Ford Motor (NYSE: F) is making headlines as Representative Tim Moore (R-North Carolina) disclosed a significant stock purchase, signaling confidence in the automaker despite recent market fluctuations. According to a filing disclosed on March 11th, Moore acquired between $50,001 and $100,000 worth of Ford shares on February 7th, adding to a series of high-profile trades in the automotive sector.
Tracking Tim Moore’s Recent Trades
The congressman’s investment in Ford Motor wasn’t an isolated move. Moore’s recent trading activity reveals a strategic interest in both the auto and defense industries. His disclosed transactions include:
- February 21, 2025: Sold $15,001 – $50,000 in shares of Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK).
- February 20, 2025: Sold $1,001 – $15,000 in shares of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
- February 13, 2025: Purchased $15,001 – $50,000 in shares of Ford Motor (NYSE: F).
- February 12, 2025: Purchased $50,001 – $100,000 in shares of Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) and sold the same amount the same day.
- February 10, 2025: Sold $100,001 – $250,000 in shares of Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG).
- February 10, 2025: Purchased $15,001 – $50,000 in shares of Ford Motor (NYSE: F).
- February 6, 2025: Purchased $15,001 – $50,000 in shares of Ford Motor (NYSE: F).
- February 6, 2025: Purchased $100,001 – $250,000 in shares of Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG).
- February 5, 2025: Sold $50,001 – $100,000 in shares of Ford Motor (NYSE: F).
These moves suggest that Moore is bullish on Ford despite recent stock fluctuations, while showing a mixed sentiment toward Harley-Davidson and Rockwell Automation.
Ford Motor Stock Performance
On Friday, Ford Motor shares rose 2.0%, trading up $0.20 to close at $9.73. The stock saw high trading volume, with 91.2 million shares exchanged—close to its 92.05 million average volume. Despite facing challenges, Ford remains a key player in the auto industry with a market cap of $38.54 billion, a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 6.66, and a price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.61.
Ford’s financial health metrics include:
- Debt-to-equity ratio: 2.31
- Quick ratio: 1.02
- Current ratio: 1.16
- 52-week range: $9.06 – $14.85
Ford’s Earnings and Dividend Update
Ford recently reported its Q4 2024 earnings on February 5th, posting earnings per share (EPS) of $0.39, exceeding Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $0.35. The automaker’s return on equity stood at 16.88%, with a net profit margin of 3.18%. Analysts forecast an EPS of 1.47 for 2025, indicating moderate growth expectations.
Additionally, Ford continues to attract income-focused investors with its quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share. This equates to a 6.17% dividend yield, one of the highest in the auto sector. The company’s dividend payout ratio currently stands at 41.10%.
Wall Street’s View on Ford Motor
Equities analysts have issued mixed ratings on Ford stock, with recent adjustments reflecting concerns about the broader economic environment and the company’s ability to sustain growth.
- JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its price target from $14.00 to $13.00 while maintaining an “overweight” rating.
- Barclays downgraded Ford from “overweight” to “equal weight,” cutting its target price from $13.00 to $11.00.
- Bank of America revised its target from $19.00 to $15.50 but maintained a “buy” rating.
- Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Ford from “hold” to “underperform” and set a lower price target of $9.00.
- Royal Bank of Canada adjusted its target from $10.00 to $9.00, keeping a “sector perform” rating.
MarketBeat.com data shows that Ford has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $11.77.
What’s Next for Ford Motor?
As Ford continues its electric vehicle expansion and restructures operations, investors will closely watch its next earnings report and market response. With a strong dividend yield and recent insider interest from Rep. Tim Moore, Ford remains a stock to watch in 2025.
