Ford Motor (NYSE: F) continues to be a major player in the automotive industry, drawing attention from institutional investors and Wall Street analysts. Recent filings with the SEC indicate that Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC trimmed its position in the automaker by 15.9% during the fourth quarter, selling 41,647 shares and retaining 220,015 shares valued at $2.18 million.
Institutional Interest in Ford Motor
Beyond Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC, several institutional investors have adjusted their holdings in Ford Motor. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its position by 29.8% in Q3, purchasing an additional 336,720 shares, bringing its total holdings to 1,464,980 shares worth approximately $16 million. Other notable investors include Principal Financial Group Inc., which expanded its holdings by 3.8%, and Alberta Investment Management Corp., which boosted its stake by 87.1% in Q4. Institutional investors now own approximately 58.74% of Ford’s stock, indicating significant interest from major market players.
Wall Street Analysts Weigh In
Ford Motor has been the subject of numerous analyst reports, reflecting varied perspectives on its valuation and future growth prospects:
- TD Cowen initiated coverage with a “hold” rating and a price target of $10.00.
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its price target from $14.00 to $13.00 while maintaining an “overweight” rating.
- Royal Bank of Canada and Wells Fargo & Company revised their target prices downward to $9.00 and $8.00, respectively, with sector perform and underweight ratings.
- BNP Paribas took a more positive stance by upgrading Ford to a “hold” rating.
Currently, MarketBeat.com data suggests that Ford holds a consensus “Hold” rating, with an average price target of $11.77. Three analysts have issued sell ratings, eleven recommend holding, and four advocate buying the stock.
Stock Performance and Financial Metrics
Ford Motor’s stock opened at $9.73 on Friday, with a 52-week range between $9.06 and $14.85. The automaker’s market capitalization stands at $38.54 billion, accompanied by a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 6.66, a price/earnings-to-growth (P/E/G) ratio of 0.61, and a beta of 1.59.
Key financial metrics:
- Debt-to-equity ratio: 2.31
- Current ratio: 1.16
- Quick ratio: 1.02
The stock’s performance has been relatively stable, with a 50-day moving average of $9.71 and a 200-day moving average of $10.34.
Q4 Earnings Beat Expectations
Ford Motor recently posted its earnings results for Q4, reporting earnings per share (EPS) of $0.39, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.04. The automaker achieved a net margin of 3.18% and a return on equity (ROE) of 16.88%. Analysts predict an EPS of 1.47 for the current fiscal year, signaling positive growth potential.
Dividend Yield Remains Attractive
Ford Motor continues to reward shareholders with a strong dividend. The company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, equating to an annualized yield of 6.17%. With a dividend payout ratio of 41.10%, Ford maintains an investor-friendly approach while balancing financial sustainability.
With institutional investors actively adjusting their positions, analysts weighing in on its prospects, and a steady dividend payout, Ford Motor remains a key stock to watch in the automotive sector.
