Ford downgraded as tariffs hammer outlook, target cut to $7

Investing.com --Bernstein downgraded Ford Motor Co (NYSE:F) to “Underperform” from “Market Perform” and slashed its price target to $7 from $9.40, warning that newly implemented U.S. vehicle tariffs and weakening consumer sentiment pose a significant threat to earnings and free cash flow over the next two years.

Shares are down roughly 3% in premarket trading. 

Ford’s adjusted earnings are expected to fall 41.2% in 2025 and 36.4% in 2026, with free cash flow projection lowered by more than 35%.

Combined tariff and consumer headwinds will erase $6.7 billion in automotive free cash flow from 2025 to 2027.

Vehicle tariffs have commenced, and parts tariffs are likely to follow within a month. The market has yet to fully price in the downside risk.

U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, with additional tariffs on automotive parts set to take effect on May 3.

While vehicles compliant with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) can deduct U.S. content from their tariff obligation, Bernstein noted that the precise definition of “U.S. content” remains unsettled, creating uncertainty.

A stricter interpretation could more than double Ford’s exposure to tariffs, according to the firm.

The combination of tariff costs, price elasticity, and macroeconomic pressures is expected to result in a $4.8 billion EBIT headwind for Ford in 2026.

While Ford is arguably better positioned than GM due to a smaller portfolio cut and a stronger Pro segment, it starts from a weaker financial base, Bernstein said, citing higher exposure to parts produced in Mexico and Canada.

The firm forecasts a $2.2 billion annual free cash flow hit for Ford between 2025 and 2027, compared to $2 billion for GM.

Despite lowering near-term estimates, Bernstein maintained that long-term prospects tied to Ford Model e, its Pro commercial division, and EV battery localization efforts remain intact. However, those tailwinds are unlikely to offset the near-term damage.

The firm applies a 5.6x multiple, above the market average of 4.4x, to reflect potential long-term recovery, but warns that in the near term, "it’s hard to see a path out of this.”