Toyota (TM-N)

Didn't rush to build EVs the way others did, and this will help in the long run. In general, EVs are not selling well, inventories are building up, and infrastructure isn't yet there. Hybrid option has the most mileage longevity, and Toyota seems to be going that route, which is the most prudent approach. Great cars, huge company. Safe for a 3-5 year hold.

Depends on your risk tolerance. He's been looking at GM recently, but hasn't taken any action. Really good recent quarter, will be pressure on financing side of the business. Targets are pretty optimistic. TM is a safer bet for the next year or so; it's a giant company with improving profits, uncertainty on EV strategy is not a short-term game-changer. TSLA is his favourite EV play in the auto-making space. TSLA has already won the EV race, especially as to vertical integration.

He used to own a lot of Ford and GM. Auto sales have not really increased since the 1990s. Now with the disruptive forces of Uber and Lyft, the space is that much more challenging. Transport is changing. Owning a car is not always part of the assets one owns anymore.

Starting to see a slowdown in car sales, so he wouldn't buy any autos. Instead, own a company growing its free cash flows and has little debt. Carmakers' (and airlines') capex is through the roof and they generate little cash flow. A cyclical industry.

It is one of the strongest auto companies in the world. It is a global player. Japan is improving for them. The biggest swing factor for them is the US. The Yen strengthening has been a negative for this company.

He is about to buy another Toyota vehicle. $95 was a recent bottom and it ran up. It is right on trend here. Around $107 is the top. He expects weakness and also in other automakers.

(Top Pick Oct 18/14, Up 2.91%) It had a poor year and then started to recover. Likes the Lexus brand. The weaker Yen has improved margins dramatically for TM-N. There is still a fair amount of upside in this.