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I am not a dividend stock investor. I think it's a great way of investing, just not my way, I generally would prefer to own real estate than a dividend, but dividend stocks can provide stability and continuous growth in your portfolio.  But if I had to pick one name right now, I would pick FORD.  
 

Revving Up the American Dream: Why Ford is Poised for a Stellar 2025 & 2026

In an era where the open road symbolizes freedom and resilience, few brands embody the American spirit quite like Ford Motor Company. As the nation's leading homegrown automaker, Ford isn't just building vehicles—it's fueling jobs, innovation, and economic vitality. With a robust dividend profile, commanding market presence, and a lineup tailored for affordability amid shifting interest rates, Ford stands out as a beacon for investors and buyers alike. Under the current Trump administration's pro-American manufacturing push, the company's "From America, For America" ethos couldn't be more timely. As rates trend downward and November's end-of-year deals heat up, car sales could surge—making now the perfect moment to hit the accelerator on a Ford purchase. Let's break it down.
 

Ford's Shareholder Perks: A Dividend Powerhouse

For income-focused investors, Ford delivers reliable returns in a volatile market. The company's quarterly dividend stands at $0.15 per share, yielding an attractive annual payout of $0.60 to $0.75, translating to a forward yield of 4.61% to 5.72% based on recent stock prices around $13. This payout ratio hovers at 63.47%, signaling sustainability without overextending earnings. The next ex-dividend date was November 7, 2025, with payment on December 1—ideal for locking in yields before year-end tax planning. Compared to peers, Ford's yield outshines Tesla's zero-dividend policy and rivals GM's 4.5%, making it a defensive play in autos. As EV investments stabilize, expect steady hikes, potentially boosting the stock toward $19.91 by 2026 per analyst forecasts.
 

On the Road: Ford's Grip on American Drivers and Sales

Ford isn't just a name on a badge—it's a staple in driveways nationwide. As of Q2 2025, Ford vehicles account for 15.6% of all cars on U.S. roads, second only to GM's 20.3%. That's roughly one in six American drivers piloting a Blue Oval, with the F-150 alone claiming 3.7% of the total vehicle population—America's most common ride. In new sales, Ford moved 1.83 million units through October 2025, up 6.6% year-over-year, capturing a 13-14.3% U.S. market share—fueled by trucks (like the F-Series at 750,000+ annually) and hybrids. Globally, Ford holds a 5% share, with 4.4 million vehicles sold in 2023, though U.S. dominance (80% domestically produced) keeps it a North American powerhouse

American-Made Muscle

In an administration laser-focused on "America First," Ford's domestic roots are a golden ticket. Producing 80% of U.S.-sold vehicles stateside, Ford employs more hourly autoworkers than any rival and exported 260,000 American-built rides in 2024 alone. Tariffs on imports (up to 25%) shield Ford from foreign competition, potentially adding $5,000-$10,000 to rivals' prices while exempting USMCA-compliant parts (15% leeway for Ford). CEO Jim Farley calls Ford "the most American company," crediting policies for $5B investments in Kentucky/Michigan plants and 4,000 new jobs. Analysts agree: Ditching  EV mandates frees Ford to prioritize profitable gas/hybrids, positioning it as a top beneficiary with market share gains projected at 7.2% in the Americas. It's not just policy—it's patriotism in motion, sustaining 9.7 million jobs and $1T in economic impact.
 

Affordability on the Horizon: Deals That Drive Value

Ford gets it—sticker shock is real, with average new-car prices at $48,000. But the lineup shines for budget buyers: The Maverick hybrid starts at $26,000 (up 17% for 2025 due to tariffs, but still the "most affordable pickup"), Escape at $30,000, and Bronco Sport at $30,995. Hybrids like the F-150 PowerBoost offer 25 mpg without premium fuel hikes. Amid affordability woes, Ford's "From America, For America" employee pricing (extended through July 2025) slashes costs below invoice—saving thousands on models like the Explorer. As rates dip (new loans at 6.8% APR, down from peaks), monthly payments ease—e.g., a $30K Maverick at 5% over 60 months is just $566.
 

Innovation Ahead: Electrifying the Future Without Breaking the Bank

Ford's horizon brims with game-changers. The 2025 F-150 refresh adds Pro Access tailgates and hybrid efficiency; Expedition gains three-row EV options. Look to 2026 for a midsize truck PHEV, Ranger PHEV (early 2025 debut), and electric commercial van—blending range (300+ miles) with affordability under $40K. By 2027: Three-row Explorer EV and two new electric pickups from BlueOval City (5,800 jobs created). Facelifts for Puma/Ecosport and a Mustang-inspired four-door round out a $5.6B EV push—sustainable without sacrificing trucks.
 

Rates in Reverse: Fueling a November Sales Boom

High rates (11% on used cars) have crimped sales, hiking costs by $100+/month and shifting buyers to longer loans (now 70 months average). But relief is coming: Fed cuts have new loans at 6.8%, with projections for 5% by late 2025—unlocking $5K+ in buying power per Cox Automotive. For Ford, this means tailwinds: Subprime F-150 rates as low as 3.9% for 36 months, plus 0% APR promos. November trends amplify this—high inventory (3M+ units) sparks Black Friday deals like $6,500 cash on Ram rivals, but Ford's employee pricing edges it out. Sales held steady in October (down just 5.1% amid EV credit ends), but December could hit 16.2M SAAR as rates fall. Your November buys? Spot-on timing—historically low rates + promotions = boom.

I personally had a nice run with call options and am sitting on some leaps I beleive will payoff big. But for the dividend you need to own the stock. And at these prices, I believe its a deal that will never hit the shelves again.  Ford is not going anywhere.  

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