Ford analysis
September 15, 2023#UAW Strike: The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is planning a potential strike against the Big Three automakers, which includes Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis (STLA). This strike is contingent on whether a new deal is reached by a specified deadline. If no agreement is reached, the UAW President has indicated that a strike could commence. The potential strike could have significant economic implications. For instance, the Anderson Economic Group estimates that a 10-day strike against all three companies could cost the U.S. economy approximately $5.6 billion. @Ford 's stock price closed at $12.62, which is a decrease of 0.16%. In after-hours trading, the stock price further declined to $12.45, marking a 1.35% decrease. @Ford manufactures automobiles under its Ford and Lincoln brands. As of March 2022, the company decided to operate its combustion engine business, Ford Blue, and its BEV business, Ford Model e, as separate entities but still under the Ford Motor umbrella. The company has a significant market share in the United States, Europe, and China. The expectation is for the market share to increase as inventory improves post the chip shortage. The looming UAW strike and the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations could be a significant factor affecting Ford's stock price. Strikes often lead to production halts, which can impact revenues and profitability. The potential economic cost of the strike, as estimated, could also influence investor sentiment. Possible Next Steps for Ford - Negotiations with UAW: One of the immediate steps Ford should consider is to engage in constructive negotiations with the UAW to avoid the strike. This could involve revisiting contract terms, wages, and other benefits to find a middle ground. - Strengthen Supply Chain: Given the recent chip shortages that affected the auto industry, Ford could focus on strengthening its supply chain to ensure uninterrupted production in the future. - Expand Electric Vehicle (#EV) Portfolio: With the global shift towards EVs, Ford could consider expanding its EV lineup, investing in research and development, and building infrastructure like charging stations. - Diversification: Diversifying into related areas, like autonomous driving technology or mobility solutions, can provide additional revenue streams and reduce dependency on traditional car sales.