Stantec Stock Price, News & Analysis

Stantec Inc. (STN) announced the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB), allowing it to repurchase up to 5,605,224 common shares, about 5% of its outstanding shares. This initiative begins on November 16, 2020, and lasts until November 15, 2021. Stantec's previous NCIB resulted in the purchase of 1,151,244 shares at a weighted average price of $36.82. The company aims to enhance shareholder returns, reinforcing its capital strategy alongside organic growth and debt management.

Stantec reported Q3 2020 adjusted net income of $69.9 million, a 5.4% increase from Q3 2019, with adjusted diluted EPS rising to $0.62. Despite a 3.8% decrease in net revenue, the company managed to maintain adjusted EBITDA at 17.3%. The contract backlog increased to $4.8 billion, signaling strong future work. Operating cash flows also rose 17.8% to $163.8 million. The Board declared a dividend of $0.155 per share, payable in January 2021. Looking forward, Stantec anticipates muted revenue growth due to COVID-19 impacts but expects to remain resilient with strong earnings in 2021.

Stantec's Pure Water San Diego program has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, enabling the addition of purified water to the Miramar Reservoir. This $3 billion initiative aims to supply sustainable water to over 1.4 million residents, enhancing the City's water independence. Upon completion in 2035, it will provide one-third of San Diego's water supply locally, significantly reducing reliance on imported water. Phase 1 funding and construction bids are currently underway, targeting a production of 30 million gallons of purified water per day.

Stantec announced the closing of a private placement offering of $300 million in senior unsecured notes due October 8, 2027, with an interest rate of 2.048% per annum. The proceeds will be utilized to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes. The notes rank equally with Stantec's existing senior unsecured indebtedness and were assigned a BBB rating with a stable outlook by DBRS Limited. Notably, these notes are not registered under U.S. securities laws and cannot be sold to U.S. persons.

Stantec will announce its third quarter 2020 financial results on November 4, 2020, after market close. A conference call, hosted by CEO Gord Johnston and CFO Theresa Jang, is scheduled for November 5, 2020, at 7:00 AM MT (9:00 AM ET) to discuss the results. The call will be accessible via telephone or streamed online. Stantec, trading on TSX and NYSE under the symbol STN, focuses on community-centric design, emphasizing collaboration and innovation.

Stantec has announced a private placement of $300 million in senior unsecured notes with a 2.048% interest rate, due October 8, 2027. The closing is expected around the same date, subject to customary conditions. The funds will primarily be used for repaying existing debt and general corporate purposes. The notes will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act and will be issued at par, with interest payments starting on April 8, 2021. The notes have been provisionally rated BBB by DBRS Limited.

Stantec has completed the acquisition of Teshmont, enhancing its expertise in high voltage power transmission and distribution engineering. Founded in 1966, Teshmont brings experience from over 300 projects across 50 countries. This strategic move positions Stantec to capitalize on an estimated US$13 trillion in renewable energy spending by 2025. The acquisition is expected to bolster Stantec's Energy & Resources operations, specifically in renewable energy projects like wind and solar, while offering Teshmont's employees new opportunities for growth and diverse services.

Stantec has been selected by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to provide advisory services for its US$350 million Mongolia Water Compact. This initiative aims to enhance Ulaanbaatar's water supply by 80%, benefiting over 1.4 million residents. The project includes constructing groundwater wells, a water purification plant, and wastewater recycling facilities. Additionally, the Mongolian Government is contributing US$111.8 million, marking a significant partnership for MCC. Stantec has collaborated with MCC since 2006, indicating its established expertise in international development.

Stantec announced a collaboration with Battelle for a 10-year, $260 million Arctic Research Support and Logistics Services contract from the National Science Foundation. The project includes engineering and design services for new facilities and maintenance in remote Arctic locations, enhancing research capabilities. Stantec emphasizes sustainable operations and partnerships with Indigenous communities, aiming for a Progressive Aboriginal Relations certification. This collaboration supports vital studies in the rapidly changing Arctic environment, reinforcing Stantec's commitment to responsible research and community engagement.