Improving economy will boost these two

Article Excerpt

GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO. $13.48 (NewYork symbol GT; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (330-796-2122; www.goodyear.com; Shares outstanding: 244.7 million; Market cap: $3.3 billion; No dividends paid) is the world’s largest tire maker, with over 60 plants in 25 countries. In the three months ended June 30, 2012, the company’s sales fell 8.4%, to $5.15 billion from $5.62 billion a year earlier. North American sales rose 1.7%, to $2.5 billion from $2.4 billion, but weak economic growth cut sales by 21.4% in Latin America; 17.9% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and 4.2% in Asia. Unfavourable foreign currency moves also lowered Goodyear’s overall sales by 6%. But even with the lower sales, the company’s earnings jumped 112.5%, to $85.0 million, or $0.35 a share, from $40.0 million, or $0.16 a share. More drivers bought premium tires in the quarter: the company sold 9% fewer tires overall, but its revenue per tire rose 8%. That, plus cost-cutting measures, let it show improved profits despite the…