Ford's Q1 Earnings Date Looms: What Investors Should Watch on May 5

Ford Motor Company (F), the iconic automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, is set to report its first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings after the market closes on Monday, May 5. With a market capitalization of $36.6 billion, the company manufactures Ford trucks, commercial vehicles, SUVs, and Lincoln luxury models, while also offering financing, leasing, and insurance services tied to its vehicles.

The Earnings Expectations for Ford’s F Earnings Date

When Ford releases its Q1 results on the f earnings date of May 5, Wall Street will be watching closely. Analysts project the company will post a loss of $0.02 per share on a diluted basis—a dramatic 104.1% decline from the $0.49 per share profit reported in the prior-year quarter. For the full fiscal year 2025, consensus estimates point to earnings of $1.34 per share, representing a 27.2% drop from the $1.84 achieved in fiscal 2024.

However, there’s a silver lining. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, analysts anticipate F’s EPS will recover to $1.53, marking a 14.2% year-over-year improvement. Historically, Ford has demonstrated mixed predictive accuracy, beating or matching analyst consensus in three of the last four quarters, though it has stumbled on occasion.

Stock Performance Decline Ahead of the Earnings Report

F stock’s journey over the past 52 weeks tells a cautionary tale. The automaker has underperformed the S&P 500 (SPX), which posted 4.2% losses, by a significant margin—Ford shares have plummeted 35.2% during this stretch. The company also lagged the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY), which declined 2.3%, underscoring weakness specific to Ford.

The culprit behind this weakness? Tariff concerns have cast a shadow over the auto sector. Proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada pose a material threat to Ford’s bottom line, particularly given that 17% of the company’s North American production occurs in these jurisdictions. Broader U.S. tariff policies and potential retaliatory measures from trading partners threaten to further compress margins across the automotive industry.

Recent Performance and Analyst Sentiment

Ford’s most recent financial update came on February 5, when the company reported fourth-quarter results. The earnings beat lifted some investors’ spirits temporarily, with revenue reaching $48.2 billion—surpassing analyst expectations of $45.7 billion. Adjusted EPS of $0.39 also exceeded the consensus forecast of $0.32. Yet the market’s initial enthusiasm waned, with shares closing down more than 7% in the subsequent trading session.

Currently, the analyst consensus on Ford stock remains cautious, reflected in a neutral “Hold” rating overall. Among 23 analysts tracking the stock, the breakdown shows limited enthusiasm: just four rate it a “Strong Buy,” while 14 maintain a “Hold” position. On the bearish side, one analyst suggests a “Moderate Sell,” and four recommend a “Strong Sell.” The average price target of $9.73 implies a modest 12% upside potential from prevailing prices.

As investors await Ford’s f earnings date announcement in May, the interplay between recovery hopes and macro headwinds will likely determine near-term sentiment toward this automotive stalwart.