New Raptor Models, Skills Training Programs No Help for Ford Stock (NYSE:F)

The news out of legacy automaker Ford (F) really should have been better than it was. The news itself was quite good, featuring plans for new models of Ford Raptor coming out and new skills training programs to address the lack of mechanics in the United States. But investors could not get behind the news at all, and sent Ford shares down modestly in Tuesday afternoon's trading.Claim 70% Off TipRanks This Holiday SeasonUnlock hedge-fund level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis and maximize your portfolio's potential The F-150 Raptor was a major move for Ford, with some believing that it fundamentally changed the landscape for the truck market. In fact, some even note that just about every other carmaker out there borrowed one point or another from the Raptor. And now, Ford is poised to change the game again by bringing out a new line of Raptors. Specifics are short on the ground right now, but some wonder if the Mustang will be next in line for a Raptor version. Reports suggest that the Raptor has been applied to the F-150, the Bronco, and even the Ranger. But word from Ford's chief financial officer Sherry House suggests more will follow. House noted, "I know that some people in the audience here just had a wonderful ride in some of our Raptors, and that's a product that I think that we're going to be doing a bit more of as well. We're going to be leaning into these products that are just passion products. I mean, these are vehicles that people love." Improving Skills Ford has been right in the thick of things when it comes to sounding an alarm on blue collar skill in the United States. And it has also been front and center when it comes to addressing the shortfall. In fact, Ford just got together with SkillsUSA to improve opportunities to make mechanics out of high school students. The new partnership calls on Ford and SkillsUSA to develop new manufacturing study programs, as well as automotive programs, for both high school and postsecondary students, particularly in the areas in and around Ford plants. Grants are also being prepared to cover costs and get the broadest numbers of students in the programs, and also, opportunities are being opened up to bring in the current generation of mechanics, or what is left of them, to serve as competition judges and the like. Is Ford Stock a Good Buy Right Now? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on F stock based on two Buys, 10 Holds and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 34.33% rally in its share price over the past year, the average F price target of $13.27 per share implies 0.34% downside risk.