'Dearborn Downer:' Ford Flashes the Warning Lights

Ford Motor Co.'s profit warning sounds the alarm for investors who own U.S. companies that sell consumer products overseas.

Shares of the largest U.S. automaker have fallen 10 percent since yesterday's announcement that sales outside the U.S. will fall dramatically short of forecasts. In a press release, the company said European operations will likely post a loss of $1.2 billion this year, while the South American unit will probably lose $1 billion. In addition, Ford expects sanctions will depress Russian sales for at least another year.