What Analysts Expect for Ford’s 1Q18 Profit Margin

In 4Q17, Ford (F) reported an adjusted pre-tax profit of $1.4 billion from its automotive segment, with an operating profit margin of 3.7%. This margin was smaller than its adjusted operating profit margin of 5.7% in 4Q16. Ford’s pre-tax profits worsened in all key reporting segments but South America. While its South American profits improved, they remained in negative territory. Despite positive growth in its global wholesale volumes, Ford’s pre-tax profit in 4Q17 was hurt by higher commodity prices, recall costs, and currency headwinds driven by the British pound.