What's impacting Ford's operating margins recently?

Ford's operating margins have been impacted by a combination of factors, including:

1. Institutional Selling and Mixed Analyst Ratings: There has been some institutional selling, with Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp trimming its stake by 1.6% during the fourth quarter. Additionally, several other hedge funds and asset managers have modified their holdings, reflecting mixed stock performance. Analyst ratings have been mixed, with some downgrades and price target reductions, which could be impacting investor confidence and, subsequently, operating margins.
2. Tariffs and Import Costs: The imposition of 25% tariffs on imported vehicles and parts by the U.S. government has the potential to significantly impact Ford's operating margins, especially for lower-end models manufactured outside the U.S. These tariffs could lead to rising costs and potentially higher prices for consumers, which could squeeze margins.
3. Currency Fluctuations and Global Sales: Ford has faced challenges in its EV business and has had to deal with costly quality issues, which have impacted its profitability. Additionally, currency fluctuations, such as the devaluation of the yen, have created pricing pressure for Ford in the global market.
4. New Competitors and Market Shifts: The rise of Chinese automakers and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) sales have created new competitors for Ford and have disrupted the industry, which could be impacting its market share and margins.

In summary, Ford's operating margins are being impacted by a combination of institutional actions, tariffs, currency fluctuations, quality issues, and new competitors, which have created a challenging operating environment for the company.