In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, technology-driven companies like ATS Corporation and Symbotic Inc. are reshaping the future of automation. Both firms operate within the industrial machinery sector, focusing on innovative solutions that enhance efficiency in manufacturing and warehousing. ATS Corporation excels in comprehensive automation services, while Symbotic leverages robotics for warehouse management. This article will help you discern which of these compelling companies might be the most attractive addition to your investment portfolio.
Table of contents
Company Overview
ATS Corporation Overview
ATS Corporation is a leader in providing automation solutions globally, focusing on enhancing efficiency and productivity across various sectors, including life sciences, transportation, and consumer products. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Cambridge, Canada, ATS specializes in designing, building, and servicing automated manufacturing and assembly systems. The company’s offerings include comprehensive pre- and post-automation services, as well as integrated digital solutions for real-time performance management. With a market cap of approximately $2.5B and a workforce of around 7,500 employees, ATS is well-positioned within the industrial machinery sector, continually innovating to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
Symbotic Inc. Overview
Symbotic Inc., established in 2021 and based in Wilmington, Massachusetts, is an automation technology company that focuses on revolutionizing warehouse operations for retailers and wholesalers. The company is renowned for its flagship product, The Symbotic System, which integrates robotics and advanced technology to streamline inventory management, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall efficiency. With a market cap of about $51B and approximately 1,650 employees, Symbotic holds a significant position in the industrial sector, leveraging cutting-edge automation technologies to drive transformation in supply chain management.
Key similarities and differences
Both ATS Corporation and Symbotic Inc. operate in the industrial machinery sector and emphasize automation solutions. However, ATS focuses broadly on manufacturing systems across various industries, while Symbotic specializes in warehouse automation for the retail and wholesale sectors. Additionally, ATS’s extensive service offerings encompass a full cycle of automation support, whereas Symbotic’s primary focus is on robotics-driven efficiency in logistics.
Income Statement Comparison
The following table presents a comparative overview of the most recent income statements for ATS Corporation and Symbotic Inc., focusing on key financial metrics.
| Metric | ATS Corporation | Symbotic Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 2.50B | 50.59B |
| Revenue | 2.53B | 2.25B |
| EBITDA | 168M | -75M |
| EBIT | 15M | -115M |
| Net Income | -28M | -81M |
| EPS | -0.29 | -0.16 |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Interpretation of Income Statement
In the most recent fiscal year, both companies reported challenging financial conditions with negative net income figures. ATS Corporation saw a decline in revenue from 3.03B in the previous year to 2.53B, indicating a potential slowdown in growth. Conversely, Symbotic Inc. also faced declining revenue, but its performance was more severely impacted, resulting in a larger EBITDA loss. Both firms demonstrated weakened margins, with ATS’s gross profit declining significantly, suggesting pressures on operational efficiency. It is crucial to monitor these trends closely, as they may indicate underlying challenges that could affect future performance and investment decisions.
Financial Ratios Comparison
In this section, I present a comparative analysis of the financial ratios for ATS Corporation and Symbotic Inc. for the fiscal year 2025.
| Metric | ATS | Symbotic |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | -1.64% | -16.67% |
| ROIC | 0.09% | -17.47% |
| P/E | -125.28 | -70.32 |
| P/B | 2.06 | 11.73 |
| Current Ratio | 1.69 | 1.09 |
| Quick Ratio | 1.41 | 1.00 |
| D/E | 0.99 | 0.00 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 0.37 | 0.00 |
| Interest Coverage | 0.09 | N/A |
| Asset Turnover | 0.55 | 0.94 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 5.66 | 19.10 |
| Payout Ratio | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 0% | 0% |
Interpretation of Financial Ratios
The financial ratios indicate that ATS Corporation is currently grappling with negative returns and profitability issues, evident from its negative ROE and P/E ratios. Conversely, while Symbotic shows a stronger asset turnover and fixed asset turnover, its overall financial health remains precarious, highlighted by its negative ROE and lack of debt. Both companies exhibit concerns regarding their profitability and operational efficiency, which potential investors should weigh carefully before making investment decisions.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
ATS Corporation does not pay dividends, reflecting its current negative net income and a focus on reinvestment to fuel growth. This strategy is typical for companies in a high-growth phase, prioritizing research and development over immediate returns. However, ATS is engaging in share buybacks, which can enhance shareholder value by reducing share count. In contrast, Symbotic Inc. also refrains from dividends, opting to reinvest in operations. Both companies’ approaches suggest they are aligned with long-term shareholder value creation, albeit with inherent risks due to their current financial positions.
Strategic Positioning
In the competitive landscape of industrial machinery, ATS Corporation holds a market cap of approximately 2.5B, while Symbotic Inc. leads with a substantial market cap of around 51B. Symbotic’s advanced robotics systems demonstrate a strong innovation edge, positioning them favorably against ATS’s comprehensive automation solutions. Both companies face significant competitive pressure, particularly from emerging technologies that could disrupt traditional manufacturing processes. As an investor, I recommend closely monitoring these dynamics to gauge future performance and investment potential.
Stock Comparison
In this section, I will analyze the weekly stock price movements of ATS Corporation (ATS) and Symbotic Inc. (SYM) over the past year, highlighting notable trends and trading dynamics.
Trend Analysis
ATS Corporation (ATS) Over the past year, ATS has experienced a price change of -37.73%. This significant decline indicates a bearish trend, with the stock showing signs of deceleration. The highest price recorded was 43.82, while the lowest was 23.5. The standard deviation of 4.45 suggests a moderate level of volatility in its price movements. Recently, from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, the stock further declined by 6.39%, indicating a consistent downward trajectory.
Symbotic Inc. (SYM) In contrast, SYM has shown a remarkable price change of +93.06% over the past year, reflecting a strong bullish trend with signs of acceleration. The stock reached a high of 83.77 and a low of 17.5, with a standard deviation of 14.0, indicating higher volatility compared to ATS. From September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, SYM saw an impressive increase of 75.43%, reinforcing its positive momentum.
In summary, while ATS struggles with a bearish trend and decreasing prices, SYM is on an upward trajectory with strong performance indicators.
Analyst Opinions
Recent analyst recommendations for ATS Corporation (ATS) and Symbotic Inc. (SYM) indicate a consensus rating of “C” for both companies. Analysts have expressed concerns regarding their return on equity and debt-to-equity ratios, which could affect long-term growth potential. Despite a solid discounted cash flow score for SYM, the overall sentiment remains cautious. Analysts suggest holding onto these stocks for now, as they may not present immediate buying opportunities. It’s essential to monitor their performances closely in the coming quarters.
Stock Grades
In the ever-changing landscape of stock ratings, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest assessments from reputable grading companies. Here’s a look at the recent grades for ATS Corporation and Symbotic Inc.
ATS Corporation Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2024-08-13 |
| Goldman Sachs | Maintain | Sell | 2024-08-13 |
Symbotic Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barclays | Maintain | Underweight | 2025-11-26 |
| Baird | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-26 |
| Citigroup | Maintain | Buy | 2025-11-25 |
| Northland Capital Markets | Maintain | Outperform | 2025-11-25 |
| Cantor Fitzgerald | Maintain | Overweight | 2025-11-25 |
| DA Davidson | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-25 |
| Craig-Hallum | Upgrade | Buy | 2025-11-25 |
| UBS | Downgrade | Sell | 2025-09-23 |
| DA Davidson | Downgrade | Neutral | 2025-08-25 |
| Needham | Maintain | Buy | 2025-08-07 |
Overall, ATS Corporation appears to be maintaining its position with neutral and sell ratings, indicating a cautious approach from analysts. In contrast, Symbotic Inc. shows a mix of grades with some analysts maintaining buy ratings, reflecting a more favorable outlook despite recent downgrades.
Target Prices
The target consensus for the companies analyzed indicates a positive outlook from analysts.
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATS Corporation | 34 | 34 | 34 |
| Symbotic Inc. | 83 | 41 | 67.38 |
Analysts expect ATS Corporation to reach a target price of 34, aligning perfectly with its current trading price of 25.51. Symbotic Inc. shows a broader target range, with a consensus of 67.38 compared to its current price of 83.77, indicating a slightly bearish sentiment relative to its target.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The following table summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of ATS Corporation and Symbotic Inc., two players in the industrial machinery sector.
| Criterion | ATS Corporation | Symbotic Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Moderate | High |
| Profitability | Low (-1.11%) | Negative (-3.58%) |
| Innovation | High | High |
| Global presence | Moderate | Limited (U.S. only) |
| Market Share | Moderate | Growing |
| Debt level | Moderate | None |
In summary, while ATS Corporation shows moderate diversification and innovation, it struggles with profitability and has a moderate debt level. In contrast, Symbotic Inc. exhibits high innovation and diversification but faces challenges with profitability and lacks a global presence.
Risk Analysis
The following table summarizes the key risks associated with ATS Corporation and Symbotic Inc. as of the most recent fiscal year.
| Metric | ATS Corporation | Symbotic Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | Moderate | High |
| Regulatory Risk | Moderate | Moderate |
| Operational Risk | High | High |
| Environmental Risk | Low | Moderate |
| Geopolitical Risk | Low | High |
Both companies face significant operational risks due to their reliance on automation technology amidst a rapidly changing market. Symbotic Inc. particularly experiences high market volatility and geopolitical risks, given its focus on robotics and technology in efficiency-driven sectors.
Which one to choose?
When comparing ATS Corporation (ATS) and Symbotic Inc. (SYM), the fundamentals reveal contrasting prospects. ATS has a market cap of approximately 3.5B CAD, but its recent performance shows a bearish trend with a price drop of 37.73%. Meanwhile, SYM’s bullish trend boasts a significant price increase of 93.06% and a market cap around 31.5B USD, suggesting robust investor interest. Analyst ratings for both are similar, both receiving a “C” grade, yet ATS shows concerningly high debt levels and negative profit margins, while SYM, despite its losses, demonstrates potential for growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
Investors focused on growth may prefer SYM, given its positive price momentum and market dynamics, whereas those prioritizing stability may find ATS less appealing due to its financial challenges. However, investors should remain cautious about both companies, considering industry competition and potential valuation risks.
Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.
Go further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of ATS Corporation and Symbotic Inc. to enhance your investment decisions:
