Honestly, if you’ve been watching the ticker for General Motors on the New York Stock Exchange lately, you might feel a little bit of whiplash. One day the headlines are screaming about multi-billion dollar writedowns, and the next, analysts are calling the stock a "silly" good deal. It’s a lot.
Just last week, GM shares were trading around $81.22, even after the company dropped a massive bombshell: a $7.1 billion special charge for the fourth quarter. You’d think the market would panic. Instead, the stock has actually climbed about 56% over the last year.
What’s going on?
Basically, the "Old Detroit" is beating the "New Tech" at its own game by being surprisingly pragmatic. While companies like Tesla are seeing margins tighten and some EV startups are literally fighting for survival, General Motors is leaning back into what actually makes money—big, gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs—while quietly becoming the second-largest EV seller in America. It’s a weird, messy transition. But for anyone tracking the New York Stock Exchange General Motors data, it’s proving to be a masterclass in survival.
The Massive $7.1 Billion Pivot
Most people saw the headline about the $7.1 billion charge and thought "disaster." I get it. That’s a huge number. But here is the thing: about **$6 billion** of that was a deliberate "retreat" from certain EV investments.
GM is essentially cleaning its room.
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By taking this hit now, CEO Mary Barra is admitting that the industry got a little too far ahead of the actual consumer. When the $7,500 federal tax credit expired in September 2025, EV sales didn't just dip—they cratered. Industry-wide, sales dropped 43% in the final quarter.
Instead of stubbornly burning cash on cars people aren't buying yet, GM is idling some battery plants until mid-2026. They are paying off suppliers to cancel contracts. It's expensive, sure, but it means they aren't stuck with thousands of unmarketable cars sitting on lots.
Why the New York Stock Exchange General Motors Listing Still Dominates
Despite the EV drama, GM delivered 2.85 million vehicles in 2025. They are still the king of the hill in the U.S. market.
You’ve got to look at the "Denali" factor. GMC Denali and Cadillac sales are hitting records. People are paying an average of $50,326 for a new car these days, which is wild, but they are specifically choosing GM’s high-margin trucks. The Silverado had its best fourth quarter since 2020.
Here's why the stock is holding up:
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- Profit over Pride: GM isn't afraid to build more hybrids if that's what people want.
- The Buyback Machine: The company has been aggressive about returning value to shareholders, which supports the stock price even when news is rocky.
- SUV Dominance: The Chevrolet Suburban saw a 16.2% jump in sales recently. Those are massive profit centers.
Piper Sandler analyst Alexander Potter recently upgraded the stock to a target of $98. He basically said that by pulling back on EVs, the earnings picture for 2026 actually looks healthier. It’s a bit of a paradox, isn't it? By doing "less" of the future stuff, the company becomes "more" valuable today.
The China Problem and the Tariff Wall
We can't talk about the New York Stock Exchange General Motors performance without mentioning the elephant in the room: China.
GM’s operations in China have been... well, let's call it "challenging." They took a $1.1 billion charge just to restructure that joint venture. Between domestic competition from brands like BYD and a shifting political landscape, the "Golden Goose" of the 2010s has turned into a bit of a headache.
Then you have the tariffs.
Mary Barra mentioned recently that tariffs had a "few-billion-dollar impact" last year. To fight back, GM is moving production for models like the Chevy Blazer and Equinox from Mexico back to the U.S. It’s a "no-regret" move. It protects them from trade wars and plays well with the "American-made" sentiment that’s currently trending.
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What’s Actually Coming in 2026?
If you're looking at the ticker, don't expect a smooth ride.
The company expects 2026 to be "even better" than 2025, but they are being realistic. They know consumer affordability is a major issue. High interest rates are making those $50,000 trucks a tough sell for the average family.
But there’s a secret weapon: The Chevy Bolt. It’s relaunching this year with a starting price under $30,000. If GM can actually build those at a profit, they might solve the "EVs are too expensive" problem that has plagued the New York Stock Exchange General Motors narrative for years.
Actionable Insights for the Savvy Investor
If you are watching GM on the New York Stock Exchange, keep these specific triggers in mind for the coming months:
- Watch the January 27 Earnings Call: This is where the 2026 guidance will officially drop. Look for their "adjusted EBIT" projections. If they forecast growth despite the EV pullback, the stock could pop.
- Monitor the Hybrid Pivot: GM was late to the hybrid game compared to Toyota. Watch for announcements regarding new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of their popular trucks.
- The $30k Barrier: Keep an eye on the Chevy Bolt's launch. If it sells out quickly without heavy incentives, it proves GM has found the "sweet spot" for the mass market.
- Institutional Sentiment: Currently, about 61% of analysts have a "Strong Buy" on the stock. If that starts to drift toward "Hold," it might be time to take some profits.
The reality is that GM is no longer just a car company; it's a massive balancing act. They are juggling 100-year-old internal combustion tech with 2028 autonomous driving goals, all while navigating a trade war. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the numbers suggest they’re steadier than most people think.