General Motors (GM) has spent the past several quarters reshaping the business: trimming EV ambitions, cutting costs, and leaning on strong pickup and SUV demand to shore up cash flow and margins as it pivots into 2026. After a solid fourth-quarter showing and updated 2026 guidance, the board approved a 20% dividend bump and authorized a $6 billion buyback alongside the results. For income-focused investors, that dividend move reads well on the surface, but the bigger question for buy-or-sit-out decision ...

Group 1 - The earnings season has started impressively, with strong performances from major banks and corporate America despite economic uncertainty and tariffs [1][2] - Three early themes have emerged: consumers are resilient against tariff-related cost increases, companies are facing profit pressures due to tariffs, and CFOs are managing earnings expectations effectively [3][2] - General Motors exceeded earnings estimates and raised guidance, citing a resilient consumer and stable auto loan defaults [4] Group 2 - Hasbro reported accelerated sales driven by demand for toys, leading to an increase in full-year sales forecasts [5] - T-Mobile's incoming CEO highlighted better-than-expected customer additions and raised profit guidance [6] - Hilton and AT&T also reported earnings beats and positive outlooks, reflecting consumer resilience [7]