These U.S. growth stocks face risks

Article Excerpt

GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. $30.29 (Nasdaq symbol GT; TSINetwork Rating: Average) (330-796-2122; www.goodyear.com; Shares outstanding: 251.8 million; Market cap: $7.6 billion; Dividend yield: 1.3%) is one of the world’s largest tire makers. It has 47 production plants in 21 countries worldwide. In the three months ended June 30, 2017, the company earned $177 million, excluding one-time items. That’s a decrease of 43.6%, from $314 million a year earlier. The decline was partly due to slowing vehicle sales in both North America and China. Higher raw material costs also contributed. Earnings per share fell 39.7%, to $0.70 from $1.16, on fewer shares outstanding. Revenue fell 5.0%, to $3.69 billion from $3.88 billion. The company sold fewer tires, including high-profit-margin premium tires. Long-term vehicle outlook is positive Vehicles sales have weakened this year, particularly in North America. More specifically, retail sales have dropped only slightly, but fleet sales to daily car-rental firms like Hertz Global and Avis Budget are down sharply. That’s mostly because automakers…