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ATCO Ltd Cl I NV (TSE:ACO.X)
TSX:ACO.X

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV (ACO.X) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:ACO.X

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV

(TSX:ACO.X)

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Neutral 54 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
C$66.00
▲(0.90% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/01/26
The score is driven primarily by weakening 2025 profitability and a more leveraged balance sheet, partially offset by strong operating cash flow. Technicals are supportive due to an established uptrend, but overbought signals add near-term risk. Valuation is a key headwind given the very high P/E relative to recent earnings pressure, despite a moderate dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Operating cash flow resilience
Consistently strong operating cash flow, with a material improvement in 2025, provides durable capacity to service debt, fund maintenance and growth capex, and support dividends. This operating cash generation underpins financial resilience despite earnings volatility.
High, stable EBITDA margins
Sustained EBITDA margins near 40% indicate structurally profitable core operations and cost leverage. Stable underlying margins support long-term cash flow predictability and provide a buffer to absorb revenue shocks or higher operating costs.
Modest, consistent revenue growth
Steady mid-single-digit revenue growth reflects ongoing demand and an established market position. Predictable top-line expansion supports gradual scale benefits, offering a foundation for margin recovery and steady capacity utilization over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage
A materially higher leverage profile reduces financial flexibility and raises refinancing and interest-rate risk. With debt-to-equity near 3x, the company is more sensitive to profitability swings, limiting capacity to fund strategic investments or absorb adverse shocks without raising cost of capital.
Sharp profitability deterioration
A steep drop in net income and margin compression undermines retained earnings and the firm's ability to generate returns on capital. Persistent low net margins would erode ROE and constrain the company’s ability to deleverage, invest, or sustain shareholder distributions over time.
Volatile free cash flow / low conversion
Inconsistent free cash flow and weak conversion of earnings into surplus cash make long-term capital allocation harder. Volatility limits reliable discretionary investment, reduces buffers for debt paydown, and raises execution risk for long-duration infrastructure projects.

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV (ACO.X) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionATCO Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides housing, logistics and transportation, agriculture, water, real estate, and energy and energy infrastructure solutions in Canada, Australia, and internationally. The company offers workforce and residential housing; modular facilities; construction and site support; workforce lodging; facility operations and maintenance; defense operations; and disaster and emergency management services. It also provides commercial real estate services, including sale of commercial and industrial properties; and bulk cargo and port operation services, as well as operates container port facilities. The company's portfolio includes 14 commercial real estate properties, including 417,000 square feet of office property, 60,000 square feet of industrial property, and 315 acres of land. In addition, it engages in electricity generation, distribution, transmission, and related infrastructure services; natural gas distribution; owns and operates natural gas transmission pipelines in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and northern regions of Canada, as well as in Western Australia; and builds, owns, and operates non-regulated industrial water, natural gas storage, natural gas liquids storage, and natural gas related infrastructure to serve the midstream and petrochemical sectors. Further, it sells electricity and natural gas to residential and commercial customers; and provides natural gas appliance demonstrations and small cooking schools for homemakers. ATCO Ltd. was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. ATCO Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Sentgraf Enterprises Ltd.
How the Company Makes MoneyATCO Ltd generates revenue primarily through its regulated utility operations, which include electricity and natural gas distribution services. The company earns a significant portion of its income from providing essential utility services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, benefiting from stable demand and regulated pricing structures. Additionally, ATCO's modular construction and infrastructure services contribute to its revenue, particularly through contracts for custom-built facilities and infrastructure projects. The company also invests in renewable energy projects, which provide additional income through power generation and government incentives. Strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, including government entities and private sector clients, help facilitate large-scale projects and secure long-term contracts, thus enhancing its revenue stability.

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 29, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlights significant growth in adjusted earnings and cash flow, along with strong performances in key business segments like ATCO Structures and Neltume Ports. However, challenges such as the reset in ROE for Alberta utilities and perceived undervaluation of ATCO Structures suggest some areas of concern. The sentiment is cautiously optimistic, with a focus on continued strategic execution.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Adjusted Earnings Growth
ATCO achieved adjusted earnings of $101 million or $0.90 per share in Q2 2025, up $5 million compared to the same period in 2024.
Successful ATCO Structures Performance
ATCO Structures delivered adjusted earnings of $32 million, up $2 million compared to Q2 2024, driven by increased modular construction activity and workforce housing sales.
Strong Cash Flow and Investment
ATCO's cash flow from operating activities reached $192 million year-to-date, up over 30% compared to the previous year, allowing for increased capital spending.
Neltume Ports Investment Growth
Neltume Ports delivered adjusted earnings growth of $1 million compared to Q2 2024 and commenced construction on the Vancouver Bulk Terminal.
Increased Capital Expenditures
Year-to-date capital expenditures for ATCO stand-alone businesses were $117 million, up $43 million year-over-year, primarily due to increased spending on rental fleet additions.
Negative Updates
Alberta Utilities ROE Reset
Growth in ATCO's Canadian Utilities was offset by the reset in the allowable ROE at Alberta utilities and the conclusion of the efficiency carryover mechanism.
Discount in Structures Market Value
ATCO Structures is perceived to be trading at a discount compared to peers, despite consistent performance and growth.
Uncertain Timing for Defense Spending Benefits
While optimistic about increased defense spending, the timeline for seeing new contracts in the Frontec segment remains uncertain.
Company Guidance
In the second quarter of 2025, ATCO Limited reported adjusted earnings of $101 million or $0.90 per share, marking an increase of $5 million compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was primarily driven by an increase in the rate base and higher rates in their Canadian Utilities investment, alongside a new 5-year access arrangement for ATCO Gas Australia. Despite some challenges such as a reset in the allowable ROE for Alberta utilities, ATCO Structures also performed well, with adjusted earnings rising to $32 million and an adjusted EBITDA of $70 million, putting them on track to surpass the previous year's annual EBITDA. Investment in Neltume Ports also contributed to earnings growth, with a $1 million increase compared to Q2 2024. The company reported a notable increase in cash flow from operating activities, reaching $192 million year-to-date, which allowed for higher capital expenditures totaling $117 million. This financial strength supports ATCO's strategic investments and expansions, including a new manufacturing facility in Australia to bolster their modular construction activities.

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Operating cash flow remains strong and improved in 2025, but profitability weakened sharply (net income down to ~150M and net margin ~2.9% vs ~8–9% prior years). Leverage is elevated and rising (debt-to-equity ~3.0x), reducing flexibility and pulling returns down (ROE ~3.3% in 2025).
Income Statement
56
Neutral
Revenue has grown modestly since 2020, with a small uptick in 2024 and flat growth in 2025. Profitability, however, weakened materially in 2025: net income fell to 150M from ~430M in 2023–2024, and net margin compressed to ~2.9% from ~8–9% previously. While EBITDA margin remains strong and stable (~39–41%), the sharp deterioration in gross profit and EBIT in 2025 points to pressure below the top line and a less favorable earnings quality versus the prior two years.
Balance Sheet
45
Neutral
The balance sheet is leveraged, with debt-to-equity rising to ~3.0x in 2025 from ~2.3–2.6x in 2021–2024, alongside increasing total debt. Equity has been relatively stable, but returns on equity have dropped meaningfully (to ~3.3% in 2025 from ~9–10% in 2023–2024), reflecting weaker profitability against a sizable capital base. Overall asset growth is steady, but the higher leverage profile reduces financial flexibility and increases sensitivity to earnings volatility.
Cash Flow
62
Positive
Operating cash flow is consistently strong and improved in 2025 (1.93B vs 1.66B in 2024), supporting debt service capacity. Free cash flow is volatile—negative in 2024, modestly positive in 2023, very strong in 2022, and positive again in 2025 (227M) with a large rebound versus 2024—suggesting uneven capital spending and/or working-capital swings. While cash generation looks resilient at the operating line, the relatively low conversion of free cash flow versus earnings in 2025 indicates limited surplus cash after investment needs.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.14B4.94B4.74B4.98B4.29B
Gross Profit1.34B3.11B3.03B3.12B2.72B
EBITDA2.04B1.94B1.95B2.03B1.62B
Net Income150.00M430.00M432.00M370.00M246.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets27.67B26.72B25.36B24.14B23.00B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.36B713.00M592.00M1.03B1.09B
Total Debt13.38B11.98B11.17B10.20B10.15B
Total Liabilities19.32B18.01B16.86B15.79B15.05B
Stockholders Equity4.52B4.63B4.42B4.38B4.11B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow227.00M-27.00M57.00M535.00M263.00M
Operating Cash Flow1.93B1.66B1.48B1.97B1.46B
Investing Cash Flow-1.90B-1.80B-2.58B-1.50B-1.38B
Financing Cash Flow846.00M-55.00M362.00M-527.00M-85.00M

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price65.41
Price Trends
50DMA
58.81
Positive
100DMA
55.98
Positive
200DMA
52.58
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.89
Negative
RSI
75.89
Negative
STOCH
91.24
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:ACO.X, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 65.41 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 61.89, above the 50-day MA of 58.81, and above the 200-day MA of 52.58, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.89 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 75.89 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 91.24 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for TSE:ACO.X.

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
64
Neutral
C$9.80B22.269.40%4.44%-2.99%-32.11%
59
Neutral
C$8.83B-27.854.56%3.29%76.89%
58
Neutral
C$13.04B310.368.84%4.33%-0.94%25.64%
55
Neutral
C$5.39B-28.38-9.02%1.46%-11.00%-227.07%
54
Neutral
C$6.60B48.979.32%3.62%7.75%11.25%
54
Neutral
C$7.30B-173.672.04%4.32%-4.72%96.98%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:ACO.X
ATCO Ltd Cl I NV
65.41
19.25
41.70%
TSE:TA
TransAlta
18.17
4.35
31.44%
TSE:CPX
Capital Power
62.66
15.58
33.11%
TSE:CU
Canadian Utilities A
47.95
14.03
41.35%
TSE:AQN
Algonquin Power & Utilities
9.50
2.86
42.99%
TSE:BIPC
Brookfield Infrastructure
66.85
13.13
24.45%

ATCO Ltd Cl I NV Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
ATCO lifts adjusted earnings in 2025 as new contracts and major pipeline project bolster growth
Positive
Feb 26, 2026

ATCO reported 2025 adjusted earnings of $518 million, up $37 million from 2024, driven by its core operations, while IFRS earnings fell sharply to $150 million due to non-cash impairments and write-offs that produced a fourth-quarter loss. The mixed results highlight a solid underlying business contrasted with significant accounting charges that will matter for investors focused on reported profitability.

Operationally, ATCO Structures secured new space rental and modular construction contracts across potash mining in Western Canada, education and data centres in Texas, and defence and mining projects in Western Australia, adding millions in sale and lease revenue and advancing a major U.S. mining lodge project. Frontec’s ARCTEC joint venture won a rebid to operate and maintain the Alaska Radar System in a contract worth up to $596 million (USD), while Canadian Utilities advanced major Alberta projects, including the $2.9 billion fully contracted Yellowhead natural gas pipeline, for which regulatory approvals and prefunding moves strengthen ATCO’s long-term infrastructure growth pipeline.

The most recent analyst rating on ($TSE:ACO.X) stock is a Hold with a C$59.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on ATCO Ltd Cl I NV stock, see the TSE:ACO.X Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
ATCO JV Wins $596M, 10-Year U.S. Air Force Alaska Radar System Deal
Positive
Feb 23, 2026

ATCO Frontec, through its ARCTEC Alaska joint venture with ASRC Federal, has secured a 10-year, roughly $596 million U.S. Air Force contract to operate and maintain the Alaska Radar System starting in September 2026. The deal covers 15 long-range radar sites, two radio sites and associated facilities at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, extending a relationship with the USAF that has been in place since 1994 and reinforcing ATCO’s role in critical defence infrastructure.

The award underscores ATCO Frontec’s and ASRC Federal’s track record in delivering mission-critical services in remote, extreme environments, including radar surveillance systems in the Canadian Arctic and large-scale logistics and lodging support for U.S. defence and emergency operations. By deepening its presence in North American aerospace surveillance, ATCO strengthens its defence services portfolio and long-term revenue visibility, while contributing to U.S. and Canadian airspace security and civil aviation safety.

The most recent analyst rating on ($TSE:ACO.X) stock is a Hold with a C$59.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on ATCO Ltd Cl I NV stock, see the TSE:ACO.X Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
ATCO to Unveil 2025 Year-End Results on February 26
Neutral
Feb 7, 2026

ATCO Ltd. announced it will release its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025 on February 26, 2026, with full financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis to be made available on its website and via a newswire distribution. The company will host a same-day teleconference and webcast led by senior executives, including a question-and-answer session for investment analysts, providing stakeholders an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the performance and strategic direction of its diversified global energy, infrastructure and services operations.

The most recent analyst rating on ($TSE:ACO.X) stock is a Hold with a C$59.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on ATCO Ltd Cl I NV stock, see the TSE:ACO.X Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
ATCO Extends 33-Year Dividend Growth Streak With 3% Increase for 2026
Positive
Jan 8, 2026

ATCO Ltd., a diversified global provider of energy, infrastructure, housing and support services, has increased its common share dividend for the 33rd consecutive year, underscoring the company’s long-standing focus on stable, shareholder-friendly capital returns within the essential services sector. The board declared a first-quarter 2026 dividend of 51.96 cents per Class I non-voting and Class II voting share, a 3% rise from the prior quarterly rate, payable on March 31, 2026 to shareholders of record on February 26, 2026, and designated the payments as eligible dividends under Canadian tax law, reinforcing ATCO’s reputation for consistent dividend growth and financial resilience across its broad portfolio of regulated and contracted operations.

The most recent analyst rating on ($TSE:ACO.X) stock is a Hold with a C$61.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on ATCO Ltd Cl I NV stock, see the TSE:ACO.X Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDelistings and Listing Changes
ATCO Ltd. Completes Share Exchange Arrangement
Neutral
Dec 12, 2025

ATCO Ltd. announced the completion of an exchange arrangement for Class II voting shares held by non-controlling shareholders, excluding Sentgraf Enterprises Ltd. The arrangement, approved by shareholders and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, involved exchanging each Class II share for 1.15 Class I non-voting shares. This move will result in the delisting of Class II shares from the Toronto Stock Exchange, while Class I shares will continue trading. This strategic shift aims to streamline ATCO’s share structure and may impact shareholder dynamics and market perceptions.

The most recent analyst rating on ($TSE:ACO.X) stock is a Hold with a C$58.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on ATCO Ltd Cl I NV stock, see the TSE:ACO.X Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 01, 2026