FORD surprises, reports a net profit of $750 million

DEARBORN, Mich., July 26, 2007 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported a net profit of 31 cents per share, or $750 million, for the second quarter of 2007. This compares with a net loss of 17 cents per share, or $317 million, in the second quarter of 2006.

Ford's second-quarter revenue was $44.2 billion, up from $41.9 billion a year ago. The increase primarily reflected currency exchange, mix and net pricing improvements, partially offset by lower volume.

Ford's second-quarter profit from continuing operations, excluding special items, was 13 cents per share, or $258 million, compared with a loss of 6 cents per share, or $118 million, in the same period a year ago.**

Special items - which primarily reflected the sale of Aston Martin and the recognition of previously deferred gains on certain hedges at Jaguar and Land Rover - increased pre-tax results by $443 million in the second quarter.

With regard to Jaguar and Land Rover, the company confirmed it is currently exploring in greater detail the potential sale of the combined business and is in discussions with selected parties who have expressed interest. The company also is conducting a strategic review of Volvo that likely will conclude prior to year-end.

• Revenue of $44 billion, 6 percent above second quarter 2006.
• Net income of $750 million, or 31 cents per share, for the second quarter of 2007.
• Profit of $258 million, or 13 cents per share, from continuing operations excluding special items.**
• Significant year-over-year improvement for all Automotive operations.
• Ford Motor Credit pre-tax profit of $112 million.
• Cost reductions of $600 million; $1.1 billion through the first half of 2007.
• Automotive gross cash at June 30, 2007 of $37.4 billion (including cash and cash equivalents, net marketable securities, loaned securities and short-term Voluntary Employee Benefits Association (VEBA) assets).***

"We continue to focus on the four priorities of our plan - restructuring the business to operate profitably, accelerating the development of new products that our customers want and value, funding our plan and improving our balance sheet, and working even more effectively together as one global Ford team, leveraging our assets," said Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally. "Our team is very encouraged by the significant progress we are making. We recognize the challenges that lie ahead and remain fully committed to delivering our plan."

Source : Equity Bulls

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