Ford Motor Company (F)

In October 2025, Ford reported record revenue and earnings for Q3 2025 but lowered its full-year adjusted EBIT and free cash flow guidance due to a fire at its aluminum supplier, Novelis. In December 2025, Ford announced a strategic shift, including plans to discontinue production of select larger electric vehicles due to lower-than-expected demand. Also in December 2025, Ford raised its 2025 adjusted EBIT guidance, citing business strength and cost improvements, and is redeploying capital towards higher-return opportunities. Ford outperformed U.S. industry sales for ten consecutive months, ending December 2025, with total sales for 2025 rising 6% to 2.2 million vehicles. In January 2026, Piper Sandler upgraded Ford Motor (F) from "Neutral" to "Overweight" and increased its price target, while HSBC maintained a "Hold" rating but raised its price target. On January 12, 2026, Ford Motor Co. declared a dividend of $0.3750 per share payable on March 2, 2026. In January 2026, Ford issued a recall for 272,645 vehicles due to a parking pawl issue.

The automotive industry, including Ford, experiences seasonal trends in demand. Demand typically increases during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). The slowest periods are January, February, and early March. May through August are also considered peak sales months. Demand can vary by vehicle type seasonally, with convertibles peaking in summer, SUVs in winter, and EVs/hybrids performing better in spring and autumn. Average car sale prices can rise during peak demand periods.

Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automotive manufacturer founded in 1903, designing, manufacturing, marketing, and servicing vehicles under the Ford and Lincoln brands. Its products and services include automobiles, performance and luxury vehicles, electric and hybrid vehicles, automotive parts, connected services and software, and financial services. In March 2022, Ford restructured into three divisions: Ford Model E (electric vehicles), Ford Blue (ICE vehicles), and Ford Pro (commercial vehicle distribution and service).

Ford Motor Company operates globally, with its headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. It has operations across North America, South America, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific, serving customers in over 125 countries. Ford operates in regions such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, and maintains joint ventures in countries including China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. The company has various manufacturing facilities globally, including assembly, forging, stamping, and engine plants.

Ford's brand reputation in the past year has been marked by both significant accolades and challenges. In January 2026, Time magazine and Statista named Ford the "Most Iconic American Company." U.S. News & World Report named Ford the "Best Electric Vehicle Brand for 2026" in the mainstream category in November 2025. In June 2025, Ford received the most honors of any brand in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study. A significant event impacting Ford's reputation in 2025 was setting a new record for recalls, with 152 recalls affecting over 12 million vehicles. In January 2026, a recall of over 272,000 vehicles for a parking pawl issue further highlighted ongoing quality control challenges.

Ford Motor Company is publicly traded, with institutional investors owning approximately 58% to 60% of the outstanding shares. The Ford family maintains a plurality of the voting power (40%) through a dual-class stock structure. Major institutional owners include The Vanguard Group, BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corporation. Key individual shareholders include William Clay Ford Jr. and James D. Farley Jr.