all-time highs. That makes this stock a…

Read more »

grow dividends
Dividend Stocks

How Long Would It Take to Turn $20,000 Into $100,000 With TSX Dividend Stocks?

Here's how high-quality TSX dividend stocks and the power of compound interest can help grow your investments by 400% or…

Read more »

Happy diverse people together in the park
Tech Stocks

A Once-in-a-Generation Investment Opportunity: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Growth Stocks

Canadian tech companies like Kinaxis (TSX:KXS) are doing big things in AI.

Read more »

Paper airplanes flying on blue sky with form of growing graph
Dividend Stocks

2 Soaring Stocks I’d Buy Now With No Hesitation

These two stocks may be the most expensive on the market, but they're high for a reason! And I'm still…

Read more »

Arrowings ascending on a chalkboard
Investing

This Canadian Blue Chip Is Trouncing TSX Returns, and It Still Has Room to Run

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock looks quite frothy heading into earnings, but there may still be upside.

Read more »