Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights: TRW Automotive Holdings, BorgWarner, Autoliv, Nissan Motor Company and Sonic Automotive

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – December 17, 2010 – Today, Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights features: TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (TRW - Analyst Report), BorgWarner Inc. (BWA - Analyst Report), Autoliv, Inc. (ALV - Analyst Report), Nissan Motor Company (NSANY - Analyst Report) and Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH - Snapshot Report).

How to Profit from the Automotive Recovery

Here are five stocks that will benefit from a continued recovery in new car sales. 

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (TRW - Analyst Report)

TRW Automotive is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, specializing in safety systems. The company also has a huge presence in the emerging markets with more than 70% of sales coming from outside the U.S.

Estimates have been surging for 2010 and 2011 as the company has delivered an incredible 92% average upside surprise over the last 4 quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is calling for 377% EPS growth in 2010.

The stock has more than doubled year-to-date, but because estimates have soared too, valuation still looks reasonable. Shares are trading at just 8.7x forward earnings, well below the industry average of 17.1x. It is a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy).

BorgWarner Inc. (BWA - Analyst Report)

BorgWarner supplies powertrain products such as transmissions, turbochargers, and four-wheel drive system components.

The company has strung together five consecutive positive earnings surprises as it continues to outperform expectations. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2010 is $2.93, up 633% over 2009 EPS.

The stock has soared more than 100% year-to-date, but valuation remains in check. Shares are trading at 23.2x forward estimates, a premium to the 17.1x average, but its PEG ratio is only 0.7. It is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stock.

Autoliv, Inc. (ALV - Analyst Report)

Autoliv is a global leader in automotive safety systems such as airbags and seatbelts. The company clearly benefits from continued growth in domestic new car sales, but it is seeing strong demand from the emerging markets too. Approximately 12% of sales come from China, up from 4% in 2007.

Autoliv also just announced a 14% dividend increase - a sign that management believes in the sustainability of the recovery.

Estimates have been rising along with stock. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2010 is $6.21, up from $5.64 just 90 days ago. This represents 393% growth over 2009 EPS. The stock is up more than 80% in 2010, but shares are trading at just 12.7x forward estimates, a discount to its peers. It is a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stock.

Nissan Motor Company (NSANY - Analyst Report)

This auto manufacturer has seen a huge increase in sales in 2010 - and is grabbing market share in the process. Sales in North America increased an impressive 26.8% in November over the same month in 2009, while overall market share grew from 7.5% to 8.2%. Although GM’s Chevrolet Volt may be grabbing all the headlines, Nissan has just rolled out an all-electric car of its own - the Nissan Leaf. It also costs about $7,500 less than its Chevy counterpart.

Estimates are calling for 356% EPS growth in 2011 as the auto recovery rolls on. The stock is up just 7% year-to-date, however. Shares trade at 11.7x forward estimates with a PEG ratio of only 0.5. It is Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stock.

Sonic Automotive, Inc. (SAH - Snapshot Report)

Moving up the supply chain - Sonic Automotive is one of the largest automotive retailers in the U.S. The company is based in Charolotte, North Carolina and operates over 170 dealerships across 15 states.

The company recently delivered a solid third quarter marked by strong top-line growth. Analysts expect 39% EPS growth in 2010 and 32% in 2011. The stock is up more than 25% year-to-date. It is trading at 13.8x forward estimates, a discount to the industry average of 17.4x. Its PEG ratio is an attractive 0.7.

Sonic Automotive is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stock

Conclusion

While the automotive industry has already seen a strong recovery from its lows, it looks like we might still be in the early stages of the rally as sales are still a long way from their pre-recession levels.

With earnings estimates rising and the economic recovery gaining some traction, these stocks might just be finding the right gear.

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Read the full analyst report on TRW

Read the full analyst report on BWA

Read the full analyst report on ALV

Read the full analyst report on NSANY

Read the full analyst report on SAH