NEW YORK, July 21, 2026, 15:09 EDT
Shares of Ford Motor Company NYSE:F hovered just above the average analyst price target on Tuesday, while its 2026 price-to-earnings ratio was 40% higher than that of General Motors Company NYSE:GM.
The increased premium puts added focus on Ford’s July 28 earnings release. GM revised its profit guidance higher on Tuesday following a robust quarter.
Ford rose 2.1% to $14.29 at 15:09 EDT. GM advanced 4.7% to $79.36. U.S. cash markets were still open.
| Investor measure | Ford | GM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $14.29 | $79.36 |
| Tuesday move | +2.1% | +4.7% |
| 2026 EPS estimate, preliminary | $1.67 | $12.97 |
| Price/2026 estimated EPS | 8.6 times | 6.1 times |
| Median analyst target | $14.25 | $100.00 |
| Gap to median target | -0.2% | +26.0% |
| Consensus rating | Hold | Overweight |
Prices shown as of 15:09 EDT. FactSet Research Systems Inc. NYSE:FDS consensus estimates and price targets are provisional. Multiples and differences to target are computed.
GM’s quarterly results established a high standard. Adjusted EBIT increased by 30% to $3.9 billion. The North American margin improved to 8.6%, up from 6.1%. This was achieved even as sales dropped by 4%.
GM increased its profit forecast for 2026 by $500 million, setting a new range of $14 billion to $16 billion. Adjusted earnings were reported at $3.57 per share. Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson noted customers had “been very resilient.” Reuters
Firm pricing drove the gains. The typical U.S. GM vehicle fetched roughly $52,000, a bit higher than the previous year.
Ford began the quarter from a lower volume position. U.S. sales for the second quarter declined 10.3%, totaling 549,200 vehicles. Reduced F-150 inventory was the main reason for the decrease.
Ford projects its adjusted EBIT for the year at $8.5 billion to $10.5 billion. For the first quarter, adjusted earnings stood at 66 cents per share. The company benefited from an anticipated $1.3 billion tariff refund.
Analysts’ consensus sees second-quarter earnings at 36 cents. The forecast for the full year stands at $1.67, an increase from $1.51 three months earlier.
Ford was valued at 8.6 times projected 2026 earnings as of Tuesday’s close, while GM was at 6.1 times. Ford has the higher earnings multiple, but GM has an Overweight consensus.
The comparison shifts Ford’s earnings assessment to focus on margin strength. A modest earnings beat may not prompt analysts to raise targets.
F-150 production and North American profit margins will be key focus areas for investors. GM demonstrated that stronger pricing can balance weaker unit sales. Ford needs to demonstrate similar results.
Risks persist. Ford could face pressure from aluminum supply issues, tariffs, recalls and warranty expenses. The automaker expects a loss of $4 billion to $4.5 billion in its EV and software division for the year.
The next test is set for July 28. With shares having reached their target, performance on execution is now more important than merely surpassing estimates.
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