What if NAFTA Falls Apart? Should I Keep My Automotive Stocks?

Even though NAFTA trade talks have resulted in uncertainty, auto parts makers such as Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG)(NYSE:MGA), with their steady dividends and positive future prospects, remain good long-term holds.

| More on:

For years now, investors have been worried that the auto sector is at its peak. Now, we have the specter of NAFTA to worry about, further clouding the future of the automotive industry. Combine those fears with a slowing China and other geopolitical worries, and it is more than enough to keep auto investors quaking in their boots.

There are a couple of factors you should take into account before deciding whether or not you should hold on to auto stocks in anticipation of a slowdown in the auto sector or a major impact from NAFTA disintegration. The first most important fact you should be establishing is whether these businesses are solid businesses that you should be investing in at all.

Two businesses, Magna (TSX:MG)(NYSE:MGA) and Linamar (TSX:LNR) are two auto sector companies that are worth looking into to see if they are solid enough companies to invest in regardless of the political situation.

Magna

Magna’s share price has fallen significantly from its recent highs, making the price more attractive as an entry point. Besides being a major auto parts maker, the company has also entered many strategic partnerships to become involved in the self-driving car space. Magna operates all over the world providing investors with a degree of diversification. 

The company’s dividend also should comfort investors since it is now around 2% and growing. Magna has been very consistent at raising its dividend for several years.

Linamar

As is the case with Magna and the rest of the auto sector stocks, Linamar’s share price has come off quite a lot over the past couple of months. The company has a good balance sheet and pays a small dividend of just under 1% at the current price. While the dividend has not been raised in some time, it is well covered by the company’s free cash flow. Its payout ratio is extremely low, in the single digits, so it will more than likely not be in any danger of being cut in a downturn.

The bottom line

But even though these businesses are well positioned and solid, well-run companies, should you hold on to those stocks if NAFTA falls through? This answer comes down to your allocation, how much of your portfolio is focused on this sector or is positioned within one particular stock. A good rule of thumb is to dedicate no more than 5% to any one stock. If the stock price does fall, you can simply continue to top up the position on a regular basis, say, on the first of every month, to keep the position at the 5% mark.

As a general rule, solid companies like Magna represent good long-term holds. These are cyclical companies, so you can almost guarantee that at some point there will be a downturn, especially since the auto cycle has already had a good run. As an investor, you simply need to decide how much of your portfolio you want to risk, continue adding during the bad times to maintain the percentage, and hold it for the long run.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Kris Knutson owns shares of Magna Int’l. Magna is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

data analyze research
Dividend Stocks

3 Undervalued Stocks to Watch in November

Not all undervalued and discounted stocks are destined or poised to make a comeback soon, and a protracted timeline can…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

The Perfect TFSA Stocks for Long-Term Growth

Two industry heavyweights are perfect stock holdings in a TFSA for long-term money growth.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

Is Fortis Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

Fortis has increased the dividend for 51 consecutive years.

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Is Brookfield Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

BAM stock recently jumped after beating earnings. But is it still a buy, or is it better to wait?

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Utility Stocks to Buy in November

Are you looking for some top Canadian utility stocks to own? Here's a look at three must-have options for any…

Read more »

View of high rise corporate buildings in the financial district of Toronto, Canada
Dividend Stocks

Is First Capital REIT a Buy for its 4.8% Yield?

First Capital is a REIT that offers you a tasty dividend yield of 4.8%. Is this TSX dividend stock a…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Passive Income: 3 Stocks to Buy and Never Sell

Stocks like Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) are worth holding long term.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

Canadian Utility Stocks to Buy Now for Stable Returns

Given their regulated business, falling interest rates, and healthy growth prospects, these three Canadian utility stocks are ideal for earning…

Read more »