3 Of The Best Auto Stocks Right Now

In just the last decade, the automotive industry has drastically changed, in ways that we likely haven’t really noticed. Companies like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) are redefining what it means to own a luxury vehicle, while Silicon Valley tech giants like Uber have not only helped create a new industry—ride-hailing—but it is also (controversially) working to further the development of self-driving vehicles.

And Uber isn’t just the only one. There is, of course, its burgeoning arch-nemesis Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) with its own self-driving car unit, Waymo, in addition to the laundry list of traditional automakers like Ford (NYSE:F) hoping to debut this technology in the near future.

While the dream of fully-functioning self-driving cars and other big technologies certainly loom both near and far, there are other facets of the auto industry that investors should make sure do not get lost in the shuffle. With this in mind, check out these three auto stocks to buy now.

Dana Inc. (NYSE:DAN)

Dana provides technology driveline, sealing, and thermal-management products. Headquartered in Maumee, Ohio, its operating segments include Light Vehicle Driveline Technologies, Commercial Vehicle Driveline Technologies, Off-Highway Driveline Technologies and Power Technologies.

Dana is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM score of ‘A.’ For the current year, the company expects earnings growth of 20.10% year-over-year, and there have been six upward revisions of the last 30 days, with none lower. Sales are expected to grow over 18% in the same time frame. Dana has an average earnings surprise of over 41%, and has beaten analyst estimates in the past four consecutive quarters.

Dana’s value metrics look good, and has a P/E of 9.76 compared to its broader industry’s price-to-earnings of 11.99. Even though the stock trades will below the S&P 500, and has done so for the last 12 months, it looks like DAN is on the upswing.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (NYSE:F)

Fiat Chrysler is an international auto company, and designs, engineers, manufactures, and distributes vehicles, components, and production systems. Based in the United Kingdom, the company operates under the Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Lancia and Ram brands.

FCAU is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM score of ‘A.’ Fiat Chrysler expects year-over-year earnings growth of almost 26% for the current year, with two positive estimate revisions in the last 30 days compared to none lower. The automaker expects nearly 10% sales growth in the same time frame. Fiat Chrysler has an average earnings surprise of about 23.5%, and has beaten analyst estimates in three of the past four quarters.

Fiat Chrysler currently has a P/E of 6.48, and while the stock is cheap, its valuation falls pretty much in line with the Automotive-Foreign industry. However, FCAU has been moving higher recently thanks to Chinese buyout interest, demonstrating the value placed on many of its brands.

Rush Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:RUSHA)

Rush operates the largest network of Peterbilt heavy-duty truck dealerships in North America, as well as John Deere (NYSE:DE) construction equipment dealerships in Texas and Michigan. These dealerships provide an integrated, one-stop source for the retail sale of new and used heavy-duty trucks and construction equipment; aftermarket parts, service and body shop facilities; and a wide array of financial services.

RUSHA is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of ‘A.’ Rush expects year-over-year earnings growth of more than 62% for the current year, with three positive estimate revisions in the last 60 days compared to none lower. The company also projects sales growth of about 8.7% during the same time frame. Rush has an average earnings surprise of nearly 27%, and has beaten analyst estimates in the last four consecutive quarters.

With a P/E of 21.38, RUSHA is not a cheap stock, especially compared to its industry’s P/E of 11.62. Ever since last fall, shares of Rush started to surge, thanks in large part to the company’s long-term growth initiatives. Investors are clearly confident in the company’s direction.

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.

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