The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights:Ford Motor, General Motors, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen and Wal-Mart Stores
CHICAGO, May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F-Free Report), General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM-Free Report), Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE:TM-Free Report), Volkswagen AG (OTC:VLKAY-Free Report) andWal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:
Ford Recalling Escape Due to Safety Issues
Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F-Free Report) announced that it is recalling more than 692,000 Escape small SUVs and C-Max gas-electric hybrids mostly in North America. The automaker is recalling the vehicles due to two safety issues — software and door handle problems. The recalled vehicles are of model years 2013 and 2014 and most of Ford's Escapes have both the safety issues.
At first, Ford will recall 692,500 Escape and C-Max vehicles with the faulty software. The software problem can prevent the side curtain air bags to inflate in case of a rollover crash. Ford said that there is no report of any casualty due to the error. The dealers will reprogram the air bag control computer at no extra cost.
Of the total recalled vehicles, around 65,000 are C-Max models and the remaining are Escapes. Around 591,000 vehicles were sold in the U.S., 78,000 in Canada and 19,500 in Mexico. The recalled Escapes were manufactured during Oct 5, 2011 through Feb 14, 2014. The C-Max vehicles were produced between Jan 19, 2012, to Feb 24, 2014.
Secondly, Ford will recall 692,700 Escapes to fix a problem in the exterior door handles which can prevent the door from latching properly. This could open the doors of the SUV when it is in motion, thus increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will examine the handles and relocate them if required. However there are no reports of crashes or injuries. Of the vehicles recalled, 583,000 were sold in the U.S., 89,500 in Canada and 20,000 in Mexico. The Escapes were produced from Oct 5, 2011, through Apr 10, 2014.
In case of both the recalls, Ford suspects that there may be more vehicles in other markets affected by these problems.
Recently, Ford announced the recall of 3,976 commercial versions of its F-Series full-size pickup trucks, mostly in the U.S. The recall is being made as these vehicles can accidentally slip into reverse, which might cause a crash.
Other automakers are also facing challenges due to series of recalls. General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM-Free Report) has been facing a tough time lately due to the same problem. After the faulty ignition switch recall, the automaker has announced the recall of over 1.3 million vehicles in the U.S. owing to an electric power steering glitch.
Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE:TM-Free Report) announced the biggest recall of 6.39 million new vehicles globally. The recall is being made to fix five different problems involving parts from steering to seats. The defect was detected in 27 Toyota models including the RAV4, the Yaris subcompact, the Pontiac Vibe and the Subaru Trezia. However, no casualties were reported.
Ford currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Volkswagen AG (OTC:VLKAY-Free Report), a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock, is currently performing well in the automobile industry.
Walmart to Double Solar Projects by 2020
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT-Free Report) has committed to double the number of solar energy projects at its stores, Sam's Clubs and distribution centers nationwide by 2020. The announcement was made at an event with President Barack Obama on May 9. Through this global initiative, Walmart expects to stimulate the production of renewable energy to 7 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) globally every year by Dec 2020, up 600% from 2010 levels.
In addition to the on-site solar products, Walmart has committed to reduce the intensity of its energy use by 20% compared to 2010 levels. Thus, efficiency investments and investments in renewables are expected to save $1 billion a year in energy costs at Walmart.
The company has already been recognized by the Solar Energy Industry Association as the largest on-site solar user. Walmart has saved approximately 4.8 million kWh to date through its 240 solar projects in partnership with SolarCity, which installs, owns and maintains solar power systems for the company.
Walmart is well on track to reach its goal of supplying 100% renewable energy and is way ahead of other companies when it comes to the use of renewable power. Walmart now has over 300 renewable energy projects in operation or under development around the world. Besides solar plant installations, Walmart has plans to develop projects in wind, fuel cells and other technologies.
We believe that Walmart's commitment to expand and accelerate its solar power initiative program will not only create jobs and protect the environment but will also reduce costs for local businesses by lowering electricity bills. According to SolarCity, its projects with Walmart alone have created an estimated 9,000 construction jobs in the U.S., while SolarCity alone has created an additional 5,000 permanent American jobs since it initiated its first project with Walmart in 2010. We thus remain confident that the company will continue to grow its solar energy program in the U.S. and around the world.
Walmart currently holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today.
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros.
Get the full Report on F - FREE
Get the full Report on GM - FREE
Get the full Report on TM - FREE
Get the full Report on VLKAY - FREE
Get the full Report on WMT - FREE
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO
SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
Share this article