Canadian automotive parts manufacturers reported strong third-quarter results in November 2026, with Linamar posting a 21% sales increase to $3.08 billion and NFI Group raising its annual earnings forecast after achieving 8.7% aftermarket revenue growth, demonstrating resilience despite tariff pressures and softening markets.
- Linamar Corporation reported 21% increase in Q3 sales to $3.08 billion, with mobility division sales rising 20.4% to $2.31 billion
- NFI Group achieved 8.7% increase in aftermarket revenue to US$170.7 million and raised full-year adjusted earnings guidance by US$10 million
- More than 90% of Linamar's sales remain tariff-free under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, protecting from U.S. tariffs
- RB Global reported 47% increase in net income to US$140.2 million with 20% rise in asset values sold across businesses
- LKQ Corporation experienced Q3 challenges with US$24 million loss and accelerated new CEO start date to November 9 to address operational issues
In this week’s Tuesday Ticker, Canadian manufacturers have reported higher sales, an insurer has expanded its auto business, an auction operator has posted higher profits and a parts distributor’s new chief executive has started earlier than planned.
Parts production
Guelph automotive parts manufacturer Linamar is reporting a 21% increase in third-quarter sales to $3.08 billion.
Results released Nov. 4 show sales in its mobility division, which supplies vehicle manufacturers, increased 20.4% to $2.31 billion.
Across the business, net earnings fell 12.4% to $148.3 million from $169.2 million. Adjusted net earnings, which exclude certain items, rose 2.3% to $153.5 million.
“Q3 was another solid quarter for us despite softening markets with sales and earnings growth again achieved,” said Linda Hasenfratz, executive chair.
According to the results, more than 90% of Linamar’s sales remain tariff-free. Automotive parts that meet the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement’s requirements remain exempt from U.S. tariffs. Tariffs on some industrial products have reduced profits in that division.
The quarterly dividend remains 32 cents per share, payable Dec. 2 to shareholders of record Nov. 20.
Following the news, Linamar shares, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under LNR, fell 5.6% to $87.61 on Nov. 5.
Bus parts boost
Winnipeg bus manufacturer and parts supplier NFI Group is reporting an 8.7% increase in third-quarter aftermarket revenue to US$170.7 million.
Results released Nov. 5 show higher parts sales and more work to refurbish buses already in service. Net earnings from the aftermarket division rose 26.5% to US$29.1 million.
Across the group, revenue increased 14.5% to approximately US$1.01 billion. Net earnings were US$100,000, compared with a US$140.9 million loss a year earlier.
The latest results included a charge to reduce the recorded value of battery cells management plans to sell. The previous year’s results included a provision for a battery recall.
“Our performance through the first three quarters gives us additional confidence in our 2026 guidance,” said John Sapp, president and chief executive officer.
Management raised the lower end of its annual forecast for adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization by US$10 million. The revised range is US$395 million to US$415 million.
NFI shares, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under NFI, fell 6.9% to $24.25 on Nov. 6.
Insurance growth
Waterloo insurer Definity Financial is reporting a 38.1% increase in third-quarter personal auto premiums written following its acquisition of Travelers’ Canadian insurance operations.
Premiums written totalled $714.1 million, according to results released Nov. 5. Most of the increase came from retaining policies acquired through the Travelers purchase.
“Our third quarter results reflect the continued benefits of the Travelers Transaction and the underlying momentum of the business,” said Rowan Saunders, president and chief executive officer.
Higher catastrophe losses reduced profitability in personal auto insurance. Its combined ratio rose to 96% from 94%. The ratio compares claims and expenses with underwriting revenue, so the increase means a smaller underwriting margin.
Across the business, Definity reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $32.4 million, compared with net income of $193.1 million a year earlier. Investment valuation losses and higher catastrophe losses contributed to the decline.
Operating net income, which excludes certain items, fell to $43.9 million from $125.2 million.
Definity shares, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under DFY, fell 1.5% to $74.57 on Nov. 6.
Auction gains
Illinois auction operator RB Global is reporting a 47% increase in third-quarter net income to US$140.2 million.
The parent company of salvage auction business IAA released its results Nov. 9. Revenue increased 17% to approximately US$1.3 billion.
“Our third-quarter results demonstrate the strength of RB Global’s marketplace and the consistent execution of our teams to deliver solid topline and bottom-line growth,” said Jim Kessler, chief executive officer.
The total value of assets sold through its businesses rose 20% to approximately US$4.7 billion. These figures cover the group’s vehicle and equipment businesses.
Management raised its forecast for annual growth in transaction value to between 14% and 15%, from between 9% and 11%.
During the quarter, RB Global spent US$350 million repurchasing approximately 3.9 million shares.
RB Global shares, traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under RBA, were up 2.5% at $135.18 at 12:50 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 9.
Early arrival
Tennessee replacement parts distributor LKQ is announcing an earlier start for Salvatore Abbate as president and chief executive officer following a quarterly loss and the dismissal of Justin Jude.
Abbate began work and joined the board on Nov. 9, more than a month before his scheduled Dec. 15 start.
“Having him in place earlier gives him more time with our teams and customers heading into 2027,” said John Mendel, chair of the board.
Jude’s dismissal took effect Oct. 23, when LKQ also released preliminary quarterly results and withdrew its full-year financial forecast.
Final results released Oct. 29 showed third-quarter revenue fell 5.1% to US$3.32 billion. LKQ reported a US$24 million loss from continuing operations, compared with earnings of US$178 million a year earlier.
The loss included US$111 million in pre-tax, non-cash charges to reduce the recorded value of assets. Adjusted net income fell 41.2% to US$127 million from US$216 million.
Operational problems with a new business management system in Germany and lower sales volumes elsewhere in Europe contributed to the weaker results. North American operations performed in line with management’s expectations despite softer demand.
Total debt stood at US$3.7 billion on Sept. 30. Directors have suspended the strategic review, including the proposed sale of the specialty division, while the new leadership assesses the business.
LKQ shares, traded on Nasdaq under LKQ, were up 2.5% at US$20.56 at 1:33 p.m. Eastern on Nov. 9. That remained US$1.91, or 8.5%, below the US$22.47 closing price on Oct. 22, the last trading session before Jude’s dismissal was announced.
