Ford Earnings Preview

Ford (NYSE: F), the second-largest U.S. automaker, reports fourth-quarter results before the bell Tuesday morning and analysts are expecting a profit of 25 cents a share on sales of $32.35 billion. In the fourth quarter of 2010, Ford earned 30 cents on revenue of $30.3 billion. EPS estimates range from 22 cents to 29 cents while revenue estimates range from $31.01 billion to $33.98 billion. The consensus estimate was 32 cents 90 days ago, 27 cents 60 days ago and 26 cents a week ago. Ford's rival GM (NYSE: GM) recently reclaimed the top spot for sales among global automakers and Ford is also doing battle with Toyota (NYSE: TM). Michigan-based Ford's Fusion, a curvy technology-laden vehicle, is trying to pilfer buyers from Toyota that previously purchased the Japanese auto giant's Camry.For 2012, analysts are expecting Ford will earn $1.56 a share on sales of $132.6 billion. The company is expected to have earned $1.87 a share in 2011. Last week, Ford said it reduced the number of Lincoln dealerships to 325 from about 500 in the top 130 markets. In 2011, Ford said it would spend $1 billion to bolster the Lincoln brand, which sold less than 86,000 units last year. Lincoln is the only luxury brand offered by Ford.