Ford Posts 2011 Pre-Tax Operating Profit of $8.8 Billion

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DETROIT — Ford Motor Company today reported a 2011 full year pre-tax operating profit of $8.8 billion, an increase of $463 million from a year ago, as strong performance in North America and Ford Credit offset challenges in other parts of the world. This marks the company’s third year in a row of improving annual operating profits.

“We delivered strong results for the full year as we continued to serve our customers around the world with best-in-class vehicles and make progress toward our mid-decade goals,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “Despite the continued uncertainty in the external environment, the strength of our North American and Ford Credit operations allows us to continue to invest for future growth and develop outstanding products with segment-leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.”

As a result of Ford’s 2011 financial performance, Ford will make profit sharing payments to approximately 41,600 eligible U.S. hourly employees. In accordance with the formula in the UAW-Ford collective bargaining agreement, Ford’s North American pre-tax profits of $6.2 billion will generate approximately $6,200 per eligible employee on a full year basis. Based on first-half 2011 results, the formula generated approximately $3,750 per employee, which was distributed in December 2011. For the second half of 2011, the formula generated approximately $2,450 per employee, which is planned to be distributed in March. Individual profit sharing payments will be higher or lower based on employee compensated hours.

As part of Ford’s long-term strategy to reduce risk in its funded pension plans, the company expects to make cash contributions to its funded pension plans in 2012 of about $3.5 billion globally, including discretionary contributions to its U.S. plans of about $2 billion.

“2011 marked a milestone year in our work to strengthen our balance sheet. We increased Automotive cash, reduced debt and improved liquidity, clearing the way for us to resume paying a quarterly dividend,” said Lewis Booth, Ford executive vice president and chief financial officer. “We are building on this strong foundation in 2012 and taking actions when appropriate to strengthen further our balance sheet.”

Ford made major progress under the One Ford plan in 2011 and is well on track to achieve the goals in its mid-decade outlook. The company launched new global vehicles, including the Focus and Ranger, and continued to expand its production facilities in global growth markets such as China, India and Russia.

“We are making consistent progress on our commitment to deliver great products, invest for global growth, build a strong business and provide profitable growth for all,” said Mulally. “We recognize we have challenges and opportunities ahead. We are excited about realizing the full potential of the global scale and operating margin benefits inherent in our One Ford plan. We also are excited about what leveraging our global assets ultimately will deliver for everyone associated with our business.”