Ford Trims Profit Outlook for 2005

Ford Motor Co. expects lower earnings in 2005 because of a drop in profit at its financial services arm, which contributed heavily to 2004 results. But the nation’s second-largest automaker predicts robust growth from its automotive businesses.

Ford said it anticipated full-year 2005 earnings per share of $1.75 to $1.95, excluding special items, down from $2.11 in 2004.

The current Wall Street forecast, according to Thomson First Call, is for full-year earnings of $1.84 a share.

Still, company executives said the automaker remained on track to post a $7-billion pretax profit in 2006.

Ford shares rose 16 cents to $13.23 on the NYSE.