Goldman Remains Cautious On Auto Sector, Says 'The Next Leg Is Down'

The U.S. auto cycle is currently held at a plateau after peaking in 2015, said Goldman Sachs analyst David Tamberrino. Increasing OEM incentives is the key reason the market has held at a plateau, according to the analyst.

“We believe this environment can hold through 2017, but we see a path to normalized US Seasonally adjusted annual rate beginning in 2018,” said Tamberrino.

Although overall production growth is expected to slow in the coming cycles, the analyst expressed upside potential in suppliers Delphi Automotive PLC DLPH, Harman International Industries Inc HAR and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co GT.

The analyst expressed a number of both ratings and price target changes across the industry.

Related Link: Goldman Is Neutral On Detroit Automakers, Favors Ford Over GM

Suppliers

  • Delphi: Maintained a Buy rating; six-month price target of $77 (from 81).
    • The analyst noted content growth in powertrain, electronics and exposure to autonomous vehicles as the reason for the positive rating.
  • Harman: Maintained a Buy rating; six-month price target of $94 (from $100).
    • The analyst noted late-cycle Growth at Reasonable Price (GARP) from connectivity and infotainment position.
  • GT: Maintains a Buy rating; six-month price target $35.
    • The analyst noted “Defensive” tire replacement business, improved Free Cash Flow and possible growth in demand due to increased vehicles miles traveled (VMTs) and low gas prices.
  • Magna International Inc. (USA) MGA: Maintained a Neutral rating; six-month price target $43 (from $44).
    • The analyst cited underperformance in last 12 months amid NA operational inefficiencies. Once issues are solved, “bottom-line growth should accelerate.” Furthermore, the analyst sees a positive announcement on Magna Steyr, the company’s complete-vehicle-assembly business as a possible positive catalyst.
  • Lear Corporation LEA: Downgraded from Neutral to Sell; six-month price target $107 (from $116).
    • The analyst expects pullback and noted “elevated expectations, incremental competition, and shares above fair value.”
  • Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc CPS: Rated Neutral; six-month price target $99 (from $94).
    • The analyst noted above average EBITDA and EPS growth, which is countered by below-average revenue growth, commoditized product offering and a fair valuation.
  • BorgWarner Inc. BWA: Downgraded from Buy to Neutral; six-month target price $35 (from $37).
    • The analyst noted a share price in line with their price target and a “lower relative outperformance compared to peers.”

    Related Link: Nomura Starts Coverage Of Ford, General Motors: "Put Your Hands Up For Detroit"

    Automakers

  • Tesla Motors Inc TSLA: Downgraded from Buy to Neutral; six-month price target $185 (from $240).
    • The analyst noted capital deployment for mergers and acquisitions that could lead to a possible delay in launch of Model 3.
  • Ford Motor Company F: Rated at Neutral; 12-month price target $12 (from $13).
    • The analyst noted that end of the North American cycle is a concern and, despite an attractive dividend (5 percent), no upside potential is visible.
  • General Motors Company GM: Rated at Neutral; 12-month price target $29 (from $37).
    • The analyst noted competition-induced pricing pressure and regulatory costs, and increased aluminum use to cut into profits.

    Dealers

  • AutoNation, Inc. AN: Upgraded from Sell to Neutral; six-month price target $49 (from $52).
    • The analyst noted a company valuation reflective of their views and trading multiples at “historic troughs” that provides room for shares to be flat or slightly up in the near term.
  • Group 1 Automotive, Inc. GPI: Rated Neutral; six-month price target $61(from $64).
    • The analyst noted investor skepticism and market headwinds from plateauing U.S. SAAR, weakness in U.S. oil patch, a complicated Brazil and “potentially complicated Brexit situation.”

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    Posted In: Analyst ColorLong IdeasNewsShort IdeasUpgradesDowngradesPrice TargetReiterationTravelAnalyst RatingsTechTrading IdeasGeneralAuto IndustryDavid TamberrinoDelphiGoldman SachsGTHarMagna Steyr
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