Detroit’s biggest name just reminded Wall Street that traditional automakers aren’t out of gas yet. General Motors posted a strong third quarter, beating expectations and raising its full-year adjusted earnings guidance to between $9.75 and $10.50 per share, up from $8.25–$10.00. The company also trimmed its estimated tariff hit by roughly half a billion dollars, citing improved cost management and a smoother supply chain. The result? GM stock soared 15% in one day its best jump since 2018 as investors cheered the turnaround.

Behind the headline numbers lies a broader story of disciplined adaptation. GM is juggling EV investments, legacy production, and shifting consumer demand all while navigating the policy tug-of-war around tariffs. The updated forecast signals not just resilience, but confidence that the automaker can execute on multiple fronts. With a lighter tariff load and healthier margins, GM now has more room to reinvest in its electric future or reward shareholders through buybacks and dividends.