Ford stock plunges 12% on news of wider EV losses

Ford lost nearly $37K on every electric vehicle sold in the third quarter

Ford Motor Co. shares closed down more than 12% Friday after the company withdrew its full-year forecast, citing "uncertainty" over its tentative deal with the United Auto Workers and broader losses in its electric vehicle division.

The automaker reported a higher-than-expected $1.33 billion loss in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) in its EV unit in its third-quarter earnings report Thursday, up from the $1.08 billion hit the segment took in the second quarter.

The corporate logo of Ford at a motor show

The corporate logo of Ford at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium Jan. 9, 2020.  (REUTERS/Francois Lenoir / Reuters Photos)

That means Ford took an operating loss of nearly $37,000 on every EV it sold last quarter. The company has forecast a full-year loss for the Ford Model e unit of $4.5 billion.

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Ford posted revenue of $44 billion for the third quarter, an 11% boost, and reported a $1.2 billion profit. The company lost $827 million the same quarter a year ago.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
F FORD MOTOR CO. 10.73 -0.32 -2.90%

Ford Motor Co.

Ford warned of continued pressure on electric vehicles as customers balk at paying a premium for EVs over other models. 

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CEO Jim Farley said in the company earnings call that, for customers, there is an "affordability issue" when its comes to EVs.

Jim FArley

Ford CEO Jim Farley attends a Red Bull Racing unveiling of the team's new Formula One car during a launch event in New York City Feb. 3, 2023. 

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The company said it will slash production of its Mustang Mach-E and plans to scale back around $12 billion in investments in its EV division, including a delay in a second battery plant in Kentucky.

Reuters contributed to this report.