Third Quarter Segment Results
- GM North America (GMNA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $1.8 billion compared
with $2.2 billion a year ago.
- GM Europe (GME) reported an EBIT-adjusted of $(0.5) billion compared
with $(0.3) billion a year ago.
- GM International Operations (GMIO) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.7 billion
compared with $0.4 billion a year ago.
- GM South America (GMSA) reported EBIT-adjusted of $0.1 billion compared
with near breakeven results a year ago.
- GM Financial earnings before tax was $0.2 billion, up slightly compared
with a year ago.
Cash Flow and Liquidity
For the quarter, automotive cash flow from operating activities was $3.1
billion, up $1.3 billion from a year ago, and automotive free cash flow was $1.2
billion, up $0.9 billion. GM ended the quarter with very strong total automotive
liquidity of $37.5 billion. Automotive cash and marketable securities was $31.6
billion.
Pension De-Risking Transactions
During the quarter, approximately 30 percent of eligible U.S. salaried
retirees accepted GMfs offer to receive a lump sum payment in lieu of ongoing
pension benefits. In addition, GM expects to close in early November a
previously announced transaction through which The Prudential Insurance Company
of America will assume responsibility for pension obligations covering GMfs
remaining eligible U.S. salaried retirees.
Through annuitizations and lump sum payments, approximately $29 billion
of GMfs U.S. salaried pension liability is expected to be eliminated compared
with an original estimate of $26 billion.
In connection with these transactions, GM expects to make total cash
contributions to its U.S. salaried pension plan of approximately $2.6 billion.
In addition, GM will record an approximately $2.9 billion pre-tax charge in
the fourth quarter as a special item. GM originally estimated that it would make
a cash contribution of $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion and record a charge of
$2.5 billion to $3.5 billion.
Fourth Quarter Outlook
GMfs consolidated fourth quarter EBIT-adjusted will follow typical seasonal
trends with results estimated to be similar to or slightly better than the same
period a year ago.
GM also indicated that to the extent positive financial trends continue the
reversal of a significant portion of its valuation allowance on U.S. and
Canadian deferred tax assets is possible in the fourth quarter of 2012. At Sept.
30, 2012, valuation allowances on deferred tax assets in the United States and
Canada were $35.6 billion and $3.2 billion. In addition, valuation allowance
reversals could result in goodwill impairment.
Europe Outlook
GM currently estimates GMEfs EBIT-adjusted for the 2012 calendar year to be
in a range of $(1.5) billion to $(1.8) billion, depending on the level
of restructuring activity in the fourth quarter. In addition, the company is
targeting full-year 2013 EBIT-adjusted for GME to be slightly better than 2012.
Break-even EBIT-adjusted results are targeted by mid-decade.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in
30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest
and fastest-growing automotive markets. GMfs brands include Chevrolet and
Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall
and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including
OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services,
can be found at http://www.gm.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release and in related comments by our management, our use of
the words gexpect,h ganticipate,h gpossible,h gpotential,h gtarget,h gbelieve,h
gcommit,h gintend,h gcontinue,h gmay,h gwould,h gcould,h gshould,h gproject,h
gprojected,h gpositionedh or similar expressions is intended to identify
forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment about possible
future events. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements
are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and our actual results
may differ materially due to a variety of important factors. Among other items,
such factors might include: our ability to realize production efficiencies and
to achieve reductions in costs as a result of our restructuring initiatives and
labor modifications; our ability to maintain quality control over our vehicles
and avoid material vehicle recalls; our ability to maintain adequate liquidity
and financing sources and an appropriate level of debt, including as required to
fund our planned significant investment in new technology; the ability of our
suppliers to timely deliver parts, components and systems; our ability to
realize successful vehicle applications of new technology; the overall strength
and stability of our markets, particularly Europe; and our ability to continue
to attract new customers, particularly for our new products. GM's most recent
annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q provides
information about these and other factors, which we may revise or supplement in
future reports to the SEC.
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