The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, July 3, edition that Desjardins analyst Benoit Poirier has reaffirmed his "buy" recommendation for Aecon Group. The Globe's David Leeder writes that Mr. Poirier gave his share target a $2 trim to $18. Analysts on average target the shares at $18.69. Mr. Poirier says the $237-million in charges to be taken by Aecon Group in the settlement of its construction dispute related to the Coastal Gaslink pipeline project and cost revisions for a trio of legacy contracts are "substantially larger" than he had expected. Mr. Poirier says in a note, "Hopefully, this is a sign that the end is near, but the lack of visibility on the timing makes it difficult to forecast future cash flows and is likely to push the stock down, in our view." On Friday, Aecon announced "an amicable and mutually agreeable" global settlement to resolve the dispute "fully and finally" over the construction of sections three and four of the Coastal GasLink pipeline project in British Columbia. Aecon expects a $127-million, non-recurring charge and also anticipates an additional $110-million in charges related to three remaining legacy projects (Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Finch West LRT and Gordie Howe Bridge).
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