Cars and Drivers
GM Earnings Can't Ease Worries on Rising Costs
Published:
Last Updated:
When General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) reported second-quarter 2018 results before markets opened Wednesday morning, the automaker posted adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.81 on revenues of $36.76 billion. In the same period a year ago, the company reported EPS of $1.89 on revenues of $36.98 billion. Second-quarter results also compare to the consensus estimates for EPS of $1.78 and $36.73 billion in revenues.
Net income for the quarter totaled $2.39 billion, up from $1.66 billion in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted pretax (EBIT) earnings totaled $3.19 billion, down from $3.68 billion a year ago. The company said rising commodity costs along with unfavorable currency exchange rates with Argentina and Brazil have had — and will continue to have — a negative effect on the business.
Total automotive revenues came to $33.31 billion in the quarter, down about 2% from $34 billion in the second quarter of last year. International sales were down 13.7% year over year, and North American sales were up about 0.2%.
GM reported U.S. sales volume of more than 758,000 vehicles in the quarter, up 4.6% year over year. Sales in China totaled more than 858,000 units, pushing first-half sales up 4.4%.
Mary Barra, the company’s CEO, said:
We faced significant external challenges, but delivered solid results this quarter. The fundamentals of our business are strong and we remain focused on our plan – delivering great vehicles, developing technologies to transform personal mobility and creating long-term shareholder value.
The company revised previous guidance based on meaningful increases in commodity costs and foreign exchange rates. GM now expects adjusted EPS of about $6.00 and operating cash flow of about $11.5 billion. Consensus estimates call for third-quarter EPS of $1.62 and revenues of $35.88 billion. For the full year, analysts are looking for EPS of $6.41 and revenues of $145.98 billion.
GM’s shares traded down about 6.7% early Wednesday, at $36.91 in a 52-week range of $34.50 to $46.76. The 12-month price target for the shares was $49.39 before this morning’s report.
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.