NIO - NIO Inc.
| Previous Close | 3.3700 |
| Open | 3.3800 |
| Bid | 3.3900 x 29200 |
| Ask | 3.3900 x 47300 |
| Day's Range | 3.3100 - 3.4500 |
| 52 Week Range | 2.3500 - 13.8000 |
| Volume | 12,310,111 |
| Avg. Volume | 31,614,433 |
| Market Cap | 3.552B |
| Beta (3Y Monthly) | N/A |
| PE Ratio (TTM) | N/A |
| EPS (TTM) | -44.1020 |
| Earnings Date | N/A |
| Forward Dividend & Yield | N/A (N/A) |
| Ex-Dividend Date | N/A |
| 1y Target Est | 5.19 |
- Kiplinger•11 hours ago
13 Disastrous Stocks That Could Get Even Worse
Investors love a turnaround play, and Wall Street is littered with stories of fortunes made betting on troubled companies.In the 1960s, American Express (AXP) was rumored to be near bankruptcy when Warren Buffett famously entered what is now one of his favorite Berkshire Hathaway positions. Apple (AAPL), which became the first U.S. company to hit $1 trillion in market value, absorbed more than a decade of losses during the 1980s and '90s before Steve Jobs helped turn the company around - aided by a $150 million investment from Microsoft (MSFT).But while every beat-up stock is a potential turnaround play, not every company achieves that potential. And losses can mount quickly for a stock that's already up against the ropes. So while you might be tempted to dabble in a potential comeback story or two, beware of some of the most common traps that end in disaster.Sometimes the issue is too much debt; rising interest costs and balloon payments can turn minor business setbacks into major liquidity challenges. Other times, once-powerful consumer brands are brought to their knees by management that's too slow to adapt to evolving consumer tastes.Certain areas of the market can be particularly prone to disasters. Start-up biotech stocks are risky because they're racing against the clock to bring new drugs to market before their cash runs out. Disappointing clinical trial result, in these cases, can cut a stock's value in half (or worse) within days. Chinese stocks are problematic, too, because of sometimes poor visibility and weak corporate governance.Here are 13 stocks to sell if you own them, or avoid if you're on the hunt for the next turnaround story. The companies themselves aren't necessarily an extinction threat, but for varying reasons, they're all on the brink of delivering more disastrous returns. SEE ALSO: Beware the Risks in These 13 Blue-Chip Stocks
- Schaeffer's Investment Research•15 hours ago
2 Chinese Stocks Seeing Unusually Heavy Options Trading
Calls have been popular on both names
- InvestorPlace•17 hours ago
Investment in Nio Stock Could Yield 50% Soon
The Nio (NYSE:NIO) fundamentals start with the relative success of the ongoing revolution of the electric motor versus the internal combustion motor (ICE). In the last few years, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) did tremendous work in expanding the role of e-cars.Source: Shutterstock Before that, this had been a losing battle. We have had electric vehicles since the 1880s, which was somewhat of a joke back then but is no longer so. Tesla, in spite of all the antics surrounding the Elon Musk, is a smashing success and legitimized the industry. Nio benefits from those efforts.Nevertheless, e-cars are still statistically far behind. It will take decades of continued success for the electric motor to be a close contender to the ICE.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsNio is one of the companies that has gained notoriety of late in this sector, yet investing in it is still a long term opportunity. Nio stock is languishing near its lows and far from its flagrant highs. * 7 Defense Stocks to Buy to Fortify Your Portfolio Perhaps it was bad luck that it went public last year shortly before the stock market October correction, which hit all stocks hard and broke Nio stock price momentum in the process. Also last March the stock spiked close to its all-time high after a special report aired on 60 Minutes, only to restart a correction that was even a bigger disappointment than last October as it hit a low of $2.40 per share. Nio stock bulls were once again trapped in a loss from much higher levels. Nio Stock Investment Is Still ViableThe dips on Wall Street don't always mark the end of a company. This is a broken stock that needs time to heal itself. And therein lies today's opportunity: the charts show a potential to revisit $6 per share.Since mid-June, Nio has set higher lows trying to break out of the $4 neckline. At a certain point the bears will get tired of defending it and the buyers will prevail. Price will overshoot to a measured move that will carry it to $6 per share.But this won't be easy because Nio stock will need the help of the general markets. There will also be resistance at $5 per share as it was the ledge from which the stock fell mid-May. Nio Investment Environment Still Favors the BullsThe environment in which the company operates is still healthy. The global demand for autos is thriving in spite of rhetoric that the new generations don't want to own cars. I vehemently disagree. The global demand for cars is still on fire, especially in the U.S. The Utopian world where we don't want to own cars is still but a dream.NIO has a wide runway ahead and it is up to management to continue to execute plans. The market in China, where it operates, is the largest in the world so the NIO stock price has probably seen its worst days.Long-term investors in NIO are in it regardless of these short-term dips and spikes. For those looking for faster profits they too have an opportunity today. But the technical bullish pattern is developing and the Nio price action could still fail.Earnings are approaching and if the breakout lingers until then the outcome will be binary. The short-term reaction to those make the outcome of this opportunity more so a gamble. But if I am willing to own the shares a little bit longer, then it's a bet with limited potential losses.The Nio stock price is low enough that the downside risk is much smaller than the upside opportunity. This is not the same as saying the stock is cheap, as it sells at four times sales. I typically don't like to take a position into a technical opportunity ahead of when the actual breakout occurs, but I can understand if investors are eager to jump the gun.Options traders can easily do this. If I am willing to own shares now then I can alternatively use options to go long Nio without any money out of pocket. Instead of buying the shares and leaving no room for error, I sell Nio in January at $3 put and collect 65 cents for it. Then I don't even need a rally to profit. I am guaranteed a win as long as Nio stock stays above my strike. Else I own the shares and break even below $2.40.As I said in my prior Nio write-ups, investing in it remains a speculative trade. This tactical setup deserves smaller proportion than fundamental bets and requires intestinal fortitude. I don't risk more than I can lose.Nicolas Chahine is the managing director of SellSpreads.com. As of this writing, he did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. Join his live chat room free here. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Defense Stocks to Buy to Fortify Your Portfolio * 10 High-Flying, Overvalued Stocks in Danger of Crashing * 8 Stocks to Buy That Are Growing Faster Than Amazon The post Investment in Nio Stock Could Yield 50% Soon appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•19 hours ago
If You’re an Aggressive Investor, NIO Stock Is a Buy Under $3.50
When it comes to Nio (NYSE:NIO), the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, I'm on record against owning Nio stock. Click to Enlarge Source: Shutterstock "I believe Nio's Altman Z-Score indicates that if it doesn't shore up its business soon, there's an excellent possibility it could face financial distress in the next 12-24 months," I wrote June 21. I went on to suggest that a combination of potential bankruptcy, increased competition in the electric business, and a negative gross margin, made NIO a losing proposition.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsI got emails telling me to be kinder when talking about Nio. You know what they say: If it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck; it's a duck.However, recommending that someone shouldn't put their hard-earned savings into a money pit like Nio, isn't the same thing as saying all investors should avoid Nio stock. * 10 Tech Stocks That Are Still Worth Your Time (And Money) After the Nio stock price hit a 52-week and all-time low of $2.35 in June, it's bounced back nicely in the first two weeks of July to just under $3.50. If you're an aggressive investor and can afford to lose your entire investment, here's why I believe now is an excellent time to take a chance on NIO. The ES6 Is a Potential Catalyst for NioWhile analysts are cutting the sales forecasts for Nio's first production SUV , the ES8; it's second SUV, the ES6, is now in production. In fact, Nio delivered the first vehicles on June 18 to lucky owners in several Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai. Smaller than the ES8, it packs a pretty punch, delivering between 430 and 536 horsepower, depending on the engine. The 84-kWh battery has a range of 317 miles, making a trip from New York to Boston free of range anxiety. For this reason, while neutral on Nio stock, UBS analyst Paul Gong believes the ES6 could be a gamechanger for the company. Gong estimates that Nio could deliver more than 2,000 of the ES6 monthly in the second half of 2019, providing Nio with a better selling, mass-audience SUV than the ES8. It could be, in Gong's words, "the best selling premium car from a local brand."Although Gong's only got a $4 price target on Nio stock (the average price target of six analysts covering its stock is $7.90) his analysis about Nio's second production car despite an overall skepticism about the company and its stock, ought to be encouraging to aggressive investors.Trading 13% below Gong's target, there's room for investors to make some money in the next 6-12 months. A Potential BankruptcyWhen I bring something like the Altman Z-Score into a conversation about a stock, it's meant to provide a worst-case scenario. Given Nio's financial situation, it could go bankrupt. So, too, could Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA). That's the reality of early-stage electric vehicle production. However, Tesla's been able to produce three vehicles with more on the way, by raising additional debt and equity. Nio will likely have to go to investors on more than one occasion over the next 12-24 months to raise additional capital. That's got existing investors worried about dilution. While understandable, if I'm still holding IPO shares bought at $6.26 on Sept. 11, 2018, I'd be thrilled to have a smaller piece of a larger pie, than no piece at all. I can't say whether the Altman Z-Score for Nio is foreshadowing a future bankruptcy. No one can. If you're an aggressive investor, I don't think this enters into your assessment of whether to buy or not.You're interested in whether or not it can move up to its IPO price in short order so that you can make a quick buck off interest in the ES6. It's that simple. Now, if you're an aggressive, long-term investor like Catherine Wood, who is Tesla's number one supporter behind Elon Musk, I think you're more concerned about what the future looks like beyond the ES8 and ES6 because it's hard to stay in the car game with just two models.Originally, Nio planned for its third vehicle to be the ET7 sedan. However, with lagging ES8 sales, it now plans to bring out another vehicle on the ES platform. What that looks like has yet to be revealed, but Nio's future depends on it being a winner. Could the next ES vehicle be Nio's Model 3? We'll find out soon enough. At the time of this writing Will Ashworth did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Tech Stocks That Are Still Worth Your Time (And Money) * 7 Marijuana Stocks With Critical Levels to Watch * 7 of the Best Smart-Beta ETFs to Target Right Now The post If Youare an Aggressive Investor, NIO Stock Is a Buy Under $3.50 appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Motley Fool•2 days ago
7 Things You Didn't Know About NIO
This company is charging forward in its attempt to reimagine the Chinese auto landscape.
- Motley Fool•5 days ago
Wall Street Has Given Up on These 3 Stocks, and That's a Huge Mistake
Don't overlook what Verizon, NIO, and AT&T have to offer.
- Market Realist•6 days ago
Tesla Stock Jumps After Elon Musk Slams the Auto Industry
On Wednesday, Tesla (TSLA) stock surged nearly 2% after CEO Elon Musk slammed the auto industry in an interview.
- SmarterAnalyst•6 days ago
Is It Finally Time to Go Long NIO Stock? This Analyst Remains Sidelined
Chinese automaker NIO (NIO) is at a crossroads.While investors were excited at the beginning of the year, this has waned as the company is facing increased challenges including a large drop in ES8 deliveries between Q4 2018 and Q1 2019, as well as a recall of about 5,000 vehicles. While the Chinese economy is slowing, the government also reduced the electric car subsidy by 50%, making NIO vehicles more expensive for customers. And on the financial end, the company was losing money with each sale during the first quarter.So what's next for NIO stock? UBS analyst Paul Gong is on the sidelines for now, as he reiterates a Neutral rating with a $4.00 price target, which implies nearly 17% upside from current levels.A major factor impacting Gong’s outlook for NIO is the ES8. The analyst says he cut his “ES8 sales forecast by 35% and gross margin by 9pct for FY19 amid a challenging market, the phasing out of subsidies, and the recent recall on battery safety issues.” The battery recall is a major challenge for NIO — of the ~17,000 cars it has delivered, 5,000 were affected. This is not unheard of for automakers — even the most established brands go through this. But given the immaturity and inexperience of NIO, the hurdle is a bit higher than for the average automaker.Financially, Gong believes “the expected losses in 2019/20 are likely to trigger several rounds of equity financing to keep NIO solvent given current levels of leverage,” which is not dissimilar to Tesla. As a result of “uncertainties over the level of projected equity dilution,” the stock price remains unstable. While shares have rebounded since hitting bottom in June, Gong still says “uncertainty remains.”One positive note from Gong is that he is “reasonably constructive on ES6 order intake and delivery,” believing “the model's performance is more balanced and it has a larger target audience than the ES8.” The ES6 has an 84kWh battery option, which can provide a range of over 500km. Gong expects “the ES6 could record 2k+ monthly deliveries in H219, making it the best-selling premium car from a local brand.”TipRanks suggests optimism with some caution baked into expectations when it comes to Wall Street’s majority perspective on NIO. Out of 6 analysts polled in the last 12 months, 4 rate a Buy on the stock while one maintains Hold and another one suggests Sell. The 12-month average price target stands at $7.90, marking nearly 130% in upside potential from where the stock is currently trading.Read more: NIO Stock Still Worth $6.30, Says Deutsche Bank More recent articles from Smarter Analyst: * Lannett Company (LCI) Stock Makes the Street Go Wild * Top Analyst Shares Two Cents on Amazon (AMZN) Stock as Earnings Approach * Curaleaf Helping to Put U.S. Cannabis Sector on the Map * Netflix’s (NFLX) Original Content Strategy Is Failing; The Stock Is Overvalued
- InvestorPlace•6 days ago
Only Buy Nio Stock if You’re up for a Wild Ride
It's been nearly a year since Chinese electric automaker Nio (NYSE:NIO) made its debut on Wall Street. The firm was dubbed "the Telsa (NASDAQ:TSLA) of China" and the stock made its way to just under $10 per share on its first trading day. However, fast forward to the present, and, after a series of ups and downs, Nio stock price is just $3.39 - and that's after rallying some 30% over the past ten days. Growth ConcernsSource: Shutterstock Some of this volatility can certainly be attributed to a few standard risk factors that NIO is facing. Some bumpiness is to be expected in the first year following an IPO, and with all of the worries surrounding Chinese stocks right now, it would be surprising not to see some turbulence from Nio stock price. * 8 Penny Stocks That Have Fallen From Grace However, there are plenty of great reasons investors dumped NIO following the brief sojourn of Nio stock price above $10 in March. The company reported its fourth-quarter earnings on March 5, and the disappointment that followed caused Nio stock to drop more than 20%. Many of the reasons investors were excited about "the Tesla of China" suddenly evaporated after NIO announced its Q1 results.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsAt the top of the list of disappointments was the company's abandonment of its plans to build its own factory. Many saw the firm's decision to build its own Shanghai factory as a step that would increase its value and make it an electric-vehicle firm that could stand the test of time. However, the fact that the firm was generating huge losses and delivering fewer than expected vehicles meant NIO was far from able to afford the costs associated with building a factory. Hope Is on the HorizonSince that time, the sentiment towards Nio stock has improved considerably, enabling it to rally above $3.50 over the past few weeks. The firm's Q2 vehicle deliveries, although still more than 20% lower than its Q1 deliveries, beat expectations. Its latest ES6 sedan has gotten a lot of buzz, as it offers the ability to install a new battery pack. Its EP9 vehicle, which hasn't hit the market yet, has been named the fastest electric car in the world. NIO CEO William Li has also resumed talking about plans for a China-based factory. The news reignited investors' interest in the automaker, which has all but outgrown its current home -- a government-run factory. While owning a factory would be a big step towards independence for NIO, the factory can't be built without help from Beijing. The factory would be funded by Beijing E-Town, a development agency created by Beijing's city government. The agency says it will invest 10 billion yuan in NIO, putting the firm in a much better position to build a factory. CompetitionNIO isn't the only electric automaker working toward expanding its footprint in China. Tesla is also hoping to expand its reach in China to capitalize on the nation's massive embrace of electric vehicles. The company is building its own factory in China, and the plant may start producing cars as early as this autumn. Many refer to NIO as "the Tesla of China," but that's not entirely accurate because Tesla is actually "the Tesla of China." There's no argument that Tesla is larger, better funded and- if you can believe it- more organized than NIO. It's true that NIO is competing with TSLA, but Tesla is still dominant in the electric-car field. The Bottom Line on Nio StockNio stock is a highly volatile speculative play. The firm's finances are dicey, and it doesn't look likely that the car maker will turn a profit anytime soon. While there has been some promising news about NIO lately, you can almost guarantee that bad news is on the horizon. A stock like NIO that trades so wildly on any piece of news isn't something I'd be willing to risk my hard-earned money on. If you're young, don't mind risk and you've got cash to spare, Nio stock could be worth a shot. Those who buy NIO have to have a strong stomach, though, because the only certainty when it comes to NIO is that the investment will be turbulent. As of this writing Laura Hoy did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 9 Retail Stocks Goldman Sachs Says Are Ready to Rip * 7 Services Stocks to Buy for the Rest of 2019 * 6 Stocks to Buy and 1 to Sell Based on Insider Trading The post Only Buy Nio Stock if Youare up for a Wild Ride appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•6 days ago
Why Nio Still Has Huge Upside Despite the Recent Pull-Back
After reporting strong deliveries, NIO (NASDAQ:NIO) stock traded to as high of $4 only to give up half of the gains.Source: Shutterstock Though the valuations are unfavorable when considering competition and recalls, investors should not dismiss macro tailwinds and strong unit deliveries in June. * 9 Retail Stocks Goldman Sachs Says Are Ready to Rip Despite the stock dipping 10% in the last week, selling volume is also falling. This suggests that the profit-taking phase of Nio stock is coming to an end.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Nio's Strong June DeliveriesNio delivered 927 ES8s and 413 ES6s in June. The company's total second-quarter deliveries topped 3,553. This is above the prior guidance range of 2,800 to 3,200. Despite the impressive beat, Nio stock could not get away from the short-term selling pressure.With a short float of 20%, bears need the stock to keep falling. When July's rally took the stock back to $4.00, continued buying momentum would have squeezed the shorts. This would have forced them to cover the bet against Nio stock.The bad news for investors holding Nio at higher prices is that the company needs another strong month of deliveries. One month of strong performance does not form a trend. ES8 RecallBears may have caught a short-term break when Nio recalled ES8s produced between April 2, 2018 and Oct. 19, 2018. The 4,803 affected vehicles will need is battery packs replaced. Nio said it would compensate those who faced damage related to the flaw.Fortunately, there were just a handful of recalls over the last few months in China. Nio should face limited costs due to damages. And while the recall will add to its costs, the effort will pay off as it wins customer trust. Strong ES6 Delivery MomentumNio only started officially beginning delivery of the five-seater long-range NIO ES6 SUV last month. Customers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou received the ES6 first. Achieving 413 deliveries in June alone signals strong momentum ahead.Yet Nio's ambitions do not stop in China. It is cautiously eyeing Europe's EV market. Already, Nio had 200 people in Munich, Germany. In the short-term, Nio will limit how many resources it puts into growing abroad. Until the company's revenue exceeds operating costs in its home market of China, Nio will only keep an eye the German and European markets for now.Waiting for the right time to expand will weaken the bearish argument that Nio will never operate profitably. But all that matters to stay afloat is liquidity. Nio may sell debt or issue shares should it need more cash for operations. Its R&D spend paid off, so investors need not worry about higher costs here. Nio's ES6 SUV competes with Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and BMW X3.Guess what?The ES6 offers better performance, service, and lower maintenance and operating costs. In China, owners enjoy a lower total cost of ownership. Charging the EV costs less than filling it up with gasoline. And in some cities where gas-powered cars owners must leave the car home once a week, Nio owners do not face the same restrictions. No Share Issuance ExpectedWith NIO stock well-below its IPO price of $6.26, the company will not sell shares to raise cash. Instead, it will reduce the size of its operations to cut costs. Closing inefficient retail space and cutting sales staff will also lower operating costs. Higher revenue, spurred by the Chinese government extending the 10% tax break for EVs, will cut Nio's quarterly losses.In its next quarterly earnings report coming up in August, Nio may report a smaller loss. Management may even forecast when it expects a profit. If it does so, expect Nio stock to rally back to at least $4.One risk investors should consider is Tesla's (NASDAQ:TSLA) price cut on all vehicles shipped to China. Price cuts to the Model 3, S, and X might lead to higher competition for Nio. A more realistic scenario, though, is that Chinese buyers may decide to remain nationalistic by buying a Nio vehicle instead. Your Takeaway on NIO StockInvestors will have trouble assigning a fair value on Nio stock until the company makes a profit. One may guess that Nio will grow revenue by up to 25% annually for the next five years. In this scenario, the five-year DCF growth exit model suggests the stock is worth $5.50, over 60% above its recent $3.30 closing price.As of this writing, the author did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 9 Retail Stocks Goldman Sachs Says Are Ready to Rip * 7 Services Stocks to Buy for the Rest of 2019 * 6 Stocks to Buy and 1 to Sell Based on Insider Trading The post Why Nio Still Has Huge Upside Despite the Recent Pull-Back appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Market Realist•7 days ago
Tesla Cuts Car Prices: Why Bears’ Arguments Don’t Make Sense
On Tuesday, Tesla (TSLA) cut the prices of its vehicles to standardize its global car line-up, according to Reuters.
- InvestorPlace•7 days ago
Nio Stock Isn’t Cheap When You Factor in Competition and Recalls
During the past few weeks, Chinese electrical-vehicle manufacturer Nio (NYSE:NIO) has been in the fast lane. Nio stock up about 40% or so to $3.50. Yet the shares are still well off their highs. The stock was more than $10 in late February. Click to Enlarge Source: Shutterstock It's also important to keep in mind that the company is a recent IPO. Yet it certainly hasn't enjoyed the enthusiasm of many other operators like Zoom Video Communications (NASDAQ:ZM), Anaplan (NYSE:PLAN) and Pagerduty (NYSE:PD).But hey, IPOs can certainly make nice comebacks, right? So with Nio stock, might there be one brewing? Or should investors be skeptical?InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 Dependable Dividend Stocks to Buy A Closer Look at NioWell, there are certainly some positives. Keep in mind that the sentiment for Nio stock had gotten to horrible levels. Thus a bounce back is reasonable. And there was probably short covering (this is when short sellers buy back shares to cover their positions). As of late June, about 15% of the float for Nio was shorted.But there were also some fundamental factors at work. Perhaps the most important was that the second quarter saw a pick-up in deliveries, which came to 3,553. This was above the company's quarterly guidance of 2,800 to 3,200 (albeit, this forecast was fairly conservative). In June, NIO also launched its ES6 five-seater premium SUV and the results were encouraging. Deliveries were 413.But despite all this, there are still some negative factors, and I think they could easily outweigh the positives. For example, Nio recalled more than 4,800 units of the ES8 (or close to 30% of the total deliveries for the company's history). The reason: There were three battery fires. Nio Recall WoesIt's encouraging that Nio has been proactive. Let's face it, the auto industry can be resistant to recognizing problems. Yet the recall is still something that points to quality issues, which is never a good thing for a premium vehicle. It also does not help that there are already general worries about EVs.In fact, the company's business model, which relies on the manufacturing of the vehicles from another company, could be an issue. That is, there could be more vulnerability to quality issues as Nio does not have as much control.But there is something else about the business model: It means that the margins are quite low. In other words, it could be tough for Nio to realize the benefits of the economies of scale as the company grows. And yes, this could be limiting for the stock price.It also does not help that Nio continues to burn money. During the latest quarter, the operating loss was a hefty $366 million. But the cash on hand is only about $1.12 billion and the debt load is $1.35 billion.In light of this, it would not be surprising to see another equity raise - and this would mean more dilution for the stock. Bottom Line on Nio StockEven though the Chinese government has been cutting back on subsidies, there still is considerable support to promote the EV industry. This is definitely good news for Nio stock.But then again, the company has to fight fierce competitors like BYD (OTCMKTS:BYDDF) and Beijing Electric Vehicle Co. Consider that there are nearly 486 registered EV manufactures in China! So it will be tough to stand out. It also does not help that the Chinese economy is slowing down, despite efforts to stimulate growth.All in all, there's quite a bit of risk with Nio, and it's probably best to hold off for now.Tom Taulli is the author of the upcoming book, Artificial Intelligence Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction. Follow him on Twitter at @ttaulli. As of this writing, he did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Dependable Dividend Stocks to Buy * 10 Stocks Driving the Market to All-Time Highs (And Why) * 7 Short Squeeze Stocks With Big Upside Potential The post Nio Stock Isn't Cheap When You Factor in Competition and Recalls appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•8 days ago
It’s Time to Wait for Lower Prices on Tesla Stock
Call it a "cult stock" or a "controversy stock" if you'd like, but there are few things more often or passionately discussed on financial social media than Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) stock. Opinions on TSLA stock are like noses: everybody has one, especially among the financial pundits in the media.Source: Shutterstock The recovery of Tesla stock shares from $185 to $245 has some folks jumping on the bandwagon, but I'm not the type of person to follow the crowd, especially when my hard-earned capital is involved. In the case of TSLA stock, I see a number of reasons to remain cautious or even take profits if you've got 'em. Accolades? I'm Not ImpressedMuch ado was made over the fresh announcement that Motor Trend had named Tesla's Model S the "Ultimate Car of the Year," beating out similar offerings from Ford (NYSE:F) and General Motors (NYSE:GM). The way Motor Trend was gushing about the Model S, you'd think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread:InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips"Seven years later, there still isn't another car that doesn't require a start button or key … The idea that a car would recognize your phone as you approached, unlock, boot up its computers, and be ready to operate and drive the moment you sat down and closed the door is still cutting-edge today."I tend to view this effusiveness as a way to sell copies of Motor Trend, not an instance of sterling journalism. With comparable vehicles from Ford, General Motors and Nio (NYSE:NIO), Motor Trend is behaving as if Tesla were still the only leading-edge electric vehicle manufacturer around, which is absolutely not the case in 2019. A Matter of TrustOverblown superlatives aside, the fact remains that if a company doesn't have their target demographic's trust, then they've really got nothing at all. And it seems that Tesla has broken that bond of trust, as evidenced by AMCI's newly released 2019 Trusted Automotive Brand Study (TABS). * 10 Stocks Driving the Market to All-Time Highs (And Why) As reported in the study, Tesla is now the third least trusted luxury automobile brand. This is significant because, as the AMCI study stated, trust accounts for more than 50% of a consumer's decision to repurchase or recommend an automotive brand or its dealers.Switching to a dealer-less business model likely played a part in this precipitous decline in consumer trust. It appears that Elon Musk's bold move away from the franchise paradigm may have backfired when it comes to building and maintaining trust: as AMCI Global Chief Strategy Officer put it, "Franchised dealers can do an excellent job of building trust if they use the right standards and practices." Analysts Aren't Buying ItHype tends to hit retail investors the hardest, but analysts aren't prepared to join Team Tesla stock just yet -- and frankly, I can't blame them for their skepticism. Credit Suisse analyst Dan Levy, for instance, has aptly pointed out that TSLA "still needs to work its way through another cut to the U.S. EV tax credit" -- a point often glossed over by overenthusiastic retail Tesla bulls.Also bearish is Bank of America analyst John Murphy, who explained that TSLA's roll-out of the lower-priced Model 3 "will likely pressure margins, profits, and cash flow." And UBS analyst Colin Langan, not to be deterred by the highly vaunted TSLA second-quarter earnings results, reported that "the Q2 delivery beat does not change our cautious view on Q2 earnings." The Bottom Line on TSLA StockWhen it comes to cutting-edge electric vehicles, Tesla isn't the only player in the game anymore and there are plenty of viable investment alternatives to TSLA stock.Frankly, I wouldn't blame anyone currently in the green on his or her TSLA stock position for shedding some shares now in anticipation of buying them back if and when the price revisits the sub-$200 level.As of this writing, David Moadel did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Dependable Dividend Stocks to Buy * 10 Stocks Driving the Market to All-Time Highs (And Why) * 7 Short Squeeze Stocks With Big Upside Potential The post It's Time to Wait for Lower Prices on Tesla Stock appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Yahoo Finance•8 days ago
Why Formula E matters to brands like Porsche, Jaguar and Tag Heuer
Despite Jean-Éric Vergne back to back world championship, the 2018-2019 Formula E season was especially exciting, resulting in a season that had 8 different winners over the span of 13 races. And while exciting is good for motorsports, that’s not the only reason why big manufacturers and brands spend small fortunes to compete in, and sponsor, motorsports.
- Market Realist•8 days ago
Tesla’s Updates Make Other Cars Feel Like ‘Owning a Horse’
Recently, US electric carmaker Tesla (TSLA) released another OTA (over-the-air) software update for its cars.
- Barrons.com•8 days ago
Electric-Car Racing Is the Incubator for Mass-Market Electric Vehicles
The development of electric-car racing—showcased in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood over the weekend—is an important signal to investors that electric powertrains for mass-market applications are here to stay.
- Market Realist•11 days ago
Tesla’s Leaked Email Is a Nightmare for Bears and Other Automakers
Tesla (TSLA) seems to be preparing to take the electric car race to the next level.
- InvestorPlace•11 days ago
Nio Stock Is Still Too Speculative for Most Investors
There's an old Wall Street proverb that even a dead cat will bounce if tossed from a high-enough building. In Mandarin, dead cat bounce translates to Sǐ māo tantiao or 死猫弹跳. A Chinese example of such a rally is Nio (NASDAQ:NIO).Source: Shutterstock Nio was called the "Chinese Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) when it went public last September. On its opening day of trading it sold for as much as $12.69 per share. Since then, except for a brief period in March, it has been all downhill.But a surprising pick-up in deliveries gave the shares a 45% rally in one week recently. With 87.4 million shares traded July 9, Nio had the highest volume on any U.S. exchange.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsSo, buy, buy, buy? No, no, no. Wait, wait, wait!At least, know what you're getting into. Nio Stock and the EV RevolutionThis much is true. There's an electric vehicle revolution going on. China is at the heart of it. * 10 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for the Rest of 2019 and Beyond But as government subsidies have been pulled, sales have declined. Thus, it was a big surprise when the China Passenger Car Association said sales in June rose 4.9% from a year earlier.Nio itself delivered 1,340 vehicles. Deliveries for the full quarter were 3,553. Tesla, by comparison, delivered 95,200 vehicles in the second quarter. Nio is not Tesla.Before this good news, all the commentary on Nio was bad. Some 4,803 cars were recalled after the batteries in three of them caught fire. Lithium ion batteries are subject to this risk, and a short-circuit can mean big trouble.The views of our David Moadel were typical. "Can the Nio Stock Wreckage Be Salvaged?" he asked on June 28. Nio, he concluded, is a speculative bet. It was a perfect set-up for anything perceived as being good news to send the stock rocketing upward.But at its July 11 opening price of $3.69 per share, Nio is still $2.50 per share away from what had been its trading range around $6 per share last Christmas. It's a $4.2 billion market cap on $4.9 billion of 2018 revenue, on which it lost $23.3 billion. (Ouch.) Seeking HopeThat doesn't mean a speculation on Nio isn't one some young investors might want to make.The company has begun deliveries of a new "crossover," the ES6. The ES6 has a swappable battery pack, so its range can be upgraded. There's also a "hypercar" called the ES9 on the horizon, which is setting speed records. Nio is once again talking about building its own factory, rather than relying on state-owned JAC Motors.Despite the subsidy pull-back, and despite the spectre of a Tesla factory going up in Shanghai, the fact is the Chinese government remains big on electric cars, and especially big on Chinese electric car companies. The MEB platform being pushed by Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VLKAY) could create a China-based, global standard for mass-market electrics within 5 years.In that world, a luxury Chinese electric might sell well. The Bottom LineSadly, I agree with our Thomas Niel, who warned investors away from Nio on July 5. He sees the local market as saturated, the export market subject to the trade war.I think there are better ways to play the trend. Warren Buffett has invested in BYD Company (OTCMKTS:BYDDF) He took a 9.9% stake for $282 million 10 years ago, when BYD was just a battery maker. BYD is growing faster than the Chinese electric car market, with sales of 73,172 vehicles in the last quarter.If you're going to bet on electric cars, bet on the mass market, not the class market.Dana Blankenhorn is a financial and technology journalist. He is the author of the mystery thriller, The Reluctant Detective Finds Her Family, available at the Amazon Kindle store. Write him at danablankenhorn@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @danablankenhorn. As of this writing he owned no shares in companies mentioned in this article. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Stocks to Buy for Less Than Book * 7 Marijuana Stocks With Critical Levels to Watch * The 10 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for the Rest of 2019 and Beyond The post Nio Stock Is Still Too Speculative for Most Investors appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•11 days ago
Investors Should Not Expect Nio Stock to Keep Cruising Higher
Nio (NYSE:NIO) is on fire. Since late June, Nio stock has risen by close to 65%. This offers welcome relief to NIO shareholders who have seen little else but decline since the stock launched its IPO in 2018.Source: Shutterstock Still, despite the improved sentiment, production remains low, and losses continue to mount. The better-than-expected sales numbers may stoke optimism. However, the conditions that turned NIO into a penny stock remain in place. NIO Benefits From a Dramatic TurnaroundNio stock saw nothing but pain from March to June. A spike in the stock price took NIO briefly past the $10 per share mark in early March. However, a "greater than anticipated" slowdown cited in their earnings report took the Nio stock price down by more than 20% in a single day and more than 11.5% in the following trading session. From there, NIO saw a steady slide, falling to below $2.50 per share by last June.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsOver the last two weeks, sentiment has shifted dramatically. The latest surge in the stock came when the company reported a "greater than anticipated" number of deliveries. As a result, the stock has risen substantially from the $2.50 per share range where it traded in late June. Now, with the Nio stock price hovering close to $4 per share, many wonder if now is the time to buy NIO.In fairness, some optimism has returned to the market. Its much larger American counterpart Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) has risen by more than 30% since early June. The China Passenger Car Association also reported a 4.9% increase in sales. This is the first such increase in about one year. The Rally in Nio Stock Is Unlikely to HoldHowever, none of this changes the fact that analysts project nothing but losses for the foreseeable future. Yes, I did not see the surge in Nio stock coming recently. However, I predicted NIO would tread water, but little else. I stand by that sentiment.For one, it remains a small player. Our own Tezcan Gecgil points out that Chinese companies produced 254,000 electric vehicles (EVs) in the first quarter of 2019. Nio produced just under 4,000 of those cars.Gecgil makes good points that may ensure its survival. The company has backing from the likes of Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU) and Tencent (OTCMKTS:TCEHY). It also remains true that pollution guidelines in places such as Beijing and Shanghai make it challenging to obtain licensing for non-electric vehicles.However, judging by the company's financial statements, that survival could come at a high cost to holders of Nio stock. Nio lost just over ¥2.65 billion renminbi ($390 million) in the previous quarter alone. Its ¥7.45 billion renminbi ($1.08 billion) in cash will not last long at that rate. Moreover, with ¥9.25 billion renminbi ($1.35 billion) in short and long-term debt, they have little room left to borrow.Hence, its backers will probably want more stock in return for funding. While the increased stock price helps with fundraising, the stock dilution will hurt current shareholders. The Bottom Line on Nio StockDespite the optimism surrounding Nio stock, Nio remains a troubled company struggling to survive. Indeed, improved sales bode well for the company. The suffocating pollution in China's large cities also helps drive sales in the EV industry.However, despite a slight uptick in sales, Nio stock will likely post losses for years to come. Moreover, with cash levels likely to fall, and debt burdens becoming increasingly heavy, the company will probably have to issue more stock to stay in business.Given the push for cleaner energy, EVs are likely here to stay. However, to earn investment returns in this industry, established car companies and even Tesla stock offer safer options. With better choices out there, and the risk that the latest move amounts to a dead cat bounce, I see no reason to buy Nio stock.As of this writing, Will Healy did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks. You can follow Will on Twitter at @HealyWriting. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Stocks to Sell for an Economic Slowdown * 7 Marijuana Penny Stocks That I May Buy * 7 of The Best Schwab ETFs for Low Fees The post Investors Should Not Expect Nio Stock to Keep Cruising Higher appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•11 days ago
The Tech Behind PLUG Stock Still Needs to Catch Up to the Promises
I don't always understand trends, but I do recognize them. And for whatever reason, Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) attracts a lot of eyeballs. Now, part of it is due to the company's strong performance in the markets. At time of writing, the PLUG stock price is trading hands at $2.30, representing an over 85% year-to-date haul. That is serious power!Source: Shutterstock Another element likely driving positive sentiment is the company's longer-term potential. Back in the craziness of the 2000 tech bubble, Plug Power stock reached well into four-digit territory. When you compare where shares once were to where they are now, you can't help but wonder: a return to those heights is the stuff of cryptocurrency dreams.Finally, you have the technological fundamentals underlining PLUG stock. As most of you likely know, Plug Power specializes in hydrogen fuel cell systems. Scientifically, it's an exciting arena, potentially offering another pathway to total energy independence. That right there appeals to a broad segment of the population, from traditionalists to trendy millennials.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 Retail Stocks to Buy for the Second Half of 2019 Moreover, these same fundamentals attracted buyers several years ago to companies like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA). Today, speculators are piling into similar electric vehicle and alternative-energy companies like NIO (NYSE:NIO). The allure of untold upside gains justified by next-generation technologies keeps investors salivating.But are these factors good enough to consistently bring home shareholder returns in Plug Power stock? I have my doubts, which focus on one concept: you've got to understand the science of alternative energy.When you do, you'll see that whatever drives the PLUG stock price is mostly human psychology in action. If it traded on the actual science, PLUG would soon be unplugged. PLUG Stock Has the Narrative but Not the SubstanceYou don't have to be a scientist to understand that limitations govern life. For instance, if you're running late to the office, you could literally do that: run. But if you do, you'll expend energy. And the longer you run, the rate at which you burn energy will accelerate.In economic and financial terms, we call this the law of diminishing returns. Further, there's an adage that states you can't have your cake and eat it too. And these principles stymie the longer-term narrative of the PLUG stock price.Let's consider the broader marketing message behind PLUG. With their alternative-energy sources, society can achieve multiple goals at once. These include cleaner emissions and eventually no dependency on volatile Middle Eastern politics. Theoretically, alternative energies keep consumer costs low, protecting us from price gouging at the pump.Naturally, the message resonated with risk-takers, boosting the market value of Plug Power stock. Yet the science is not clear about the benefits of hydrogen fuel cells. According to a litany of counterarguments against hydrogen energy by CleanTechnica.com contributor Zachary Shahan, based on a post on this blog, this energy subsegment could be pure hype.While some of the points have been disputed, Shahan reiterates some of the post's detailed criticisms, such as that fuel cells wear out more quickly than lithium-ion batteries, and are difficult to regenerate. Furthermore, he makes the claim that hydrogen as a fuel is very difficult to make. I pulled up an article from Energy.gov which confirms Shahan's concerns. Hydrogen also has significant infrastructure problems.While I won't dissuade anyone from taking potshots at Plug Power stock, you've got to look at the real fundamentals. I don't think they speak kindly about the long haul.Instinctively, you know what Shahan and other critics say is true. If you enhance one attribute, you necessarily sacrifice others. PLUG looks like that tardy worker who claims he can run for hours without breaking a sweat. Plug Power Stock Masquerades as a Legitimate InvestmentHere's the thing that confounds the picture regarding PLUG stock: the underlying technologies actually work. Many high-profile names, including Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Walmart (NYSE:WMT), and General Electric (NYSE:GE), have signed on with various deals and partnerships.But that doesn't mean the technology is economically viable. Tesla CEO Elon Musk called hydrogen-based cars "mind-bogglingly stupid." You'll recall that Musk himself doesn't always make smart decisions. Hydrogen-based cars are currently very expensive, and so are the fueling stations. But that doesn't mean the technology has topped out. And of course, hydrogen-based cars would be a real threat to Tesla if they became affordable to the average driver.However, I'm going to go a step further: pure EVs aren't the answer, either. For drivers to have clean emissions and attractive, sporty rides, they must sacrifice something. Often, this means a higher ticket price, or inconveniences such as long charging times. While some folks can afford these costs, most probably can't.To summarize, PLUG stock represents a viable technology in that it works. However, Plug Power is not a viable business because hydrogen currently doesn't work efficiently. * 10 Best Dividend Stocks to Buy for the Rest of 2019 and Beyond Until we change that -- and it will be a while before it happens -- I wouldn't risk excessive funds on Plug Power stock.As of this writing, Josh Enomoto did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Stocks to Buy on College Students' Radars * 7 Retail Stocks to Buy for the Second Half of 2019 * The S&P 500's 5 Best Highest-Yielding Dividend Stocks The post The Tech Behind PLUG Stock Still Needs to Catch Up to the Promises appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•11 days ago
Investors Mull Tesla Stock Buy as Production, Hiring and Sales Rev Up
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) looks poised to ramp up again soon. The Palo Alto, California-based electric vehicle (EV) firm recently reported a record quarter in terms of cars built. Now, it looks poised to resume hiring and take production to record levels. This has sent TSLA stock more than 23% since early June, compared to a 8.9% gain in the Nasdaq Composite index.Source: Shutterstock Although risks remain, the company has positioned itself not only to return to profitability but also to bring itself further into the mainstream as it takes Tesla stock back to all-time highs and beyond. More Workers Making More CarsTSLA moved higher in Wednesday trading following a release by Bloomberg of an internal email that told employees that the EV maker is "making preparations" to increase production at its Fremont, California assembly plant following a quarter of record deliveries.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 10 Best Stocks for 2019: A Volatile First Half Despite job cuts in recent months, Tesla has begun to increase hiring both in Fremont and at its Nevada battery factory. This comes on the heels of a report that the company produced 95,200 vehicles in the second quarter. Of those, 77,550 of the deliveries were Tesla's lower-cost Model 3. Between these improvements and the construction of its factory in Shanghai, Tesla is poised to grow beyond the estimated 400,000 deliveries it expects to make this year. Still, this meant sales of the pricier Model S and Model X have declined. That slippage is creating profitability concerns among some investors. Estimates Again Moving HigherHowever, for the first time in months, the profit outlook has improved. After months of declining estimates, consensus losses for 2019 rose to $1.68 per share, up from a loss of $1.79 per share estimated last week. For 2020, profit estimates now stand at $5.05 per share, up six cents per share from last week's consensus estimate.This 2020 profit estimate gives TSLA a forward price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of around 46.5. Analysts also project that profit growth will average 114.3% per year over the next five years. If these numbers can hold, I think Tesla stock can move much higher.Moreover, the company expects to open its Gigafactory 3 in China late this year. They plan to produce about 150,000 next year in the factory's first phase. As InvestorPlace contributor Faisal Humayun wrote recently, this new factory will produce the Model 3 at a 50% lower cost. That would also make Tesla much bigger in China than homegrown electric cars such as Nio (NYSE:NIO). Don't Ignore Tesla Stock RisksStill, investors should remain mindful of risks. The current economic expansion has entered its 11th year, with recession talk getting louder every day. Also, Tesla's $42 billion-plus market cap takes it ahead of Ford (NYSE:F) and Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU) and fueling valuation concerns. Moreover, the trade war between the U.S. and China lingers on; Gigafactory 3 will mitigate the direct effects on TSLA. However, the economic slowdowns that come with trade wars could affect sales.Then there's Tesla's unique risk factor: The eccentric behavior of CEO Elon Musk. As recently as a few months ago, profitability had slipped away, and Mr. Musk cut the size of his workforce. Reversing course so quickly may have inspired investors. However, the continued course corrections don't breed feelings of stability. * 7 Retail Stocks to Buy for the Second Half of 2019 Still, with production levels set to reach 500,000, Tesla has shown that it will probably not become the next DeLorean Motor Company or Fisker Automotive. With its massive growth and viable path to profitability, TSLA looks poised to set new highs sooner rather than later. Bottom Line on TSLA StockAlthough risks remain, TSLA stock looks poised to continue its recovery. As recently as a few months ago, Tesla appeared troubled as its prospects to earn a profit melted away, and the company began to let workers go.However, record auto production and a signal that Tesla will ramp up both production and hiring have brought new optimism. Moreover, the new factory in Shanghai will likely help Tesla side-step the trade war and bring a record number of cars to market. Yes, either the economy or the mood of Mr. Musk could derail this move higher. However, if the company can live up to analyst expectations, TSLA stock has nowhere to go but up.As of this writing, Will Healy did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned stocks. You can follow Will on Twitter at @HealyWriting. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Stocks to Sell for an Economic Slowdown * 7 Marijuana Penny Stocks That I May Buy * 7 of The Best Schwab ETFs for Low Fees The post Investors Mull Tesla Stock Buy as Production, Hiring and Sales Rev Up appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Motley Fool•12 days ago
Is NIO, China's Tesla Rival, on the Brink of a Turnaround?
The slumping electric carmaker's sales ticked up in June.
- Benzinga•12 days ago
A Look At Benzinga Pro's Most-Searched Tickers For July 11, 2019
This most-searched list is a feature included in Benzinga Pro's Newsfeed tool. It highlights stocks frequently searched by Benzinga Pro users on the platform. Vislink Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: VISL ) ...
- Market Realist•13 days ago
NIO Has Rallied 52% in July So Far
On Wednesday, NIO (NIO) continued to trade on a strong bullish note for the seventh consecutive session.
- Market Realist•13 days ago
NIO Up 52% in July, Beating Other Chinese and Auto Stocks
On Wednesday, NIO (NIO) continued to trade on a strong bullish note for the seventh consecutive session.
