Ford raises profit forecast despite higher costs
The US carmaker expects adjusted operating profit of up to $11 billion in 2026.
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Ford has raised the lower end of its 2026 profit forecast, despite what the company says are higher costs for raw materials, fuel and chips. At the same time, the carmaker warns that geopolitical tensions and inflation are putting pressure on demand and margins.
Ford expects adjusted operating profit of between $10.5 billion and $11 billion this year. According to Ford, the lower end is therefore $500 million higher than previously forecast, while the upper end remains unchanged. The company also says it is maintaining its forecasts for free cash flow and investment.
Adjusted operating profit came to $2.7 billion in the third quarter. That was slightly higher than a year earlier. Net profit, however, fell by 17 per cent to around $2 billion, according to reports.
According to Ford, the higher profit forecast is mainly due to a favourable product mix and cost-cutting measures. At the same time, its estimate for full-year raw-material costs rose to nearly $2.5 billion, compared with around $2 billion previously.
Ford cites higher prices for copper and steel, more expensive fuel and semiconductors as cost factors. The war in the Middle East is also affecting costs, according to the company. Reuters reported that higher diesel prices in particular are increasing freight costs, while raw materials could erode margins.
The figures show the difference between the overall profit forecast and the performance of individual business units. According to Ford, Ford Blue, the division for traditional vehicles, and Ford Pro, focused on commercial vehicles and services, are making positive contributions. Model e, the electric-vehicle division, remains loss-making.
For Dutch companies, the combination of raw materials, transport and electrification is particularly relevant. Ford sells commercial vehicles and passenger cars in Europe, among other products, but the published figures concern the group worldwide and say nothing directly about the Dutch market.
The results give investors greater certainty in the short term, but do not resolve the sector’s structural problems. Carmakers must invest in electric vehicles, compete on price and contend with volatile costs and geopolitical risks at the same time.
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Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The financial figures and forecast are supported by the company source and independent reporting. The text clearly distinguishes between group-wide figures and possible consequences for the Netherlands.
- confirmed Ford raised the lower end of its 2026 profit forecast to $10.5 billion. — Confirmed by Reuters and company information on the quarterly results. source
- confirmed Adjusted operating profit in the third quarter was $2.7 billion. — Reported by Reuters. source
- confirmed Ford estimates raw-material costs for 2026 at nearly $2.5 billion. — Reported by Reuters. source
- confirmed Model e remains loss-making. — Included in the reported segment forecasts. source
Editor's note
The profit forecast, quarterly profit and cost factors are based on Ford and Reuters. The figures concern the group as a whole; effects on Dutch sales or employment have not been established separately.Sources
- Ford’s third-quarter core profit ticks higher despite rising commodity costs — Reuters via Investing.com
- Ford Motor Company Third Quarter 2026 Earnings — Ford Motor Company
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