Facebook, Monsanto, More: Why These 5 Stocks Are Turning Heads Today

After several rounds of back and forth, Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) has finally agreed to sell itself to Bayer for $128 in cash per share, good for a transaction value of around $66 billion. Due to the deal’s size and complexity, the two companies don’t anticipate the merger closing until near the end of 2017. Although it isn’t the $130 per share deal that many investors were hoping for, the offer is at least better than Bayer’s previous offers of $127.50, $125, and $122 per share, respectively. Bayer has agreed to a $2 billion break-up fee if antitrust regulators don’t give the thumbs up to the deal. 87 funds that we track were long Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) at the end of the second quarter, up by 36 funds quarter-over-quarter, in anticipation of just such a deal.

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) is making some waves today after releasing its future growth plan. During its investor day presentation, Ford outlined its strategy of fortifying its core business in trucks, vans, and commercial and performance vehicles; improving the performance of its traditionally under-performing segments like luxury, small vehicle, and select emerging market space; and investing more into the emerging opportunities of autonomy and mobility. In terms of specifics, Ford’s management plans to deliver growth at or above global GDP, deliver operating margins of 8% or higher for its core businesses, and 20% or more for its emerging businesses, and to provide returns in the top-quartile among the company’s peer group. Due to the company’s new initiatives, 2017 might be a softer year in terms of performance, while 2018 will be a stronger year. 31 successful hedge funds in our database had a long position in Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) as of the most recent 13F reporting period, down by two funds from the end of March.

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