Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Company is recalling 108,762 vehicles in the U.S. due to potential issues with liftgate hinge covers that may detach, affecting specific Escape models from 2020-2022 and 2025 [1][8] Vehicle Recall Details - The recall includes 6,412 units from the 2025 model year and 102,350 vehicles from 2020-2022, with production periods from December 2, 2024, to April 1, 2025, for the 2025 models, and November 13, 2018, to April 5, 2022, for earlier models [2] - All affected North American Escape units are assembled at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky [2] - Dealers will inspect, reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers at no cost to the owners [3] Additional Recalls - Ford is also recalling nearly 12,000 Lincoln MKT vehicles from model years 2016-2019 due to potential issues with the B-pillar door trim that could come loose, increasing crash risk [4] Industry Context - Other automakers are also facing recalls, such as Stellantis recalling 72,509 Ram models due to a software malfunction and Rivian recalling 34,824 electric delivery vans for seat belt system defects [5][6] Financial Performance - Ford has outperformed the Zacks Automotive-Domestic industry year to date, with shares gaining 31.6% compared to the industry's growth of 16.2% [7] - From a valuation perspective, Ford appears undervalued, trading at a forward sales multiple of 0.32, significantly lower than the industry's 3.42 [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ford's EPS has seen a slight decrease of 2 cents for 2025 and an increase of 1 cent for 2026 over the past 30 days [12] - Current EPS estimates for the upcoming quarters and years are as follows: - Current Qtr (12/2025): 0.10 - Next Qtr (3/2026): 0.27 - Current Year (12/2025): 1.07 - Next Year (12/2026): 1.40 [13]

Core Insights - Rivian Automotive, Inc. is recalling 34,824 electric delivery vans in the U.S. due to a defect in the seat belt system that may fail to properly restrain drivers, increasing injury risk in crashes [1][7] - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into 17,198 Rivian delivery vans after reports of fraying and breaking seat belt cables [2] - Rivian is implementing an over-the-air software update to detect improper seat belt use and will inspect and replace the driver's seat belt pretensioner assembly at no cost [3][7] Company Performance - Rivian's stock has outperformed the Zacks Automotive-Domestic industry year to date, with shares gaining 31.8% compared to the industry's growth of 14.2% [6] - From a valuation perspective, Rivian appears undervalued, trading at a forward price/sales ratio of 3.25, slightly lower than the industry's 3.36 [8] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Rivian's EPS for 2025 and 2026 has narrowed by 13 cents and 6 cents, respectively, over the past 30 days [10]