Cars and Drivers

General Motors Has Big Plans for 2019 and the Numbers to Match

Bill Pugliano / Getty Images

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) shares jumped on Friday after the company provided guidance for its 2019 full year. The automaker also updated investors on its strategic plan for growing earnings this year.

For 2019, GM expects earnings per share (EPS) in the range of $6.50 to $7.00 and automotive free cash flow between $4.5 billion and $6.0 billion. Consensus estimates call for $5.88 in EPS and $144.54 billion in revenue.

In terms of 2018 numbers, the firm expects to beat its previous forecast, issued in October, calling for EPS of $5.80 to $6.20.

Despite a declining car market in 2019, GM expects the overall U.S. market to remain strong, projecting total industry sales in the low 17-million range. The company expects to benefit from a full year of volume from GM’s all-new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty full-size pickups. The trucks have contributed to retail market share growth in the light-duty pickup segment every month since August, with average transaction prices that have surpassed those of key competitors.

As for electric vehicles, Cadillac will be GM’s lead electric vehicle brand and will introduce the first model from the company’s all-new battery electric vehicle architecture, GM’s foundation for an advanced family of profitable EVs.

Separately, GM expects to start launching its all-new global family of vehicles in 2019 in China, followed by South America and Mexico. The first crossover model will be the Chevrolet Tracker. These vehicles are expected to capture growth in key global markets and represent one-in-10 GM vehicles sold globally by 2020.

Shares of GM were last seen up about 8% at $37.53, in a 52-week range of $30.56 to $45.52. The consensus analyst price target is $45.09.


Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

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.