Strong Ford hybrid sales provide a window for investors to make a move on the stock

Published Mon, Mar 4 20242:35 PM EST

Ford on Monday reported a continued surge in monthly hybrid sales, the latest indication that its strategic shift from money-losing and demand-softening electric vehicles is paying off. Jim Cramer sees a window for investors to act. Shares of Ford were trading as much as 4% higher on Monday after a strong February sales report. The automaker delivered a 31.5% increase in hybrids year over year. EV sales were up 80%. But that compared to the year-ago period when production was uneven. Sales for its traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles were also up 7.5%. Overall, Ford vehicle sales grew 10.5% for the month. F YTD mountain Ford stock year to date performance. Hybrids are "going to be a breakout for Ford," Jim Cramer said Monday. He estimates Ford will also deliver stronger sales in March and April since the automaker sells its 2023 models in advance of the spring selling season. "I'm urging people to get long this thing ahead of a move to $15," Jim said. Ford shares were trading just under $13 on Monday afternoon. Ford's high-margin hybrids, which represent a major growth center, saw sales increase 20% last year. CEO Jim Farley said last month, on the automaker's fourth-quarter earnings call, that he expects the segment to be up 40% in 2024. Back in September, Ford announced plans to double F-150 hybrid pickup production to help offset losses in the company's Model e business, which houses its fleet of electric vehicles. Slower electric vehicle adoption in the U.S. has compelled Ford to implement a series of EV price cuts to cut production of its all-electric Lightning in half this year. Model e posted a full-year 2023 EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) loss of $4.7 billion. The Ford Pro commercial fleet business, recorded a $7.2 billion EBIT profit last year, more than double 2022. Ford Blue, which includes ICE and hybrid vehicles, delivered a $7.5 billion EBIT profit. For 2024, Ford expects Blue to be flat; Pro to grow to $8 billion to $9 billion; and Model e losses to widen to $5 billion to $5.5 billion. Momentum is not slowing down in the hybrid market, according to CEO Jim Farley who recently said Ford's hybrids attract customers on the fence about EVs but who would want improved fuel efficiency. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long F. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

The logo of car manufacturer Ford is pictured in Inwood, New York, on February 5, 2024.

Charly Triballeau | AFP | Getty Images

Ford on Monday reported a continued surge in monthly hybrid sales, the latest indication that its strategic shift from money-losing and demand-softening electric vehicles is paying off.

Jim Cramer sees a window for investors to act.