Our #1 stock pick for 2014

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GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. $24.42 (Nasdaq symbol GT; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (330-796-2122; www.goodyear.com; Shares outstanding: 246.9 million; Market cap: $6.0 billion; Dividend yield: 0.8%) is the world’s largest tire maker, with 52 plants in 22 countries. In the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the sluggish global economy cut Goodyear’s sales by 5.0%, to $5.0 billion from $5.3 billion a year earlier. North American sales fell 9.1%, to $2.2 billion from $2.4 billion. Sales also declined 9.2% in Asia. That offset a slight increase in Europe and a 1.3% rise in Latin America. However, earnings per share climbed sharply, to $0.68 from $0.45. The higher profits came from the company’s North American operations, which sold more replacement tires (they’re more profitable than new factory-installed car tires), and cut its costs. Goodyear’s costs, including rubber and other raw materials, should continue to fall. As well, it now has a favourable new labour contract with the United Steelworkers. This four-year deal,…