Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) is on track to return some of its profits to its shareholders, said Mad Money host Jim Cramer on Tuesday.

The possibility of a Ford dividend payout came up during the hosts’ interview with CEO Alan Mulally, who used the opportunity to tout Ford’s most recent quarter. Operations across the globe, including the U.S., were profitable, Mulally said, and that next year will likely be even better. Mulally also noted that $7 billion worth of debt was paid down and predicted that Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) would have more cash by the end of 2011.

The quarter ranked as “probably the best we’ve had in 10 years,” Mulally said, adding that Ford was “on our way to where we all want to be, and that’s investment grade.”

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F)’s shoring up of its balance sheet prompted Cramer’s prediction that Ford might return a dividend. “It wasn’t really answered on the call,” he said, “but I think there’s a chance for a dividend for common shareholders, too, within the next 18 months.”

Mulally said that he would not confirm that a dividend was the plan, only saying that  “We didn’t give guidance on the dividend. But you know we are dedicated to profitable growth for all, especially the shareholders.”

Mulally said that the company’s most important goal right now is to get Ford back to an investment grade rating to reduce the amount of interest that the company pays on its debt. “And then we have great options on how we reward all the participants,” or Ford’s investors, Mulally said.

Shares of Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) traded up 0.70% hitting $13.30 during mid-day trading on Tuesday.