Some stocks are considered good values, with attractive fundamental metrics such as a low P/E ratio, a low price-to-book ratio, etc. Some stocks are great technical plays, forming bullish double-bottom or cup-and-handle chart patterns.
Then there are some stocks that power higher because they have a genius CEO who brought a product to market at just the right time.
Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) is one of the latter, and in my judgment, you’d be crazy not to own the stock at current levels.
The following price metrics should give you a sense of the power of this stunning all-electric car maker’s draw:
– Up 14.5% in three months (through April 21 close)
– Up 35.9% year to date
– Up 307.2% in one year
– Up 539.9% in two years
– Up 1,102.2% since it’s June 29, 2010 IPO
The numbers don’t lie. Investors have embraced Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the electric vehicle growth story and the enormous game-changing potential that this company brings to the automotive industry.
Tesla took another step forward on Tuesday, as it began selling its signature Model S sedans in the biggest auto market in the world, China. It just delivered its first eight vehicles to Chinese customers, with Musk on hand to celebrate the company’s milestone.
During a media event in Beijing, Musk said he plans to invest several hundred million dollars to build a nationwide network of electric charging stations to service what he thinks will be a burgeoning market in China for Tesla. Yet Musk didn’t stop there. The Tesla chief also announced intentions to actually manufacture vehicles in the country.
Here’s what Musk told Bloomberg regarding manufacturing in China: “At some point in the next three or four years we’ll be establishing local manufacturing in China… China is very important to the future of Tesla. We’re going to make a big investment in China in terms of charging infrastructure.”
China-based production of Tesla vehicles would allow the company to sell its Model S sedans for a lot less than the current $ 121,000 price tag. While U.S. consumers shell out $ 81,000 for the vehicle, China imposes a 25% import tariff in addition to shipping costs. And, of course, the production in China would allow Tesla to deliver vehicles quicker to Chinese buyers.
The China news sent TSLA shares spiking more than 6% in midday Tuesday trade, but I think this is just one of many big trading days on the horizon for this stock.
Despite the gains so far in 2014, TSLA is actually off about 18% from its all-time high, made in late February. The move has taken shares down below their 50-day moving average.
Yet, it is partially because a little of the fat has been trimmed off the stock that makes buying TSLA here even more of a no-brainer. Think of it this way: You are getting perhaps the greatest stock story in years — and what I suspect will be one of the greatest stock stories of the next five years — at a big discount.
Recommended Trade Setup:
– Buy TSLA at the market price
– Set stop-loss 10% below entry price
– Set initial price target at $ 279 for a potential 28% gain in four months
Note: If you’re looking for another great stock, the super-accurate Alpha Score indicator just tagged this stock as a “buy.” In fact, it gave it a score so high, only 1 in every 1,275 can match it. Get its name here for free, and see how you could make 83% gains in 28 days.
