Ford raises cash for health-care obligations

Article Excerpt

FORD MOTOR CO. $5.64 (New York symbol F; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 3.2 billion; Market cap: $18.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.1; WSSF Rating: Speculative) has rallied from $1.01 last November, partly on expectations that it stands to gain market share in the wake of the bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler. Ford is taking advantage of its higher stock price, and in May issued 300 million common shares at $4.75 each. The proceeds of $1.4 billion will help it meet its obligations to its retired employees’ health-care fund. Ford has the option of paying half with shares valued at around $2 each. But, issuing the shares now at $4.75 means Ford won’t have to issue issue more later. Ford is a hold. hold…