Stockchase Opinions

Stockchase Insights NFI Group Inc NFi-T RISKY Mar 17, 2025

Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

We have been concerned on the company's execution, small size, high debt and economic vulnerability. It had to restructure its debt not that long ago. But the Q4 was strong, and its supply chain issue (seats) looks to be resolved. It also says tariffs should be 'manageable'. Expectations going into the quarter were very low so there was a big sigh of relief on this news. Guidance was largely expected to be cut sharply, and it was not. After several years of losses, it is expected to show a nice profit in 2025, and good profit growth in 2026. Debt has been reduced in the past three years, but the other concerns still exist. The stock had a big move but remains down on the year. It is cheap at 13X earnings. Still, it is hard for us to get excited here, just because things 'are not as bad' as feared. We still think it may have a rough time in the type of market backdrop we have this year. 
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WEAK BUY

It had good news lately with better than expected results and a big increase in backlog. Margins however have been weak and need to go back to previous levels. He considers it a speculative buy.

PARTIAL BUY

Chart had broken out and spiked up. Next level of resistance around $23, and then $26. You can tell yourself you'll buy when it comes back 25%, but it might never do that. Likes this name. Ignore market craziness, and focus on company fundamentals.

DON'T BUY

Too volatile for her. Stay away. Ranks 1/10 on value. Upside to street's price target only 1.5%, so risk/reward is just not there.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jul 18/23, Up 49%)

The pandemic hurt them with supply chain troubles. It is well run and the balance sheet should get better. It is the only game in town for municipalities buying buses. He thinks the dividend gets re-instated in 2025 or 26.

DON'T BUY

He bought it below $10, but then took profits around $15. He watches it. Wants to see them deliver growth ahead.

DON'T BUY

Concerns regarding tariffs on components and whether Trump will expand public transit. Making progress on debt, but it's still too high. Supply chain issues. Too many questions to step in:  growth, costs, debt.

TOP PICK

One of the only players left for electric buses, which gives them more bargaining flexibility. Latest supply-chain issue on seats is a one-off. Backlog is bigger than ever. No dividend.

(Analysts’ price target is $20.80)
DON'T BUY

At the end of the day, being a manufacturer is quite tough. Plus, they're in Canada. Significant amount of debt. Counting on smaller levels of government making orders, but there's not a lot of $$ to go around. These buses are a big capital expenditure, and it's hard to justify that in a budget. No dividend.

Instead look for a company that produces component parts at low cost, but very important to the vehicle. That component would have an element of pricing power.

BUY

He's been adding. Their downturn lat year started with a seat supplier, then tariff worries hit. Eventually, shares will bounce. They have almost no competition in transit buses in the US. We'll see.

WATCH

Struggled over the years. Good exposure to EVs. Problem is lots of leverage. As well, a bus can't be shipped if it's missing even 1 component; it has to wait. Exposed to tariffs, as it relies on US for some of those parts. 

Management's done well refinancing debt and working through problems. If problems can be resolved, could have very high performance over next few years.