Archive for the ‘Ford’ Category

Ford $1 Billion Profit in Quarter; Launch Fiesta

Monday, April 26th, 2010

What car brand would you buy next?

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Who says planes and cars having nothing in common? When Alan Mulally joined Ford some 4 years ago as its CEO, that was the question du jour. Mullaly most likely will stand up to a microphone tomorrow and simply state that Ford earned $1 Billion during its last quarter.

There won’t be balloons bursting, cakes being sliced and champagne flowing. Rather Mulally’s approach is deceptive: Stay focused on what you do best. Mullaly is also proof positive the influence one person can bring to a company, even a company as bad off as Ford once was.

Ford still has $31 Billion in debt and some $350 per car sold covers interest payments on that debt. That is why Mulally is keeping a low profile and as Bill Ford Jr. said earlier, “I doubt we will ever get back to the times of spending frivolously no matter what happens.”

What Mulally is more excited about is Ford’s launch of its Fiesta model. With GM outselling Ford 3 to 1 in China (which now sells more cars that the U.S), Mulally is hoping this is the vehicle to gain market share worldwide. It’s fun, it’s colorful, it yells youth. Did one ever think a Ford would mean fun, colorful and/or youth?

Naturally this is good news for Detroit. More importantly, the story delivers a strong message: Regardless how low and down you are, there is always an opportunity to turn things around. If Ford can do, anyone can.

Happy Monday!

Posted in Alan Mullaly, Ford | 2 Comments »

Is The Stock Market Rally For Real?

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

 

Just a few months back in March, the world was coming to an end. The stock market sunk below 7,000; Ford and GM stock were trading at around a buck and casino giants MGM and Las Vegas Sands were ready to shutter their doors.

Fast forward to today and the market is up nearly 3000 points, Ford is up some 800% while MGM and Las Vegas Sands are up some 1000% suggesting people are still buying cars while gambling and visiting Las Vegas.

The $100 question of the day is the stock market rally for real? As you know, the market is a good indicator of the economy 6-9 months down the road. The market is telling us that the recession has peaked and recovery is underway and within 9 months, we will be growing again.

Is it that simply? Is it that easy? The market is never simple or easy. What do you think? Here are your selections:

A. The recession has peaked and recovery is coming within the next 6-9 months.

B. The recession is still here and the recovery will come mid-2010.

C. The market is full of BS and will go back down and we will be in this recession until late 2010-early 2011.

Happy Wednesday!

P.S. ACS personally presented me my own box of cereal, container of cold skim milk and cereal bowl for breakfast today at the Annual Strides event. Now is that thoughtful or what!

Posted in ACS, Ford, Las Vegas Sands, MGM | 4 Comments »