Why is Ford using 'non-GAAP financial measures'?

Ford is using non-GAAP financial measures, such as results 'excluding special items' and specific cash metrics, to offer investors a clearer perspective on the company's ongoing operational performance. These adjusted measures are intended to exclude or account for certain items that management believes are not indicative of regular business activities, allowing for a better evaluation of underlying trends.

What are the key cash metrics mentioned by Ford?

Ford highlighted two key cash metrics: 'Automotive operating-related cash flow,' which it believes best represents the cash generation ability of its Automotive operations (including capital spending), and 'Automotive gross cash,' which includes cash, cash equivalents, and net marketable securities.

Where can investors find the detailed financial results discussed in this filing?

The detailed financial results and related discussions are contained within the news release filed as Exhibit 99 to this Form 8-K, dated January 27, 2012. Additionally, presentation materials were made available via a webcast on www.shareholder.ford.com.

FORD MOTOR CO 8-K: Earnings & Results

Q: 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 intention to release preliminary fourth quarter and full year 2011 financial results and to provide details about the conference calls scheduled to discuss these results.

Summary

Ford Motor Company's 8-K filing on January 27, 2012, announced its intention to release preliminary fourth quarter and full year 2011 financial results. The company detailed conference calls scheduled for the same day, hosted by key executives including the CEO and CFO, to discuss these results with the investment community and fixed income analysts. These calls were intended to provide investors with an overview of Ford's performance, including insights into its operational health and financial condition. The filing also highlighted Ford's use of non-GAAP financial measures, such as results "excluding special items" and specific cash metrics like "Automotive operating-related cash flow" and "Automotive gross cash." Ford explained that these adjusted measures are presented to provide investors with a clearer view of ongoing operational performance by excluding or adjusting for certain items that management does not consider indicative of regular business activities, such as those related to capacity adjustments and cost structure alignment. The company emphasized the utility of these metrics for evaluating underlying business trends and cash generation capabilities from its core automotive operations.

Key Highlights

1Ford announced upcoming release of preliminary Q4 and full-year 2011 financial results on January 27, 2012.
2Two conference calls were scheduled for January 27, 2012, to discuss financial results with the investment community and fixed income analysts.
3Key executives, including the President and CEO Alan Mulally and CFO Lewis Booth, were slated to present.
4Ford indicated the use of non-GAAP financial measures, such as results 'excluding special items,' to provide adjusted performance insights.
5The company highlighted specific cash metrics like 'Automotive operating-related cash flow' and 'Automotive gross cash' as useful for investors.
6Ford justified the use of adjusted metrics by explaining they exclude items not indicative of ongoing operations, aiding performance evaluation.
7Exhibit 99, a news release dated January 27, 2012, was filed with the report and contains the detailed financial information.

FORD MOTOR CO 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 27, 2012)

Summary

Key Highlights

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