Black to drive financial performance and support expansion through future acquisitions and strategic growth initiativesLOUDON, Tenn., Nov. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Malibu Boats, Inc. (Nasdaq: MBUU), a U.S. designer and manufacturer of category-leading salt and freshwater recreational powerboat brands, today announced the appointment of David S. Black as Chief Financial Officer effective immediately. Black will succeed Bruce W. Beckman, whose resignation became effective November 12, 2025. Mr. Black, 43, ...

Core Insights - Ford's U.S. market sales in October 2025 increased by 1.6% year-on-year, reaching 175,584 units, driven primarily by rising demand for pickup trucks despite a significant decline in electric vehicle (EV) sales [1] - The cancellation of the $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs by the Trump administration has led to a notable drop in EV sales, with Ford's EV models experiencing a nearly 25% year-on-year decrease in October, totaling 4,709 units [1] - Traditional fuel-powered pickups, particularly the Ranger and Maverick models, have supported growth, with Ford's pickup sales rising nearly 5% year-on-year to 105,771 units [1] - In response to the slowing EV market, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have shifted their focus back to more profitable fuel models, scaling back aggressive EV expansion plans [1] Industry Context - The U.S. EV market is expected to face short-term pressures due to the withdrawal of subsidies, high battery raw material costs, and consumer concerns regarding range and charging convenience [2] - A "hybrid + fuel" strategy may become the mainstream transitional path for automakers in the coming quarters [2] Stock Performance - As of the report, Ford's stock fell over 1.6%, trading at $12.9 [3]

Core Insights - Ford surpassed earnings estimates for Q3 2025, while Tesla missed expectations despite record vehicle deliveries [1][9] - Tesla's operating income contracted by 40% year-over-year due to increased SG&A, R&D, and restructuring expenses [1][9] - Both companies are at critical junctures, with Tesla's shares rising 33% and Ford's shares increasing approximately 22% over the past three months [3] Tesla's Performance - Tesla delivered 497,099 vehicles in Q3 2025, marking a 7.4% year-over-year increase and setting a new quarterly record [4] - The increase in deliveries was likely influenced by a "pull forward" effect from the expiring $7,500 federal EV tax credit [4] - Tesla's Energy Storage segment achieved record deployments, becoming the most profitable division with the highest margins [6] - The company is focusing on autonomous vehicles and robotaxis as future growth areas, with plans to test robotaxis in multiple metro areas by year-end [10][11] Ford's Performance - Ford's vehicle lineup remains strong, with the F-Series on track to be America's best-selling truck for the 49th consecutive year [12] - The company holds approximately 70% of the hybrid truck market, reflecting consumer preference for hybrid options amid slowing EV adoption [13] - Ford's financial position is solid, ending Q3 2025 with $54 billion in liquidity, including $33 billion in cash [15] - The company is investing in long-term electrification through its Universal EV Platform, aiming to produce affordable EVs priced around $30,000 [14] Challenges and Outlook - Tesla faces challenges from maturing product lines, increased competition, and reduced pricing power, with margins under pressure from price cuts and higher costs [5] - Ford is dealing with near-term challenges due to a fire at the Novelis aluminum plant, which is expected to impact EBIT by $1.5–$2 billion in Q4 2025 [16] - Despite these challenges, Ford's diversified portfolio and strong execution position it as a relatively stronger investment compared to Tesla at this stage [21][24]

Automotive Industry Performance - Several automotive stocks are outperforming the S&P 500 in 2025, with General Motors up 14.5%, Ford up 20.45%, and Tesla up over 37% in the last three months [1][2] Consumer Behavior and Market Trends - In Q2 2025, consumers accelerated vehicle purchases due to tariff concerns on imported parts, while in Q3, electric vehicle buyers rushed to purchase before EV tax incentives ended on October 1 [2] - There are concerns that auto sales may disappoint in Q4, but the Federal Reserve's potential long-term rate-cutting cycle may lead to attractive year-end deals for consumers [2] Company Strategies - General Motors is focusing on both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles, with a 43% increase in EV sales in the last quarter, significantly outpacing the industry's 11% growth [4][5] - GM plans to reintroduce plug-in hybrid models in 2027 to capture market share in the truck and SUV categories [5] - Ford is expanding its hybrid lineup, expecting hybrid sales to surpass EV sales in the U.S. in the coming years, while still investing heavily in EV infrastructure [7][10] - Tesla remains a leader in the EV space, benefiting from vertical integration and expansion into European markets, with a focus on autonomous driving as a long-term growth driver [12][13] Stock Valuation and Analyst Insights - GM stock is trading near its 52-week high, with analysts raising price targets, including UBS increasing its target from $56 to $81 [6] - Ford's stock is supported by its made-in-the-USA footprint and strong F-Series sales, alongside a dividend yield above 4% [10] - Tesla's stock is characterized by volatility, but its long-term potential is bolstered by its software-driven revenue streams [12][13]

Core Insights - Toyota reported a 2.2% increase in global sales for August, reaching nearly 845,000 units, marking the eighth consecutive month of sales growth [1] - Year-to-date sales through August totaled 6.9 million units, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the previous year [1] - The US market showed significant growth, with sales rising 13.6% year-over-year to 225,367 units in August [2] Group 1: US Market Performance - Toyota's US sales were driven by recovery from last year's production stoppages and strong hybrid vehicle performance, particularly the Camry and RAV4 [2] - Year-to-date US sales increased by 7.2%, surpassing 1.68 million units sold [2] - The RAV4 and Camry were the top contributors to sales gains in the US market [2] Group 2: China Market Performance - In China, Toyota's sales remained flat due to a challenging market environment characterized by a shift to new energy vehicles and increased price competition [3] - Promotions linked to Chinese subsidies and strong sales of the bZ3X electric vehicle contributed positively to performance in China [3] Group 3: Industry Context - Other automakers also reported sales increases, with Ford's US sales up 3.9%, Kia's up 10.4%, and Hyundai's up 12% in August [4] - The automotive sector is experiencing sales growth despite facing 25% sector tariffs and 15% tariffs on exports from Japan and South Korea [5] - Upcoming reports from major automakers like GM, Ford, and Tesla are expected to reflect strong sales trends from the past few months [5]

Group 1 - Meta Platforms plans to release its next-generation AI model, referred to internally as Llama4.X or Llama4.5, by the end of this year [1] - The Meta Superintelligence Labs, led by former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, is one of the first projects expected to launch this model [1] - Meta has restructured the Superintelligence Labs into four teams focusing on training, research, product, and infrastructure [1] Group 2 - CEO Mark Zuckerberg is investing heavily in new data centers and offering compensation packages worth hundreds of millions to attract top AI researchers [2] - The restructuring of the AI department into Meta Superintelligence Labs aims to develop human-level AI capabilities applicable across all company products [2] - Progress has been confirmed on Llama4.1 and Llama4.2, with ongoing development of more advanced models [2]

Core Viewpoint - Malibu Boats, Inc. is set to host an Investor Day on September 25, 2025, to discuss growth strategies and value creation [1][2]. Company Overview - Malibu Boats, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of recreational powerboats, including performance sport, sterndrive, and outboard boats [4]. - The company holds a market leadership position in the performance sport boat category through its Malibu and Axis brands, and in the 20' - 40' segment of the sterndrive category via its Cobalt brand [4]. - Malibu Boats is also a key player in the saltwater fishing boat market with brands such as Pursuit, Cobia, Pathfinder, Maverick, and Hewes [4]. - The company is recognized as an innovator in the powerboat industry, catering to a diverse range of recreational boaters and water sports enthusiasts [4]. Event Details - The Investor Day will feature presentations and discussions with the leadership team, covering the company's strategy, long-term financial targets, and capital allocation priorities [2]. - The event will be available via live webcast, allowing for virtual participation and a Q&A session [3]. - Interested investors can register for the virtual event through the company's website, and a recording will be made available post-event [3].

Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Company is discontinuing the Escape and Lincoln Corsair at the end of the 2026 model year, raising concerns among investors about the potential risks of exiting popular vehicle segments without a clear plan [1][4]. Sales Performance - The Escape sold 93,805 vehicles in the U.S. through July, outperforming the Bronco and Bronco Sport, which saw a 45% year-over-year growth [3]. - Despite its sales success, the Escape has experienced some of its worst-selling years in the past five years [5]. Strategic Decisions - Ford is replacing the Escape and Corsair production with a new midsize electric pickup truck, expected to be priced around $30,000, which is seen as a compelling price point for an electric vehicle [7]. - The company has invested approximately $5 billion in the Louisville Assembly Complex, creating around 4,000 jobs to support the production of up to eight new EVs [9]. Financial Implications - Ford's Model-e division, responsible for EVs, reported a loss of $5.1 billion during 2024, raising concerns about the financial viability of replacing profitable gasoline vehicles with electric models [10]. - The company anticipates that the new electric pickup will be profitable early on, marking a significant step in the evolution of EV profitability [10]. Market Challenges - The transition to electric vehicles may face challenges due to slower-than-expected EV sales growth in the U.S. and potential rollbacks of EV incentives and tax credits by the current administration [11]. - While the decision to discontinue popular models may cause concern among investors, it reflects a strategic long-term vision that is not always characteristic of Detroit automakers [12].

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]