Joining us now with his thoughts on all of it is Steve Wesley, former Tesla board member and founder of the Wesley Group. Steve, on Ford, you know, the 19.5% billion dollar write down I think is the most visible sign of this pivot we've seen US automakers make around EVs. What do you think is the primary driver. Is it what consumers want. Is it the regulatory regime.>> Well, look, first $19.5% billion right. Huge, huge number. And this is from a company where their CEO said just last month, we can't walk aw ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record revenue of $50 billion for Q2 2025, with an adjusted EBIT of $2.1 billion, reflecting year-over-year improvement in costs [8][32] - The full-year adjusted EBIT guidance was updated to a range of $6.5 billion to $7.5 billion, net of tariffs [9][38] - Adjusted free cash flow was solid at $2.8 billion, with a strong balance sheet showing over $28 billion in cash and $46 billion in liquidity [36][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ford Pro's revenue grew 11% to nearly $19 billion, with a 12.3% EBIT margin driven by a strong product lineup and disciplined pricing [33] - Model E revenue more than doubled to $2.4 billion, with margins improving nearly 44 points due to a favorable product mix [34] - Ford Blue earned nearly $700 million in the quarter, reflecting profitable market share gains and higher net pricing [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., Ford's sales grew 7 times faster than the industry, with market share up 1.7 points sequentially [20] - The company sold more electrified vehicles than its two main domestic rivals combined, with EVs and hybrids making up close to 14% of the U.S. mix [21] - Outside the U.S., Ford gained market share in key regions such as Canada, Europe, South America, and the Middle East [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting capital towards Ford Pro, reallocating resources from future EV programs to accelerate growth in high-margin services [10] - Ford aims to enhance its product lineup with a focus on trucks and iconic products, while also investing in low CO2 emissions technologies [14] - The company is committed to improving vehicle quality and reducing warranty costs, with a focus on achieving world-class vehicle quality [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of tariffs, estimating a net headwind of about $2 billion for the year, while expressing confidence in the company's cycle plan [13][39] - The management team emphasized the importance of capital efficiency and cost improvement, with a strong balance sheet providing flexibility to invest through economic downturns [38][40] - The company is optimistic about the future, with a focus on sustainable improvements in warranty and material costs [44] Other Important Information - The company announced a regular dividend of 15 cents per share, payable on September 2, reflecting its commitment to return capital to shareholders [38] - Ford's transformation journey is well underway, with a focus on building a higher growth, higher margin, and more capital-efficient business [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of guidance change and improvement - Management noted that the guidance reflects strong improvement in the business, particularly in cost areas, despite absorbing larger tariffs [42][43] Question: Sustainability of market share - Management expressed confidence in sustaining market share gains into the second half of the year, supported by a strong product portfolio [61][62] Question: Balancing emissions policy and EV technology - Management highlighted the importance of transforming engineering and supply chain processes to remain competitive against global OEMs, particularly Chinese manufacturers [70][71] Question: Impact of tariffs and compliance credits - Management discussed ongoing negotiations with the administration to simplify tariffs and reduce liabilities, emphasizing the potential upside for the company [83][84] Question: Electrification initiatives and regional commitments - Management indicated a focus on partnerships for EVs and a streamlined product lineup to balance investments across different regions [99]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record revenue of $50 billion for the second quarter, with adjusted EBIT of $2.1 billion, reflecting a year-over-year improvement in costs excluding tariffs [7][32] - The full-year adjusted EBIT guidance has been updated to a range of $6.5 billion to $7.5 billion, net of tariffs [7][39] - Adjusted free cash flow was solid at $2.8 billion, with a strong balance sheet showing over $28 billion in cash and $46 billion in liquidity [36][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ford Pro's revenue grew 11% to nearly $19 billion, with an EBIT margin of 12.3%, driven by a strong product lineup and high-margin services [33] - Model E revenue more than doubled to $2.4 billion, with a significant margin improvement of nearly 44 points [34] - Ford Blue earned nearly $700 million in the quarter, reflecting profitable market share gains and higher net pricing [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., Ford's sales grew 7 times faster than the industry, with market share up 1.7 points sequentially [19] - The company sold more electrified vehicles than its two main domestic rivals combined, with EVs and hybrids making up close to 14% of the U.S. mix [20] - Outside the U.S., Ford gained market share in key markets such as Canada, Europe, South America, and the Middle East [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting capital towards Ford Pro, reallocating resources from future EV programs to accelerate growth in high-margin services [9] - Ford aims to enhance its product lineup with a focus on trucks and iconic products, while also investing in low CO2 emissions technologies [13][14] - The company is committed to improving vehicle quality, with expectations of declining warranty costs in the coming years [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of tariffs, estimating a net headwind of about $2 billion for the year, while expressing confidence in the company's cycle plan [12][39] - The management highlighted the importance of a durable national emission standard to ensure sound industry planning and reduce compliance costs [14] - The company is optimistic about its ability to navigate the changing regulatory environment and capitalize on opportunities in the EV market [66][70] Other Important Information - The company announced a regular dividend of 15 cents per share, payable on September 2, reflecting its commitment to return capital to shareholders [38] - Ford's industrial platform is focused on cost and quality improvements, targeting a net improvement of $1 billion this year, excluding tariffs [25][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of guidance change and improvement - Management explained that the guidance reflects strong business improvement despite absorbing larger tariffs, with a focus on sustainable cost improvements [42][44] Question: Strategic spending on EV side - Management indicated a shift in EV spending and capital allocation, emphasizing flexibility in powertrain options and reallocating resources to Ford Pro [48][50] Question: Recall issues and warranty coverage - Management acknowledged improvements in warranty coverage but noted that FSAs have a longer arc, with early indicators showing lower costs for newer model years [56][58] Question: Market share sustainability - Management expressed confidence in sustaining market share gains into the second half of the year, despite expectations of a softer market [60][62] Question: Balancing emissions policy and EV competitiveness - Management highlighted the importance of changing emissions policies as a tailwind for the business, while also focusing on competitive EV strategies [66][70] Question: Tariff negotiations and outcomes - Management discussed ongoing productive conversations with the administration regarding tariff simplification and potential reductions [82][84]

Summary of Ford Conference Call - June 11, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Ford Motor Company (F) - **Event**: DB Global Auto Conference - **Date**: June 11, 2025 Key Points Industry and Market Position - Ford is positioned as a relative beneficiary amidst significant shifts in U.S. policy affecting the auto industry [9] - Over 80% of vehicles sold in the U.S. are manufactured domestically, providing Ford with a competitive advantage [10][11] - Ford's strategy is a continuation of its commitment to U.S. manufacturing, allowing for flexibility in market competition [12] Growth and Market Share - Ford aims to grow market share profitably, emphasizing the importance of balancing growth with profitability [15] - The "From America, For America" campaign was launched to provide employee pricing to customers, enhancing Ford's market presence [17] - Ford achieved a 14.7% market share in the U.S., a 1.9 percentage point increase year-over-year, with strong performance in its truck portfolio [18][19] - The Bronco family sold around 30,000 units, and the Expedition saw a 45% increase in sales [20] Ford Pro Business - Ford Pro is focused on growing its connected vehicle services and software offerings, which are essential for maintaining competitive advantages [22] - The Pro business has the widest vehicle lineup in the commercial sector, enhancing its market leadership [23] - Ford aims for 20% of profits in Pro to come from parts and services, diversifying revenue streams [26] Cost Management and Warranty Improvements - Ford has made significant progress in reducing costs, with a reported $1 billion year-over-year improvement [31] - The company is focusing on systemic changes to improve warranty costs and overall operational efficiency [28][33] - Mobile service initiatives have resulted in over 1.5 million services performed, enhancing customer satisfaction [27] Tariff Impact and Pricing Strategy - Ford anticipates a $2.5 billion headwind from tariffs but plans to offset this with cost actions [37] - The company is actively analyzing market conditions to adjust pricing strategies effectively [40] - Ford is balancing production, pricing, and competitiveness to ensure profitability [41] Electric Vehicle (EV) Strategy - Ford has been the second-largest automaker in EV sales in the U.S. over the past three years, with the Mach-E and Lightning leading the charge [48] - The company is launching new EV models in Europe, including the Capri and Explorer, which are expected to be more profitable than existing models [49][51] - Ford is focusing on educating customers about the best powertrain options for their needs, including gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles [52] European Market Dynamics - Ford Pro's commercial business in Europe has grown year-over-year, despite a softening overall market [56] - The company is adapting to regulatory compliance and pricing pressures in Europe, with a focus on maintaining a balanced pricing strategy [95][98] China Market Role - Ford views China as an export hub and is leveraging its joint ventures to enhance profitability and market presence [64][66] - The company is learning from the rapid integration of AI and customer experience innovations in the Chinese market [68] Autonomy and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) - Ford is developing its Level 2 and Level 3 autonomy solutions in-house, with a focus on customer trust and integration into commercial applications [74][76] - The company is evaluating partnerships to enhance its autonomy technology and customer value [80][82] Formula 1 Involvement - Ford's entry into Formula 1 is seen as a strategic move to enhance technological know-how and brand exposure [86][90] - The partnership with Red Bull aims to leverage racing technology for improvements in mainstream vehicles [88][89] Additional Insights - Ford is committed to addressing cost challenges while enhancing its product offerings and customer service [62] - The company is focused on long-term sustainability and profitability through strategic capital allocation and market adaptability [51][52]

Summary of Ford Motor Company Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Ford Motor Company (Ticker: F) - **Date of Conference**: June 04, 2025 Key Points Industry and Market Dynamics - The automotive industry is experiencing volatility, with significant changes in tariffs and supply chain dynamics impacting costs and operations [21][22][29] - Ford's strategy includes a mix of hybrid, electric, and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, providing customer choice and flexibility [5][6] Financial Impact of Tariffs - Ford reported a gross impact of $2.5 billion due to tariffs, with a net impact of $1.5 billion, split between materials (steel and aluminum) and vehicle tariffs [21][24] - The company is studying the effects of recent changes in China policy and steel/aluminum tariffs, with more details expected in Q2 earnings [25][28] Supply Chain Challenges - Rare earth minerals are critical for production, with export controls from China causing delays and potential backlogs [31][32] - Ford is managing supply chain issues by exploring alternative parts and expediting shipments when necessary [33] Sales Performance - Ford experienced a 16% year-over-year sales increase in May, with a year-to-date increase of over 6% [47] - The "From America For America" program has positively impacted dealer and customer engagement [46] Cost Management and Competitive Position - Ford is focused on closing a $7 billion cost gap with competitors, emphasizing warranty and material costs as key areas for improvement [49][52] - The company has seen three consecutive quarters of year-over-year cost improvement due to focused efforts on cost reduction [56] Investment Strategy - Ford is adapting its capital expenditures based on market signals, with a focus on electrification while remaining flexible to consumer demand [60][64] - The company has established an internal capital committee to evaluate investment returns across different segments [65] Future Outlook - Ford anticipates continued growth in hybrid sales, with a 25% year-over-year increase [66] - The company is committed to developing new models and technologies, with significant investments planned for the advanced EV development center starting in 2027 [80][81] Partnerships and Collaborations - Ford is open to partnerships with competitors to enhance efficiency and share resources, particularly in non-core areas [74][75] - The company has existing partnerships with Volkswagen and others, indicating a strategic approach to collaboration in the evolving automotive landscape [75] Regulatory Environment - Ford's diverse powertrain strategy allows for flexibility in response to regulatory changes, potentially providing a competitive advantage [83][84] Additional Insights - The cultural shift within Ford includes bringing in specialists for key roles and fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance decision-making speed [17][19] - The company is focused on transforming its operational processes to achieve higher efficiency and impact, moving beyond incremental improvements [14][15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered $1 billion in EBIT for Q1 2025, exceeding the expectation of roughly breakeven, driven by cost improvements and strong net pricing in North America [22][30] - Revenue was $41 billion, down 5% year-over-year, with wholesales down 7% due to planned downtime at several plants [23][29] - Free cash flow was a use of $1.5 billion, attributed to unfavorable timing differences, net spending, and changes in working capital [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ford Pro showed resilience with strong demand for key products, maintaining over 40% share of the US class one to seven truck and van market [24][25] - Model e more than doubled its first quarter wholesale volumes, with US retail sales growing 15% [26] - Ford Blue earned a modest profit, reflecting volume decline and adverse exchange rates, but iconic nameplates like F Series and Bronco continued to lead their segments [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced its best first quarter US pickup sales in over 20 years, with sequential share growth in its home market [10][12] - The industry SAAR is expected to run about 5 million units lower than the original plan during the second half of the year, around 15.5 million units [48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming into a higher growth, higher margin, and more capital-efficient business, with a focus on cost and quality improvements [22][30] - Ford supports US manufacturing growth and aims to leverage its domestic footprint as a competitive advantage amid tariff impacts [11][12] - The company has invested $50 billion in manufacturing capacity since 2020, with ongoing investments in battery and manufacturing capacity across several states [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying performance excluding tariffs, while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding tariff impacts and potential supply chain disruptions [31][32] - The company suspended its full-year guidance due to material tariff-related risks and the potential for industry-wide supply chain disruptions [31][32] - Management highlighted the importance of customer reactions to potential price increases resulting from tariffs as a key factor for future performance [70] Other Important Information - The company declared a regular second quarter dividend of 15¢ per share, payable on June 2 [30] - Ford Credit delivered a solid quarter with EBT up significantly, reflecting a high-quality book of business and higher financing margins [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the gross tariff headwinds? - The $2.5 billion in gross costs is estimated to be roughly half from parts and half from imported vehicles, including impacts from steel and aluminum pricing [36][41] Question: What are the offsets for the net tariff impact? - The largest element of the offset is market equation optimization, along with cost mitigation actions such as using bonded carriers for vehicles shipped to Canada [42][41] Question: How do you expect volume and inventory to play out in the coming months? - The company expects industry pricing related to tariffs to increase by about 1% to 1.5% in the second half, with a projected SAAR of around 15.5 million units [48][49] Question: What is the status of your software-defined vehicle strategy? - The strategy remains unchanged, with a focus on merging electric architectures to enhance efficiency and reduce costs [55][56] Question: Are there signs of supply chain disruption due to tariffs? - There is potential for disruption, particularly with rare earth materials from China, which could impact production [62] Question: What factors will influence the ability to provide guidance in the future? - Key factors include policy clarifications, customer reactions to pricing changes, and competitive dynamics [70] Question: How is the company performing in Europe? - The company has seen strong performance in its commercial business in Europe, with increased market share and successful electric vehicle launches [107]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported EBIT of $1 billion for Q1 2025, exceeding the breakeven expectation, driven by cost improvements and strong net pricing in North America [19][20] - Revenue decreased by 5% year-over-year to $41 billion, with wholesales down 7% due to planned downtime at several plants [21] - The company estimates a gross adverse EBIT impact of $2.5 billion and a net adverse EBIT impact of $1.5 billion for the full year 2025 due to tariffs [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ford Pro showed resilience with strong demand for key products, maintaining over 40% share in the US class one to seven truck and van market [22] - Model E more than doubled its first quarter wholesale volumes, with US retail sales growing 15% [24] - Ford Blue earned a modest profit, reflecting volume decline and adverse exchange rates, but iconic nameplates like F-Series and Bronco continued to lead their segments [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects industry SAAR to run about 5 million units lower than the original plan during the second half of the year, around 15.5 million units [46] - The company anticipates industry pricing related to tariffs to increase by about 1% to 1.5% in the second half [46] - Auction values increased by 3% year-over-year, reflecting low used car availability [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming into a higher growth, higher margin, and more capital-efficient business, focusing on cost and quality improvements [19] - Ford continues to invest in manufacturing capacity, with $50 billion invested since 2020, including battery capacity in multiple states [18] - The company is leveraging its US manufacturing footprint as a competitive advantage in the evolving tariff landscape [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying performance excluding tariffs, aligning with original targets, and emphasized the importance of the US footprint [31] - The company is cautious about near-term risks related to tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and competitive responses [30] - Management highlighted the need for clarity on policy issues, including tax and emissions, to provide future guidance [67] Other Important Information - Free cash flow was a use of $1.5 billion, attributed to unfavorable timing differences and changes in working capital [27] - The company declared a regular second quarter dividend of 15¢ per share, reflecting its commitment to return 40-50% of trailing free cash flow to shareholders [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the gross tariff headwinds? - The $2.5 billion gross cost is estimated to be roughly half from parts and half from imported vehicles, including pricing impacts from steel and aluminum [34][35] Question: What are the offsets included in the net tariff impact? - The net adverse EBIT impact of $1.5 billion includes about $1 billion of offsetting recovery actions, primarily from market equation optimization and cost mitigation [39][40] Question: How do you expect volume to play out in the coming months? - The company expects industry pricing related to tariffs to increase, with a projected SAAR of 15.5 million units in the second half of the year [46][47] Question: What is the status of the software-defined vehicles strategy? - The company merged its electric architectures into one, enhancing capital efficiency and reducing costs for future products [52][54] Question: How is Ford Credit impacted by tariffs? - Elevated auction prices and higher new vehicle prices due to tariffs may support auction values, but economic slowdown could have a muted effect [102][104] Question: What is the current status of the business in Europe? - The company has seen strong performance in its commercial business in Europe, increasing market share despite some headwinds [106][107]