Stock Market Today, Jan. 8: Ford Rises After Analyst Upgrade Boosts Confidence in Turnaround

Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Company's stock performance and future prospects are being closely analyzed following an analyst upgrade and a presentation at CES, highlighting its ambitions in electric vehicles (EV) and autonomous driving technology [1][3][6]. Company Performance - Ford's stock closed at $14.40, reflecting a 4.80% increase, with a market capitalization of $55 billion. The trading volume was 145.2 million shares, significantly above the three-month average of 84.6 million shares [2][6]. - The stock has appreciated 563% since its IPO in 1972, and it reached a new 52-week high following the analyst upgrade [2][6]. Analyst Upgrade - Piper Sandler upgraded Ford to a buy rating, raising the price target from $11 to $16, which contributed to the stock surge [6][7]. - The upgrade was influenced by Ford's presentation of its autonomous driving technology plan, aiming for a Level 3 "eyes-off" system by 2028, which is expected to enhance future revenue and profit streams [6][7]. Financial Outlook - Ford has increased its earnings outlook for 2025, despite incurring nearly $20 billion in charges related to its electric vehicle business plan, indicating a focus on profitability that has positively impacted investor sentiment [7].