Target Companies And Industries

Major North American automotive suppliers, including Lear Corporation, Dana Incorporated, Magna International, and BorgWarner, are reducing engineering and R&D expenditures and eliminating thousands of jobs to maintain profit margins. This strategic shift responds to anticipated sluggish growth in new-vehicle sales, uncertainties in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and the impending U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from #Canada and #Mexico, set to commence in March 2025. Lear Corp. terminated approximately 15,000 positions globally in 2024, a reduction it plans to replicate in 2025. The company also closed or sold 13 factories in 2024, with intentions to divest five more in 2025, while enhancing automation and artificial intelligence in its remaining facilities. These measures aim to improve operational efficiency amid a highly uncertain market. Dana Inc. announced a $300 million cost-reduction plan through 2026, with $175 million expected in 2025. A significant portion of these savings stems from adjustments in the company's EV strategy, reflecting a cautious approach to capital investments due to lower-than-expected EV production and high labor costs. This plan has been positively received by Wall Street, with Dana's shares rising nearly 40% this year. Magna International is targeting substantial cuts, particularly in engineering, eliminating about $124 million in engineering spending in 2024, with plans to increase this figure to around $500 million by 2026. The company is also preparing for the impact of U.S. tariffs and potential retaliatory measures by other countries, expressing concerns about the sustainability of higher costs associated with these tariffs. BorgWarner aims to save $100 million through job cuts and reduced spending in its e-products division, partly due to weaker-than-expected sales of EV parts. These moves are designed to maintain profit margins even as the company anticipates a decline in sales in 2025. The upcoming U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada and Mexico, effective March 12, 2025, are expected to exacerbate cost pressures on suppliers. These tariffs could add $22.4 billion to the cost of steel and aluminum products imported into the U.S., significantly impacting manufacturing costs and supply chains across various industries, including automotive. https://lnkd.in/dYdb7C3m #automotiveindustry #electricvehicles #batteries #china #europe Tesla MG Motor Europe BYD XPENG

Given the plan to have the steel & aluminum tariffs jump to 50% this week, I wanted to share data on the downstream industries whose cost structures are most impacted by this action. I've done this by using the latest benchmark use table from the input-output accounts (https://lnkd.in/eQdPji9) and calculated each industries' combined use of (i) Iron and steel mills and ferroalloy manufacturing [331110]; (ii) steel product manufacturing from purchased steel [331200]; (iii) Alumina refining and primary aluminum production [331313]; and (iv) Aluminum product manufacturing from purchased aluminum [33131B]. I then summed the use across these four commodities and divided this sum by each industries' total intermediate inputs (which includes all goods, utilities, and services). Below are the top sectors. Thoughts: •For many industries in fabricated metals (starting with NAICS 332), we see steel and aluminum make up more than 40% of the cost structure. If we assume that domestic prices ultimately rise something like 35% from a non-tariff scenario, that would represent a 15% increase in costs. This is a conservative estimate because I'm using all intermediate inputs as the denominator; if I used only goods and utilities, this figure would be much higher. •As expected, we see substantial impacts on transportation equipment (the major impact on military armored vehicles is a bit ironic) and machinery. Transportation equipment and machinery are two sectors where the USA is very globally competitive; these tariffs make us less competitive by raising producers' costs. For example, the last thing John Deere needs is to be paying higher prices for steel and aluminum as it tries to compete with European rivals for business in Australia. •It's worth again stressing these affected downstream industries employ far more people than employed in making steel and aluminum. This is why tariffing upstream industries has been termed "Self-Harming Trade Policy" (see https://lnkd.in/gWgxQjtY). Implication: many industries will be starting this week with the reality that they are looking at their costs rising substantially due to POTUS's steel and aluminum tariff escalation. This is precisely the type of action that makes the FOMC less likely to reduce interest rates anytime soon. #supplychain #economics #shipsandshipping #manufacturing #freight

Stop (only) applying for jobs. I'm serious. While everyone will help, here is what actually works: ✅ Spend that time building relationships with people at companies you want to work for. Here's the math no one talks about: 100 applications = 2-3 callbacks (if you're lucky) 10 genuine connections = 5-7 opportunities How do I know? Hiring and getting hired are very similar. So far, all my hires were referrals and introductions. All my clients came through the same. I've placed hundreds of designers. The ones who got hired fastest? They weren't the ones with the most applications. They were the ones who: → DMed designers at target companies about their work (I've hired people who did this at Miro) → Commented thoughtfully on posts from hiring managers → Asked for 15-minute coffee chats, not job talk at first → Built relationships BEFORE they needed them (that's the actual gold here) Real example from last week: The designer spent 3 months engaging with the design lead's content. When a role opened up? She got a DM: "We have something perfect for you." Never even posted publicly. Meanwhile, 847 other designers are fighting over the LinkedIn posting 👹 But here's the part no one teaches you — WHO to reach out to: ✓ Someone I aspire to get to know ✓ Someone's career I aspire to have ✓ Someone who works where I'd like to work ✓ Someone who may be going through similar challenges ✓ Someone I will have lots to talk about And here's how I prioritize companies and roles: First, I map out my network: → Find all my previous colleagues — where do they work now? → Find all open roles — what's relevant and what sounds like the best fit? → What can I see about those environments from JDs and career websites? This gives me a targeted list of: ✨ Companies where I already have warm connections ✨ Roles that actually match my skills ✨ Environments I'd thrive in (not just survive) Smart networking > no applications > successful hires. Every. Single. Time. The best jobs aren't advertised. They go to people already in the conversation. So stop being application #248. Start being the person they think of first. Your time is better spent building one real connection than sending 20 applications into the black hole. Trust me on this one. 💬 How did you get your last role: application or connection? Tell me and let's do some market research together ⬇️

I get a lot of DMs from people looking for jobs. I posted this last week, and I don't think enough people saw it. Here's my advice to ALL job seekers. First, don't apply to a job posting. It doesn't work. You are competing against 100s or 1,000s of other resumes. Being the few resumes that make it through recruiters & AI screeners is a long shot. Here's what I recommend instead: Run your job seeking process like a top 1% sales person. 1. Build a target companies list (aka ICP) Identify 30-50 companies / organizations that fit within your skill set, passion, industry, geography, etc. 2. Identify key people at each company Use Linkedin to find 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level connections, especially decision makers (VPs, Directors, C-level). A note from a CEO to a hiring manager like "Take a look at this person" is a huge leg up. 3. Get cell numbers, personal emails, & work emails Use free trials of tools like ZoomInfo, Apollo, Lusha, Rocketreach, Seamless Ai, Kaspr, Lead IQ, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, etc. Pay for a month if needed. 4. Craft killer cold outreach Write 3-5 cold email, DM, and call scripts. Test them outside of your ICP. Once you find a winner, go HAM on your list. Something like this: "Hey {name}, I'm Matt. I'll help 3x your retention if you give me a chance at this customer success director role. I was one of the first employees at SimpleCitizen (YC W16), which was acquired by Fragomen, the largest immigration law firm in the world. I led Customer Success there—we kept a 4.9+ TrustPilot rating the entire way. Here’s how I’ll drive impact at {company}: • {Tailored point 1} • {Tailored point 2} • {Tailored point 3}" Most won’t reply. But 10–20% will. And when they do, you’ll skip the resume pile entirely. Even recruiters won’t have that kind of pull.

BREAKING: The job market is cooling with hiring down 5.8% in March, according to LinkedIn's latest data. Worth noting: 62% of CEOs are now predicting a recession within six months, up from 48% just last month. Smart job seekers aren't panicking; they're strategizing. So, what does this mean for you if you're currently job searching or considering a move: 1️⃣ Target growing industries: Healthcare added 53,600 jobs last month, with social assistance adding 24,200 and retail trade gaining 23,700. Meanwhile, Utilities (+0.4%) and Holding Companies (+5.9%) were the only industries showing month-over-month hiring increases. 2️⃣ Develop future-proof skills: LinkedIn's report highlights several in demand skills plus I've added several employers value in uncertain times: • AI literacy and technology adaptation • Conflict mitigation and communication • Adaptability and agility • Data analysis capabilities • Cost management expertise • Supply chain knowledge (especially as tariffs impact operations) • Automation-related skills (as manufacturers focus on "more automation rollouts") Companies implementing AI are seeing 10% revenue increases—they need talent who can leverage these tools while demonstrating agility, which Aerotek's April report calls "the X factor that will give companies an edge." 3️⃣ Consider geography: The Sunbelt continues to outperform with Miami-Fort Lauderdale showing a 4.8% hiring boost and Phoenix maintaining strong numbers. Meanwhile, St. Louis (+4.2%) and Denver (+1.9%) are bright spots in other regions. If you've been searching for a while: Revisit how you present your skills: Highlight how you can help companies navigate uncertainty and control costs—top priorities as businesses prepare for potential downturn. Expand your industry targets: If you've been focusing on manufacturing (-10.3% YoY) or government (-17.3% YoY), consider how your transferable skills apply to healthcare, retail, or utilities. Consider contract roles: With economic uncertainty, many employers are shifting to flexible hiring strategies—these can be excellent foot-in-the-door opportunities. In every economic shift, there are still thousands of jobs being filled daily. Position yourself where growth is happening and showcase the skills employers need most right now. What strategies are working in your job search? Share them with me below. #LIPostingDayApril #Careers #LinkedInTopVoices

Struggling with the job search? Stop submitting dozens of online apps and crossing your fingers. Try this instead: Start by setting aside 2-3 days. Use that time to research the heck out of companies in your target industry. Learn about their products, customers, finances, people, and culture. You’ll cross a lot of places off your list — that’s a good thing! Work to narrow down the list until you have 15 companies you really love. Now focus 100% of your time and energy on those companies. Invest time creating highly personalized resumes and cover letters, then apply. Begin building relationships with potential referrals. Start with people you know — can anyone in your circle introduce you? Then message decision makers (hiring managers, potential peers) directly. Finally, think about how you can go above and beyond to show how much you want to work there. Can you share potential solutions to a challenge? Can you help identify a new opportunity? Can you perform a competitive analysis? Can you gather feedback on a new initiative? Package that up in a deck and lead with it (I call these Value Validation Projects). Moral of the story? Stop going 100 miles wide and one mile deep. Instead, choose a small set of companies you’re genuinely excited about and invest 100% in them.

My client closed a 20 Cr deal size in 10 days Here's the system we used Niche: He's in SME financing. Competitive market. Smart operators everywhere. But here's what most people miss about personal branding: It's not just about good content. It's about turning visibility into actual leads (this is a classic case of that) Now lead generation has 4 non-negotiables: 1. ICP Precision We spent 2 days just on this. Not "SME owners." Not "business owners who need financing." Specific: Real estate companies doing ₹10-50 Cr revenue, specially building into tier-2 cities, currently using traditional bank loans. Tip: Wrong audience = wasted effort. Your message could be perfect, but if you're talking to the wrong people, you fail. This is the #1 killer of outreach campaigns. 2. Pain Point Language We didn't talk about "flexible financing solutions." We talked about: → "Stuck waiting 90 days for bank approvals while your vendor demands payment in 30?" → "Losing expansion deals because traditional lenders won't finance tier-2 locations?" We used THEIR words. The exact phrases they use in 2 AM conversations with their CFO. Tonality matters. If you sound like a brochure, you lose. 3. Message Architecture Not a pitch. Not a "let's connect." A message that proved we understood their world: → Led with their specific problem → Showed we'd solved it before (proof) → Made one clear ask (not a demo, not a call—just a conversation) One message. One goal. No confusion. 4. The Volume Game Here's where most people quit too early. We reached out to 50 people. Got 8 responses. Had 2 real conversations. Landed 1 deal. That's the math. But here's the real deal: We controlled 4 variables 1. Volume - Consistent daily outreach (not random bursts) 2. Language - Tested 3 message variations, kept the winner 3. Timing - Reached out Tuesday-Thursday mornings (when decisions happen) 4. Target Audience - Ruthlessly refined the ICP after every 10 outreaches My client's 3 posts did their job - that built credibility. That's it. --------------- PS - My team's been on my case lately. They are complaining that we are not posting about how much we have grown in the last quarter. And they're right. So I'm changing that starting today. I'm pulling back the curtain on: → The deals we've helped close (like this one) → The campaigns that flopped (yes, those too) → The exact systems behind lead generation → What actually works in 2025 vs. what's outdated Stay tuned!

Everyone’s saying “the job market is dead.” But that’s only half the story. [Read this if you're actively looking] Here’s the full picture: The job market isn’t dead - it’s just shifting. Context: According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are over 8.8 million open roles in America right now. But we only have 6.3 million unemployed workers to fill them. That’s a gap of 2.5 million+ roles. Some sectors are slowing. But others are quietly booming - and desperate for talent. Here are 5 sectors starved for workers right now (with links to startups hiring): 1. Healthcare → Arcadia: Healthtech and analytics platform (https://lnkd.in/gubDTqtG) → Benchling: Life sciences R&D cloud (https://lnkd.in/g6XHY9xY) → Color Health: Population-scale healthcare platform (https://lnkd.in/gqy3gjQN) 2. Cybersecurity → Immuta: Data access & security (https://lnkd.in/gD_5iKAf) → Castle.io: Account takeover protection (https://castle.io/about/) → Snyk: Developer-first security tooling (https://snyk.io/careers/) 3. Construction & InfraTech → Fieldwire: Construction management (https://lnkd.in/gjfCFVTc) → HOVER: 3D property data from photos (https://hover.to/careers) → BuildOps: Software for commercial contractors (https://lnkd.in/gE5dcjeQ) 4. Transportation & Logistics → Motive: Fleet management (https://lnkd.in/gU6JsxAB) → Zipline: Drone-based delivery (https://lnkd.in/gBPAxuYh) → Flexport: Global logistics platform (https://lnkd.in/gSkYPY4B) 5. Agriculture & FoodTech → Apeel Sciences: Extends produce shelf life (https://lnkd.in/gxXz6VJh) → FarmWise: Autonomous weeding robots (https://lnkd.in/gpME5Vhu) → Plenty: Vertical farming at scale (https://lnkd.in/g-RzWARj) They’re high-growth, high-demand, and hiring fast. If you’re currently job hunting, consider pivoting to one of these sectors. If you’re building skills, align with where the market is going. 🌿 Know someone struggling with their job search? Share this with them. 🟢 Access a list of 100+ startups actively hiring in these sectors here: https://lnkd.in/gX6G364e :)

My 8 go-to sources for Industry Research SAVE this post for future reference A common question I get is where to get data for Industry Analysis? Understanding the Industry is critical for financial valuation or for investing. Whether a listed company, or a startup, you have to get a sense of the industry before you form a view on the company. Here are 7 sources where you can get data on the industry 1. Company Annual Reports - The first place to start is to pick up Annual Reports or Investor Updates of companies in the sector you are evaluating, and see if any data is available. If you are analysing the Insurance industry, pick up Annual reports of listed insurance companies. 2. IPO Prospectus - If you are lucky, a company in the sector would have come with an IPO in the last 2-3 years, or is planning to go for an IPO. The DRHP has a good 20-30 pages on the industry, and that is a good place to search for industry data 3. Any Industry Body - SIAM for Auto Sector, NASSCOM for IT, AMFI for Mutual Fund Industry. You may get some decent industry data from such industry bodies. 4. Regulatory Body Website - RBI for Banking, IRDA for Insurance, DGCA for airlines, TRAI for telecom. Regulatory body websites give you good data for Industry 5. Ministry Website, if any - Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Tourism. You may get good data if the sector has a defined ministry. 6. Brokerage Reports - If a broker has covered the sector, you could get some decent data 7. Credit Rating Reports - Companies issuing debt will have credit rating reports issued on them. These give some information on the sector and business as well. 8. Other websites – Sites such as IBEF and publications by consulting firms can be helpful as well. Which industry are you researching on? And what other sources do you use for industry research? ----- Peeyush Chitlangia, CFA I help professionals build a solid understanding of #finance Do go through some of my earlier posts. You may find them useful.

How to Build Sector Expertise When No One is Teaching You When I started out in investment banking, everyone said, “You must become a sector expert.” But no one gave me the manual, just advice that was too generic or too advanced for where I was. So, if you are truly starting from scratch, here’s the practical way to build real sector expertise, without a guide. Step 1: Begin with the Basics: What (and How Much) to Read Start with: - 5 Annual Reports of top companies in the sector (oldest, biggest, or most respected) - 10 Investor Presentations from these companies, ideally across a few years for trends - 3 to 4 Initiating Coverage (IC) reports from leading brokerage houses Latest Industry Report (from an industry body or consulting firm) Plan: - Start with an annual report every morning, read for 45 minutes, make notes, and move on. - Alternate days with investor presentations or coverage reports. In two weeks, you will have covered the minimum required to speak with context. Step 2: Understand the Value Chain Think of the sector as a story. Draw the “journey of money” step by step: - Who provides raw materials? - Who transforms or adds value? - Who distributes? Who sells to the end user? - Where is value added, and where does it leak away? Take out a blank sheet and map this flow yourself, company by company. - As you read ARs and presentations, note every mention of a supplier, partner, or customer. - Try to fill out this map with real names and data, not just boxes. - If you do this exercise for just three companies, you will see both the common patterns and the unique strategies. That is how real sector understanding begins, by connecting these moving parts yourself. Step 3: Build a Daily Routine, Not a Sprint - Week 1: Read one annual report each day, summarise in 1 page, and map value chain points. - Week 2: Shift to investor presentations, making a table of products, segments, and strategy shifts. - End of Week 2: Read the IC reports and industry study, see what aligns with your findings, and what does not. Step 4: Start Connecting the Dots Now, look for: - What drives revenue growth? Is it volume, price, or a new segment? - How does working capital cycle differ across peers? - Where does each company outperform, and why? Step 5: Test Your Knowledge - Before you call yourself an expert, try explaining the sector to a peer in five minutes, without notes. - If you can walk them through the flow of money, key challenges, and what sets leaders apart, you are already well ahead. Follow Pratik S for Investment Banking Careers and Education