Ford Motor (F) announced Wednesday that it is shifting its electric vehicle (EV) strategy to deliver profitable and capital-efficient growth, including offering a wider range of electrification options at lower prices and increasing ranges. Wall Street is embracing the news, sending Ford's stock higher in intraday trading.
Ford's plan includes delaying the production of its all-electric pickup truck to the second half of 2027. It was initially expected to begin production next year.
The company is also canceling plans for its three-row sports utility vehicle (SUV), and instead prioritizing hybrid models and electric commercial vehicles, according to CNBC. Ford will incur a special non-cash charge of about $400 million due to the adjusted plans, which may also result in additional expenses and cash expenditures of up to $1.5 billion.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The automaker also said it would realign its U.S. battery sourcing to reduce costs and boost capacity for current and future production. "An affordable electric vehicle starts with an affordable battery," said Ford CEO Jim Farley in a statement. "If you are not competitive on battery cost, you are not competitive."
"We're committed to creating long-term value by building a competitive and profitable business," said Ford Chief Financial Officer John Lawler. "With pricing and margin compression, we've made the decision to adjust our product and technology roadmap and industrial footprint to meet our goal of reaching positive EBIT [earnings before interest and taxes] within the first 12 months of launch for all new models."
Is Ford stock a buy, sell or hold?
Ford Motor has underperformed on the price charts in 2024, down more than 4% on a total return basis (price change plus dividends) vs a 30% return for the S&P 500. This has Wall Street sitting on the sidelines when it comes to the consumer discretionary stock.
True, the average price target among the 26 analysts following F stock tracked by S&P Global Market Intelligence is $13.43, representing implied upside of about 24% to current levels. However, the consensus recommendation is a Hold.
"We believe the market still lacks faith in Ford's EV and software strategy, which compounds the higher cash balance and lack of higher cash returns issue as investors are concerned about the return they will see on that cash," says UBS Global Research analyst Joseph Spak (Neutral, the equivalent of Hold). While the analyst believes electrification is where the market is headed over the intermediate term, investors are currently seeking profits from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
However, there are some bulls in Ford's corner. Financial services firm BofA Securities, for instance, has a Buy rating and $20 price target on Ford stock.
BofA analyst John Murphy recently went on the road with Ford's CEO and chief financial officer. "The conversation focused on Ford's efforts to reduce warranty costs, opportunities to grow earnings in Ford Pro, and the company's progress in cutting EV costs," Murphy said, with the executives reiterating that the company plans to make "no changes to its capital allocation strategy" and "pay out 40% to 50% of free cash flow as dividends and deploy capital to grow the business."
Related Content
-
Stock Market Today: Markets Reflect Global UncertaintyExuberance fades as investors confront micro challenges and a murkier macro environment.
-
4 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for Social Security in 2025Don't unnecessarily delay or reduce your Social Security benefits because you don't know all the rules and requirements.
-
Stock Market Today: Markets Reflect Global Uncertainty
Exuberance fades as investors confront micro challenges and a murkier macro environment.
-
What's Better Than Investing in Crypto? These 'Boring' PicksCryptocurrency may be good for a thrill, but older investors are better off with assets like bonds, guaranteed annuities, CDs and maybe dividend-paying stocks.
-
Four Actions to Lessen Retirement Stress for Women (and Men)Saving for retirement is anxiety-inducing for everyone, especially women. Following this four-part action plan can help improve your financial security.
-
Year-End Retirement Tax Planning Actions if You Have $1 Million or MoreConsider implementing these four strategies before December 31 to potentially improve your tax situation for this year and the future.
-
Five Simple Strategies to Ensure a Happy RetirementEmployer retirement plans are great, but individual responsibility plays a huge role in retirement success. Here's how to empower yourself.
-
25 Financial Moves to Consider Before December 31Tidying up your financial house before the New Year kicks off will put you in a great position to have a financially satisfying and successful 2025.
-
Five Side Hustles You Could Turn Into a Full-Time BusinessYou might be able to capitalize on your expertise in ways you haven't thought of, possibly even leading to quitting your 9-to-5 job to do what you love.
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Nabs New High After Jobs DataThe S&P 500 also closed at its highest level ever, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was pressured by another down day for UnitedHealth stock.
