ATS Corporation's Stifel 2025 Debut: A Catalyst for Automation Dominance in Life Sciences and EVs

On June 3, 2025, ATS Corporation (TSX: ATS) (NYSE: ATS) will take center stage at the Stifel 2025 Cross Sector Insight Conference in Boston. CEO Andrew Hider and CFO Ryan McLeod will present to institutional investors, offering a pivotal moment to reposition ATS as a strategic cross-sector play in high-growth automation markets. With a $2.139 billion order backlog, a $194 million EV settlement windfall, and a global footprint spanning 65 manufacturing hubs, ATS is primed to capitalize on secular trends in life sciences, energy, and regulated industries. This article unpacks why the Stifel conference could be the spark to unlock valuation upside—and why investors should act now.

The EV Settlement: A Strategic Reset for Growth

ATS's recent settlement with its EV customer marks a critical inflection point. By resolving the dispute, ATS secures $194 million in upfront proceeds (due Q1 2026) while shedding the risks of a volatile EV market. While the write-off of $171 million before taxes hurt 2024 earnings, the move frees management to refocus on sectors with predictable demand and regulatory tailwinds, such as nuclear energy and life sciences.

The settlement's timing is fortuitous. EV sector consolidation is accelerating, with automakers prioritizing profitability over rapid expansion. ATS's pivot aligns with this reality, as its order backlog outside transportation grew by 19.3% year-over-year, driven by:
- Life sciences: Automation Summit 2025 highlights include the GENIUS leak tester and VR training platforms, addressing rising demand for precision manufacturing in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
- Energy: Nuclear contracts with Bruce Power and NuScale Power total over $600 million, leveraging ATS's expertise in radiation-safe robotics and modular reactor tooling.

Order Backlog: A Diversified Growth Engine

ATS's backlog now stands at CAD $2.139 billion, a record high despite the transportation sector's decline. This reflects its cross-sector resilience:
- Food & beverage: Acquisitions and global demand for automation in packaging and processing contributed to a 9.1% Q4 2025 bookings surge.
- Consumer products: Agile reshoring projects, aided by ATS's modular Symphoni™ systems, are driving orders as brands localize production.
- EV supply chain (indirect play): While direct EV projects waned, ATS's battery testing solutions and grid storage expertise (e.g., “Understanding the Grid Battery Lifecycle” whitepaper) remain in demand.

Stifel 2025: The Case for Valuation Expansion

Management's Stifel presentation will likely emphasize three near-term catalysts:
1. Q4 2025 results (Jan 2026): The EV settlement's $194 million will boost cash flow, while recurring revenue streams (e.g., service contracts) stabilize margins.
2. Automation Summit 2025 (June 18–19): A live demo of VR training for life sciences and nuclear sectors could attract strategic partnerships, akin to its $62.8M deal with Bruce Power.
3. Battery Show Europe (June 2025): ATS's grid battery lifecycle expertise positions it to win contracts in Europe's EV and renewable energy boom.

Risks: Navigating Sector Volatility

• Cash flow timing: The EV settlement's one-time nature could distort quarterly metrics. However, its $194M is a 5% boost to equity, strengthening balance sheet flexibility.
• Competitor encroachment: Companies like Siemens and ABB are expanding into life sciences. ATS's advantage lies in its custom automation agility, exemplified by its 85 global offices enabling rapid client response.

Conclusion: Buy ATS Before the Cross-Sector Momentum Hits

ATS's Stifel 2025 appearance is more than a shareholder update—it's a strategic rebranding as a diversified automation leader. With a backlog up 19%, a $194M liquidity boost, and secular tailwinds in regulated industries, the stock (TSX: ATS) trades at a 2026 P/E of 14x, below peers like Rockwell Automation (22x). Investors ignoring ATS risk missing a multi-year growth story.

Act now: Buy ATS ahead of the Stifel conference and position for cross-sector automation dominance.

Disclosure: This analysis is for informational purposes only. Always consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.