Ford Vs General Motors: Which Auto Stock is the Better Investment After Q2 Earnings?

Core Viewpoint - High-growth tech stocks are becoming more expensive, prompting investors to consider the auto sector for potential bargains, particularly Ford and General Motors, which both exceeded Q2 expectations [1][2]. Group 1: Q2 Results - Ford's Q2 sales increased by 5% year over year to $46.94 billion, surpassing estimates of $41.72 billion by 12%. However, tariff costs of $800 million impacted earnings, resulting in Q2 EPS of $0.37, down from $0.47 a year ago but above expectations of $0.34 [3]. - General Motors reported Q2 sales of $47.12 billion, exceeding estimates of $46.24 billion but down 2% year over year. Q2 EPS was $2.53, exceeding expectations of $2.39 by 6%, but down 17% from $3.06 in the prior period, impacted by $1.1 billion in tariffs [4]. Group 2: Guidance - Ford reinstated its full-year guidance, projecting adjusted EBIT of $6.5-$7.5 billion, revised down from $7-$8.5 billion, accounting for an estimated $2 billion net tariff-related impact. Adjusted free cash flow is forecasted at $3.5-$4.5 billion with capital expenditures around $9 billion [5]. - General Motors reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting FY25 adjusted EBIT of $8.2-$10.1 billion and raised its annual net income guidance to $11.2-$12.5 billion from a previous range of $10.4-$11.1 billion, considering an estimated $5 billion tariff-related hit [6]. Group 3: Stock Performance - Year to date, Ford's stock is up approximately 11% to around $11 per share, while General Motors shares are virtually flat at around $53. Ford has outperformed the S&P 500's gains of 8% this year [7]. - Over the last five years, General Motors' stock has increased over 100%, outperforming the broader market and the Automotive-Domestic Market's returns of 73%, while Ford's stock has risen 65% [8]. Group 4: EPS Outlook & Valuation - General Motors has a forward earnings multiple of 5.5X, with annual EPS expected to dip 11% in FY25 but projected to stabilize and rise 3% in FY26 to $9.69. Ford's forward earnings multiple is 9.5X, below the industry average of 12X, with FY25 EPS expected to drop 38% to $1.14 [9]. - Ford's annual EPS is forecasted to rebound and rise 13% in FY26 to $1.28 [9]. Group 5: Dividend Comparison - Ford offers a dividend yield of 5.52%, significantly higher than General Motors' 1.15% yield and the S&P 500's average of 1.16%. General Motors also provides a generous dividend compared to most automakers [10]. Group 6: Conclusion - Following Q2 reports, both Ford and General Motors hold a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold). General Motors presents a more appealing investment potential due to its robust bottom line, while income investors may prefer Ford's stock [14].