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