Ford Motor(US:F)2025-05-05 21:00Financial 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]