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

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to announce Ford Motor Company's preliminary second quarter 2012 financial results and to provide details about upcoming conference calls where these results will be discussed with investors and analysts.

Why does Ford report financial results excluding "special items"?

Ford reports financial results excluding "special items" and other adjustments because they believe it provides investors with a clearer understanding of the company's ongoing operational performance. These adjustments remove the impact of items like restructuring efforts related to capacity and cost structure adjustments, which are not considered indicative of recurring earnings.

How can investors access the financial results discussion?

Investors can access the discussion through two conference calls scheduled for July 25, 2012. Listen-only webcasts and supporting presentation materials will be available on www.shareholder.ford.com, and replays will be accessible until August 1, 2012.

FORD MOTOR CO 8-K: Earnings & Results

Q: What are "Automotive operating-related cash flow" and "Automotive gross cash"?

These are key cash metrics that Ford believes are useful for investors. "Automotive operating-related cash flow" is intended to represent the cash-generating ability of Ford's automotive operations, including capital expenditures. "Automotive gross cash" refers to the total of cash, cash equivalents, and net marketable securities. Ford provides these to offer a more focused view on the automotive segment's financial health.

Summary

Ford Motor Company filed an 8-K on July 25, 2012, to announce its preliminary second quarter 2012 financial results and provide details on conference calls for investors and analysts. The company will host two separate calls on July 25th: one for the investment community and news media at 9:00 a.m. ET, and another for fixed income analysts and investors at 11:00 a.m. ET. These calls will review the company's financial performance and are accompanied by webcast presentations available on Ford's shareholder website. The filing also highlights Ford's practice of reporting financial measures on a basis that excludes "special items" and other adjustments, which the company believes offers a clearer view of ongoing operational performance by removing the impact of restructuring efforts and other non-indicative items. Additionally, Ford will discuss key cash metrics like "Automotive operating-related cash flow" and "Automotive gross cash," which are presented to provide investors with insights into the operational cash-generating ability of the automotive segment, distinct from overall cash flow and balance sheet components.

Key Highlights

1Ford Motor Company announced preliminary second quarter 2012 financial results via an 8-K filing on July 25, 2012.
2Two conference calls are scheduled for July 25, 2012, to discuss these results: one for the general investment community and one for fixed income analysts.
3The company will present financial results, including measures "excluding special items" and with other adjustments, to provide a view of ongoing operational performance.
4Ford emphasizes the usefulness of adjusted financial measures for investors to assess performance without the impact of restructuring and other non-indicative items.
5Key cash metrics, including "Automotive operating-related cash flow" and "Automotive gross cash," will be discussed.
6These cash metrics are presented to offer investors a better understanding of the automotive segment's cash generation capability.
7Webcasts and presentation materials will be available on www.shareholder.ford.com, with replays accessible through August 1, 2012.

FORD MOTOR CO 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jul 25, 2012)

Summary

Key Highlights

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