Out of the limelight

Article Excerpt

CAE INC. $12 (Toronto symbol CAE; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 256.8 million; Market cap: $3.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.1; Dividend yield: 1.3%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.cae.com) was, like Bombardier (see left), a one-time favourite of momentum traders. But it fell out of the broker/media limelight after airlines cut their flight-simulator orders in the wake of 9/11. However, the company continues to benefit from its expansion into pilot training, which it began in 2000. This has cut CAE’s reliance on simulator sales, and given it more predictable revenue streams. CAE now trains over 50,000 pilots each year at its 24 training centres around the world. As well, CAE has expanded its military simulators and training businesses. Military customers now account for 55% of its total revenue. That helps cut its exposure to the cyclical airline industry. The company now aims to spur its growth by applying its simulator expertise to new fields. For example, it now offers a line of…