General Motors has revised its financial projections for 2024, significantly exceeding Wall Street’s expectations for its second quarter results.
The Detroit-based automaker has updated its forecast for adjusted earnings to a range of $13 billion to $15 billion, an increase from the previous estimate of $12.5 billion to $14.5 billion. Furthermore, GM has adjusted its targets for operating cash flow and earnings per share, while slightly lowering its expectations for net income attributable to shareholders to between $10 billion and $11.4 billion.
In its second quarter, GM reported a revenue of $47.9 billion, reflecting a more than 7% rise compared to the same period last year and surpassing Wall Street’s forecast of $45 billion, as per FactSet estimates. Earnings per share were also higher than expected, reaching $3.06, compared to the anticipated $2.71, representing a 60% increase from 2023. Net income climbed 14% to $2.9 billion, up from $2.5 billion in the previous year.
As a result of these positive outcomes, GM’s stock increased almost 5% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, marking a gain of over 37% for the year. Following the market close on Monday, GM announced a third-quarter cash dividend, further buoying investor sentiment.
In updates to shareholders, CEO Mary Barra highlighted the strong performance of GM’s gas-powered trucks and SUVs. She revealed plans for the company to introduce eight new or redesigned models across compact, mid-size, and full-size categories in North America. Barra emphasized the company’s commitment to scaling production of the electric Chevrolet Equinox, stating, “as excited as we are about our EVs and our early success, we are committed to disciplined volume growth.”
However, Barra conceded earlier this month that GM will not meet its target of producing 1 million electric vehicles in North America by the end of 2025 due to a slowdown in the market. The company has maintained a flexible approach to production, stating it will “build to demand,” although it still experienced growth in EV sales during the last quarter.
Additionally, Barra announced that Cruise, GM’s autonomous driving division, would abandon its Origin vehicle in favor of using the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt for testing in Texas and Arizona. This decision follows a halt in production of the Origin, which led GM to take a $600 million charge. During a call with analysts, Barra expressed that using the Bolt would address regulatory concerns linked to the Origin’s distinct design, which lacks a steering wheel. She noted that this shift would lower costs per unit and help optimize resources.
“Our vision to transform mobility using autonomous technology is unchanged, and every mile traveled, and every simulation, brings us closer because Cruise is an AI-first company,” Barra stated.
Lastly, GM is seeking to restructure its joint venture with SAIC Motor in China as it continues to face financial challenges. The company reported a loss of $104 million in the second quarter, with SAIC-GM reducing production by 70% in June, delivering 26,000 vehicles, which is 50% lower than the previous year.