The Investment Reporter, in its March 15, 2013, issue, says buy Stantec Inc., recently $43. The Reporter said buy 17 times from July 28, 2000, to May 25, 2012, at prices ranging from $12.60 to $33.32 (the stock split 2 for 1 in May, 2005, and again in May, 2006). Assuming a $1,000 investment for each buy, the $17,000 position is now worth a very attractive $68,843. The Reporter recommends Stantec as an alternative to currently hold-rated SNC-Lavalin Group. Given SNC's legal troubles, the Reporter says it is better to put money into Stantec. The consulting services firm increased its earnings to $120.9-million or $2.64 a share in 2012 from $102.7-million or $2.25 a share in 2011. Revenues were up by 11.9 per cent to $1.88-billion, reflecting organic growth and revenue from seven acquisitions last year. CEO Bob Gomes says 2012 marked the company's 59th year of uninterrupted profitability, and expects this to continue in 2013 and 2014. It is set to earn $2.91 a share in 2013 and $3.19 a share in 2014. Thanks to a successful 2012, Stantec has raised its dividend to 66 cents a share from 60 cents a share. Buy Stantec for long-term gains and rising dividends.