Tuesday, June 22, 2016

Today's must-read reports are for Ford Motor Company (F), Manulife Financial (MFC) and Tesla Motors (TSLA)

Manulife Financial has moved up to Zacks Rank # 1 (Strong Buy) as analysts are raising their estimates for this year and next. Driving this improving earnings outlook is Manulife's opportunistic acquisitions and positive momentum in the company's Asia  business, particulalry on the asset management side. (You can read the full research report on Manulife Financial here)

Ford Motor shares have lagged the broader market lately, but they have done better relative to General Mortors (GM). The automakers' weak stock market performance, despite record U.S. sales, reflects investors' skepticism of further upside from current levels. The analyst disucusses the pros and cons of the Ford story, but likes the company's product launches, global expansion, efficient capital deployment and solid long-term outlook. (You can read the full research report on Frod Motor Company here)

Tesla shares are getting pummeled today on the SolarCity (SCTY) news, with many skeptical of the wisdom of combining these two companies and creating what Elon Musk called an integrated alternative energy company. Tesla investors are justifiably concerned that the deal will distract the company from its existing operational challenges and further stress its tenous financials. Tesla shares currently have Zacks Rank # 4 (Sell), as analysts have been cutting their estimates for this year and next. Please note that Tesla and SolarCity are both loss-making businesses. (You can read the full report on Tesla Motors here) 

Other noteworthy reports on today's line-up include Apple (AAPL), Alphabet (GOOGL) and Starbucks (SBUX)

• Analysts continue to cut estimates for Apple (AAPL), pushing the stock to Zacks Rank # 5 (Strong Sell)
• Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL) at Zacks Rank # 4 (Sell)
• Starbucks (SBUX) shares at Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy)

You can find all of today's stock research reports here.