Ford Motor Company reported net income of 47 cents per share, or $946 million, for the second quarter of 2005. This compares with net income of 57 cents per share, or $1.2 billion, in the second quarter of 2004. Ford's second-quarter earnings from continuing operations, excluding special items, were 47 cents per share, or $936 million, compared to 61 cents per share, or $1.2 billion, in the same period last year. Ford's total sales and revenue in the second quarter was $44.5 billion, compared to $42.9 billion in the year-ago period.
"Despite profitability in most regions, our global automotive results were disappointing, reflecting the fiercely competitive environment in which we continue to operate, particularly in North America," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford. "We are responding to this tougher operating environment through actions aimed at improving our cost structure, optimizing our global footprint, strengthening our balance sheet and making essential investments for the future. We'll continue to share our plans as the year progresses."
During the second quarter, Ford announced plans to further reduce salaried personnel and related costs in North America.
On a pre-tax basis, worldwide automotive losses in the second quarter were $245 million, down $342 million from a $97 million profit during the same period a year ago. For the second quarter, the Americas reported a pre-tax loss of $819 million, down $1.3 billion from a $476 million pre-tax profit in the same period a year ago.
In the second quarter, Ford's North American automotive operations reported a pre-tax loss of $907 million, down $1.4 billion from a $454 million pre-tax profit a year ago. Higher costs and lower volumes contributed to the decline. Sales were $19.9 billion, down $568 million from the same period a year ago.