Ford (F) Craters Below $10 as CEO Drama Overshadows Q1 Earnings Win

Another ’brilliant’ case of corporate leadership stealing the spotlight from actual performance. Ford’s stock tanks despite beating earnings—because nothing says ’investor confidence’ like executive turmoil and a race to the bottom of the Dow.

Q2’s CEO woes cut deeper than Q1’s numbers can bandage. Wall Street shrugs at fundamentals yet again, proving markets run on vibes, not value. Time to short the suits and go long on chaos.

Earnings Beat Overshadowed by Tariff Warnings

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) reported stronger-than-expected first-quarter earnings, yet concerns over future profitability took center stage. The automaker exceeded analyst forecasts for Q1, but during its earnings call, Ford revised down its expectations for Q2 due to potential impacts from recently enacted U.S. trade tariffs. Shares opened the day lower, falling nearly 1% to $10.20 after failing to break above the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) last week. Following the earnings release, Ford stock dropped another 3% in after-hours trading, sliding beneath the $10 threshold for the first time in weeks.

Tariffs Pose $1.5 Billion Risk to Ford’s 2025 Outlook

While Ford manufactures most of its U.S. vehicle lineup domestically—providing a relative buffer from new 25% tariffs on foreign auto imports—the company warned that rising costs for imported auto parts will still carry a material impact. Ford executives projected a net adverse effect of $1.5 billion in adjusted EBIT for the full year due to the tariff policy. Though Ford maintained that it remains within its pre-tariff earnings range of $7.0 to $8.5 billion, it withdrew prior forward guidance given the rising uncertainty around trade policy and global supply chains.

F Stock Daily Chart – Upside Stalls at the 200 SMS

Technically, Ford’s inability to push through its 200-day SMA acted as a ceiling for the stock last week, and today’s gap lower marked a continuation of bearish momentum. With a combined 4% drop during regular and after-hours trading, the stock’s decline reflects not just the guidance reset but growing investor anxiety around margin pressure. Traders will be closely watching how Ford shares respond tomorrow at the open, especially if broader markets react to rising tariff headlines.

What to Expect Next

All attention now turns to CEO Jim Farley, who is expected to address updated financial targets and a revised profit outlook early next week. Ford’s future performance will likely hinge on how effectively the company can offset rising input costs and maintain EV production momentum amid a changing trade environment.

Despite a solid Q1 earnings beat, Ford’s stock fell sharply as concerns around a $1.5 billion tariff hit to 2025 profits rattled investors. With uncertainty clouding its near-term outlook, the stock faces a pivotal test in the coming days as markets await revised guidance and leadership commentary.