The General Motors earnings preview is drawing attention as the Detroit automaker prepares to report its fourth-quarter results. General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) remains one of the most closely watched names in the global auto industry, balancing strong legacy vehicle sales with an ambitious push into electric and autonomous technologies.
With a market capitalization of roughly $77.5 billion, GM operates a diversified automotive business spanning internal combustion vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), and mobility solutions. Its well-known brands—Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick—give the company broad exposure across North America, China, and select international markets.
As earnings season approaches, investors are focused on profitability, EV progress, and management’s outlook for 2025 and beyond.
General Motors Earnings Preview: Wall Street Expectations
According to consensus estimates, analysts expect General Motors (NYSE:GM) to report adjusted earnings of $2.21 per share for the fourth quarter. That would represent a 15.1% increase from the $1.92 per share reported in the same period last year.
One encouraging sign heading into this report is GM’s recent track record. The automaker has beaten Wall Street’s bottom-line estimates in each of the past four quarters, reinforcing confidence in management’s ability to navigate supply chains, pricing pressures, and evolving consumer demand.
However, expectations are more mixed when looking at the full fiscal year. For fiscal 2025, GM’s adjusted earnings per share are projected to decline slightly by 2.5% to $10.34, down from $10.60 in 2024. Analysts see this dip as temporary, with fiscal 2026 earnings expected to rebound sharply by 12.7% to $11.65 per share.
GM Stock Performance and Market Momentum
GM stock has delivered a strong performance over the past year. Shares of General Motors (NYSE:GM) have surged approximately 57.4% over the last 52 weeks, significantly outperforming the broader market.
By comparison, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) gained about 15.7% during the same period, while the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLY) rose just 6.6%. This relative strength highlights renewed investor optimism around GM’s turnaround strategy and long-term positioning.
On Dec. 1, GM shares reached a new 10-year high in morning trading. That milestone reflects growing confidence in the automaker’s operational discipline and its ability to adapt in a rapidly changing industry.
A Transformed Automaker with an EV Focus
The General Motors earnings preview also underscores how dramatically the company has evolved. Once a symbol of American industrial dominance, GM entered bankruptcy during the global financial crisis before reemerging as a leaner and more resilient enterprise.
Today, GM is firmly focused on the future. A central pillar of its strategy is electric vehicles, supported by its Ultium Drive modular battery platform. This flexible architecture allows GM to scale EV production across multiple vehicle types, from mass-market cars to premium trucks and SUVs.
Management has repeatedly emphasized its vision of an all-electric future, with billions invested in battery plants, EV assembly facilities, and software development. While EV profitability remains a work in progress, GM’s scale and manufacturing expertise provide a potential competitive advantage as adoption accelerates.
Analyst Ratings and Price Targets
Wall Street sentiment toward GM remains cautiously optimistic. The stock currently carries a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating.
Of the 28 analysts covering General Motors (NYSE:GM), 13 rate the stock as a “Strong Buy,” three assign a “Moderate Buy,” nine recommend “Hold,” and three have issued “Strong Sell” ratings. This mix reflects both enthusiasm for GM’s transformation and lingering concerns about EV margins, competition, and macroeconomic risks.
Notably, GM shares are trading above the average price target of $74.85. The Street-high target of $110 implies potential upside of nearly 33% from current levels, suggesting some analysts believe the market still undervalues GM’s long-term prospects.
What Investors Should Watch This Quarter
This General Motors earnings preview highlights several key themes investors should monitor in the upcoming report. Beyond headline earnings, guidance will be critical—particularly management’s outlook on EV production, cost controls, and capital allocation.
Margins, free cash flow, and updates on EV demand trends could influence near-term stock movements. Any commentary on pricing pressure or competitive dynamics in the EV market may also shape investor sentiment.
Overall, GM enters earnings season with momentum on its side. Strong stock performance, improving earnings trends, and a clear strategic vision have helped restore confidence. Whether that optimism is justified will depend on how effectively General Motors executes its transition in the quarters ahead.
Featured Image: Megapixl @ Piksel
