The year 2016 set a record in terms of sales of new vehicles in the U.S. However, the joy-ride is not likely to continue in 2017 as reports of glut in nearly new used vehicles have started to pour in.
Auto behemoth General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) lowered the outlook for new vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2017. This is an indication that the industry is headed for a moderate downturn in 2017. A glut in nearly new used vehicles is expected to undermine sales this year. This has already started affecting the top line of many automakers.
This market reality has prompted many automakers to take a disciplined stance. Some of them are mulling over cutting production fleet.
(Read: Auto Stock Roundup for the week ending Jun 22, 2017)
Recap of the Week’s Most Important Stories
1. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has announced an investment of $900 million for the upgrade of the Louisville, KE truck plant. The plant will be revamped to manufacture Ford’s all-new Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models, scheduled to reach dealers by the end of this fall (read more: Ford to Pump $900 Million Into Kentucky Plant Upgrade).
Ford carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2. Per a Reuters report, General Motors has agreed to settle lawsuits moved by 203 plaintiffs pertaining to defective ignition switches in vehicles. In fact, the auto behemoth has been facing several federal lawsuits over defective ignition switches that could cause engines to halt and thwart airbags from deploying in the event of crashes (read more: General Motors to Settle Lawsuits Over Ignition Switches).
General Motors carries a Zacks Rank #3.
3. Honda Motor Company Ltd. (HMC) recently released a concept sketch, highlighting the stance and proportion of the new 2018 Honda Accord. This is the 10th generation of America’s sales leader in midsize sedan segment (read more: Honda's 10th Generation Accord Sedan Debuts on July 14).
Honda Motor Company carries a Zacks Rank #3.
4. Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP) is reportedly laying off at the management-level across the company. Structural changes in supply chain and corporate support led to these eliminations. Per the news, this has affected 475 employees in corporate, supply chain and field-based management roles. No store-level associate or management positions were affected.
5. In a recent development, Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) announced that it will launch the production of 2018 Camry, production of which is going on at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., in Georgetown. The new cutting-edge model includes a thrilling design, elegant interior, exciting driving performance, advanced safety and technology, and great fuel efficiency.
Performance
Most auto stocks declined last week, with the exceptions of General Motors and Ford.
In the last six months, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) was the only gainer, while other stocks on the list declined.
Company | Last 1-Week Period | Last 6 Months |
GM | 1.3% | -0.7% |
F | 0.5% | -8.6% |
TSLA | -1.4% | 73.7% |
TM | -2.0% | -10.1% |
HMC | -0.3% | -5.8% |
HOG | -2.2% | -6.2% |
AAP | -2.8% | -31.0% |
AZO | -0.9% | -28.0% |
What’s Next in the Auto Space?
In the first week of July, automakers are expected to report their U.S. sales data for June and first-half 2017.
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Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies
It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +18.8% from 2016 - Q1 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +157.0%, +128.0%, +97.8%, +94.7%, and +90.2% respectively.
And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - Q1 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 11X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>>
Ford Motor Company (F): Free Stock Analysis Report
General Motors Company (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report
Toyota Motor Corp Ltd Ord (TM): Free Stock Analysis Report
Advance Auto Parts Inc (AAP): Free Stock Analysis Report
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