GM(US:GM) The Motley Foolยท2025-10-25 08:46Core Viewpoint - General Motors (GM) reported strong third-quarter results, leading to a 15% increase in stock price, despite challenges in the automotive industry, including tariffs and a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales due to the removal of the federal tax credit [2][6]. Financial Performance - GM achieved a third-quarter operating profit of $3.1 billion on revenue of $48.6 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of $2.7 billion in operating profit on $45 billion in revenue [5]. - The company raised its full-year operating profit guidance to between $12 billion and $13 billion, an increase from the previous range of $10 billion to $12.5 billion, although this is still a decline from nearly $15 billion in the prior year [6]. Market Dynamics - GM's U.S. market share reached its highest level since 2017, driven by strong sales of full-size trucks and SUVs [3]. - Despite the challenges in the EV market, new car sales were 4% higher through August compared to the previous year, with the average transaction price for new vehicles rising to $50,000 in September [9]. Tariff Impact - The estimated impact of tariffs on GM is projected to be between $3.5 billion and $4.5 billion in 2025, which is $500 million better than previous estimates [7]. - The company took $1.6 billion in write-downs related to EV assets, indicating that anticipated profitability from EV investments may not materialize as expected [8]. Investment Outlook - GM is viewed as a capable player in navigating the complexities of the automotive industry, with strong demand for its fleet and a low price-to-earnings ratio of 10, making it an attractive option for investors [11].