S&P lifts Ford credit outlook to stable on cost cuts and stronger truck sales

S&P Global Ratings raised Ford Motor Company's credit outlook from negative to stable, citing structural cost reductions, improved cash‑flow visibility and resilient pricing in its truck portfolio. The agency affirmed Ford’s BBB‑ rating and projected adjusted EBITDA margins to rise to 7.8% by 2028. Ford also reported better‑than‑expected third‑quarter earnings and raised its full‑year profit guidance. The outlook change removes near‑term downgrade risk for the automaker’s investment‑grade debt.

The stable outlook eliminates the threat of a rating downgrade, supporting the pricing of Ford’s bonds and reducing refinancing risk. The higher profit margin guidance and raised earnings forecast may improve investor sentiment toward both Ford’s debt and equity securities.

  • 1S&P revised Ford’s credit outlook to stable from negative.
  • 2The agency affirmed Ford’s long‑term BBB‑ rating and A‑3 short‑term rating.
  • 3Ford expects $1 billion in materials and warranty savings in 2026.
  • 4Adjusted EBITDA margin is projected at 5.7% in 2026, 7.3% in 2027 and 7.8% in 2028.
  • 5Ford ended Q3 with $25.3 billion in automotive cash and $46.4 billion in total liquidity.
  • 6Ford posted Q3 adjusted earnings of $0.49 per share and raised full‑year adjusted profit guidance to $10.5‑$11 billion.

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