| Previous Close | 44.02 |
| Open | 44.03 |
| Bid | 43.86 x 0 |
| Ask | 43.86 x 0 |
| Day's Range | 43.32 - 44.03 |
| 52 Week Range | 27.73 - 44.85 |
| Volume | 175,900 |
| Avg. Volume | 206,409 |
| Market Cap | 4.9B |
| Beta (5Y Monthly) | 0.96 |
| PE Ratio (TTM) | 25.37 |
| EPS (TTM) | 1.73 |
| Earnings Date | Nov. 04, 2020 |
| Forward Dividend & Yield | 0.62 (1.41%) |
| Ex-Dividend Date | Sep. 29, 2020 |
| 1y Target Est | 47.64 |
- Zacks
Stantec (STN) Q2 Earnings and Revenues Surpass Estimates
Stantec (STN) delivered earnings and revenue surprises of 18.75% and 0.34%, respectively, for the quarter ended June 2020. Do the numbers hold clues to what lies ahead for the stock?
- GlobeNewswire
Stantec Delivers 4% Increase in Adjusted Diluted EPS in Second Quarter of 2020
Stantec Outlook for 2020 includes adjusted earnings that are in line with 2019EDMONTON, Alberta, Aug. 05, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TSX, NYSE:STN Stantec today reported its results for the quarter ended June 30, 2020. Unless otherwise indicated, financial figures are expressed in Canadian dollars, and comparisons are to the prior period ended June 30, 2019.Adjusted net income in the second quarter of 2020 increased 2.9% to $57.7 million and adjusted diluted EPS increased 4.0% to $0.52.“Our solid second quarter results are a credit to our employees who continue to execute our client-centered strategy in the midst of unprecedented disruption,” said Gord Johnston, Stantec’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Although net revenues retracted nominally as anticipated, our commitment to excellence drove healthy adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income margins of 15.0% and 6.1%, respectively.” Second Quarter 2020 Highlights * Net revenue decreased 0.3%, or $2.5 million, mainly due to an organic retraction of 2.1% partially offset by the strong US dollar. Stantec achieved organic growth in the Energy & Resources and Water businesses and in its US operations. Project slowdowns and deferrals as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to organic retractions in the other businesses and geographies. * Gross margin decreased 5.4%, or $27.8 million, and decreased as a percentage of net revenue to 51.5% from 54.3% primarily due to the impact of pandemic-related disruptions in the Company’s and its clients’ operations as well as project mix. * Administrative and marketing costs were 36.2% of net revenue compared with 39.1% in the prior period primarily as a result of improved operational efficiencies driven by the Company’s 2019 reshaping initiative, the implementation of staffing strategies in response to the pandemic, and reduced discretionary spending. * Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations decreased 2.0%, or $2.9 million, to $142.5 million, representing 15.0% of net revenue compared with $145.4 million or 15.2% of net revenue. * Net income increased 6.7%, or $3.3 million, to $52.6 million, and diluted EPS increased by 6.8%, or $0.03, to $0.47 as a slight reduction in EBITDA was more than offset by reduced net interest expense and amortization of intangible assets. * Adjusted net income increased 2.9%, or $1.6 million, to $57.7 million, representing 6.1% of net revenue, and adjusted diluted EPS increased 4.0%, or $0.02, to $0.52. * Contract backlog was $4.7 billion at June 30, 2020, a 10.7% increase from December 31, 2019. This represents approximately 12 months of work. * Net debt to adjusted EBITDA (on a trailing twelve-month basis) at June 30, 2020 was 1.0x, at the low end of the 1.0x to 2.0x guideline. * Operating cash flows from continuing operations improved by 55.0% with inflows of $251.5 million compared with $162.3 million in the prior period; this improvement was mainly due to increased cash receipts from clients and lower payments paid to suppliers, partly offset by higher payments made to employees. Q2 20 cash flows also benefited from various pandemic tax deferral programs which included the deferral of approximately $35.1 million in income tax and other tax payments due at various dates before the end of the first quarter of 2021. * Days sales outstanding (DSO) was 82 days, a decrease of 4 days since March 31, 2020, and remains below the Company’s pre-pandemic target of 90 days.Dividend * On August 5, 2020, Stantec’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.155 per share, payable on October 15, 2020, to shareholders of record on September 30, 2020. Q2 2020 Financial Summary Quarter Ended Jun 30Two Quarters Ended Jun 30 2020 2019 2020 2019 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts and percentages) $% of Net Revenue $% of Net Revenue $% of Net Revenue $% of Net Revenue Gross revenue 1,205.6 126.8%1,224.1 128.4%2,426.1127.3%2,375.6 127.9% Net revenue 951.1 100.0%953.6 100.0%1,906.3100.0%1,857.7 100.0% Direct payroll costs461.4 48.5%436.1 45.7%909.947.7%851.7 45.8% Gross margin 489.7 51.5%517.5 54.3%996.452.3%1,006.0 54.2% Administrative and marketing expenses344.0 36.2%372.4 39.1%711.337.3%729.5 39.3% Impairment of lease assets2.0 0.2%- 0.0%11.70.6%- 0.0% Other(1.2)(0.1%)(0.8)(0.1%)9.90.6%(1.6)(0.1%) EBITDA from continuing operations (1)144.9 15.2%145.9 15.3%263.513.8%278.1 15.0% Depreciation of property and equipment14.9 1.6%14.7 1.5%29.41.5%28.4 1.5% Depreciation of lease assets30.6 3.2%28.5 3.0%60.23.2%55.9 3.0% Amortization of intangible assets13.6 1.4%17.6 1.8%27.81.5%33.0 1.8% Net interest expense12.5 1.3%17.7 1.9%27.51.4%34.9 1.9% Income taxes20.7 2.2%18.1 1.9%36.51.9%31.7 1.7% Net income from continuing operations52.6 5.5%49.3 5.2%82.14.3%94.2 5.1% Net income from discontinued operations- 0.0%- 0.0%10.20.5%- 0.0% Net income52.6 5.5%49.3 5.2%92.34.8%94.2 5.1% Basic earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations0.47 n/m0.44 n/m0.74n/m0.84 n/m Diluted EPS from continuing operations0.47 n/m0.44 n/m0.74n/m0.84 n/m Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations (1)142.5 15.0%145.4 15.2%282.214.8%272.5 14.7% Adjusted net income from continuing operations (1)57.7 6.1%56.1 5.9%112.05.9%106.4 5.7% Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations (1)0.52 n/m0.50 n/m1.00n/m0.95 n/m Dividends declared per common share0.155 n/m0.145 n/m0.310n/m0.290 n/m (1) EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted EPS are non-IFRS measures (discussed in the Definitions section of Stantec's 2019 Annual Report and Q2 2020 Management's Discussion and Analysis). n/m = not meaningful Business Update – COVID-19 PandemicOffice RemobilizationEarly in the second quarter, Stantec’s Pandemic Committee began to develop guidelines for office remobilization. Recognizing that specific requirements are driven by local government and health authorities, responsibility for office reopening decisions was assigned to regional leaders who will ensure compliance with local safety protocols.After months of comprehensive planning, phased office remobilization has begun. As of August 5, Stantec’s offices in China, Taiwan, Italy, Australia (except Melbourne) and New Zealand have reopened. In addition, approximately 104 offices in Canada and the United States have either reopened or are in the early phases of reopening. Office reopening is expected to continue in the coming months. Each opening is the result of thoughtful planning, assessment, and coordination between regional leaders and health and safety partners. The health and wellbeing of employees remains Stantec’s top priority. As such, employees who can successfully work from home or who have conditions that prevent them from going into the office will likely remain at home at this time, while others who have identified remote work challenges will be the first to re-enter.Although office re-entry is a more complex exercise than the initial movement of employees to work from home, minimal disruptions to operational efficiency and effectiveness are expected through this process.2020 Outlook “While the world remains in uncharted territory with respect to the global pandemic, we are confident in the resilience of our business model,” said Mr. Johnston. “We are committed to our strategy of delivering long-term, sustainable value to our stakeholders through the expertise of our people, innovative solutions, operational excellence, and growth. Even though we are not in a position to provide concrete guidance, our outlook for 2020 is based on the best information available to us at the present time. As the pandemic continues to unfold, we will remain vigilant in monitoring the potential impacts to our clients, communities and, most importantly, our employees.”Against the backdrop of continued uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, Stantec’s outlook for 2020 includes: * 2020 net revenues that are comparable to 2019; * Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS comparable to 2019; * 55% of adjusted earnings in Q2 and Q3, and 45% in Q1 and Q4; and * Net debt to adjusted EBITDA at the low end of the internal range of 1.0x to 2.0x.On May 6, 2020 Stantec withdrew the guidance for 2020 that was first provided in the 2019 Annual Report. Although the full extent of the financial impacts from the pandemic are still not readily determinable, a review and update to the outlook and risk factors (previously provided in the 2019 Annual Report) has been undertaken. See M-6 of this quarter’s MD&A for updates made to Stantec’s outlook and M-20 for impacts on its risk factors. These updates have been made based on the best information available. Stantec will continue to monitor the impacts to its results and will provide updates should the outlook change materially from current expectations. Stantec’s business is well diversified across geographies and sectors, with a project mix that is more heavily weighted toward public sector end clients. This, combined with a strong balance sheet and committed workforce, is positioning Stantec to withstand the continuing challenges caused by the pandemic.The current outlook is based on the assumption of a continued gradual global recovery from the pandemic but may not be valid should key geographies experience a severe “second wave” of the pandemic.Net RevenueWhen the 2019 Annual Report was published, organic net revenue growth in 2020 was expected to be in the low- to mid-single digits. This was predicated on the expectation of low to moderate growth in the Canadian, US, and Global economies in 2020. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this expectation is no longer valid.Q1 20 revenues were largely unaffected by the pandemic. Organic net revenue in the second quarter experienced an overall nominal retraction compared with Q1 20 and Q1 19, which was consistent with the Q2 outlook provided in Stantec’s Q1 20 MD&A. Entering the second half of the year, slowdowns in current projects and new awards are increasingly being observed, particularly in the private sector. Further, client requests for pricing concessions in certain sectors and specific geographies, coupled with competitive pressures brought on by the pandemic, will put pressure on revenues for the remainder of the year. Accordingly, nominal net revenue retraction is expected to continue in the third and fourth quarters as compared to the same periods last year, with full-year 2020 net revenue expected to be comparable to 2019.In the US, nominal revenue reductions in Q3 20 relative to Q2 20 are expected across all businesses except Water, with a slightly more pronounced decline in Q4 20 as the effect of project slowdowns are combined with the typical downturn in activity related to the onset of colder weather and seasonal holidays. Combined with strong results for the first half of the year, 2020 US net revenues are expected to be comparable to 2019 in native currency, with the benefit of foreign exchange providing some uplift.In Canada, Q3 20 revenues are expected to be stable relative to Q2 20, while Q4 20 revenues are expected to experience the typical seasonal downturn in activity and seasonal holidays. Given the comparatively weaker pre-pandemic economic outlook for Canada, the 2020 revenue retraction in this geography is expected to be more pronounced than in other geographies in comparison to 2019. Net revenues in the Global business are projected to improve modestly from Q2 20 to Q3 20 and stabilize at that level in Q4 20. The strength of the Water business in the UK and Australia and the Transportation sector in New Zealand are expected to offset the impact of project slowdowns caused by the disruption in the private sector for Stantec’s other businesses, resulting in 2020 revenues being comparable to 2019. Project Execution and Cost ManagementPandemic related disruptions in Stantec’s own operations and in that of its clients, along with the impact of Stantec’s overall project mix, has resulted in some gross margin compression. In conjunction with increased pricing pressures, gross margin pressure is expected to continue through the balance of the year. Stantec remains committed to strong project execution and will continue to strive toward generating solid gross margins.To bolster the ability to withstand the impacts of the pandemic, Stantec’s board and senior leaders have taken voluntary reductions in compensation; implemented a number of staffing strategies (such as participating in government-granted wage subsidy programs, primarily in the UK, and implementing furlough programs to manage costs while retaining talent), and significantly reduced discretionary spending. The agility with which Stantec responded has maintained adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income margins at healthy levels, while also preserving the quality and integrity of the workforce to ensure Stantec is positioned to quickly rebound as the economic recovery begins. Based on current expectations, Stantec anticipates delivering 2020 adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS in line with 2019. Where typically 60% of adjusted earnings are generated in the second and third quarters of the calendar year and 40% in the first and fourth quarters, this is now expected to shift to 55% / 45%, respectively.LiquidityStantec’s balance sheet remains strong. At June 30, 2020, net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 1.0x, which is at the low end of the targeted leverage range of 1.0x to 2.0x. The Company remains in full compliance with all financial covenants. Internal modelling indicates that leverage will likely remain toward the low end of the 1.0x to 2.0x net debt to adjusted EBITDA range throughout 2020. Stantec has ample liquidity with more than $330 million in undrawn capacity on its revolving credit facility at June 30, 2020, with access to an additional $600 million in funds if required. Further, there are no near-term debt maturities that require refinancing.Stantec remains focused on invoicing and collection activities. Thus far, no meaningful increase in DSO due to the pandemic has been observed. Given the strong mix of public sector clients and the high quality of its private sector clients, Stantec does not believe credit risk has increased meaningfully as a result of the pandemic.Capital AllocationStantec remains committed to the strategy of deploying capital to generate the best risk-adjusted return for shareholders. All non-essential capital expenditures have been put on hold. Travel restrictions have delayed acquisition activity as on-site due diligence is an essential component of the acquisition process. As well, valuations of acquisition targets’ backlogs and customer lists must be re-examined in light of current economic conditions. Stantec remains committed to returning capital to shareholders through the payment of a dividend. Stantec repurchased shares in the first quarter of 2020 and, while this activity has slowed, opportunistic share repurchases could ramp up in the event of a severe dislocation in the value of Stantec shares.Tomorrow’s Conference CallOn Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 7:00 AM MDT (9:00 AM EDT), Gord Johnston, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Theresa Jang, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will hold a conference call to discuss the Company’s second quarter performance.The webcast and slide presentation can be accessed at the following link:https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/s7fzrmppThe conference call and slideshow presentation will be broadcast live and archived in their entirety in the Investors section of stantec.com. Participants wishing to listen to the call via telephone may dial in toll-free at 1-800-289-0438 (Canada and United States) or +1-647-484-0478 (international). Please provide confirmation code 3221222 when prompted.About Stantec Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. We care about the communities we serve—because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success. We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media. Cautionary Statements Stantec’s EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, net debt to adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS measures. For a definition and explanation of non-IFRS measures, refer to the Critical Accounting Estimates, Developments, and Measures section of the Company’s Second Quarter 2020 report and the reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures appended hereto. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, Stantec’s office remobilization plans, its resilience, its position to withstand the challenges caused by the pandemic, the anticipation of 2020 net revenues that are comparable to 2019, the anticipation of 2020 adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS that are comparable to 2019, the anticipation of 55% of adjusted earnings in Q2 and Q3, and 45% in Q1 and Q4, any projections related to revenue, gross margin, utilization and days sales outstanding, internal modelling that indicates the Company will likely remain within its 1.0x to 2.0x leverage range throughout 2020 and that the Company does not believe its credit risk has increased meaningfully as a result of the pandemic. Any such statements represent the views of management only as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of assisting the Company’s shareholders in understanding Stantec’s operations, objectives, priorities, and anticipated financial performance as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented and may not be appropriate for other purposes. By their nature, forward-looking statements require management to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Readers of this news release are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since a number of factors could cause actual future results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the risk of economic downturn, project cancellations and a slowdown in new opportunities related to COVID-19, decreased infrastructure spending levels, changing market conditions for Stantec’s services, and the risk that Stantec fails to capitalize on its strategic initiatives. Investors and the public should carefully consider these factors, other uncertainties, and potential events, as well as the inherent uncertainty of forward-looking statements, when relying on these statements to make decisions with respect to the Company.For more information about how other material risk factors could affect Stantec’s results, refer to the Risk Factors section and Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements section in the Company’s Second Quarter 2020 report. You may access this report online by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at sec.gov or by visiting the CSA website at sedar.com or Stantec’s website, stantec.com. You may obtain a hard copy of the Second Quarter 2020 report free of charge from the investor contact noted below.Investor ContactMedia Contact Tom McMillanStephanie Smith Stantec Investor RelationsStantec Media Relations Ph: 780-917-8159Ph: 780-917-7230 tom.mcmillan@stantec.comstephanie.smith2@stantec.com To subscribe to Stantec’s email news alerts, please fill out the subscription form, which is available on the Contact Information page of the Investors section at Stantec.com.Design with community in mindAttached to this news release are Stantec’s consolidated statements of financial position, consolidated statements of income and reconciliation of non-IFRS measures. Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (In millions of Canadian dollars)June 30 2020 $December 31 2019 $ ASSETS Current Cash and deposits266.3 223.5 Trade and other receivables777.1 817.7 Unbilled receivables428.2 374.2 Contract assets74.1 67.5 Income taxes recoverable44.3 36.2 Prepaid expenses47.5 42.9 Other assets22.1 18.1 Total current assets1,659.6 1,580.1 Non-current Property and equipment281.9 286.5 Lease assets532.2 558.5 Goodwill1,709.0 1,651.8 Intangible assets197.8 219.6 Investments in joint ventures and associates8.9 8.8 Net employee defined benefit asset34.8 26.0 Deferred tax assets31.9 31.9 Other assets209.4 198.3 Total assets4,665.5 4,561.5 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current Bank indebtedness- 19.5 Trade and other payables589.8 576.4 Lease liabilities107.0 99.9 Deferred revenue180.0 199.2 Income taxes payable29.3 28.4 Long-term debt38.4 46.9 Provisions19.3 23.9 Other liabilities12.5 12.1 Total current liabilities976.3 1,006.3 Non-current Lease liabilities567.9 589.0 Income taxes payable12.2 11.6 Long-term debt786.4 814.0 Provisions111.6 89.1 Net employee defined benefit liability76.4 85.2 Deferred tax liabilities80.2 73.2 Other liabilities24.8 16.0 Total liabilities2,635.8 2,684.4 Shareholders’ equity Share capital922.5 879.8 Contributed surplus16.6 23.9 Retained earnings951.1 917.7 Accumulated other comprehensive income138.3 54.1 Total shareholders’ equity2,028.5 1,875.5 Non-controlling interests1.2 1.6 Total liabilities and equity4,665.5 4,561.5 Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (Unaudited) For the quarter ended June 30For the two quarters ended June 30 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)2020 $ 2019 $ 2020 $ 2019 $ Continuing operations Gross revenue1,205.6 1,224.1 2,426.1 2,375.6 Less subconsultant and other direct expenses254.5 270.5 519.8 517.9 Net revenue951.1 953.6 1,906.3 1,857.7 Direct payroll costs461.4 436.1 909.9 851.7 Gross margin489.7 517.5 996.4 1,006.0 Administrative and marketing expenses344.0 372.4 711.3 729.5 Depreciation of property and equipment14.9 14.7 29.4 28.4 Impairment of lease assets2.0 - 11.7 - Depreciation of lease assets30.6 28.5 60.2 55.9 Amortization of intangible assets13.6 17.6 27.8 33.0 Net interest expense12.5 17.7 27.5 34.9 Other net finance expense0.8 1.3 2.4 2.6 Share of income from joint ventures and associates(0.6)(0.4)(0.2)(0.4) Foreign exchange loss (gain)0.8 (0.2)(0.5)2.7 Other (income) expense(2.2)(1.5)8.2 (6.5) Income before income taxes and discontinued operations73.3 67.4 118.6 125.9 Income taxes Current21.6 18.8 30.2 14.6 Deferred(0.9)(0.7)6.3 17.1 Total income taxes20.7 18.1 36.5 31.7 Net income for the period from continuing operations52.6 49.3 82.1 94.2 Discontinued operations Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax- - 10.2 - Net income for the period52.6 49.3 92.3 94.2 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic111,346,512 111,676,731 111,355,426 111,740,256 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted111,851,675 111,684,858 111,804,674 111,740,256 Shares outstanding, end of the period111,691,138 111,700,217 111,691,138 111,700,217 Earnings per share, basic and diluted Continuing operations, basic0.47 0.44 0.74 0.84 Discontinued operations, basic- - 0.09 - Total basic earnings per share0.47 0.44 0.83 0.84 Continuing operations, diluted0.47 0.44 0.74 0.84 Discontinued operations, diluted- - 0.09 - Total diluted earnings per share0.47 0.44 0.83 0.84 Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Financial Measures Quarter Ended Jun 30Two Quarters Ended Jun 30 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)2020 2019 20202019 Net income from continuing operations52.6 49.3 82.194.2 Add back: Income taxes20.7 18.1 36.531.7 Net interest expense12.5 17.7 27.534.9 Depreciation and amortization59.1 60.8 117.4117.3 EBITDA from continuing operations144.9 145.9 263.5278.1 Add back (deduct) pre-tax: Unrealized loss (gain) on investments held on equity securities(4.4)(0.5)7.0(5.6) Impairment of lease assets2.0 - 11.7- Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations142.5 145.4 282.2272.5 Quarter Ended Jun 30Two Quarters Ended Jun 30 (In millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)2020 2019 20202019 Net income from continuing operations52.6 49.3 82.194.2 Add back (deduct) after tax: Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions (1)6.9 8.1 14.015.1 Unrealized loss (gain) on investments held on equity securities (2)(3.2)(0.3)5.0(4.0) Impairment of lease assets (3)1.4 - 8.3- Reorganization tax expense (4)- - 2.6- Transition tax expense- (1.0)-1.1 Adjusted net income from continuing operations57.7 56.1 112.0106.4 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic111,346,512 111,676,731 111,355,426111,740,256 Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted111,851,675 111,684,858 111,804,674111,740,256 Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations Adjusted earnings per share - basic0.52 0.50 1.010.95 Adjusted earnings per share - diluted0.52 0.50 1.000.95 See the Definitions section of Stantec's 2019 Annual Report and Q2 2020 Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for our discussion of non-IFRS measures used. Construction Services operations are presented as discontinued operations. This table has been updated to include only continuing operation results. (1): The add back of intangible amortization relates only to the amortization from intangible assets acquired through acquisitions and excludes the amortization of software purchased by Stantec. For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, this amount is net of tax of $2.9 (2019 - $3.1). For the two quarters ended June 30, 2020, this amount is net of tax of $5.7 (2019 - $5.8). (2): For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, this amount is net of tax of ($1.2) (2019 - ($0.2)). For the two quarters ended June 30, 2020, this amount is net of tax of $2.0 (2019 - ($1.6)). (3): For the quarter ended June 30, 2020, this amount is net of tax of $0.6 (2019 - nil). For the two quarters ended June 30, 2020, this amount is net of tax of $3.4 (2019 - nil). (4): Refer to Income Taxes section of Stantec's Q2 2020 MD&A for further details.
- GlobeNewswire
Stantec awarded The Water Research Foundation study to define digital water transformation and intelligent water utility framework of the future
A global network of more than 30 utility agencies, data solution providers, and technical advisors will collaborate to build the business case for an Intelligent Water SystemEDMONTON, Alberta and NEW YORK, July 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Water Research Foundation (WRF) awarded Stantec the lead in a global collaboration of utility and technology experts to define the framework for the digital transformation of the water industry. The project, titled Definition of Smart Utility – How to be a Digital Utility and the Framework for an Intelligent Water System (WRF 5039), is funded by WRF with monetary support from the Great Lakes Water Authority, as well as the in-kind support of research participants. The intended outcome of this collaboration is to assist utility leaders to make better, data-driven decisions supported by an Intelligent Water Systems (IWS) framework.Video: Stantec leads study to define digital framework for smart utility of the future“Although various research organizations, utilities, and solution providers are assisting the industry in addressing parts of the transition to a digital and smart water sector, this study will create the first IWS framework to embed digital solutions and platforms in everyday utility business practice,” said research lead and Stantec associate environmental specialist, Dr. Carla Cherchi.Smart technologies complement traditional water infrastructure to give utilities greater awareness and control over their operations, allow for early detection of problems, address deteriorating infrastructure and workforce concerns, reduce operational costs, and improve resource efficiency. Digital technologies also enable water utilities to enhance decision-making, regulatory compliance, security, and customer benefits. According to a 2017 study by Northeast Group across the United States, water utilities expect to invest $8.3 billion in smart infrastructure over the next 10 years to satisfy the need for modernization.Dr. Carla Cherchi, who will serve as principal investigator for the study together with co-principal investigators Dr. Cello Vitasovic of 9D Analytics LLC and Stantec’s Prabhu Chandrasekeran, will leverage ongoing advancements in sensor, data management/analytics, and digital communication technologies throughout the 11-month WRF project. The work will focus on developing a framework, or structure, of the critical aspects pertaining to the digital transformation of water and wastewater utilities. Approximately 30 agencies from around the globe and seven data solution providers will provide technical input and critical review of the project deliverables alongside a nine-person technical advisory committee.Four critical elements need to mutually function for a successful IWS structure: policy and governance, people, process, and technology. The framework will identify a tailored set of fundamental elements, best practices, and a transformation pathway necessary to assist organizations in becoming a smart utility. The project scope will also include the development of an online progress tool to allow utilities to more easily evaluate and validate their digital maturity.The technologies and data platforms available to water utilities create countless benefits across various business processes. Water supply management, water treatment, water distribution, customer engagement, internal customers, wastewater collection, wastewater reclamation, and watershed protection are all components of water and wastewater utilities that can reap the benefits of digital infrastructure and concepts.The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.About StantecCommunities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.About The Water Research FoundationThe Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the world’s leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of protection of public health and the environment. WRF represents approximately 1,200 subscribers, hosts an online research library of more than 2,300 completed projects valued at $700 million, manages an innovation platform (LIFT Link) with a database of more than 140 innovative technologies, and supports the world’s largest body of stormwater best practice data. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the project described above, including statements regarding Stantec’s role and involvement on the project. Forward-looking statements also include any other statements that do not refer to historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is a risk that the project described above may be delayed, cancelled, suspended or terminated. This could cause future results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made in this news release. Except as may be required by law, Stantec undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Forward‑looking statements are provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the project referred to above and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.Media Contact Danny Craig Stantec Media Relations Ph: 949-923-6085 danny.craig@stantec.comInvestor Relations Contact Tom McMillan Stantec Investor Relations Ph: 780-969-2018 tom.mcmillan@stantec.com
