Better Buy in February 2024: Magna Stock vs. Aritzia Stock

When it comes to long-term growth, which is the better buy: Magna (TSX:MG) stock or Aritzia (TSX:ATZ) stock on the TSX today?

| More on:
data analyze research

Image source: Getty Images

We’re starting to look back at February, and seeing where some companies thrived and others fell after earnings. Two of the companies that investors now may want to consider after earnings then are Magna International (TSX:MG) and Aritzia (TSX:ATZ). Both companies had strong performance and a history of growth stock status in the past. But are these two headed towards more of that in the future?

Here’s which one I would consider on the TSX today between Magna stock and Artizia stock.

Magna stock

When it comes to Magna stock, investors are likely looking ahead. The company has a strong outlook, given its exposure to electric vehicle (EV) production. While Magna stock has already seen growth in this area, it still brings in a lot from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as well. Every car has electronic components now, making the transition a seamless one for the company.

There is also an increasing demand for lightweight materials, and Magna stock has taken the call. It’s now a leader in developing and manufacturing lightweight materials, helping to improve fuel efficiency as well as battery life in EVs.

While the stock faces competition on a global scale, here in Canada, it’s an industry leader. And this has been seen in its recent performance. After poor results during the pandemic, Magna stock has been coming back strong. The company reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) of US$0.94, triple the year before. For the year, it hit US$4.23, up from US$4.16 a year earlier.

Meanwhile, shares of the stock trade at 12.84 times earnings and offer a 3.47% dividend yield. Shares are now back to where they were a year ago, seeing growth of 11% since the market bottomed in October. It now looks like it’s a valuable time to pick up the stock, especially for long-term shareholders.

Aritzia stock

Then there’s Aritzia stock, a company that had the opposite position during the pandemic. The company surged with more United States growth than ever. It went on to open more and more locations across the country, seeing shares climb in response. It helps that people such as Meghan Markle seem to wear their stuff as well.

But there’s more than just celebrity status for the company. Aritzia stock is latching on to the continued growth of the women’s apparel market, especially in the United States. This is expected to reach US$2.2 trillion by 2027, driven by more disposable income and increasing demand for online shopping.

Plus, the company is marketed as “everyday luxury,” catering to customers who can afford to pay a premium for quality and design. And now, customers can pick up through online and physical stores, with more plans to expand.

But does it seem too valuable with all this good news? During the latest quarter, Aritzia stock reported EPS of $0.47, which was down from $0.67 the year before. Even so, revenue climbed 5%, despite net income dropping 39%. If you’re wondering if it’s valuable, Aritzia stock certainly thinks so; it recently approved an automatic share-repurchase plan. Still, it trades at 43.53 times earnings over the last year, with shares down 16%. Shares have climbed 67% though since November bottoms, so there could be more on the way.

Bottom line

Aritzia stock, to me, just looks too volatile at these levels. Growth should stabilize in the near future, and when it does so will the stock. And that’s the time I would pick it up. Meanwhile, Magna stock has a stable and bright future ahead — especially through the use of EVs, and that should last for a decade at least! And with a dividend on top, it’s what I would consider on the TSX today.

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 Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Aritzia. The Motley Fool recommends Magna International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

Stocks for Beginners

After Hitting 52-Week Highs, TIH Stock Is Down: Here’s What Happened

TIH (TSX:TIH) stock has seen a huge rally in 2023, but dropped earlier in April as an analyst weighed in…

Read more »

clock time
Dividend Stocks

Is Now the Right Time to Buy goeasy Stock? Here’s My Take

Shares of goeasy stock (TSX:GSY) slumped last year on a federal announcement, but that has all changed since then.

Read more »

Bank sign on traditional europe building facade
Stocks for Beginners

1 Magnificent TSX Dividend Stock Down 22% to Buy and Hold Forever

This dividend stock may be down 22% from all-time highs, but is up 17% in the last year alone. And…

Read more »

Different industries to invest in
Stocks for Beginners

The Best Stocks to Invest $1,000 in Right Now

These three are the best stocks your $1,000 can buy, with all seeing huge growth in the last year, but…

Read more »

Canadian energy stocks are rising with oil prices
Energy Stocks

What to Watch When This Dividend Powerhouse Shares Its Latest Earnings

Methanex stock (TSX:MX) had a rough year, which ended on a bit of a high note, though revenue was down.…

Read more »

Car, EV, electric vehicle
Tech Stocks

Why Tesla Stock Surged 16% This Week

Tesla stock (NASDAQ:TSLA) has been all over the place in the last year, bottoming out before rising after first-quarter earnings…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Stocks for Beginners

2 TSX Growth Stocks That Could Turn $10,000 Into $23,798 by 2030

Are you looking for growth stocks? These two are proven winners with even more room to grow in the years…

Read more »

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Stocks for Beginners

Underpriced and Overlooked: 2 Canadian Stocks Ready to Rally

Momentum is underway for these two Canadian stocks, and yet both still trade at share prices that are quite low…

Read more »