Linamar’s outlook remains bright

Article Excerpt

The big three U.S. automakers—General Motors, Ford and Stellantis—recently agreed to new contracts with unionized auto workers. As a group, those customers account for just over half of Linamar’s total revenue, so labour peace cuts its risk. The company is also doing a good job preparing for the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), particularly as governments plan to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars and trucks over the next few years. LINAMAR CORP. $58 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol LNR; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 65.4 million; Market cap: $3.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.4; Dividend yield: 1.5%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.linamar.com) makes a variety of automotive parts, including cylinder heads and cylinder blocks. It also makes self-propelled, scissor-type work platforms under the Skyjack brand, as well as agricultural harvesting equipment. The company continues to adjust as carmakers shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles to EVs. It expects equipment for EVs (and products for either gas-powered cars or EVs) will…