Calling turtle taxi drivers: conservation groups seek volunteers to protect slow-moving reptiles
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
27 minutes ago
- Globe and Mail
Is Ford Stock Worth Buying Now on its EV Strategy Shift?
Ford F is rewriting its electric playbook. After a few tough years in the EV market, the automaker is steering away from high-priced models and aiming for affordability. The new plan revolves around a fresh platform designed for a lineup of lower-cost EVs. It's an ambitious bet that could reshape Ford's position in the EV race if executed well. At this point, it's worth asking whether it makes sense to buy Ford stock now. But first, let's look at why the company needed a strategy shift and what's included in its new plan. Ford's New Play: Affordable EVs Ford's latest plan centers around the new Ford Universal EV Platform, which will underpin a family of lower-cost electric models. The first in line will be a midsize, four-door electric pickup, with an expected starting price of around $30,000. Production will take place at the Louisville Assembly Complex in Kentucky, backed by a $5 billion investment that will add nearly 4,000 jobs. Deliveries of the model are slated to begin in 2027. Ford CEO Jim Farley has called the company's new affordable EV push its next 'Model T moment.' Alongside the new pickup, Ford is delaying its large electric truck and van to 2028. Meanwhile, it's deepening focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which will be assembled in the United States. This is a first for any automaker in America and should help reduce costs while freeing up vehicle interior space. The new platform streamlines production. Ford says it reduces parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and plant workstations by 40%, cutting assembly times by about 15%. These efficiencies are crucial for keeping the $30,000 target price realistic — especially with shifting U.S. EV policies under President Donald Trump, including the planned end of EV tax credits after Sept. 30. Why Ford's EV Business Needed a Rejig In 2021, Ford made headlines with the Mustang Mach-E, followed by the F-150 Lightning and an electric van a year later. The quick rollout initially put it ahead of other legacy automakers like General Motors GM. But as EV sales growth slowed, material costs soared, and Tesla TSLA began aggressive price cuts, Ford's EV business started looking less appealing. Ford's electric vehicle business has been a drag on its bottom line. Over the past two and a half years, the division has racked up roughly $12 billion in losses, including $2.17 billion in just the first half of this year. In contrast, General Motors took a slower, more methodical path to EV production. It focused on developing standardized batteries to lower costs and formed joint ventures that quickly built battery plants. As a result, General Motors sold over 46,000 EVs in the second quarter (second only to Tesla)— more than double Ford's total — and now offers more than 10 electric models, ranging from the $35,000 Chevrolet Equinox EV to the $130,000 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Meanwhile, Chinese companies like BYD Co Ltd BYDDY have surged ahead globally. BYD now sells more EVs than any Western manufacturer, producing them at a fraction of the cost and putting pressure on U.S. automakers to rethink their strategies. In fact, BYD dethroned Tesla in EV sales for the third straight quarter in battery EV sales in the second quarter of 2025. Tariffs & Recalls to Weigh on Ford Ford's challenges extend beyond EV losses. The company has faced costly recalls and repairs on its gasoline-powered lineup, denting profits from its core truck and SUV business. Tariffs are another growing headache. In the second quarter alone, Ford absorbed $800 million in tariff-related costs. It now expects a net $2 billion tariff hit for 2025, up from earlier forecasts. The gross impact could be as high as $3 billion, though Ford aims to offset $1 billion through cost-cutting Ford has been leading the auto industry in recalls so far in 2025. These headwinds contrast with GM's steadier profitability in recent years and highlight how far Ford must go to stabilize its earnings. And while BYD's low-cost manufacturing model poses a serious threat in global markets, it also sets a benchmark Ford will need to match or beat if it hopes to gain share internationally. F Not Without Strengths It's not all bad news. Ford's Pro division, which serves commercial and government fleets, continues to perform well. Hybrid sales are growing, giving Ford a hedge as EV adoption slows. The company also boasts a strong balance sheet and an attractive dividend yield, appealing to long-term income-focused investors. The Zacks Rundown on Ford Stock Shares of Ford have increased around 10% over the past year, underperforming the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, F trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, below the industry average. It carries a Value Score of A. See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ford's earnings has been revised over the past 60 days. The Bottom Line on Ford Ford's new EV strategy has potential, especially if it can deliver a $30,000 electric pickup with decent margins. The shift to U.S.-made LFP batteries and streamlined production is a smart response to rising costs and fierce competition from Tesla, GM and BYD. But the benefits are still years away. Also, lest we forget, the company has scaled back some of its earlier EV ambitions, pausing one of four planned battery plants. CEO Jim Farley has, in fact, warned that there are 'no guarantees' the new manufacturing approach will succeed. For now, the focus is on proving the economics of its affordable EV program before scaling further. For new investors, it may be too soon to jump in. The stock could gain momentum once Ford shows real progress in executing its affordable EV plans and improving profitability. Until then, patience may pay off. Existing shareholders, however, can take comfort in Ford's dividend and long-term prospects — provided they're willing to weather some short-term bumps along the way. F stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months. Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ford Motor Company (F): Free Stock Analysis Report General Motors Company (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report Byd Co., Ltd. (BYDDY): Free Stock Analysis Report
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO) Expands Retail Footprint into Oregon and Arkansas
Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO) announced that its subsidiary, Massimo Motor, has secured licensing with partners to launch sales in Oregon and Arkansas, adding more than 100 big-box retail locations to its existing network. Products are expected to be available in early September, with the expansion projected to boost holiday season sales. The move follows strategic sourcing and logistics enhancements, including expanded factory partnerships in Vietnam, that have improved lead times, product flow and operational flexibility to meet seasonal demand. To view the full press release, visit About Massimo Group Massimo Group is a manufacturer and distributor of manufacturers of powersports products. Headquartered in Texas, the company offers a full lineup of UTVs, ATVs, and minibikes built for outdoor adventure. Massimo Group is dedicated to providing high-performance, reliable, and affordable vehicles for consumers across the United States. About InvestorWire InvestorWire ('IW') is a specialized communications platform with a focus on advanced wire-grade press release syndication for private and public companies and the investment community. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, IW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, IW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. IW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge. For more information, please visit Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorWire website applicable to all content provided by IW, wherever published or re-published: InvestorWire Austin, Texas 512.354.7000 Office Editor@ InvestorWire is powered by IBN
National Post
2 hours ago
- National Post
Marmon Rail Introduces ProTecht: Industry-First Mobile, Autonomous Tank Car Cleaning System
Article content CHICAGO — Marmon Rail is introducing ProTecht, a proprietary mobile cleaning system that revolutionizes tank car maintenance with safer, more sustainable, and highly efficient on-site cleaning. As the rail industry's first mobile, autonomous tank car cleaning system, ProTecht is now available across the U.S. and Canada. Article content Operated by Marmon Rail brands UTLX (United States) and Procor (Canada), ProTecht represents a major technological breakthrough in tank car cleaning. Article content Article content Tank car cleaning is one of the rail industry's most hazardous and time-intensive operations. Whether for repairs or change of service, every tank car must be cleaned — a process that traditionally requires human entry into confined spaces containing hazardous residues. This manual approach is one of the most dangerous aspects of tank car maintenance. Article content 'Seeing firsthand the risks of traditional cleaning methods inspired me to develop a safer alternative,' said Evan Ingram, Operations Manager at Marmon Rail. 'Our mobile, autonomous system eliminates the need for operators to enter hazardous environments.' Ingram, the inventor of ProTecht, spent four years developing, testing, and patenting this groundbreaking technology. Article content The patent-pending ProTecht system is compatible with all tank car types, regardless of ownership or manufacturer. Designed specifically for industrial railyard environments, ProTecht eliminates the need for confined space entry and features three specialized cleaning modes tailored to the commodity being handled: Article content 'If it ships in a tank car, ProTecht can clean it,' said Jay McGill, President Repair Services, On-Site & Mobile. 'Marmon Rail has long been the industry leader in railcar repair and maintenance. ProTecht builds on that legacy with a cutting-edge system that is safe, sustainable, versatile, and purpose-built for on-site deployment.' Article content ProTecht's closed-loop system filters and reuses both water and detergent, significantly reducing waste, extending operational uptime, and minimizing environmental impact. By eliminating the need for costly freight moves and out-of-service delays, ProTecht helps fleet owners accelerate turnaround and improve asset utilization. Article content 'ProTecht is a major leap forward in modernizing tank car cleaning for today's rail industry,' McGill added. Article content About Marmon Rail Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content Marmon Rail Article content Article content Mark Pyk Article content Article content Article content
