Ford Motor Company (F) has reported a 35.28 percent plunge in profit for the quarter ended Mar. 31, 2017. The company has earned $1,587 million, or $0.40 a share in the quarter, compared with $2,452 million, or $0.61 a share for the same period last year. On an adjusted basis, the company has earned $1,578 million, or $0.39 a share for the quarter.

Revenue during the quarter grew 3.79 percent to $39,146 million from $37,718 million in the previous year period. Gross margin for the quarter contracted 289 basis points over the previous year period to 10.74 percent. Total expenses were 96.32 percent of quarterly revenues, up from 93.50 percent for the same period last year. That has resulted in a contraction of 281 basis points in operating margin to 3.68 percent.

Operating income for the quarter was $1,442 million, compared with $2,451 million in the previous year period.

"This quarter was an investment in ford's future. From announcing exciting vehicles like the all-new Expedition and Lincoin Navigator, to initiatives such as our investment in Argo Al, we are fortifing our core business, while also investing in emerging opportunities that will deliver profitable growth." Mark Fields, president and chief executive officer.

The company has spent $3,639 million cash to meet investing activities during the quarter as against cash outgo of $6,975 million in the last year period.

Cash flow from financing activities was $1,120 million for the quarter, down 73.83 percent or $3,159 million, when compared with the last year period.

Cash and cash equivalents stood at stood at $17,823 million as at Mar. 31, 2017.