Boeing Negotiations Heat Up, and 1 Reason Behind Ford's Success

The Conference Board today reported an improved global economic outlook for next year, with worldwide growth pace predicted to improve from 2.8% to 3.1%. The U.S. will do its part with a growth rate expected to improve from 1.6% to 2.3% next year. Despite the overall growth, China's rate is expected to slow to 7% for 2013, which is the weakest rate the country has seen in more than a decade.

In other news, as uncertainty remains regarding the Federal Reserve's potential decision to draw down its bond-purchasing program, expect market volatility going forward. In today's trading, U.S. markets are flat, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down a modest 22 points just after 3 p.m. EST. Here are some of the movers.

Inside the Dow, Boeing has been one of the best performers over the last year but is trading flat today as relations between the aircraft manufacturer and its machinists union heat up. Just hours after Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a law that provides almost $9 billion in tax incentives to keep production of Boeing's 777X in the state, union members rallied against a proposed labor contract from Boeing.

Union members vowed to vote against the offer Wednesday, but doing so risks losing years of work and thousands of jobs. While it would likely benefit both sides to come to terms, Boeing has a plant in South Carolina that is strongly considered a second option.

"We've made it very clear to Boeing that we're very interested," South Carolina state Representative Bobby Harrell said, according to Reuters. "I expect we'll be negotiating with them in the very near future."

So far investors have shrugged off the lack of progress in the labor negotiations, but it's something investors must keep an eye on, as the two sides have had a rocky history, and this latest standoff could lead to a strike. That's the last thing Boeing needs after its 787 Dreamliner was slow to production and had many cost overruns.

Outside the Dow Jones, Ford has also been having a strong year and recently reported third-quarter results that beat Wall Street expectations. One reason for Ford's recent success is its focus on designing more stylish vehicles in segments typically dominated by bland offerings. Take the Fusion, which has gained significant ground on a longtime competitor, Toyota's Camry.

Ford's Fusion would have gained more ground if it hadn't run out of production capacity. Information from Automotive News DataCenter.

Aside from introducing more stylish designs, the company is offering them in what it calls the "super segment" -- subompact and compact cars, small SUVs, and midsize sedans. Its vehicles -- represented by the Fusion, Focus, Escape, and Fiesta -- have gained significant share in the segment. Consider that in 2004 the super segment accounted for only 35% of Ford's new vehicle sales, while today it is more than 50%. In 2008, Ford had 8% of the segment, but today it accounts for 13% and is right on the heels of Toyota's leading position of 15%.

Part of Ford's resurgence in the small-vehicle segment is due to its EcoBoost engine. Consider that the take rate for EcoBoost is an impressive 52% for the Fusion and a sky-high 89% for the Escape. As Ford continues its trek to taking over the hottest segment in the industry, and as its North America margin remains above 10%, look for loyal investors to be rewarded in the years ahead.

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The article Boeing Negotiations Heat Up, and 1 Reason Behind Ford's Success originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Daniel Miller owns shares of Ford. The Motley Fool recommends Ford. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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