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    GM
    Earnings call· Jun 2026(Q2 FY26)

    General Motors Co GM

    Jul 21, 2026 Source

    Executive summary

    General Motors Q2 FY26 — Strong Performance Drives Raised Full-Year Guidance

    General Motors delivered a solid second quarter, driven by strong product demand, disciplined execution, and improved profitability across its core business, particularly in North America. The company raised its full-year guidance for the second time, reflecting confidence in its strategy to expand margins and grow revenue through new vehicle launches, software and services, and emerging businesses like GM Defense and GM Insurance, while navigating EV restructuring and inflationary pressures.

    Highlights

    5
    • Q2 FY26 EBIT adjusted was $3.9 billion, up $900 million year-over-year.

    • North America EBIT adjusted margin reached 8.6% in Q2 FY26, an improvement of 2.5 points year-over-year.

    • Adjusted automotive free cash flow was $5 billion in Q2 FY26, up $2.2 billion year-over-year.

    • Full-year 2026 guidance for EBIT adjusted was raised to $14 billion-$16 billion, EPS diluted adjusted to $12-$14, and adjusted automotive free cash flow to $9.5 billion-$11.5 billion.

    • GM Defense expects 2026 revenue to grow to almost $700 million and is targeting positive EBIT for the year.

    Concerns

    4
    • EV-related restructuring charges totaled $2.3 billion in Q2 FY26, contributing to $10.9 billion since H2 2025.

    • Commodity inflation, logistics, and higher DRAM costs are expected to be a $1.5 billion-$2 billion headwind for FY26.

    • GM International ex-China is expected to see some softness due to the dynamic environment in the Middle East.

    • The fourth quarter is expected to be somewhat weaker than typical seasonal patterns due to new full-size truck launch costs and a 35,000-unit volume headwind.

    Guidance & targets

    20
    CategoryTargetConfidence
    Full-year 2026 EBIT adjusted
    $14B-$16B
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 EPS diluted adjusted
    $12-$14
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 adjusted automotive free cash flow
    $9.5B-$11.5B
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 U.S. total SAAR
    low 16M units
    medium materiality
    Medium
    Full-year 2026 North America ICE wholesales growth
    up in a similar range to H1
    medium materiality
    Medium
    Full-year 2026 EV losses improvement
    $1B-$1.5B
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 EV wholesale volumes
    up slightly
    medium materiality
    Medium
    Full-year 2026 Warranty improvement
    $1B-$1.5B
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 Emissions-related regulatory savings
    $500M-$750M
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 North America pricing
    up around 0.5%
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 Gross tariff costs
    $2.5B-$3.5B
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 Commodity inflation, logistics, and DRAM costs headwind
    $1.5B-$2B
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 Onshoring production investment
    $1B-$1.5B
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 GM Financial EBT adjusted
    $2.5B-$3B
    low materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 OnStar new subscriptions
    1M
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2026 GM Defense revenue
    almost $700M
    medium materiality
    High
    GM Defense revenue CAGR
    more than 30%
    medium materiality
    High
    GM Defense ISV awards
    exceed $1B
    medium materiality
    High
    OnStar digital revenue growth
    double-digit growth
    medium materiality
    High
    GM Insurance U.S. sales coverage
    over 80%
    low materiality
    High

    Segment performance

    4
    SegmentRevenueYoYQoQMargin
    North America
    EBIT adjusted was up $1 billion or over 40% year-over-year. Margin improved by 2.5 points from a year ago, returning to the 8%-10% target range. Improvement was broad-based, driven by strong pricing, lower EV losses, and warranty/emissions-related tailwinds, partially offset by commodity inflation and onshoring costs.
    EBIT adjusted: $3.4BMargin: 8.6%Margin change YoY: +2.5 points
    $3.4B
    GM International (ex-China equity income)
    Driven by strong execution across most regions. Strong sales performance in South America partially offset shipping disruptions in the Middle East.
    EBIT adjusted: $100M
    $100M
    China equity income
    Profitability achieved despite a very difficult environment, attributed to restructuring work, execution, cost efficiencies, and mix optimization.
    Equity income: $100M
    $100M
    GM Financial
    Paid $250 million in dividends to GM in the quarter. The business has grown its balance sheet by over 25% since 2019 and maintained leadership in manufacturer loyalty for 10 consecutive years.
    EBT adjusted: $600MDividends to GM: $250M
    $600M

    Operational metrics

    42
    Operating income / EBIT adjusted
    $3.9Bup $900M YoY
    Q2 FY26

    Driven by core business performance, stronger pricing, and lower costs.

    Operating income / EBIT adjusted
    $8.2B
    H1 FY26

    First half performance.

    Revenue
    $48Bup $900M YoY
    Q2 FY26

    Total company revenue.

    Revenue
    $92B
    H1 FY26

    First half performance.

    EPS diluted adjusted
    $7.27up >35% YoY
    H1 FY26

    First half performance.

    Total company margin expansion
    70 bpsvs. 400 bps reduction for broader peer set
    last 3 years

    Driven by strategy, includes impact of tariffs.

    Share buyback
    $2B
    Q2 FY26

    Open market share repurchases.

    Share buyback
    $2.8Bnearly $1B more than H1 FY25
    H1 FY26

    First half repurchases, despite EV restructuring.

    Remaining share repurchase authorization
    $3.5B
    Q2 FY26 end

    Under current authorization.

    Diluted share count
    893M8% below Q2 FY25, 35% below Q2 FY23
    Q2 FY26 end

    Reflects share repurchases.

    Cash & investments balance
    $19.7B
    Q2 FY26 end

    Automotive cash balance.

    EV-related charges
    $2.3B
    Q2 FY26

    Incremental charges recorded in the quarter.

    Total EV-related charges
    $10.9B
    since H2 FY25

    Substantially completes material cash charges for EV restructuring.

    GM Financial dividends to GM
    $250M
    Q2 FY26

    Reinforcing strategic value within the enterprise.

    GM Financial balance sheet growth
    >25%
    since 2019

    Outperforming other captive finance companies on profitability and growth.

    U.S. incentive spend vs. industry average
    1.5-2 points below
    H1 FY26

    Maintained pricing discipline.

    Total company margin improvement from pricing discipline
    1.8 pointsYoY
    H1 FY26

    Helped by incentives running below industry average.

    Fleet sales
    best H1 in >5 years
    H1 FY26

    Growth in fleet comes without diluting margin.

    Market share
    down by ~60 bpsvs. H1 FY25
    H1 FY26

    Reflects strategic decisions and market dynamics.

    Dealer inventory
    511,000 units
    Q2 FY26 end

    Right in the middle of the targeted range.

    EV losses improvement
    $500M
    H1 FY26

    Realized benefit from rightsizing EV capacity and lower volume.

    Warranty improvement
    $500M
    H1 FY26

    Benefit realized in the first half.

    Emissions-related regulatory savings
    $400M
    H1 FY26

    Benefit recognized in the first half, primarily from lower regulatory credit amortization.

    North America pricing benefit
    $600MYoY
    H1 FY26

    Benefit recognized in the first half.

    Gross tariff costs incurred
    $1.3B
    H1 FY26

    Expected to be similar in Q3 and Q4 (around $900M each).

    Commodity costs headwind
    $600M
    H1 FY26

    Expected to increase in H2, largely reflecting two quarters of higher costs.

    Onshoring production investment incurred
    $400M
    H1 FY26

    Costs expected to ramp further in H2 as production approaches in 2027.

    Full-size pickup market share
    >42%>10 percentage points above closest competitor
    H1 FY26

    Despite lower than target inventories.

    Crossover portfolio EBIT profitability per unit
    4x
    since 2020

    Driven by new and redesigned vehicles.

    Full-size pickup and SUV segments EBIT profitability per unit
    >25%
    since 2020

    Driven by new and redesigned vehicles.

    U.S. production capacity
    >2M units
    starting next year

    Due to onshoring significant manufacturing, further reducing tariff exposure.

    Super Cruise incremental units
    160,000
    next year

    From product enhancement strategy making Super Cruise standard in high-end Silverado and Sierra trims and optional on most others.

    GM Insurance states available
    21vs. 3 states in early 2024
    today

    On track to reach over 80% in the near term.

    GM Defense EBIT
    positive
    FY26

    Targeting positive results on an EBIT basis for this year.

    GM Defense margins
    double-digit
    next several years

    Targeting double-digit margins with revenue CAGR of over 30%.

    OnStar deferred revenue
    $6.3Bup almost 50% YoY
    Q2 FY26 end

    Subscriber growth drove deferred revenue.

    OnStar deferred revenue estimate
    $7.5B
    FY26 end

    Approaching this amount by the end of the year.

    OnStar recognized revenue
    $800Mup 20% YoY
    Q2 FY26

    Well on pace to hit full year growth target.

    OnStar realized revenue
    >$3B
    FY26

    Estimated full year realized revenue.

    OnStar margins
    70%
    historical

    Software-like margins.

    Super Cruise attach rate
    30%-40%
    current

    Encouraging attachment rates for subscriptions after the initial included period.

    Super Cruise vehicles with OTA update for Gemini
    22M
    current

    Indicates substantial opportunity for updates depending on hardware and features.

    Industry KPIs

    2
    MetricValueDetails
    Warranty recall costs$500MUSD
    Dealer inventory days of supply55days

    Product announcements

    2
    ProductTypeDetails
    Next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickupslaunch
    Next-generation Cadillac ICE vehicles (CT5, XT5, XT6)launch

    Deals & partnerships

    5
    U.S. ArmyProcurement of Chevrolet Colorado-based Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs)initial multiyear order of ~1,200 ISVs; plans to procure >10,000 ISVs

    After an initial multiyear order of about 1,200 ISVs, the U.S. Army now plans to procure more than 10,000 if appropriations are passed. This contributes to GM Defense's expected revenue growth and backlog.

    Lunar OutpostSupplying battery propulsion technology for NASA contract$220M NASA contract

    GM is supplying battery propulsion technology to Lunar Outpost, which has been awarded a $220 million NASA contract to build the next-generation Lunar terrain vehicle.

    Lockheed MartinCollaboration to expand speed, scale, and resilience in the defense industrial base

    GM is working with Lockheed Martin and other leading companies to strengthen the defense industrial base, focusing on supply chain, manufacturing readiness, and production capacity.

    MicronExpanded collaboration for critical memory technologieslong-term

    GM has an expanded, long-term collaboration with Micron, along with Samsung, for critical memory technologies. These strategic engagements, initiated after the semiconductor shortage, aim to ensure stable supply and jointly develop technology roadmaps for future product innovation.

    Peak EnergyInvestment and collaboration on sodium-ion battery technology

    GM is working with Peak Energy on sodium-ion battery technology, which is seen as a promising emerging chemistry for grid storage due to lower cost, abundance of sodium, and strong performance. GM plans to build production validation cells in 2027-2028 and aims for production before the end of the decade, with rights to potential vehicle applications.

    Risks & headwinds

    7
    EV-related restructuring chargesQ2 FY26 and ongoing

    $2.3B in Q2 FY26, $10.9B total since H2 FY25 ($7.2B cash impact, $4.5B paid)

    Mitigation: Negotiations with partners and suppliers substantially complete material cash charges; aligning EV capacity and manufacturing footprint with regulatory policy changes.

    Commodity inflation, logistics, and higher DRAM costsFY26, increasing in H2 FY26

    $1.5B-$2B headwind for FY26 ($600M realized in H1 FY26)

    Mitigation: Expanded collaboration with Micron for critical memory technologies; recent improvement in spot rates expected to benefit in Q4 FY26 and early 2027.

    Onshoring production costsFY26, ramping further in H2 FY26, largest impact in Q4 FY26

    $1B-$1.5B investment for FY26 ($400M incurred in H1 FY26)

    Mitigation: Investment to strengthen supply chain and expand software capabilities; prepares for production in 2027, reducing tariff exposure and increasing U.S. capacity.

    Softness in GM International ex-ChinaOngoing

    Middle East wholesales significantly impacted by shipping disruptions

    Mitigation: Strong sales performance in South America partially offsetting headwinds; focus on execution, cost efficiencies, and mix optimization.

    Fourth quarter weaker than typical seasonal patternsQ4 FY26

    Volume headwind of ~35,000 units

    Mitigation: Due to launch of new full-size trucks (higher launch-related costs) and increasing onshoring costs as Orion assembly prepares for Escalade production.

    Material escalation in the Middle EastFY26

    Unquantified, but assumed no material escalation in guidance

    Mitigation: Not explicitly stated, but guidance assumes no material escalation.

    Significant increase in commodity or other inflationary pressuresFY26

    Unquantified, but assumed no significant increase from current levels in guidance

    Mitigation: Not explicitly stated, but guidance assumes no significant increase.

    What to watch in Q3 FY26

    5

    New full-size truck launch performance

    Next quarter (Q1 FY27)
    CurrentLaunch begins December 2026
    TargetStrong demand, positive reception, and effective ramp-up of production and new engines

    Why it matters

    The new Silverado and Sierra pickups are key to maintaining market share and driving future profitability, with significant volume opportunity expected in 2028.

    Our next major launch, the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups will further separate us from key competitors when they begin arriving in showrooms in December.

    Q&A highlights

    7

    With Super Cruise becoming standard on high-end trucks and optional on others, will availability expand to more vehicles, and is GM changing its pricing structure (upfront or monthly) as it democratizes the solution?

    GM continually evaluates Super Cruise expansion and pricing based on customer reception. They see significant growth opportunity with the full-size truck launch and expansion into more regions. The company has high attach rates for subscriptions after the initial included period and is optimistic about continued growth. They are not announcing specific pricing changes but are focused on proliferation and cost reduction.

    So Joe, we continually evaluate based on customer reception of Super Cruise of how we expanded and are also looking at pricing. So I don't have anything specific to announce today, but we do see the opportunity for the growth that we're going to see with the full-size truck launch, the light duties.

    asked by Joseph Spak · answered by Mary Barra

    3 min read7 chapters

    Detailed Narrative

    01

    Strong Core Business Performance and Margin Expansion

    GM reported a solid Q2 FY26, with North America EBIT adjusted margin at 8.6%, up 2.5 points year-over-year, returning to the 8%-10% target range. This improvement was driven by strong pricing, lower EV losses, and tailwinds from warranty and emissions-related regulatory savings. The company highlighted a 70 basis points total company margin expansion over the last three years, contrasting with a 400 basis points reduction for its broader peer set, demonstrating effective operating discipline despite tariff impact🌐s.

    02

    Strategic Product Portfolio and Future Launches

    The company's product portfolio, including the Chevrolet Trax, Equinox, Traverse, and revitalized Buick, contributed to a 4x increase in EBIT profitability per unit for crossovers since 2020, and over 25% for full-size pickups and SUVs. The upcoming launch of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickups in December, along with new V8 engines, is expected to further strengthen market position. Capacity for full-size SUVs is also being increased, with next-generation Cadillac ICE vehicles launching from next spring into 2028.

    03

    Growth in Software and Services Revenue

    High-margin software and services revenues are growing rapidly, with 1 million new subscriptions expected this year, contributing to over $3 billion in recognized revenue. Deferred revenue from OnStar reached $6.3 billion at the end of Q2, up almost 50% year-over-year, with recognized revenue of $800 million, up 20% year-over-year. The expansion of Super Cruise as standard in high-end trucks and optional across most other vehicles is expected to drive 160,000 incremental Super Cruise units next year, leading to double-digit growth in realized digital revenue in 2027.

    04

    Emerging Business Initiatives: GM Defense and GM Insurance

    New business initiatives like GM Insurance and GM Defense are gaining critical mass. GM Insurance has scaled from 3 states in early 2024 to 21 states, covering over 60% of U.S. sales, with a near-term target of over 80%. GM Defense expects 2026 revenue of almost $700 million and positive EBIT, targeting a revenue CAGR of over 30% with double-digit margins over the next several years, including over $1 billion in ISV awards. These businesses are seen as less cyclical contributors to earnings.

    05

    EV Restructuring and Battery Technology Strategy

    GM recorded $2.3 billion in incremental EV-related charges in Q2, bringing the total to $10.9 billion since H2 2025, with $7.2 billion having a cash impact, of which $4.5 billion has been paid. The company believes these actions substantially complete the material cash charges for EV restructuring. GM is also investing in sodium-ion battery technology with Peak Energy, viewing it as a promising, lower-cost, and safer alternative for grid storage, with potential future vehicle applications, aiming for production before the end of the decade.

    06

    Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns

    Strong H1 FY26 adjusted automotive free cash flow of $6.3 billion enabled $2 billion in open market share repurchases in Q2, retiring 25 million shares. Total H1 repurchases were $2.8 billion, retiring 36 million shares. The diluted share count is now 893 million, 8% below Q2 FY25 and 35% below Q2 FY23. The company has $3.5 billion remaining under its current authorization and expects to continue consistent repurchases, supported by a $19.7 billion automotive cash balance.

    07

    Onshoring and Supply Chain Resilience

    GM is investing $1 billion-$1.5 billion in 2026 to onshore production to the U.S., strengthening its supply chain and expanding software capabilities. This initiative, which incurred $400 million in H1, is expected to ramp up in H2, with the fourth quarter seeing the largest impact as Orion assembly prepares for Escalade production. This move aims to increase U.S. production capacity to over 2 million units and reduce tariff exposure, reflecting a strategy for a more resilient global supply chain post-semiconductor shortages.

    AI-generated summary of the company’s earnings call. Not investment advice.