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Ford Motor Company vs. Toyota: Battle of the Hybrid EV Stocks

The Hybrid EV Market Landscape

The high prices of electric vehicles (EVs) and concerns over charging infrastructure have led consumers to shift towards hybrids, a blend of gasoline and electric power. This trend has seen a significant surge in hybrid sales, including plug-ins, with a remarkable 65% increase in sales, outpacing the growth of pure electric vehicles.

Americans’ adoption of hybrids is on the rise, with hybrids representing about 10% of all new car purchases in the U.S., surpassing the market share of pure electric vehicles.

Furthermore, as the Biden administration refines auto emissions standards to reduce the carbon footprint of passenger vehicles, manufacturers of plug-in hybrids and conventional gas-electric hybrids are poised to benefit from these regulations.

Ford Motor Company: A Deeper Dive

One of the key players in the hybrid EV market is Michigan-based Ford Motor Company (F), a company with a long history dating back to 1903. Ford specializes in a range of vehicles from trucks to luxury cars, currently boasting a market cap of $51.89 billion.

While Ford’s stock saw a modest 14.5% increase over the past year, it has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 index. Despite being a long-term underperformer with a 10-year decline of nearly 15%, Ford reinstated its quarterly dividend in 2021, offering a dividend yield of 4.6%.

Ford’s Financial Performance

Ford’s financials have been a mixed bag, with the company reporting an EBIT loss of $4.7 billion in its electric vehicle segment in the past year. The company faced challenges like high labor costs due to strikes, leading to a total loss of $526 million in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.

Despite these setbacks, Ford managed to beat earnings expectations, reporting adjusted earnings per share of $0.29 in the last quarter. The company’s revenue of $43.21 billion also exceeded Wall Street estimates, indicating resilience in the face of operational challenges.

Toyota Motor Corporation: A Rival in the Race

On the other side of the spectrum is Toyota Motor Corporation (TM), a formidable contender in the hybrid EV market. Toyota has established itself as a pioneer in hybrid technology with popular models like the Prius, commanding a significant market share globally.

While Toyota faces stiff competition from other automakers, the company’s strong brand reputation and commitment to innovation position it as a strong player in the evolving landscape of hybrid EVs.

Comparing Ford and Toyota

Investors seeking exposure to the hybrid EV market must weigh the pros and cons of investing in Ford versus Toyota. While Ford offers a compelling dividend yield and attractive valuation metrics, Toyota’s established presence and technological advancements make it a formidable competitor in the long run.

Toyota vs Ford: Battle of the HybridsThe Rise of Hybrid Dominance: A Tale of Two Automakers

In a recent conference call discussing the Q4 release, CEO Jim Farley shared Ford’s ambitious plans for hybrid sales, expecting a staggering 40% increase this year following a 20% rise last year.

The Shift in Analyst Recommendations

The sentiment among analysts regarding Ford stock has shifted, with the average recommendation now at a “Hold,” down from a “Moderate Buy” consensus three months earlier. Out of 18 analysts covering Ford, opinions vary, with five rating it as a “Strong Buy,” two as a “Moderate Buy,” eight suggesting a “Hold,” and three indicating a “Strong Sell.”

Ford’s average analyst price target of $13.70 points to a potential 3.2% upside over the next year. With Bank of America analysts raising their price target to a Street-high of $21, an impressive 58.18% rally from current levels could be in store.

The Compelling Story of Toyota Stock

Valued at a substantial $341.6 billion by market cap, Toyota Motor Corporation has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1933. The Japanese automotive giant’s dominance in hybrids, commanding a 40% market share in the U.S., is a testament to its innovative prowess.

Toyota’s stellar performance shines through with a remarkable 82.5% return over the past 52 weeks, significantly outpacing the market. Over the last decade, the stock has delivered a strong return of nearly 123%.

Moreover, Toyota’s commitment to its shareholders is evident, having paid dividends consistently for the past 37 years. With an annualized dividend of $4.00 per share, investors enjoy a respectable yield of 1.58%.

Hybrid Dominance Propelling Toyota’s Growth

Toyota’s early foray into hybrid cars in the late 1990s has paid off handsomely, as evidenced by its recent fiscal Q3 performance. The company reported impressive sales figures, with a 23% year-over-year increase in revenue to $79.50 billion and an 86.5% surge in net income to $9 billion. Notably, Q3 hybrid car sales skyrocketed by 47% annually to 951,000 units, comprising 32% of global retail sales.

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Looking ahead, Toyota’s strategic focus on hybrids remains unwavering. Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda predicts a cap on all-EV demand at 30%, creating a favorable environment for increased hybrid sales. Executive Vice President Yoichi Miyazaki anticipates hybrid car sales to reach 5 million by 2025, up from 3.4 million in 2023, underlining the growing recognition of hybrids as a sustainable solution for achieving carbon neutrality.

Comparing F vs. TM: An Investor’s Dilemma

As automakers with hybrid offerings like Toyota and Ford gear up for long-term growth in the evolving market landscape, the battle for supremacy intensifies. While Ford may have a slight edge in the EV market, Toyota’s established reputation for innovation coupled with robust financial backing positions it favorably to dominate the hybrid EV space. With Toyota’s track record of reliable dividend payouts further bolstering its appeal, the Japanese automaker emerges as the more compelling investment choice in the current scenario.