Ford it beat analysts' estimates in the fourth quarter of 2012 on strong business in North America, but expected higher-than-expected losses in Europe. In the last three months of last year, the American automaker reported profits of 1,59 billion dollars (40 cents per share), compared to 13,61 billion ($3,40 per share) in the same period of the year last year, when extraordinary tax gains significantly boosted performance.
Excluding special items, earnings were $1,7 billion, 31 cents a share, better than the 25 cents expected by analysts. On the other hand, revenues grew by 1,9% to $36,5 billion, while analysts had forecast $34,6 billion.
