Best Stocks for 2008: Emissions standards boost Tenneco (TEN)

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"Our favorite speculative play for 2008 is auto supplier Tenneco (NYSE: TEN)," says Bill Martin, editor of BullMarket.com. "The stock has been hammered along with the rest of the auto parts sector of late due to weak US auto sales and a slew of analyst downgrades.

"However, the company is taking market share, and is a solid play on tightening global emissions standards. On a macro level, there is considerable momentum in favor of emissions regulations right now, and this is allowing Tenneco to expand into additional markets, rapidly expand its technology road map, and win customers with the most innovative products available. In fact, we view Tenneco more as a technology company in a high-growth market than simply an auto parts supplier.

"The company faces a number of headwinds, including production cuts by the Big Three US automakers and rising steel prices. So far, though, the company has been able to 'outgrow' its weaker markets and mitigate input costs through aftermarket price increases to OE customers.

"Tenneco should also benefit from reducing the leverage on its balance sheet. We anticipate that growing cash flows and the increased size and diversity of its business will lead to a lower cost of capital and allow shareholders to benefit from reduced interest expense. Taken all together, we think Tenneco will be a solid performer in 2008 amidst low expectations."