Ford (F) has been successfully solidifying its position in the Indian car market over the last year when it launched Ford Figo. Booming sales of the Ford Figo helped Ford India post a 184% growth in sales in 2010. This helped Ford compete globally with automakers like GM (GM), Daimler (DKX), Honda (HMC), Toyota (TM), Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and others. We believe Ford's transformed position in India and its aggressive growth plans can provide significant upside potential to Ford's stock value.

We have a price estimate of $20.59, which is around 42% above the current market price.

Continue reading Ford's Investment in India Is Paying Off

Ford's Investment in India Is Paying Off originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst Upgrades

• Auriga upgraded Allscripts (MDRX) to buy from hold to reflect valuation and potential synergies from the company's pending merger with Eclipsys (ECLP). The firm upped its target price for shares to $20 from $19.
• SunTrust upgraded Newell Rubbermaid (NWL) to buy from neutral based on completion of its turnaround plan, stabilizing end markets and favorable comparisons. The firm has a $25 price target on the stock.
• Morgan Joseph upgraded C.R. Bard (BCR) to buy from hold based on valuation and upside to estimates from the share buyback program. The firm has a $97 price target on the stock.
• Shire (SHPGY) was upgraded to buy from hold at Lazard Capital.
• Onyx Pharma (ONXX) was upgraded to outperform from market perform at BMO Capital.
• AvalonBay (AVB) was upgraded to neutral from sell at UBS.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AVB, BCR, CREE, DAI, HRB, HSP, MDRX, NANO, NWL ...

Analyst Calls: AVB, BCR, CREE, DAI, HRB, HSP, MDRX, NANO, NWL ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Daimler Set to Develop Electric Cars for China

Daimler Set to Develop Electric Cars for China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 May 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage on BloggingStocks:

• Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) lower Q4 earnings topped estimates and same-store sales also declined.
• Campbell Soup Co. (CPB) reaffirmed its earnings outlook but lowered its revenue forecast for the full year.
• Daimler AG (DAI) provided guidance for the year that included slashing its dividend, sending shares lower.
• Dell Inc. (DELL) lower Q4 earnings beat estimates by a penny but it didn't offer guidance, sending shares lower.
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) easily topped Q4 earnings estimates and revenue increased as well.

Continue reading Earnings Highlights: Campbell, Dell, Goodyear, JCPenney, Merck, Playboy ...

Earnings Highlights: Campbell, Dell, Goodyear, JCPenney, Merck, Playboy ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"iShares MSCI Germany (EWG) has bounced back in 2009 from an especially rotten 2008," says exchange-traded fund specialist Mark Salzinger.

In his The ETF Investor's Report, he explains, "We think Germany's major export-oriented stocks are poised to perform well again in 2010, despite concerns about domestic spending."

Continue reading Top Picks for 2010: iShares Germany (EWG)

Top Picks for 2010: iShares Germany (EWG) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Here are some highlights from last week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

• Aflac Inc. (NYSE: AFL) reported strong Q3 results, declared a dividend, and offered guidance for Q4.
• Avon Products Inc. (NYSE: AVP) Q3 earnings slumped and revenue was hurt by currency translations.
• BP (NYSE: BP) shares leaped higher after it reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings.
• Daimler AG (NYSE: DAI) reported that it returned to profitability in Q3 but warned of decreasing revenue.
• General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD) Q3 earnings beat expectations and it lifted its earnings outlook.
• Hershey Co. (NYSE: HSY) posted strong Q3 earnings and expects full-year earnings ahead of forecasts.

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Aflac, Avon, BP, Hershey, Kellogg, Nintendo, P&G, Sprint ...

Earnings highlights: Aflac, Avon, BP, Hershey, Kellogg, Nintendo, P&G, Sprint ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tuesday, Daimler AG (NYSE: DAI) reported that it returned to profitability in the third quarter of 2009, and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) posted much lower fiscal second quarter earnings, but which were better than the loss the company had earlier expected.

In line with previously released preliminary results, Daimler posted a net profit of 56 million euros ($83.2 million), or 0.04 euros per share, down from 213 million euros ($316.5 million) in the same quarter of 2008. And it said revenue fell to 19.3 billion euros ($28.7 billion) from 24.5 billion ($36.4 billion) a year ago. The slump in sales was most substantial in its Daimler Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans units.

Continue reading Daimler, Honda slump following earnings reports

Daimler, Honda slump following earnings reports originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Even with the cash-for-clunkers program in full effect, demand for new automobiles is the lowest it's been in years. This has heightened competition among automakers, who are being forced to both improve their products and discount their prices. Consumers in the market for a new 2010 vehicle may be treated to a discount.

Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM), for example, plans to introduce a less expensive Prius, and the 2010 Nissan (OTC: NSANY) Sentra will see its sticker price drop by anywhere from $130 to $1,080, based on the features the buyer opts for. Other vehicles that will hit the showroom floors at a discount include the Mercedes-Benz E350 mid sized sedan and the Lexus RX 350, discounted by $3,300 and $700, respectively.

Continue reading Automakers to cut sticker prices on 2010 models

Automakers to cut sticker prices on 2010 models originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

There's new boss at Chrysler, and his name is Sergio Marchionne. On the job just a few days, Mr. Marchionne has shown that he plans to run a tight ship at Chrysler. His first move was to appoint powerful divisional heads with profit and loss accountability.

He has initiated a top-to-bottom shake-up, naming 23 executives who will report directly to him. Some of the 23 are from Fiat and others were promoted within Chrysler.

Continue reading Marchionne sets new work ethic for Chrysler

Marchionne sets new work ethic for Chrysler originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Analyst upgrades:

• Baird upgraded Starwood Hotels (NYSE: HOT), Host Hotels (NYSE: HST) and Marriott (NYSE: MAR) to Outperform from Neutral based on valuation and indications that negative sentiment has reached a bottom.
• Citigroup upgraded Torchmark (NYSE: TMK) to Buy from Hold as they find the valuation attractive and think management can grow earnings and book value in 2009/2010. Despite upgrading, the firm lowered their target price to $37 from $45.
• ASM International (NASDAQ: ASMI) was added to Goldman's Conviction Buy List.
• Credit Suisse (NYSE: CS) was raised to Overweight from Equal Weight at Morgan Stanley.
• Live Nation (NYSE: LYV) was upgraded at Natixis to Buy from Hold.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: HOT, GOOG, WPI, LYG ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: HOT, GOOG, WPI, LYG ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Daimler to kill Sterling truck brand, cut 3,500 jobs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

I am the Global Editor at MoneyShow.com and each week I interview an investing expert. This week, I spoke with Christoph Scherbaum, editor of the German edition of Personal Finance, who says German investors are cautious, but optimistic about their market.

Q. Christoph, some experts predict the beginning of a prolonged slowdown that will push consumer price inflation in Germany to as low as 2% next June. What do you think?

A. Consumer prices are not really a problem. August inflation was less than 4% and is estimated at 3% until year-end. The delayed effects of rising commodity prices will have a steeper decline. In addition, second-round effects through higher wage developments are now more visible. Therefore, the European Central Bank-despite poor economic data-will wait for a reassessment of its inflation target for 2010 until the second half of 2009

Q. To what extent do you think the US's financial worries are extending to German financial institutions?

A. It's a difficult question, but we have no big problem with our banks. German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck recently stated: "Although this financial crisis undoubtedly is the biggest economic risk for the German economy, I think the potential impact on us-after inquiries and interviews with the Bundesbank president-to be limited". He also reaffirmed the intent of a balanced federal budget in 2011.

Continue reading Global Q&A: Guten Tag to Germany

Global Q&A: Guten Tag to Germany originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Reports that Britney Spears was in a minor accident over the weekend with her Mercedes is another in a long line of mishaps for the pop star. Why this qualifies as news is beyond me, and it's my feeling that Britney should just be left alone. The media have succeeded in driving her into a virtual nervous breakdown, for what? To sell a few more papers, or attract a few more viewers. Should the media be in the business of ruining people?

According to the AP report: "Spears was in stop-and-go traffic when her car struck a 2006 Nissan in front of her that had stopped. The Nissan then pushed forward into another vehicle. No damage was noted to any of the vehicles."

The one winner in this latest Spears' episode may be Daimler AG (NYSE:DAI), maker of the famed Mercedes. As with most automakers the company has been struggling, and sales have been sagging. There is no question that they could use the free PR. After all, Britney drives the car, and it escaped the crash without a dent.

Despite recent troubles, investors looking for a contrarian play may want to take a look at Daimler. Their new strategy of trying to gain market share in Russia and in China to help offset US weakness, seems to be a smart move. With a growing upper middle class in both of these countries, the need to own a Mercedes will be strong, as it will be perceived as a status symbol.

Maybe the media can start focusing on global wealth creation, and leave Britney alone.

Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. DISCLOSURE: Writer's fund has no position in any stock mentioned, as of 4/14/08.

Will Britney's crash sell more cars for Daimler? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Chrysler has been the No. 3 automaker in the U.S. for decades. It bought Jeep and American Motors along the way, and for over a decade was part of Daimler (NYSE: DAI). Over the last two years, the company fell on hard times and hedge-fund Cerberus was willing to take a chance on it.

Cerberus has done a couple of things to improve the odds that Chrysler may actually be rebuilt. Hiring former General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) and Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) executive Bob Nardelli was an odd choice. But, under him the company has brought in the former head of Toyota's U.S. operations, as well as the former chief of GM in China. Neither executive could have come cheap.

A stronger Chrysler is probably a bigger threat to General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) and Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) than it is to any of the overseas auto firms. Chrysler still sells almost all of its cars in the U.S. It has aspirations of building beachheads in Latin American and China, but that could take a number of years.

Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE: TM), Honda Motor Co. (NYSE: HMC), and Nissan are already squeezing sales from the two largest U.S. car companies. If Chrysler is going to regain sales quickly, it will have to do what it did under Lee Iaccoca, which is hurt its cross-town rivals.

Chrysler says it will keep all of its brands but cut back some of its models. The devil is in the details on that set of decisions. But, Ford and GM may have something new to worry about.

Douglas A. McIntyre is a partner at 24/7 Wall St.

Can a rebuilt Chrysler threaten Ford (F) and General Motors (GM)? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 08 Sep 2007 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Toyota (TM) hybrid stalled -- can Detroit capitalize? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• WestLB upgraded shares of DaimlerChrysler (NYSE: DCX) to Buy from Add after the company raised the profit margin forecast for its Mercedes unit.

• Omniture (NASDAQ: OMTR) was upgraded by Piper Jaffray to Market Perform from Underperform to reflect the company's strong revenue momentum and expanding margins.

• Wedbush upgraded Convergys (NYSE: CVG) to Hold from Sell on valuation.

• Citigroup raised shares of Expedia (NASDAQ: EXPE) and Baidu.com (NASDAQ: BIDU) to Buy from Hold on valuation...

• Bear Stearns upgraded shares of Ryder System (NYSE: R) to Outperform from Underperform.

• Lehman raised EnCana Corp (NYSE: ECA) to Equal Weight from Underweight.

• USG Corp (NYSE: USG) was raised to Neutral from Underperform at Buckingham.

• Morgan Keegan upgraded shares of Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA) to Outperform from Market Perform.

• Citigroup raised Cullen/Frost Bankers (NYSE: CFR) to Hold from Sell.

Analyst upgrades 7-26-07: BIDU, DCX, EXPE and USG originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• JP Morgan upgrade shares of Brocade Communications Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: BRCD) to Overweight from Neutral, citing positive trends in networked storage; shares were also added to the firm's Focus List.

• Matrix believes improving product mix and demand for new products is driving strong fundamental trends in AT&T (NYSE: T). Matrix upgraded T shares to Strong Buy from Buy and sees upside to their intrinsic value of $56.

• Bernstein believes the divestiture of Chrysler from DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE: DCX) is a positive for the company and upgraded shares to Outperform from Market Perform.

• Soleil upgraded shares of AMR Corp (NYSE: AMR) to Buy from Hold on valuation and Continental Air Lines Inc (NYSE: CAL) to Hold from Sell based on a more constructive industry outlook...

• Morgan Stanley upgraded NTT DoCoMo, Inc (NYSE: DCM) to Overweight from Equal-Weight.

• Bear Stearns upgraded TiVo Inc (NASDAQ: TIVO) and Paychex, Inc (NASDAQ: PAYX) to Outperform from Peer Perform.

• Goldman upgraded Forest Oil Corp (NYSE: FST) and CommVault Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: CVLT) to Buy from Neutral.

Analyst upgrades 5-16-07: AMR, BRCD, DCX, T and TIVO originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 16 May 2007 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• Lehman upgraded shares of General Motors (NYSE: GM) to Equal-Weight from Underweight with a $30 target following the Chrysler sale as the firm believes GM will now take a tougher stance on its labor negotiations.

• UBS upgraded shares of DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE: DCX) to Buy from Neutral on the Chrysler sale and valuation. The broker believes the core Daimler unit looks inexpensive.

• Mattel Inc (NYSE: MAT) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at Matrix USA to reflect increasing sales growth.

• ThinkEquity upgraded shares of Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) to Buy from Sell as the firm believes AMD could beat expectations for the next several quarters, likely affecting NVDA's chipset business and driving shares higher.

• ThinkEquity upgraded shares of Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) to Buy from Sell citing strong Dell Inc (DELL) orders. Following Nvidia's comments on its quarterly report and channel checks, the firm now believes AMD is poised to beat expectations for the next several quarters and is truly a going concern...

• Citigroup upgraded EnCana Corp (NYSE: ECA) to Hold from Sell.

• BMO Upgraded Las Vegas Sands Corp (NYSE: LVS) to Outperform from Market Perform.

• Banc Of America raised Marathon Oil Corp (NYSE: MRO) to Buy from Neutral with a $125 target.

• Newfield Exploration Co (NYSE: NFX) was upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Bernstein.

• Credit Suisse upgraded Ralcorp Holdings, Inc (NYSE: RAH) to Outperform from Neutral.

Upgrade Summary 5-15-07: AMD, DCX, GM, LVS and MAT originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 15 May 2007 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Yesterday, car parts company Magna International (NYSE: MGA) said it should be the winning bidder for DaimlerChrysler AG's (NYSE: DCX) Chrysler unit.

Magna's CEO, Frank Stronach, told the Globe and Mail: "It's a big sum we would allocate. [...] We would make a big commitment."

Magna is really not a very big company. It has a market cap of just over $8 billion. Its income last year was just over $22 billion. Daimler's market cap is $85 billion and Chrysler's revenue is almost 35% of its $200 billion in revenue.

The union members on Daimler's board do not want Chrysler sold to private equity interests as they believe this would lead to a break-up of the company and tens of thousands of lay-offs. Regardless, it is hard to imagine that Magna can manage a company so much larger than itself, and manage its own business at the same time. If a merger with Chrysler fails, the job loss could be just as terrible.

Douglas A. McIntyre is a partner at 24/7 Wall St.

Magna's brand-new pitch for Chrysler originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Fellow AOL bloggist Douglas McIntyre wrote an elegant piece titled is DaimlerChrysler (NYSE; DCX) worth 40% more without Chrysler? The categorical answer is yes and then some. Investors want stability and predictability of earnings, not surprises. The name Chrysler emotes an emotional feeling in many Americans as it is an icon of America's past glory in the automotive world.

Chrysler has an illustrious history and those of us old enough to remember can still see CEO Lee Iacocoa saving this company back in the late 1970's. President Carter had to approve a government bail -out of the near bankrupt company. Iacocoa went on TV and did several popular commercials. The end result was Chrysler was saved and allowed to go on and Iacocoa became a celebrity.With that, he claims his golf game has not improved however.

In 1998, Daimler decided to expand its base and distribution power. They had a solid foothold into the United States with the Mercedes Benz line-up, but picking off Chrysler gave them an entree into "mainstream America". For $36 billion, they were granted a seat at the table. It did not work out for a variety of reasons including cultural conflicts.

Continue reading DaimlerChrysler is WORTH 40% more without Chrysler

DaimlerChrysler is WORTH 40% more without Chrysler originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.