Ford 2014 full-year pre-tax profit $6.3 billion
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Company results, which were consistent with September guidance, were driven by profitability in North America, record results in Asia Pacific, and the highest Ford Credit profit since 2011.
Ford generated positive Automotive operating-related cash flow of $500 million in the fourth quarter.
Wholesale volume was about equal with 2013, while company revenue declined 2 percent. Ford achieved record market share in Asia Pacific, driven by record share in China.
The company's fourth quarter pre-tax profit was $1.1 billion, excluding special items, $197 million lower than a year ago with after-tax earnings per share at 26 cents, 6 cents lower than a year ago. This was the company's 22nd consecutive quarter of profitability.
Pre-tax special item charges of $1.2 billion primarily reflects a one-time accounting change for Ford's Venezuela operations, as well as, separation-related actions in Europe and Asia Pacific to support the company's transformation plans, and charges associated with the settlement of the 2016 Convertible Notes. Net income was $52 million, or one cent per share, $3 billion lower than a year ago.
Ford generated positive Automotive operating-related cash flow of $500 million in the fourth quarter. Automotive gross cash was $21.7 billion, which exceeded debt by $7.9 billion, and liquidity remained strong.
As a result of Ford's 2014 financial performance, the company will make profit-sharing payments to approximately 50,000 eligible U.S. hourly employees on March 12, 2015.
As part of the UAW-Ford collective bargaining agreement, Ford North America pre-tax profits of $6.9 billion will generate profit-sharing payments of approximately $6,900 per eligible employee on a full year basis. Individual profit-sharing payments may be higher or lower based on employee compensated hours.
The company's worldwide pension plans were underfunded by $9 billion at the end of 2014, unchanged from the end of 2013 despite significantly lower discount rates, the impact of which was offset by asset returns, contributions and favorable exchange. The results are clear evidence that Ford's de-risking strategy is working.
Of the $9 billion underfunded status, about $6.5 billion, or about 70 percent, is associated with unfunded plans. The company made $1.5 billion in cash contributions to its worldwide funded plans, down $3.5 billion reflecting its improved funded status. In 2015, cash contributions to Ford's funded plans are expected to be about $1.1 billion globally, most of which are mandatory. ■