GM stock surged more than 55% in 2025, crossing $80 per share to hit an all-time high on Friday, marking the strongest year for the automaker since its 2009 bankruptcy recovery. This rally outpaced peers amid consistent earnings beats, analyst upgrades, and favorable policy shifts.
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Consistent monthly gains: Shares climbed nearly 13% this month, extending five straight months of positive trading since June.
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Third-quarter earnings exceeded Wall Street estimates, with raised guidance for 2025 and 2026 levels.
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Outperformed sector peers, including Tesla’s 17% rise and Ford’s 34% gain, while FactSet data shows analyst average target at $80.86.
GM stock hits all-time high above $80 with 55% YTD gain in 2025. Explore earnings beats, buybacks & policy boosts driving top auto stock performance. Read analyst insights now!
Why has GM stock surged more than 55% in 2025?
GM stock closed at a record high above $80 per share on Friday, securing over 55% gains for 2025 and positioning General Motors as the leading U.S.-traded auto stock. This marks the company’s best annual performance since emerging from bankruptcy in 2009, surpassing the prior year’s 48.3% increase, according to FactSet data. The rally built steadily, with shares advancing almost 13% in the latest month amid a five-month winning streak.
What key factors drove the GM stock rally?
General Motors’ third-quarter results catalyzed much of the momentum, as earnings beat analyst expectations on October 21, prompting a 19.3% weekly surge. Executives raised full-year guidance and projected 2026 earnings to exceed 2025 levels. CEO Mary Barra emphasized during the earnings call, “Great vehicles, innovative technology, a rewarding customer experience, along with strong financial results, will continue to set GM apart in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
Over the past five years, GM’s adjusted earnings per share have outperformed Wall Street estimates in nearly every quarter, except Q2 2022. This track record underscores operational discipline. Meanwhile, Barra exercised options and sold approximately 1.8 million shares in 2025, valued at over $73 million per public filings. She retains more than 433,500 shares worth above $35 million as of September disclosures, with most compensation tied to equity.
Sector comparisons highlight GM’s dominance. Tesla shares gained about 17%, Ford Motor rose 34%, and Stellantis dropped roughly 15% in 2025. Other players like Honda Motor, Toyota Motor, and Lucid Group saw modest increases, per market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused GM stock to cross $80 per share in 2025?
GM stock crossed $80 after five straight months of gains, fueled by Q3 earnings beats on October 21, raised 2025 and 2026 guidance, and steady positive trading since June. FactSet confirms the close at an all-time high, building on a 13% monthly rise.
Is GM stock outperforming other automakers in 2025?
Yes, General Motors leads U.S.-traded auto stocks with over 55% gains, topping Ford’s 34% and Tesla’s 17% increases. Stellantis declined 15%, while Honda, Toyota, and Lucid posted smaller advances, according to year-to-date performance data.
Key Takeaways
- Record rally: GM stock achieved 55%+ gains in 2025, hitting $80+ all-time high and best year since 2009.
- Earnings strength: Consistent beats over five years, Q3 surge of 19.3%, and upbeat 2026 outlook from management.
- Analyst support: Overweight ratings with $80-97 targets; focus on buybacks, margins, and regulatory relief.
Analyst upgrades, policy changes, and buybacks drive GM stock’s rally
Analysts credit robust cash flow, reliable earnings, and shareholder returns for the ascent. CFO Paul Jacobson stated at a UBS investor conference, “As long as the stock remains as undervalued as it is, the priority is to buy back shares.” UBS lifted its 12-month target 14% to $97, naming GM its top auto pick for 2026. Morgan Stanley upgraded to overweight at $90, with analyst Andrew Percoco noting leadership in unit sales growth, transaction prices, incentives, and inventory amid superior margins.
Policy shifts under the Trump administration eased U.S. fuel economy and emissions rules, eliminated prior penalties, and revised South Korea trade terms—a key GM manufacturing hub. UBS analyst Joseph Spak highlighted benefits from relaxed regulations. Slower electric vehicle sales growth in lower-margin segments further aided traditional operations. FactSet aggregates show overweight consensus at $80.86 target, drawing investor focus into 2026.
Conclusion
GM stock’s 55% surge in 2025 reflects earnings resilience, strategic buybacks, analyst confidence, and supportive policy changes distinguishing it among auto peers. With FactSet targets above current levels and management eyeing continued outperformance, General Motors enters 2026 as a sector standout poised for sustained momentum.
