Topic: How To Invest

Could you please give me your opinion on AirBoss of America? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

AirBoss of America Corp., $24.09, symbol BOS on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 23.0 million; Market cap: $554.7 million; www.airbossofamerica.com), makes proprietary rubber-based compounds manufacturers use in tires, auto parts, boots and other products. The company has plants in Ontario, Quebec, Vermont and North Carolina and owns 50% of a Malaysian joint venture. U.S. customers supply 70% of its revenue, followed by Canada (24%) and other countries (6%). AirBoss has three main divisions: Rubber Compounding (44% of 2014 sales, 37% of earnings) makes over 1,000 compounds from natural rubber and synthetic materials. Clients use them in products like escalator handrails, conveyor belts and pipeline connectors and seals. Automotive (41%, 49%) makes products that cut noise and vibration in cars. The big three North American automakers—General Motors, Ford and Chrysler—are its main clients. AirBoss Engineered Products (15%, 14%) makes protective gloves, boots and gas masks for militaries and fire departments, in addition to supplying rubber for retreading older tires and parts for recreational vehicles. In the three months…