Linamar looks beyond cars for growth

Article Excerpt

LINAMAR CORP. $19 (Toronto symbol LNR; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 64.7 million; Market cap: $1.2 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.7; Dividend yield: 1.3%; SI Rating: Extra Risk) gets about 90% of its revenue by selling transmissions and other parts to carmakers. It also makes self-propelled, scissor-type elevating work platforms under the Skyjack name, plus consumer products, such as lawn mowers and cargo trailers. The company’s revenue rose 7.0%, from $2.2 billion in 2005 to $2.3 billion in 2007. However, its revenue fell 27.6%, to $1.7 billion, in 2009. That’s because the recession cut new-car demand. Linamar’s earnings rose 7.9%, from $101.0 million in 2005 to $109.0 million in 2007. Earnings per share rose 9.1%, from $1.43 in 2005 to $1.56 in 2007, on fewer shares outstanding. Earnings fell 48.6% to $56.0 million, or $0.84 a share, in 2008. Cost cuts will fuel future earnings In 2009, Linamar lost $46.9 million, or $0.73 a share. However, the loss included an $11.7-million…