General Motors is adjusting its financial forecasts for 2024 after significantly exceeding Wall Street predictions for its second-quarter performance.
The Detroit-based auto manufacturer has revised its expected adjusted earnings for the year to between $13 billion and $15 billion, an increase from the previous estimate of $12.5 billion to $14.5 billion. Additionally, the company has raised its benchmarks for operating cash flow and earnings per share. However, the expectations for net income attributable to shareholders have been slightly reduced by less than 1%, now estimated to be between $10 billion and $11.4 billion.
For the second quarter, GM reported revenue of $47.9 billion, reflecting a more than 7% increase from the same period last year and surpassing Wall Street’s expectations of $45 billion, according to FactSet estimates. The company’s earnings per share reached $3.06, exceeding analysts’ predictions of $2.71 and demonstrating a 60% increase compared to 2023. Net income rose by 14%, amounting to $2.9 billion, up from $2.5 billion.
Following this news, GM’s stock surged nearly 5% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, contributing to a year-to-date increase of over 37%. After the market closed on Monday, GM also announced a cash dividend for the third quarter, further enhancing investor confidence.
In a letter addressed to shareholders, CEO Mary Barra highlighted the success of GM’s gas-powered trucks and SUVs. She mentioned the company is launching eight new or redesigned models across compact, mid-size, and full-size categories in North America. Barra emphasized that while GM is enthusiastic about its electric vehicles, particularly the Chevrolet Equinox, the company remains committed to disciplined growth in production.
Earlier in the month, Barra acknowledged that GM would not meet its goal of producing 1 million electric vehicles in North America by the end of 2025 due to market challenges. The company plans to be flexible and “build to demand,” even as EV sales increased in the last quarter.
Barra also revealed that GM’s self-driving division, Cruise, which faced operational setbacks after an incident last October, will discontinue its Origin vehicle. Instead, Cruise will focus on using the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt for testing in Texas and Arizona. GM incurred a $600 million charge related to the cessation of Origin production in Detroit.
During a conference call with analysts, Barra stated that utilizing the Bolt would address regulatory concerns regarding the unique design of the Origin that lacked a steering wheel. This shift is also expected to reduce costs per unit and enable GM to better allocate its resources.
“Our vision to transform mobility using autonomous technology remains steadfast,” Barra affirmed. “With each mile traveled and every simulation, we are progressing closer to our goals, as Cruise operates as an AI-first company.”
Furthermore, GM is working to restructure its joint venture with SAIC Motor in China after incurring losses, including a $104 million loss for the second quarter. In June, production by SAIC-GM was reduced by 70%, resulting in the delivery of just 26,000 vehicles, which is 50% lower than the previous year, according to reports.