The GM dividend will remain at $0.18 per common share, General Motors announced on October 20, 2026, alongside a new $20 billion share repurchase authorization. The dividend is payable December 17, 2026. The automaker also reported higher third-quarter earnings and raised its full-year adjusted automotive free-cash-flow outlook.
Key Takeaways
- The quarterly dividend is unchanged, with a December 4 record date and December 17 payment date.
- GM completed its previous $6 billion repurchase program and authorized a new $20 billion multi-year program.
- Third-quarter adjusted earnings rose to $3.70 per share, while management narrowed its annual profit guidance.
Table of Contents
- GM dividend declaration sets December payment
- New buyback authorization follows completed $6 billion program
- Quarterly profit grows faster than revenue
- Annual outlook raises cash-flow target and narrows profit ranges
- Conclusion
GM dividend declaration sets December payment
GM’s quarterly cash dividend declaration sets the payment at $0.18 per share for common shareholders of record at the close of trading on December 4, 2026. The amount maintains the previous quarterly payout rather than increasing it.
The declaration confirms the upcoming December distribution. It is separate from the board’s new repurchase authorization, which gives the company discretion over the timing and execution of share purchases.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026 adjusted EBIT guidance | $14.5 billion–$15.5 billion, versus $14.0 billion–$16.0 billion previously. |
| 2026 adjusted automotive free-cash-flow guidance | $11.5 billion–$12.5 billion, versus $9.5 billion–$11.5 billion previously. |
| 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance | $12.75–$13.75, versus $12.00–$14.00 previously. |
New buyback authorization follows completed $6 billion program
GM said it had completed the $6 billion share repurchase program announced in January 2026. Its board then approved a new $20 billion multi-year authorization with no expiration date.
The authorization is not a completed purchase or a commitment to spend the entire amount on a fixed timetable. GM said the program may be suspended or discontinued at its discretion.
Shares outstanding totaled 849 million on September 30, 2026, down from 904 million at the end of 2025 and 995 million at the end of 2024. That declining share count provides context for the company’s continuing emphasis on repurchases alongside cash dividends.
Quarterly profit grows faster than revenue
For the three months ended September 30, 2026, revenue increased 2.9% from a year earlier to $50.015 billion. Net income attributable to stockholders reached $3.335 billion, compared with $1.327 billion.
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes rose 21.6% to $4.106 billion, while the adjusted EBIT margin widened to 8.2% from 6.9%. Adjusted diluted earnings increased to $3.70 per share from $2.80; reported diluted earnings were $3.73, compared with $1.35.
North American adjusted EBIT increased 43.4% to $3.592 billion. Performance was weaker elsewhere: international adjusted EBIT fell to $28 million from $226 million, and GM Financial’s adjusted earnings before taxes declined 16.9% to $668 million.
Adjusted automotive free cash flow rose 40.0% to $5.882 billion, accompanying the stronger quarterly profit.
Annual outlook raises cash-flow target and narrows profit ranges
Management raised its full-year 2026 adjusted automotive free-cash-flow range and narrowed its adjusted EBIT and adjusted diluted EPS ranges. The adjusted EBIT midpoint remained unchanged, so that revision represents a tighter forecast rather than a higher central target.
GM expects full-year net income attributable to stockholders of $8.9 billion to $9.5 billion and automotive operating cash flow of $17.3 billion to $20.3 billion. These forecasts exclude the potential effect of future adjustments related to special items.
Conclusion
The next confirmed dividend milestones are the December 4 record date and December 17 payment. The larger buyback authorization remains discretionary, while GM’s updated annual guidance sets the financial targets against which its remaining 2026 performance will be measured.
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