Bloomberg Intelligence Ford Will Take $19.5 Billion in Charges Tied to EV Overhaul
Dec 16, 2025
Devin Pendleton, a Bloomberg Wealth Reporter, discusses the Olayan sisters, Lubna and Hutham, and their impressive $50 billion fortune. He highlights their rise as powerful global investors with significant stakes in major firms like BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase. The conversation explores their discreet influence in finance and their family's rich business history. Pendleton also shares insights on the challenges of reporting on such private figures, giving listeners a unique glimpse into the world of high-net-worth families and wealth dynamics.
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Ford Clears Deck With Huge EV Charge
- Ford is taking a $19.5 billion charge to clear the deck and refocus its EV strategy on profitability.
- The write-downs mainly hit Mustang Mach-E losses and a battery JV, enabling a cleaner start for 2026 investments.
Prioritize Known Customer Segments
- Focus product plans on known customer needs and profitability rather than speculative plays.
- Jim Farley highlighted affordable pickups and vans as clearer, more profitable investments for Ford.
Mach‑E Losses Drive Largest Write‑Down
- Ford lost roughly $25,000 of EBIT per Mustang Mach-E sold, making the model a major contributor to the charge.
- Repurposing a Korean battery JV plant for energy storage is part of the company's pivot to more profitable assets.