Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) has a few things going for it. The most recent was pointed out by Barron\u2019s: Ford\u2019s free cash flow could be as high as $14 million when this year\u2019s figure is combined with a forecast for next year. Investors do not seem to care. Based on what is seen as grim prospects, the stock has sold down by almost 50% this year.<\/p>\n
Among Ford\u2019s problems is a worry that it will lag most other large car companies and Tesla as electric vehicle (EV) sales worldwide surge. The United States is an example. Ford has its promising F-150 Lightning, the electric version of its most popular vehicle. Ford has sold only 13,258 of these this year, through November. Sales in November were 2,062. These are not blazing numbers. However, the truck has been in short supply. Next year will tell the tale of its popularity. Ford has undermined its chances with unexpected price increases that make it expensive in the mid-tier full-size pickup market.<\/p>\n
Ford\u2019s other major EV product this year is the Mustang Mach-E. Its popularity likely has limited sales. They were 34,683 in the first 11 months, up 39.9%. For November, the figure was 3,539, up 14.6%. That progress leaves a great deal to be desired. Once again, supply problems are something management can lean on. However, unexpected price increases have been a handicap, although no one will ever know how much of one.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t