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Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) surged 10.9% to $13.68 in Friday trading after posting stronger-than-expected third-quarter results that underscored the automaker’s financial resilience, operational discipline, and renewed investor confidence. The move marked Ford’s sharpest single-day rally in over a year as the company’s execution on costs, profitability in Ford Pro, and measured approach to electric vehicle spending convinced markets that its turnaround strategy is taking firm hold.
Revenue climbed 9.3% year-over-year to $50.5 billion, comfortably topping Wall Street’s $43.8 billion estimate. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.45, above consensus expectations of $0.36, while net income rose to $2.4 billion, reflecting stronger pricing and mix. The automaker’s adjusted EBIT margin improved to 7.8%, driven by cost efficiencies and an improved vehicle lineup focused on trucks, SUVs, and commercial fleets — the most profitable areas of its business.
The highlight once again came from Ford Pro, the company’s commercial division, which posted 15% revenue growth to $18.3 billion with an impressive 12.4% EBIT margin, fueled by continued demand for F-Series trucks and fleet orders from logistics and construction sectors. Ford Blue, its traditional internal combustion segment, maintained solid profitability with 9% revenue growth, while Model e, the electric vehicle arm, posted a $1.1 billion loss, narrower than prior quarters as Ford scaled back unprofitable EV production and emphasized cost discipline.
CEO Jim Farley reaffirmed Ford’s strategy of focusing on capital-efficient growth, stating that “volume without profitability is not the goal.” The company continues to target 2025 EV cost parity through lower battery material costs, improved supply chain integration, and platform standardization. Farley also confirmed Ford’s full-year adjusted EBIT guidance of $11–12 billion and free cash flow outlook of around $6.5 billion, signaling operational stability despite higher financing costs and a sluggish global EV market.
The company’s liquidity remains strong, with $46.8 billion in available cash and $88.5 billion in total debt, down from $91.2 billion in the prior quarter. Management highlighted the firm’s ability to withstand cyclical pressures while maintaining shareholder returns. Ford declared a $0.15 per share dividend, reiterating its commitment to capital returns as free cash flow trends strengthen. Analysts noted that the dividend consistency, combined with leverage reduction, strengthens Ford’s value proposition compared with peers like General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Rivian (NASDAQ:RIVN).
Market analysts responded positively to the quarter, with several raising their 12-month price targets to the $15.50–$16.00 range. The broad consensus is that Ford’s focus on profitable segments and disciplined EV investment sets it apart from competitors who remain heavily leveraged to early-stage electric development. Technical indicators support the bullish sentiment: Ford broke above resistance at $13.20, confirming a short-term uptrend with upside potential toward $14.20–$14.60 if momentum continues. The RSI near 65 indicates strong buying pressure without immediate overbought risk.
Investors also welcomed management’s tone regarding macro risks, including potential tariff adjustments and stabilized supply chain costs following last quarter’s supplier plant fire. With pricing power intact and operational visibility improving, Ford’s performance repositions it as one of the most strategically balanced automakers in North America.
Verdict: BUY — Ford’s Earnings Momentum and Margin Strength Support Continued Upside
With a 10.9% jump to $13.68 following a clear earnings beat, Ford (NYSE:F) demonstrates strong cost execution, margin expansion, and balanced capital allocation. The combination of Ford Pro strength, EV discipline, and stable cash flow justifies a BUY outlook, with short-term upside toward $15–$16 as investors reward management’s focus on profitability and shareholder value.
That’s TradingNEWS.com