UBS: These 8 stocks are going to dominate the self-driving car revolution

Uber

• Self-driving cars will change which parts and suppliers automakers purchase from.
• UBS' has identified eight parts suppliers set to reap the rewards of a self-driving future.

Cars as we know them are about to undergo a radical transformation. 

As our four-wheeled transporters become more eco-friendly, connected, and autonomous, the way automakers assemble vehicles will also need to radically change.

UBS analysts led by Colin Langan set out to identify the hardware makers, software developers, and other suppliers most primed to get a boost from this sea change, identifying eight stocks that will win from these indirect opportunities. 

"Once drivers are eliminated, car interiors can be redesigned to emphasize comfort & flexibility. This implies opportunities for seating, electronics & suspension," UBS said. "AV (autonomous vehicle) seats may need to pivot & reconfigure. Increased emphasis on in-car entertainment should drive demand for  electronic displays. In addition, AVs tend to offer a less smooth driving experience than human drivers, so automakers will likely rely on more advanced suspension products."

Here are the banks eight picks for stocks set to benefit from the self-driving car revolution: 

Ticker: ADNT

Industry: Parts manufacturer, seating

Year-to-date performance: -28.7%

UBS' take: "ADNT should benefit from increased seating content as adoption of autonomous vehicles alters the interior of the car. Seats in AVs will likely be more configurable (swivel, full-recline, etc.), and could end up looking a lot like premium seating on today’s airplanes."

UBS rating: Buy

Source: UBS

Ticker: APTV

Industry: Vehicle electrical systems and software platforms 

Year-to-date performance: +14.3%

UBS' take: "APTV is amongst the leaders in developing an AV operating system, which should drive growth as both L3 and L4 systems gain mass adoption. We also see an indirect benefit from added entertainment electronics content. In addition, increasing electrification is a net positive for APTV. "

UBS rating: Neutral

Source: UBS

Ticker: BWA

Industry: Powertrain supplies (transmissions, clutches) and electronics 

Year-to-date performance: +2.05%

UBS' take: "We see limited direct or indirect impact from AVs for BWA. On the EV impact, we see BWA as relatively powertrain agnostic. We estimate BWA has about $900 - $1,700 of potential ICE (in-car entertainment) content vs. ~$2,200-$2,400 of potential EV content. Though the EV opportunity is higher, it may be challenging for BWA to gain as strong a share position on EVs."

UBS Rating: Neutral

Source: UBS

Ticker: DLPH

Industry: Powertrain, advanced propulsion, aftermarket products. 

Year-to-date performance: -4.05%

UBS' take: "We see limited direct or indirect impact from AVs for DLPH. On the EV impact, DLPH has a strong EV opportunity with about $1,500 in possible EV content vs. only $200-$600 in ICE content today."

UBS Rating: Neutral

Source: UBS

Ticker: LEA

Industry: Supplier, seating and electrical systems 

Year-to-date performance: +13.4%

UBS' take: "Lear benefits from every theme as it has added wiring content in the AV system, indirect content from advanced seating, and EV content opportunities."

UBS rating: Neutral

Source: UBS

See Also:

• GOLDMAN SACHS: Buy these 13 stocks for their explosive sales growth as market-wide profits dry up
• The market is doing something most investors have never seen in their lifetime — and could be foreshadowing the next crash
• Morgan Stanley has identified 17 stocks that will pay off hugely over the next 3 years no matter what

SEE ALSO: Automakers are rallying after China says it will reduce tariffs on US cars