Can Ford Keep Its Momentum Going?

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The price of Ford(F) stock reached a five-year high Thursday after Moody's Investors Service boosted Ford and Ford Motor Credit ratings. But can it keep up this momentum?

Ford Fiesta

Many equity analysts think Ford still potential to do so, despite being up against the weakened, but still formidable rival Toyota(TM); yet offer some cautionary notes. Ford stock hit an intraday high of $14.15 a share Thursday, up 4.9%, and reaching levels not seen since January 2005.

"One of the reasons I liked Ford so much about a year ago was its new product lineup and that hasn't changed," Wall Street Strategies analyst David Silver says. (Both Silver and members of his family own Ford stock.)

"If anything," Silver continues, "the success of some of the new vehicles has surpassed even my expectations. Also, the auto market in North America continues to improve, and while there are going to be up and down months, it is better than last year. Stronger sales coupled with the improving cost structure bode extremely well for Ford in the coming quarters.... General Motors indicated it could earn a profit during 2010, and if that is true, then Ford will be even stronger."