Opinions John Zechner
MartinreaMRE.TOTOP PICKAug 15, 2016
John ZechnerStock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 10, 2026. Market Open.
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Auto stocks are really struggling, both Canada and US, and they're right at the epicentre of this whole tariff battle. Beware the value trap -- something's gone down, looks cheap, but hasn't started going up yet. Chart doesn't look as though it's bottomed out yet.
Though cheap, it could still go lower. Whole sector might take time to build a base, as it's been beaten down so much. The auto sector really brought down the most recent Canadian retail sales numbers.
Everything that could go wrong, has. Potential tariffs of 25%. Concerns about capex needed for EVs. Now trading at 3x operating cashflow, 7-8 forward PE. Doing the right things, great backlog, European exposure. Still likes the story, sticking with it.
John ZechnerThe car sector has disappointed, is floundering. He sold some car stocks, but held onto MRE because it's cheap. Is lots of insider buying and margins are improving. Are almost immune from the EV transition because the components they made can be used in gas as well as electric cars. 8-9x forward PE and a good balance sheet.
John Zechner
A cyclical player, but that happens in the auto industry. He's added to this recently. Still cheap. Autos have issues: inventories are climbing and EVs haven't take off as expected. MRE can supply both EVs and traditional cars, and there's been insider buying. Trades at 3x operating cash flow and 8x forward PE.
John Zechner
True, there are headwinds in autos, but this trades at 3-4x operating cash flow and 8-9x forward PE. Also, they're huge in areas like aluminum parts. Are well-positioned in gas-engine cars and EVs; there's 80% crossover shared between both kinds of cars.
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Premium contentOur PAST TOP PICK with MRE has triggered its stop at $12. To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time. This will result in a net investment loss of 11%, when combined with previous recommendations.
Premium contentFollowing reported earnings indicating revenues increasing 22% over the year, we reiterate MRE as a TOP PICK. Supply chain and semi-conductor supply issues are lessening for the automotive supplier. It trades at 6x earnings and under book value. We like that cash reserves are growing, while debt is retired. We recommend trailing up the stop (from $11) to $12, looking to achieve $19 -- upside potential over 30%. Yield 1.4%
(Analysts’ price target is $19.22)Is really cheap at 8s forward PE and 3x operating cash flow. They delivered this year. Their operating margins are rising. He took some shares off the table at $15, worried about consumer spending and growth. Union impact? Doesn't know about direct impact by unions, but watch for impact of unions on the bigger players, like Ford.
John ZechnerPremium contentWe again reiterate MRE as a TOP PICK. The auto industry supplier last reported record all-time sales and growing cash reserves as it retired debt. It trades at 7x earnings and under book value. Its dividend is backed by a payout ratio under 15% of cash flow. We continue to recommend a stop-loss at $11, looking to achieve $19 -- upside potential of 40%. Yield 1.4%
(Analysts’ price target is $19.38)Premium contentWe reiterate this diversified supplier of automotive motor blocks and transmissions as a TOP PICK. Recently reported earnings showed sales were up over 12% on the year -- setting an all-time record. The company reports shortages of semiconductors is being to ease, which should continue to aid earnings growth. It trades at 6x earnings and under book value. Cash reserves are growing, while debt is retired. We continue to recommend a stop at $11, looking to achieve $19 -- upside potential of 43%. Yield 1.5%
(Analysts’ price target is $19.38)
What he likes is that the auto sector is pricing in the next recession. People are assuming the auto industry is going into a big downturn. This is trading at a ridiculously low valuation at 3X operating cash flow and 7X forward earnings. They are hitting their numbers and the earnings are growing. This is the best aluminum play out there in terms of the lighter vehicle move. Good European exposure. Recently added a lot of new programs and plant facilities and are now seeing the benefits of that. Dividend yield of 1.35%.