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Find new investment opportunities based on Market Sentiment Indicator. Manage watchlist risk with leading indicator of volatility See what influential analysts and investors are saying about stocks in your watchlist
David.Mitchell
David.MitchellDavid Mitchell is a seasoned financial analyst with a specialization in the Motor Vehicles industry. With a robust background in finance and a keen eye for market trends, David has established himself as a trusted expert in navigating the complexities of the automotive sector.
The rivalry between Ford and General Motors (GM) has been a constant for decades. However, recent market performance has highlighted a growing disparity between these two American icons. As of mid-2024, Ford's stock has climbed a respectable 15% since the beginning of the year, but this pales in comparison to GM's impressive 36% surge. This stark contrast has left investors and analysts questioning: Can Ford close the gap, or is GM pulling away for good?
At first glance, the financial fundamentals of both companies appear similar. Both Ford and GM are profitable and experiencing growth, with Ford expected to generate profits of about $22 billion in 2024-2025, while GM is projected to reach $26 billion during the same period. Both automakers have also made significant inroads into the electric vehicle market, positioning themselves for future growth in this crucial sector.
However, a closer examination reveals two key differences that may explain the performance gap:
Profit Margins: GM currently boasts a net profit margin of 6.3%, nearly triple Ford's 2.21%. This substantial difference in profitability is a major factor in investor sentiment.
Capital Return Strategies: GM has announced an aggressive $16 billion share buyback program, equivalent to about 30% of its market value. In contrast, Ford has maintained its traditional dividend approach, offering a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share and a special dividend of $0.18 per share announced in May. At current prices, this translates to a dividend yield of approximately 2.4%.
Under the leadership of CEO Jim Farley, who took the helm in October 2020, Ford is actively working to narrow these gaps. The company has outlined several initiatives aimed at boosting profitability and shareholder value:
If successful, these efforts could potentially increase Ford's operating profit by $1-2 billion, pushing net profit to around $11 billion in 2024, up from the previously expected $8 billion.
The broader U.S. auto market is expected to provide a boost to both Ford and GM. Industry projections suggest new car sales in the United States will grow to 16 million units in 2024, up from 15.5 million in 2023. By 2028, this figure could reach 17 to 18 million cars annually, offering significant growth potential for both automakers.
Despite the clear performance gap, analysts are divided on Ford's prospects for narrowing the divide with GM. Here's a breakdown of some key analyst opinions:
Despite these positive outlooks, the majority of analysts covering Ford (18 out of 24) maintain a hold recommendation. The average target price of $12.58 per share actually falls below the current stock price, indicating a degree of skepticism about Ford's near-term prospects.
While Ford has clearly lagged behind GM in recent stock performance, the company is not standing idle. With a focused strategy to improve profitability, enhance shareholder returns, and capitalize on the growing U.S. auto market, Ford has the potential to narrow the gap with its longtime rival.
However, investors should approach Ford stock with cautious optimism. The company faces significant challenges in improving its profit margins and convincing Wall Street that it can execute its turnaround plans effectively. While some analysts see substantial upside potential, the majority view suggests that Ford still has much to prove.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, particularly with the shift towards electric vehicles, both Ford and GM will face ongoing challenges and opportunities. For investors, closely monitoring Ford's progress in implementing its improvement initiatives and its success in the EV market will be crucial in determining whether the company can indeed close the performance gap with GM in the coming years.
Total Score
Strengths
Earnings are forecast to grow
Investors confidence is positive
Outperform the market
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Please note that the article should not be considered as investment advice or marketing, and it does not take into account the personal data and requirements of any individual. It is not a substitute for the reader's own judgment, and it should not be considered as advice or recommendation for buying or selling any securities or financial products.
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Past performance, whether actual or indicated by historical tests, is not indicative of future success. Results are based on strategies not previously available to investors and may not reflect actual investor returns.
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Disclaimer:
The Score performance whether actual or indicated by historical tests of strategies, is no guarantee of future performance or success. The results reflect performance of a strategy not historically offered to investors and does not represent returns that any investor actually attained.
The results reflect performance of a strategy not historically offered to investors and does not represent returns that any investor actually attained. The Readiness Indicators, Sentiment Indicators and total score are calculated by the retroactive application of a model constructed on the basis of historical data and based on assumptions integral to the model which may or may not be testable and are subject to losses. Active trading is generally not appropriate for someone of limited resources, limited invesment or trading experience, or low-risk tolerance. Your capital may be at risk.
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