"We have a bent towards growth companies, with new products or services that are producing major sales and earnings growth; nevertheless, we're also students of the market, and we believe that the recent 're-IPO' at General Motors (GM) provides a big opportunity for investors," says Mike Cintolo.

The editor of Cabot Market Letter explains, "Granted, we're not going to predict that the stock is going to triple or quadruple; we're talking about a company with well over $100 billion in annual revenue.

Continue reading General Motors (GM): Old Company, New Stock

General Motors (GM): Old Company, New Stock originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"If you are looking for a momentum name, with a reasonable valuation and plenty of gas in the tank, consider Autoliv (ALV) -- our top pick for 2011 -- for your portfolio," says Todd Salomone.

The contributing editor to Schaeffer's Investment Research explains, "Auto supplier stocks were among the strongest sectors in 2010, but it appears many investors missed out on the outperformance.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Autoliv (ALV)

Top Picks 2011: Autoliv (ALV) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Ford (F) looks like a 'no-brainer' trade; there are many things to like about the world's fourth largest automaker, which appears to be on a major growth trajectory," says Dr. Melvin Pasternak.

The editor of Double-Digit Trading explains, "In addition to strong fundamentals and a compelling valuation, the technicals for Ford shares look very enticing.

"For starters, it was the only major U.S. automaker able to skirt bankruptcy during the financial crisis. And due to aggressive cost cutting, it is on target to have one of its strongest years ever.

Continue reading Ford (F): A 'No-Brainer' Trade

Ford (F): A 'No-Brainer' Trade originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"In the emerging markets arena, India frequently plays second-fiddle to China; but investors should not be deceived: India offers plenty of opportunities, such as Tata Motors (TTM)," says Brandon Clay.

The editor of Invest with an Edge explains "Tata is India's top automaker and the owner of the Jaguar and Land Rover luxury brands.

"India is the second-largest country in the world by population. It's also growing fast, but not as fast as China. The government wants to see annual economic growth top 10%. That's good stuff.

Continue reading Tata Motors (TATA): 'Booming Market in India'

Tata Motors (TATA): 'Booming Market in India' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Ford Motor Company (F), publicly traded since 1956, was the only major U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy during the 2008 to 2009 financial crisis," notes Dr. Melvin Pasternak.

The editor of Double-Digit Trading explains, "Ford didn't just skirt bankruptcy -- it has begun to flourish. Here's a look at the bull technicals and fundamentals behind this company.

"This July, the world's fourth-largest automaker reported its best quarterly profit since 2004. The company also achieved strong earnings gains for the fifth straight quarter.

Continue reading Ford (F): A Fundamental and Technical Buy

Ford (F): A Fundamental and Technical Buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The Cabot China-Timer has flashed a new buy signal, telling us the trend of Chinese and emerging market stocks has turned back up. No one knows how long this signal will persist, and you shouldn't try to guess. Instead, your best move is to go with the evidence, which is now bullish," observes Paul Goodwin.

The editor of The Cabot China & Emerging Markets Report explains, "India's Tata Motors (TTM), the largest truck and auto maker in the subcontinent, has been a little of both over the years, but it looks like the time is right for a new advance.

Continue reading Tata Motors (TTM): Small Cars, Big Potential

Tata Motors (TTM): Small Cars, Big Potential originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"When I'm bargain hunting I will always keep in mind two things. First, why is the stock trading at a discount? Second, can the company recover? If the company can recover from the problem quickly, then I will buy that stock. Such is the case with Toyota Motor Company (TM).

Continue reading Contrary Call on Toyota (TM)

Contrary Call on Toyota (TM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Not your typical vehicle maker, Thor Industries (THO) specializes in small and mid-sized buses. Its key customers are local governments, but also include rental car companies and hotels that have their own private transportation needs.

As the recession has taken hold, many municipalities and businesses are seeing less revenue and are opting to delay the purchase of bigger buses in favor for Thor's smaller and more affordable coaches.

Continue reading Auto Stock #3: Thor Industries (THO)

Auto Stock #3: Thor Industries (THO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With the number one auto market in the world, Chinese auto stocks could deliver truly amazing profits in 2010 as the economic recovery gains momentum. China's Kandi Technologies (KNDI) is a small company that designs and manufactures all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and scooters.

The company does the majority of its business in Asian urban centers, where motorcycles and scooters are staples, since they are more affordable to consumers with lower income and provide greater mobility and fuel efficiency than cars.

Continue reading Auto Stock #2: Kandi Technologies (KNDI)

Auto Stock #2: Kandi Technologies (KNDI) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Ford Motor Co. (F) has turned over a new leaf in 2010, starting this year with a heck of a lot more promise than the last. Last weekend, Ford nabbed the North American Car of the Year honors at the Detroit auto show for its Fusion hybrid -- and quickly followed that up with the Truck of the Year award for its European-styled Transit Connect van. All this on the heels of impressive December sales numbers.

Ford reported an increase of 32% in its sales for December compared to last year, while GM and Chrysler saw significant drops. What's more, auto sales in general are growing. The final figure of about 1 million vehicles sold in December marks the second-best month of 2009 after August, showing that the industry is looking up for 2010.

Continue reading Auto Stock #1: Ford Motor Co. (F)

Auto Stock #1: Ford Motor Co. (F) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Now that GM and Chrysler are mired in turnarounds and still hemorrhaging sales, a select group of auto stocks will step into the void to gain market share and see huge growth in 2010.

December sales figures show the best month for automakers since the August boom caused by "Cash for Clunkers." This is extremely significant since it shows that pent-up demand is catching up with consumers and that the worst may be over for auto stocks that weathered the downturn successfully.

Continue reading Three Auto Stocks to Rev Up Your Returns in 2010

Three Auto Stocks to Rev Up Your Returns in 2010 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"Ford Motor Co. (F) is in the driver's seat when it comes to innovation, cutting costs, and building global demand," says Mark Skousen.

In his Forecasts & Strategies, which this month is celebrating its 30th anniversary, he cautions, "I've decided to recommend Ford as the best turnaround speculation for 2010. Bear in mind that this is highly speculative, and not recommended for conservative investors."

Continue reading Top Picks for 2010: Ford Motor (F)

Top Picks for 2010: Ford Motor (F) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Who will gain from the ongoing troubles at the Big-3 automakers in the US?" asks growth stock specialist Brandon Clay.

In his Invest with an Edge, the growth stock advisors takes a look at Tata Motors Ltd. (NYSE: TTM) which is expected to launch the world's cheapest car. Here's the advisor's review.

"Tata Motors is part of one of the largest manufacturing entities on the planet, will soon release the world's cheapest automobile in the United States.

"Debuting at $2000, the Tata Nano is set for a July 2009 delivery. Tata already has 1 million reservations for their mini-car. If they could deliver, it would easily become the best-selling car this year.

Continue reading Tata Motors (TTM): Mini-car opportunity

Tata Motors (TTM): Mini-car opportunity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 14 May 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Garmin (NASDAQ: GRMN), which makes GPS-enabled consumer devices, is a new buy recommendation from value investor Charles Mizrahi. Here's his long-term outlook from his Hidden Values Alert.

"Garmin a leading worldwide provider of navigation, communications and information devices, most of which are enabled by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

"It designs, develops, manufactures and markets a diverse family of hand-held, portable and fixed-mount GPS-enabled products and other navigation, communications and information products for the automotive/mobile, outdoor/fitness, marine and general aviation markets.

Continue reading Navigating gains with Garmin (GRMN)

Navigating gains with Garmin (GRMN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Broad-based chemical, agriculture, and 'science technology' company DuPont (NYSE: DD) is about as 'blue chip' as companies get," says Bill Martin.

In his BullMarket.com, the trading and investing expert explains, "One of the oldest firms in the country DuPont has shown it can continue to remake itself and grow." Here's his review.

"DuPont offers the potential of significant gains once the major weak links in the U.S. economy -- namely housing and the automotive sector -- rebound from their funks and eventually begin to grow.

"DuPont turned in a solid performance in the second quarter, posting a profit of $1.08 billion, or $1.18 per share, up from $972 million, or $1.04 per share, a year ago.

"The bottom line was enhanced by seven cents a share as the result of a lawsuit settlement and a lower tax rate that resulted from a one-time tax settlement. The company cited strength in is agricultural products business as well strong sales in emerging markets for the growth.

Continue reading DuPont (DD): 'As blue chip as a company gets'

DuPont (DD): 'As blue chip as a company gets' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) recently surprised Wall Street by posting its first profit in ages," notes Mark Skousen in The Turnaround Trader. Here's the advisor's bullish outlook on the auto maker.

"Ford announced a $100 million profit in the quarter, even though sales lagged General Motors and Toyota. I see Ford as a deeply undervalued company that finally is producing good quality cars, both here and abroad, and I don't think higher gasoline prices will have much effect on the turnaround.

"Ford must be seen as a global producer. And foreign sales are booming for Ford and GM. Moreover, now that Ford has decided to include Microsoft's Nuance-powered Sync voice control system in some of its 2008 models, it could help improve sales dramatically here in U.S. showrooms.

"If the profitable quarter continues, Ford now is selling for only 14 times next year's earnings. With revenues of close to $40 billion in the quarter, a smart business person certainly could cut the fat from that and turn a profit, and that is exactly what turnaround specialist CEO Alan Mulally is doing.

"Under his guidance, Ford saved $1.7 billion from cost reductions in the quarter and agreed to sell Jaguar and Land Rover. Wall Street likes what Mulally is doing, and so does billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian, who is buying its stock. Let's join him by buying Ford."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers the latest market commentary and favorite investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

There's also the bearish case: Ford (F): No short seller faith in turnaround

Ford (F): A bullish case for a turnaround originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 May 2008 09:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading GM's re-focus continues: sells mid-size truck unit

GM's re-focus continues: sells mid-size truck unit originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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."

Best Stocks for 2008: Emissions standards boost Tenneco (TEN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has disclosed that is has taken a 6.4% stake in CarMax (NYSE: KMX)," says value investor Nathan Slaughter.

CarMax, the used-car retailer, is a holding in Half-Priced Stocks, and the advisor sees Buffett's interest as an additional reason to stay bullish. Here is his review.

"Berkshire Hathaway is the insurance and investing conglomerate controlled by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, whose moves are widely followed by Wall Street.

"It's impossible to know for sure if Berkshire's stake is the result of Buffett's own buying or that of one of Berkshire's subsidiary companies, but either way it's a vote of confidence for CarMax. KMX has been sliding in recent months due to fears that a consumer slump would impact sales of used cars. But we continue to believe those concerns are overblown.

Continue reading Carmax (KMX): A bet on Buffett

Carmax (KMX): A bet on Buffett originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

September 15, 2006, a day that will live in infamy. Well, that may be overstating the case. It was, however, the day both Ford Motor (NYSE: F) and DaimlerChrysler (NYSE: DCX) announced major cutbacks in production and various other cost-cutting moves. Since then, there have been many negative stories about the auto industry.

Before buying into the widespread despair, investors will want to read Sandra Ward's interview (subscription required) with widely respected auto industry analyst Chris Ceraso in the September 25, 2006 issue of Barron's. Yes, Ford announced a Q4 production cut of 21%. Chrysler forecasts a 16% production cut. This will still leave both companies with production in excess of demand through FY 2007. Ceraso, and other auto industry insiders, are particularly disappointed with the vagueness of Ford's third restructuring plan in five years. Ford's plan is much less detailed than GM's plan with few specific rubrics for measuring cost-cutting effectiveness. Ceraso forecasts a $5.5 billion loss through 2007, larger than Ford's estimate. He forecasts cost savings of $5 billion through 2007, smaller than Ford's estimate. Ceraso does not see any indication of Ford profitability until 2009.

There are several macroeconomic factors operating in Ford's favor right now, but negative changes in any one of them could further hamper Ford's turnaround efforts. Oil prices could climb again to uncomfortable levels for any number of reasons. The Fed could hold interest rates at present levels, which is better than any increase. In many real estate markets, housing prices are beginning to moderate, giving people more money to spend on non-mortgage related items.

While Ceraso remains cautiously positive, the fallout from Ford and Chrysler's announcements continues downstream. Virtually every automobile parts supplier's stock has taken a hit. Modine Manufacturing, Lear, and American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings are down. Visteon Corp. has revised its previous forecast downwards and says it will not meet its financial targets for the second half of 2006. Visteon has already began layoffs. Delphi Corporation, a huge auto parts supplier, has 1,400 more workers ready to accept buyout offers. BorgWarner (subscription required) has announced plans to cut staff by 13% or 850 jobs, and lower its per-share profit for 2006 from $4.35- $4.60 per share to $4.10 at the most.

The ripple effect has already spread to the raw materials suppliers. U.S. Steel Corporation, AK Steel Holding Corporation, Algoma Steel and Mid-West Materials may all end up with excess supply. Given China's continued export of steel, there may be a worldwide glut in 2007, forcing prices to unprofitable lows.

Auto stocks: reason for cautious optimism originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.