Updating our #1 pick for 2014

Article Excerpt

GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. $27.20 (Nasdaq symbol GT; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (330-796-2122; www.goodyear.com; Shares outstanding: 248.5 million; Market cap: $6.8 billion; Dividend yield: 0.7%) has risen almost 11% since we made it our #1 pick for 2014 in our February issue. We think it will go higher. In the quarter ended March 31, 2014, Goodyear’s sales fell 7.9%, to $4.5 billion from $4.9 billion a year earlier. Harsh winter weather hurt North American car and truck sales, cutting demand for new tires. The weather also slowed sales of replacement tires. As well, the Brazilian, Venezuelan and Australian currencies fell against the U.S. dollar, cutting the value of sales in these markets. Earnings per share fell 17.6%, to $0.56 from $0.68. The lower sales and stronger price competition were the main reasons for the decline. Despite the one weak quarter, Goodyear’s outlook remains strong, and it’s investing to take advantage of rising long-term demand. For example, it will now build a new…