General Motors Reports Strong Earnings and Increases Shareholder Returns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Source: Benzinga
- Quarterly Performance Beat: General Motors reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $2.51, a 30.4% year-over-year increase that surpassed analyst expectations of $2.20, although quarterly sales of $45.287 billion fell short of the $45.804 billion consensus, indicating strong cash generation capabilities driven by robust branding and technology services.
- Dividend Increase: The Board of Directors approved a 3-cent increase in the quarterly common stock dividend to 18 cents per share, payable on March 19, 2026, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to returning capital to shareholders as part of its capital allocation strategy.
- Potential Partnership with Ford: General Motors and Ford are reportedly in discussions to provide financial support to the bankrupt auto parts supplier First Brands Group, potentially through advance payments for products, with negotiations in the final stages and the outcome still uncertain.
- Cautious Future Outlook: GM forecasts adjusted earnings of $9.75 to $10.50 per share for fiscal 2026, below Wall Street's expectation of $11.73, reflecting the company's adjustment to anticipated softer consumer EV demand and policy shifts, indicating uncertainty in future growth prospects.
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Analyst Views on GM
Wall Street analysts forecast GM stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for GM is 82.06 USD with a low forecast of 48.00 USD and a high forecast of 100.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
18 Analyst Rating
16 Buy
1 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 84.900
Low
48.00
Averages
82.06
High
100.00
Current: 84.900
Low
48.00
Averages
82.06
High
100.00
About GM
General Motors Company designs, builds and sells trucks, crossovers, cars and automobile parts and provides software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The Company's segments include GMNA, GMI, Cruise and GM Financial. Its GM North America (GMNA) and GM International (GMI) develop, manufacture and/or markets vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands. The Company provides automotive financing services through its General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (GM Financial) segment. Its Cruise segment is engaged in the development and commercialization of autonomous vehicle technology. Its software-enabled services and subscriptions, including OnStar, its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and its end-to-end software platform. The Company is also focused on investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and AVs, software-enabled services and subscriptions and new business opportunities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
General Motors Shares Hit All-Time High Amid Strong Growth
- Strong Profit Growth: General Motors (GM) achieved double-digit profit growth despite challenges from tariffs and EV restructuring, leading to an all-time high in stock price and solidifying its position as the top auto brand in the U.S.
- Increased Shareholder Returns: The company announced a 20% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.18 and a $6 billion stock buyback plan, measures that have bolstered investor confidence and led analysts to reiterate their Buy ratings on the stock.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: Despite a 5% decline in total revenue, GM expects EBIT margins of 8-10% and free cash flow between $9 billion and $11 billion for FY25, demonstrating resilience and profitability in its core operations.
- Ongoing Technology Investments: GM is ramping up investments in electric vehicles and robotics to enhance manufacturing quality and reduce costs, with CEO Mary Barra stating that the company will continue to execute cost-reduction plans to ensure future profitability.
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- New Investment Positions: The strategy fund initiated positions in AstraZeneca (AZN) and Gartner (IT), reflecting optimism in the biopharmaceutical and information technology sectors, aiming to enhance overall returns through diversified investments.
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