Ford Motor (F) Up 3.8% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Company reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, surpassing estimates and showing year-over-year growth in revenues and adjusted earnings per share [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q4 2024 were 39 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents and up from 29 cents in the previous year [2]. - Consolidated revenues for Q4 reached $48.2 billion, a 5% increase year over year, with total automotive revenues at approximately $44.9 billion, surpassing the Zacks estimate of $43.5 billion [2]. - The Ford Blue segment saw a 2% increase in wholesale volume to 774,000 units, with revenues rising 4% to $27.3 billion, exceeding expectations [3]. - The Ford Model e segment's wholesale volume increased by 10% to 37,000 units, but revenues declined 11% to $1.4 billion, although it still surpassed estimates due to higher average selling prices [4]. - The Ford Pro segment's wholesale volume grew 5% to 378,000 units, with revenues increasing 6% to $16.2 billion, though it missed expectations [5]. - Ford Credit's revenues were $3.27 billion, up 19% year over year, with pretax earnings of approximately $470 million, a 68% increase [6]. Financial Position - Ford reported an adjusted free cash flow of $700 million for the quarter, with cash and cash equivalents totaling $22.9 billion as of December 31, 2024 [7]. - Long-term debt, excluding Ford Credit, was $18.9 billion at the end of 2024 [7]. 2025 Guidance - For the full year 2025, Ford expects EBIT between $7 billion and $8.5 billion, with adjusted free cash flow projected at $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion [8]. - Capital spending is anticipated to be in the range of $8 billion to $8.5 billion, with EBIT from the Pro and Blue segments expected to be $7.5 billion to $8 billion and $3.5 billion to $4 billion, respectively [8]. - The Ford Model e unit is projected to incur a pre-tax loss between $5 billion and $5.5 billion [8]. Market Sentiment - Recent estimates for Ford have shown a downward trend, with a significant shift of -83% in consensus estimates [9][10]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [12].