What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce Ford Motor Company's preliminary second quarter 2011 financial results and to provide information on how investors and analysts can access the related conference calls and webcast.

What are "special items" and why does Ford exclude them?

Ford excludes "special items" from certain financial measures because they believe these items are not indicative of ongoing operating activities. These often relate to strategic adjustments, such as matching production capacity and cost structure to market demand, or other events that the company does not consider part of its core, recurring business performance.

What is 'Automotive operating-related cash flow' and why is it important?

Automotive operating-related cash flow is a non-GAAP metric that Ford believes best represents the cash generation ability of its Automotive operations. It includes items like capital spending, which are related to operations, but excludes other cash flow elements not considered directly indicative of operational cash generation. This metric is presented as a useful alternative for investors seeking to understand the cash-generating power of Ford's core automotive business.

Where can I find the actual financial results?

The detailed preliminary second quarter 2011 financial results are provided in Ford's news release dated July 26, 2011, which is filed as Exhibit 99 to this 8-K report. The filing also directs investors to conference calls and webcasts for further discussion.

FORD MOTOR CO 8-K: Earnings & Results

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from Ford Motor Company, filed on July 26, 2011, announces the release of preliminary second quarter 2011 financial results. Ford is holding two conference calls on the same day to discuss these results with the investment community, news media, and fixed income analysts. The company emphasizes its use of non-GAAP financial measures, such as results "excluding special items" and "Automotive operating-related cash flow," which they believe provide a clearer view of ongoing operations and cash generation ability by excluding certain restructuring or non-operational items. Investors should note that the attached news release (Exhibit 99) will provide the detailed financial figures. Ford explicitly states that these adjusted measures are presented alongside their U.S. GAAP equivalents and that they consider them useful for evaluating performance independent of specific strategic adjustments or items not indicative of core earnings. The filing also details how to access webcasts, conference calls, and replays of these presentations for interested parties.

Key Highlights

1Ford Motor Company announced preliminary second quarter 2011 financial results on July 26, 2011.
2Two conference calls were scheduled for July 26, 2011, to discuss the Q2 2011 results with different investor groups.
3The company is referencing a news release (Exhibit 99) for detailed financial information.
4Ford plans to present non-GAAP financial measures, excluding special items, to offer insights into ongoing operations.
5Key non-GAAP metrics to be discussed include Automotive operating-related cash flow and Automotive gross cash.
6Ford believes these adjusted measures help investors evaluate results excluding items related to structural adjustments and non-recurring activities.
7Details for accessing conference calls, webcasts, and replays are provided in the filing.

FORD MOTOR CO 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jul 26, 2011)

Summary

Key Highlights

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