Ford Motor : Achieves 2014 Pre-Tax Profit of $6.3 Billion, Net Income of $3.2 Billion; 2015 Outlook for Pre-Tax Profit at $8.5 Billion to $9.5 Billion*

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F):

• Full year 2014 pre-tax profit of $6.3 billion, a decline of $2.3 billion compared with a year ago; full year after-tax earnings, excluding special items, were $1.16 per share, 47 cents lower compared with a year ago
• Full year net income of $3.2 billion, or 80 cents per share
• Automotive pre-tax profit of $4.5 billion; North America profitable and Asia Pacific posted a record profit; Europe and Middle East & Africa both improved; South America reported a loss
• Wholesale volume about equal to a year ago and company revenue down 2 percent; achieved record market share in Asia Pacific, driven by record share in China
• Best results at Ford Credit since 2011
• Record-setting year of 24 vehicles launched globally, including the all-new F-150, Mustang, Escort, Ka, Transit and Lincoln MKC
• Fourth quarter pre-tax profit of $1.1 billion, a decrease of $197 million compared with a year ago; after-tax earnings per share of 26 cents, excluding special items; 22^nd consecutive profitable quarter
• Fourth quarter net income of $52 million — or 1 cent per share, a decrease of $3 billion compared with a year ago — includes a non-repeat of a favorable $2.1 billion special tax item from a year ago; pre-tax special item charges of $1.2 billion reflecting primarily a one-time accounting change for Ford’s Venezuela operations, as well as separation-related actions in Europe and Asia Pacific to support the company’s transformation plans, and the settlement of the company’s 2016 Convertible Notes
• Fourth quarter wholesale volume and company revenue declined year-over-year by 2 percent and 5 percent, respectively; positive Automotive operating-related cash flow of $500 million; Automotive gross cash of $21.7 billion at end of fourth quarter exceeded debt by $7.9 billion
• Global pension plans status is unchanged despite significantly lower discount rates, reflecting the success of the de-risking strategy
• 2015 outlook for company pre-tax profit is unchanged and expected to range from $8.5 billion to $9.5 billion; higher Automotive revenue and operating margin compared with 2014; improved outlook for Automotive operating-related cash flow from positive to higher than 2014

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today reported a 2014 full-year pre-tax profit of $6.3 billion, the company’s fifth consecutive year of both profitability and positive Automotive operating-related cash flow. Company results, which were consistent with September guidance, were driven by profitability in North America, record results in Asia Pacific, and the highest Ford Credit profit since 2011.

Full year after-tax earnings, excluding special items, were $1.16 per share, 47 cents lower. Net income of $3.2 billion, or 80 cents per share, was $4 billion lower than a year ago, including the non-repeat of a favorable fourth quarter $2.1 billion tax special item from a year ago. Wholesale volume was about equal with 2013, while company revenue declined 2 percent. Ford achieved record market share in Asia Pacific, driven by record share in China.

The company’s fourth quarter pre-tax profit was $1.1 billion, excluding special items, $197 million lower than a year ago with after-tax earnings per share at 26 cents, 6 cents lower than a year ago. This was the company’s 22^nd consecutive quarter of profitability. Pre-tax special item charges of $1.2 billion primarily reflects a one-time accounting change for Ford’s Venezuela operations, as well as, separation-related actions in Europe and Asia Pacific to support the company’s transformation plans, and charges associated with the settlement of the 2016 Convertible Notes. Net income was $52 million, or one cent per share, $3 billion lower than a year ago.

Ford generated positive Automotive operating-related cash flow of $500 million in the fourth quarter. Automotive gross cash was $21.7 billion, which exceeded debt by $7.9 billion, and liquidity remained strong.

“2014 was a solid yet challenging year for Ford — with our investments and a record number of new products launched around the world positioning us for strong growth this year and beyond,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO. “The entire Ford team remains focused on our three priorities of accelerating our One Ford plan, delivering product excellence and driving innovation in every part of the business.”

As a result of Ford’s 2014 financial performance, the company will make profit-sharing payments to approximately 50,000 eligible U.S. hourly employees on March 12, 2015. As part of the UAW-Ford collective bargaining agreement, Ford North America pre-tax profits of $6.9 billion will generate profit-sharing payments of approximately $6,900 per eligible employee on a full year basis. Individual profit-sharing payments may be higher or lower based on employee compensated hours.

The company’s worldwide pension plans were underfunded by $9 billion at the end of 2014, unchanged from the end of 2013 despite significantly lower discount rates, the impact of which was offset by asset returns, contributions and favorable exchange. The results are clear evidence that Ford’s de-risking strategy is working. Of the $9 billion underfunded status, about $6.5 billion, or about 70 percent, is associated with unfunded plans. The company made $1.5 billion in cash contributions to its worldwide funded plans, down $3.5 billion reflecting its improved funded status. In 2015, cash contributions to Ford’s funded plans are expected to be about $1.1 billion globally, most of which are mandatory.

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

Total Automotive fourth quarter wholesale volume and revenue decreased by 2 percent and 5 percent, respectively, from a year ago. The lower volume is more than explained by North America, while the revenue decline reflects all business units; about half of the revenue decline is attributable to unfavorable exchange. Operating margin and pre-tax profit were both lower than a year ago as a result of North America.

Full year volume was about equal to a year ago, while Automotive revenue was down 3 percent, more than explained by lower volume from consolidated operations and unfavorable exchange. Operating margin and Automotive pre-tax profit also were down driven by the Americas; all other business units improved.

“Our 2014 results were driven by solid profitability in North America, strong results from Ford Credit, and record performance in Asia Pacific,” said Bob Shanks, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “We expect strong growth and improved financial performance in 2015 driven by our investments in new products and capacity.”

North America

North America continues to benefit from robust industry sales, Ford’s strong product lineup, continued discipline in matching production with demand and a lean cost structure.

In the fourth quarter, North America’s pre-tax profit was $1.5 billion, down $252 million compared with a year ago, and was more than explained by the impact of new products launched in the quarter.

Wholesale volume and revenue declined 5 percent to 6 percent. The volume decrease reflects lower market share and lower dealer stock increases than a year ago. The decrease was partially offset by higher industry sales, including a U.S. seasonally adjusted annual sales rate of 17.2 million units, 1.2 million units higher than a year ago. North America’s revenue decline is explained by the lower volume.

Fourth quarter U.S. market share was 14.3 percent, down 1.1 percentage points from a year ago — largely retail related. This primarily reflects lower F-150 share as Ford balanced share with transaction prices and stocks as the company launched the all-new vehicle. Shares were also lower for several other products at the end of their product cycles as the company transitioned to the new products launched in the fourth quarter and early 2015. North America’s operating margin was 7.4 percent, down 0.8 percentage points from last year.

For the full year, all metrics declined from a year ago. The change in financial metrics is more than explained by lower volume and higher warranty costs, including recalls. Operating margin was 8.4 percent, slightly better than the company’s September guidance.

South America

South America continues to expand its product lineup and has replaced legacy products with global One Ford offerings. Ford is working to manage the effects of slowing GDP growth, lower industry volumes in South America’s larger markets, weaker currencies, high inflation, and policy uncertainty in some countries.

South America reported a pre-tax loss of $187 million in the fourth quarter, a decline of $61 million from the prior year, higher warranty costs, including a field service action, more than explain the deterioration.

In the fourth quarter, wholesale volume and revenue decreased by 2 percent and 9 percent, respectively. The lower volume is more than explained by an 800,000-unit decline from last year’s SAAR of 6.1 million units. This primarily reflects the impact of import restrictions in Argentina and the weaker economy in Brazil. The decline in revenue is more than explained by weaker currencies and unfavorable volume and mix, offset partially by higher net pricing.

South America’s fourth quarter market share, at 9.4 percent, was up 0.9 percentage points from a year ago primarily due to the successful introduction of the new Ka as well as Focus. Operating margin was negative 7.6 percent, down 2.9 percentage points.

For the full year, all metrics declined from a year ago driven by unfavorable changes in external factors. The full year loss includes $426 million of adverse balance sheet exchange effects, primarily related to the devaluation of the Venezuela bolivar in the first quarter.

Europe

Ford continues to implement its European Transformation Plan focused on product, brand and cost.

Europe reported a fourth quarter pre-tax loss of $443 million, an $86 million improvement from a year ago. The improvement is more than explained by favorable market factors, offset partially by Russia.

In the fourth quarter, wholesale volume improved 5 percent from a year ago, while revenue declined 2 percent. The higher volume is more than explained by a 500,000-unit increase in the Europe 20 SAAR, to 15.1 million units, and a lower dealer stock reduction compared with a year ago. The decline in revenue is more than explained by unfavorable exchange.

The focus on product and brand saw continued progress in the quarter, with the launch of the new Focus and the all-new Mondeo. Ford’s Europe 20 market share, at 7.6 percent, was up 0.2 percentage points from a year ago. This was driven by a 2.8 percentage point improvement in the company’s commercial vehicle share, to 11.7 percent, reflecting the success of the company’s full line of new Transit vehicles and the continued strong performance of the Ranger compact pickup. Europe’s operating margin was negative 6.5 percent, an improvement of 1.1 percentage points from a year ago.

For the full year, all metrics improved from a year ago.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa, where Ford is focused on building on its distribution capability, expanding its One Ford product offering tailored to the needs of markets in the region, and leveraging global low-cost sourcing hubs for vehicles in this fast-growing region.

The business unit reported a loss of $82 million for the fourth quarter, $22 million improvement than a year ago. Operating margin was negative 8.2 percent, a 2 percentage point improvement from last year. The improvement is more than explained by higher net pricing and favorable mix.

In the fourth quarter, wholesale volume and revenue declined from a year ago by 10 percent and 2 percent, respectively. The lower volume primarily reflects an unfavorable change in dealer stocks to align with near-term market demand.

Full year wholesale volume and revenue declined compared with a year ago and operating margin and profit improved.

Asia Pacific

Ford continues to invest for growth in Asia Pacific through both new and expanded plants, new products and the introduction of Lincoln in China.

Asia Pacific reported a fourth quarter pre-tax profit of $95 million, a decrease of $14 million from a year ago. The decline is more than explained by higher warranty cost related to a field service action.

In the fourth quarter, wholesale volume was up 2 percent from a year ago, and net revenue, which excludes the company’s China joint ventures, declined 9 percent. Wholesale volume in China increased 5 percent from a year ago. The higher volume in Asia Pacific is more than explained by higher industry volume. Ford estimates the fourth quarter SAAR for the region at 40.7 million units, up 600,000 units from a year ago. Lower market share was a partial offset. The lower revenue reflects lower volume from consolidated operations and unfavorable exchange.

Fourth quarter market share, at 3.5 percent, was down 0.1 percentage points from a year ago. Our market share in China also deteriorated 0.1 percent, to 4.3 percent, due to a wholesale industry that was well above trend.

Fourth quarter operating margin for Asia Pacific was 3.6 percent, 0.2 percentage points lower than a year ago.

All full year metrics improved from a year ago and all were records. In 2014, Ford’s China joint ventures contributed $1.3 billion in pre-tax profit, reflecting Ford’s equity share of earnings after tax. The balance of results for the region primarily reflect Australia where Ford is implementing its transformation plan; India, where Ford is investing for future growth, including the launch of two new plants later this year; and industry and economic factors in ASEAN.

Other Automotive

The full year 2014 loss of $755 million in Other Automotive primarily reflects net interest expense.

PRODUCTION VOLUMES*

* Includes Ford brand and JMC brand vehicles produced by unconsolidated affiliates.

FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR

Ford Motor Credit Company

A strategic asset and an integral part of Ford’s global growth and value creation strategy, Ford Credit continued to deliver strong results in the fourth quarter.

Ford Credit’s fourth quarter pre-tax profit of $423 million was $55 million higher than a year ago. The improved pre-tax profit is more than explained by higher volume and favorable market valuation adjustments to derivatives.

Ford Credit’s full-year pre-tax profit was $1.9 billion, $98 million higher than a year ago. The improvement is more than explained by increases globally in consumer and non-consumer finance receivables, as well as operating leases in North America.

2014 PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS AND KEY METRICS

Ford’s planning assumptions and key metrics for 2014 included the following:

2015 OUTLOOK

Ford remains focused on delivering the key aspects of the One Ford plan, which are unchanged:

• Aggressively restructuring to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix
• Accelerating the development of new products that customers want and value
• Financing the plan and improving the balance sheet
• Working together effectively as one team, leveraging Ford’s global assets

In 2015, Ford expects to realize the benefits of its global product investment and growth strategies, and will continue its strong product push with 15 global vehicle launches. The company expects its pre-tax profit, excluding special items, to be in the $8.5 billion to $9.5 billion range.

Ford’s key metrics and planning assumptions for 2015 included the following:

* The financial results discussed herein are presented on a preliminary basis; final data will be included in Ford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014. The following information applies to the information throughout this release:

• Pre-tax results exclude special items unless otherwise noted.
• All references to records by Automotive business units are since at least 2000 when Ford began reporting specific business unit results.
• See tables at the end of this release for the nature and amount of special items, and reconciliation of items designated as “excluding special items” to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Also see the tables for reconciliation to GAAP of Automotive gross cash, operating-related cash flow and net interest.
• Discussion of overall Automotive cost changes is measured primarily at present-year exchange and excludes special items and discontinued operations; in addition, costs that vary directly with production volume, such as material, freight and warranty costs, are measured at present-year volume and mix.
• Wholesale unit sales and production volumes include the sale or production of Ford brand and JMC brand vehicles by unconsolidated affiliates but the revenues from such sales are not included in Ford’s consolidated revenue. JMC refers to our Chinese joint venture, Jiangling Motors Corporation. See materials supporting the January 29, 2015 conference calls at www.shareholder.ford.com for further discussion of wholesale unit volumes.

** Excludes special items and “Income/(Loss) attributable to non-controlling interests.” See tables at the end of this release for the nature and amount of these special items and reconciliation to GAAP.

Risk Factors

Statements included or incorporated by reference herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts, and assumptions by Ford management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation:

• Decline in industry sales volume, particularly in the United States or Europe, due to financial crisis, recession, geopolitical events, or other factors;
• Decline in Ford’s market share or failure to achieve growth;
• Lower-than-anticipated market acceptance of Ford’s new or existing products;
• Market shift away from sales of larger, more profitable vehicles beyond Ford’s current planning assumption, particularly in the United States;
• An increase in or continued volatility of fuel prices, or reduced availability of fuel;
• Continued or increased price competition resulting from industry excess capacity, currency fluctuations, or other factors;
• Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates;
• Adverse effects resulting from economic, geopolitical, or other events;
• Economic distress of suppliers that may require Ford to provide substantial financial support or take other measures to ensure supplies of components or materials and could increase costs, affect liquidity, or cause production constraints or disruptions;
• Work stoppages at Ford or supplier facilities or other limitations on production (whether as a result of labor disputes, natural or man-made disasters, tight credit markets or other financial distress, production constraints or difficulties, or other factors);
• Single-source supply of components or materials;
• Labor or other constraints on Ford’s ability to maintain competitive cost structure;
• Substantial pension and postretirement health care and life insurance liabilities impairing our liquidity or financial condition;
• Worse-than-assumed economic and demographic experience for postretirement benefit plans (e.g., discount rates or investment returns);
• Restriction on use of tax attributes from tax law “ownership change;”
• The discovery of defects in vehicles resulting in delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, or increased warranty costs;
• Increased safety, emissions, fuel economy, or other regulations resulting in higher costs, cash expenditures, and/or sales restrictions;
• Unusual or significant litigation, governmental investigations, or adverse publicity arising out of alleged defects in products, perceived environmental impacts, or otherwise;
• A change in requirements under long-term supply arrangements committing Ford to purchase minimum or fixed quantities of certain parts, or to pay a minimum amount to the seller (“take-or-pay” contracts);
• Adverse effects on results from a decrease in or cessation or clawback of government incentives related to investments;
• Inherent limitations of internal controls impacting financial statements and safeguarding of assets;
• Cybersecurity risks to operational systems, security systems, or infrastructure owned by Ford, Ford Credit, or a third-party vendor or supplier;
• Failure of financial institutions to fulfill commitments under committed credit and liquidity facilities;
• Inability of Ford Credit to access debt, securitization, or derivative markets around the world at competitive rates or in sufficient amounts, due to credit rating downgrades, market volatility, market disruption, regulatory requirements, or other factors;
• Higher-than-expected credit losses, lower-than-anticipated residual values, or higher-than-expected return volumes for leased vehicles;
• Increased competition from banks or other financial institutions seeking to increase their share of financing Ford vehicles; and
• New or increased credit, consumer, or data protection or other regulations resulting in higher costs and/or additional financing restrictions.

Ford cannot be certain that any expectation, forecast, or assumption made in preparing forward-looking statements will prove accurate, or that any projection will be realized. It is to be expected that there may be differences between projected and actual results. Ford’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and Ford does not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For additional discussion, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Ford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, as updated by Ford’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) releases its preliminary 2014 fourth quarter financial results at 7:00 a.m. EST today. The following briefings will be held after the announcement:

• At 9:00 a.m. (EST), Mark Fields, president and chief executive officer, and Bob Shanks, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will host a conference call to discuss Ford’s 2014 fourth quarter results.
• At 11:00 a.m. (EST), Neil Schloss, vice president and treasurer; Stuart Rowley, vice president and controller, and Michael Seneski, chief financial officer, Ford Motor Credit Company, will host a conference call focusing on Ford Motor Credit Company’s 2014 fourth quarter results.

The presentations (listen-only) and supporting materials will be available at www.shareholder.ford.com. Representatives of the investment community will have the opportunity to ask questions on both conference calls, as will representatives of the news media on the first call.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 187,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.

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