Core Insights - Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV) is recognized as a strong auto parts stock by hedge funds, with analysts showing varying levels of optimism regarding its price target and potential upside [1][2]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Joseph Spak from UBS maintains a Neutral rating on Aptiv PLC, adjusting the price target from $94 to $99, indicating a potential upside of approximately 26% [1]. - Piper Sandler analyst Alexander Potter upgraded Aptiv's rating from Neutral to Overweight, raising the target price from $87 to $103, which reflects an upside potential of nearly 31% [2][3]. Company Strategy and Valuation - Potter highlights Aptiv's pragmatic strategy in recent years, leading to a more realistic value proposition and growth milestones [3]. - The stock is considered attractively priced based on a sum-of-the-parts valuation, and it has been identified as Piper Sandler's "top supplier idea for 2026" [3]. Business Segments and Offerings - Aptiv PLC operates through two segments: Signal & Power Solutions, and Advanced Safety & User Experience, focusing on advanced electrical and active safety technologies for automotive and commercial vehicles [3].

Core Insights - Mobileye Global (NASDAQ:MBLY) is recognized as a top auto parts stock by hedge funds, with analysts maintaining positive ratings despite some price target adjustments [1][3] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - George Gianarikas from Canaccord Genuity reaffirmed a Buy rating for Mobileye Global, revising the price target from $30 to $24, indicating a potential upside of nearly 159% [1] - Brian Gesuale from Raymond James maintained an Outperform rating on Mobileye Global, setting a price target of $16, which suggests an upside potential of approximately 73% [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - Mobileye Global reported revenues of $446 million, exceeding expectations, and shipped 8.3 million systems at an average unit price of $50.80, benefiting from SuperVision products [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Mobileye Global specializes in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies (AV), offering a range of solutions including Base ADAS, Cloud-Enhanced ADAS, and Surround ADAS, along with various safety features [5]

Group 1 - AutoZone Inc (NYSE:AZO) is viewed positively by hedge funds, with an Overweight rating maintained by JPMorgan, despite a price target reduction from $4,850 to $4,100, indicating an upside potential of almost 11% [1][2] - The company reported weaker-than-expected sales figures for the fourth quarter, but management's focus on accelerating store growth is expected to continue longer than previously anticipated, despite some weather-related challenges [2] - The stock has received Buy ratings from 17 out of 20 analysts, with a consensus upside of over 16% based on a median 1-year target price of $4,282 [3] Group 2 - AutoZone operates retail stores and a distribution network for automotive replacement parts and related products, serving both DIY customers and commercial repair centers [4]

Core Insights - Curreen Capital reported a return of 10.5% in Q4 2025 and 30.97% for the full year, focusing on "ugly ducklings" which are well-managed companies trading at attractive prices [1] - The firm highlighted Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP) with a one-month return of 23.90% and a market capitalization of $2.88 billion as of January 30, 2026 [2][3] Company Overview - Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and supplies, including batteries, windshield wipers, air filters, and motor oil [3] - The company has historically achieved returns on tangible capital approaching 20% and is currently undergoing a turnaround by fixing its balance sheet and improving operations [3] Market Position - Advance Auto Parts, Inc. was held by 32 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 34 in the previous quarter, indicating a slight decline in popularity among hedge funds [4] - Despite its potential, some analysts believe that certain AI stocks present greater upside potential and less downside risk compared to Advance Auto Parts [4]

Core Insights - Gentex (GNTX) reported revenue of $644.4 million for the quarter ended December 2025, marking a 19% increase year-over-year, with EPS at $0.43 compared to $0.39 in the previous year [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $652.99 million, resulting in a surprise of -1.32%, while the EPS met the consensus estimate [1] Financial Performance - The company’s shares have returned +3.3% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.9% change, and currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [3] - Revenue from Automotive Products was reported at $527.6 million, which is below the average estimate of $552.36 million by two analysts, reflecting a -0.7% change compared to the year-ago quarter [4] Shipment Metrics - Total Interior Mirrors shipped were 6.5 million, exceeding the average estimate of 6.33 million [4] - Total Exterior Mirrors shipments reached 3.96 million, surpassing the average estimate of 3.75 million [4] - Total Auto-Dimming Mirror Units shipped were 10.46 million, compared to the average estimate of 10.08 million [4] - North American Mirror Units totaled 3.37 million, slightly below the average estimate of 3.4 million [4] - International Exterior Mirrors shipments were 2.56 million, exceeding the average estimate of 2.34 million [4] - North American Exterior Mirrors shipments were 1.4 million, in line with the average estimate of 1.41 million [4] - Total International Mirror Units shipped were 7.09 million, surpassing the average estimate of 6.67 million [4] - International Interior Mirrors shipments reached 4.53 million, exceeding the average estimate of 4.33 million [4] - North American Interior Mirrors shipments were 1.97 million, slightly below the average estimate of 1.99 million [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, consolidated net sales were $644.4 million, a 19% increase from $541.6 million in Q4 2024. Core Gentex revenue was $541 million, essentially flat year-over-year [5][10] - Consolidated gross margin improved to 34.8% from 32.5% in the previous year, with core Gentex gross margin at 35.5%, a 300 basis point increase [6][11] - Consolidated net income for Q4 was $93 million, compared to $87.7 million in Q4 2024, with earnings per diluted share at $0.43, up from $0.39 [9][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gentex Automotive generated $527.6 million in net sales for Q4 2025, slightly down from $531.3 million in Q4 2024, despite a 3% decline in auto-dimming mirror shipments [14] - The "Other" category, including dimmable aircraft windows and medical products, saw Q4 net sales rise to $13.3 million from $10.3 million [15] - Vox contributed $103.4 million in net sales during Q4 2025, with a total of $267.2 million for the nine-month period since acquisition [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales into China totaled $34.5 million for Q4, down 33% year-over-year due to tariffs [6] - Revenue in primary markets grew approximately 3% despite a 2% decline in light vehicle production [5][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain gross margins in the 35%-36% range, achieved through cost control and operational efficiencies [7][31] - Focus on innovation and product launches, including driver monitoring systems and dimmable visors, to drive growth [32] - The strategy includes leveraging core competencies to achieve above-market growth through existing and new technologies [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted challenges in 2025 due to tariffs, production declines, and cost inflation, but expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt [30][31] - Expectations for 2026 revenue are between $2.6 billion and $2.7 billion, with a gross margin forecast of 34%-35% [28] - The company anticipates continued headwinds from tariffs and commodity pricing, particularly precious metals [49] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 3.8 million shares in Q4 at an average price of $23.43, totaling $319 million for the year [16] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $145.6 million from $233.3 million at year-end 2024, primarily due to acquisitions and share repurchases [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the revenue guidance range and risks? - Management acknowledged the uneven revenue growth in 2025 and noted potential stability in North America and Western Europe, while expressing concerns about the China market [36] Question: What were the drivers behind the better-than-expected gross margins? - Positive factors included product mix and operational efficiencies, while tariff impacts were significant in Q4 [40] Question: What is the outlook for the China market? - Management expects continued headwinds in exports to China due to high tariffs, but sees potential for recovery if tariffs normalize [89] Question: How is the integration of Vox progressing? - The integration is on track, with expectations of achieving $40 million in positive cash flow from Vox by 2026 [62] Question: What are the expectations for free cash flow and buybacks? - The company aims to maintain strong cash flow levels, with buybacks being a primary use of generated cash [84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, consolidated net sales were $644.4 million, a 19% increase from $541.6 million in Q4 2024. Core Gentex revenue was $541 million, essentially flat year-over-year despite a 2% decline in light vehicle production [5][11] - Consolidated gross margin improved to 34.8% from 32.5% in the previous year, with core Gentex gross margin at 35.5%, a 300 basis point increase [6][10] - Consolidated net income for Q4 2025 was $93 million, compared to $87.7 million in Q4 2024, with earnings per diluted share rising to $0.43 from $0.39 [10][11] - For the full year 2025, consolidated net sales reached $2.53 billion, a 10% increase from $2.31 billion in 2024, while core Gentex sales declined by 2% to $2.27 billion [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gentex Automotive generated $527.6 million in net sales for Q4 2025, down from $531.3 million in Q4 2024, with auto-dimming mirror shipments declining by 3% [15] - The "Other" category, including dimmable aircraft windows and medical products, saw Q4 net sales rise to $13.3 million from $10.3 million year-over-year [16] - Vox contributed $103.4 million in net sales during Q4 2025, with a total of $267.2 million for the nine-month period post-acquisition [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales into China totaled $34.5 million for Q4 2025, down 33% from the previous year due to tariffs [6] - Revenue in primary markets grew approximately 3% despite a 2% decline in light vehicle production, indicating a five-point outperformance relative to the underlying market [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain gross margins in the 35%-36% range, achieved through cost control and operational efficiencies despite external headwinds [8][32] - Focus on innovation is emphasized as a key driver for growth, with ongoing product launches including driver monitoring systems and next-generation Full Display Mirrors [33] - The integration of Vox is progressing well, with expected annual positive cash flow improvements of approximately $40 million [31][63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that 2025 was marked by challenges such as tariff volatility and production declines in primary markets, yet the team delivered strong results [31][32] - For 2026, consolidated revenue is expected to be between $2.6 billion and $2.7 billion, with gross margins anticipated between 34% and 35% [29][30] - The company is preparing for a stable production environment in North America and Europe, while remaining cautious about the ongoing challenges in the China market [38][52] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 3.8 million shares in Q4 2025 at an average price of $23.43, totaling $319 million for the year [17] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $145.6 million from $233.3 million at year-end 2024, primarily due to acquisitions and share repurchases [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the revenue guidance range and the risks involved? - Management acknowledged the uneven revenue growth in 2025 and highlighted potential stability in North America and Western Europe, while expressing concerns about the China market [36][37] Question: What factors contributed to the better-than-expected margins in Q4? - Positive product mix and operational efficiencies were noted, although tariff impacts were significant in the second half of the year [40][41] Question: What is the outlook for the China market? - Continued headwinds are expected due to high tariffs, with a potential rebound if tariff rates normalize [90] Question: How is the integration of Vox progressing? - The integration is on track, with expected annual growth of about 5% for Vox in 2026, and the core Gentex business is projected to grow by 2-3% [69][70] Question: What are the expectations for gross margins in 2026? - Management indicated that while there are opportunities for tariff recoveries, challenges remain with commodity pricing and tariffs impacting margins [46][50]

Wall Street analysts forecast that O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY) will report quarterly earnings of $0.72 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year increase of 9.1%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $4.4 billion, exhibiting an increase of 7.3% compared to the year-ago quarter.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during thi ...

FRANKFURT, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Bosch, the world's largest car parts supplier, on Friday warned of another ​tough year in 2026 and postponed a 7% ‌margin target as it expects no let-up in cost and competitive ‌pressure in a sector hit by tariffs worldwide. Bosch last year announced a further 13,000 job cuts, or around 3% of its total workforce, to protect margins and ⁠ensure it remains competitive ‌in light of import tariffs and price declines that have hurt its business. CEO Stefan ‍Hartung told Reuters ...

Gold Industry - The Gabelli Gold Fund (GLDIX) has achieved impressive returns of 194% over the past year, indicating strong fundamentals behind the gold rally [1] - Central banks are increasingly investing in gold, which is expected to sustain the current rally, with gold recently experiencing its largest advance in six years [5] - Countries like China are shifting away from holding US dollars and are opting for gold as a store of value [3] Mining Sector - Analysts from the Gabelli Gold Fund recently visited seven mines in Western Australia to assess the mining industry [4] - The fund operates without leverage, but the profitability of gold miners increases significantly when gold prices rise, as their costs do not increase at the same rate as revenues per ounce [5] Automotive Parts Industry - The automotive parts sector is experiencing increased demand due to an aging vehicle fleet, with a focus on the need for parts for approximately 300 million cars in the United States [10] - Advanced Auto Parts has seen a decline of about 15% over the past six months, attributed to supply chain issues and competition from other companies like O'Reilly and AutoZone [11][12] - The new CEO of Advanced Auto Parts is working to improve parts availability, which is expected to enhance the company's performance in the coming years [12] Live Entertainment and Sports - The live entertainment sector is anticipated to grow significantly, with a focus on corporate financial engineering, including spin-offs and acquisitions [13] - Companies like Madison Square Garden Sports and the Atlanta Braves are highlighted as potential investment opportunities, especially with upcoming events like the World Cup [15] - Manchester United is also mentioned as a company undergoing financial changes, which could present investment opportunities [16] Media and Entertainment - Warner Brothers is in discussions with Netflix, with the stock price of Warner Brothers having increased from a low of $12 to $28 over the past year [18] - Paramount is seen as a competitor in the media space, with ongoing negotiations that could impact its stock performance [21][22]