Tag: North America

  • OnePlus Exits US and Canada Smartphone Market: What It Means for the Brand

    OnePlus Exits US and Canada Smartphone Market: What It Means for the Brand

    OnePlus has officially ceased smartphone sales in the United States and Canada, marking the end of its direct presence in the North American market. The company’s website now lists the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R as sold out, and only a limited selection of accessories—such as earbuds and phone cases—remains available for purchase.

    The decision follows an internal restructuring at parent company OPPO, which has been consolidating its brand portfolio. OnePlus had confirmed in July 2026 that it would exit the region, and the withdrawal is now complete. While customers can still find remaining OnePlus smartphones through third-party retailers, stock is limited and depends on existing inventory.

    OnePlus built a loyal following by offering premium hardware at competitive prices, starting with the OnePlus One. However, increased competition in the premium mid-range segment has narrowed the brand’s differentiation. Industry speculation suggests OnePlus may once again operate as a sub-brand under OPPO, though no official announcement has been made. The company has not revealed any plans for future smartphone releases in North America.

    For now, OnePlus fans in the US and Canada must rely on third-party channels or look to other regions for new devices. The move underscores the shifting dynamics of the global smartphone market, where scale and integration are becoming increasingly critical.

  • GM Q2 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Automaker Boosts 2026 Profit Forecast

    GM Q2 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Automaker Boosts 2026 Profit Forecast

    General Motors posted stronger-than-expected second-quarter results on Tuesday and raised several full-year forecasts, supported by higher North American profit, lower warranty costs, and smaller EV losses.

    Revenue increased 1.9% year-over-year to $48.03 billion. Adjusted earnings reached $3.57 per share, topping estimates of around $3.20. Adjusted EBIT rose to $3.94 billion from $3.04 billion in the same period last year.

    GM Raises Full-Year Earnings Guidance

    GM now expects adjusted EBIT of $14 billion to $16 billion for 2026, up from the previous forecast of $13.5 billion to $15.5 billion. The company also lifted its adjusted earnings guidance to between $12 and $14 per share.

    The automaker increased its adjusted automotive free cash flow outlook to $9.5 billion–$11.5 billion, compared with the earlier range of $9 billion–$11 billion. Meanwhile, GM lowered its expected net income attributable to shareholders to between $8.4 billion and $9.8 billion.

    GM based its revised forecast on steady pricing, lower costs, and better EV results. The company expects pricing to rise about 0.5% and EV losses to improve by $1 billion to $1.5 billion compared with 2025.

    Tariff costs remain a factor. GM expects gross tariff costs of $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion, regulatory benefits of $500 million to $700 million, and commodity inflation of $1.5 billion to $2 billion.

    North American Business Drives Profit Growth

    GM’s North American unit posted an 8.6% adjusted EBIT margin, an increase of 2.5 percentage points from the same period last year. Strong demand for pickups and large SUVs supported regional results.

    “Our 8.6% EBIT-adjusted margin in North America was up 2.5 points from a year ago,” said CEO Mary Barra. She added that GM continues to lower warranty costs, reduce EV losses, and improve efficiency.

    The company kept incentives below the industry average at 4.7% of the suggested retail price, versus the industry average of 6.3%. Average transaction prices exceeded $52,000 during the quarter. GM also reduced dealer inventory by 3% year-over-year, keeping it within the target range of 50 to 60 days. GMC Sierra sales rose 5% to a quarterly record of 95,147 vehicles.

    Vehicle Sales Fall as EV Demand Weakens

    GM sold about 715,000 vehicles in the United States during the quarter, a 4.2% decline from a year earlier. The company remained the country’s largest automaker by sales.

    GM attributed part of the decline to discontinued models, including the Cadillac XT4, Cadillac XT6, and Chevrolet Malibu. A weaker EV market, following the expiration of the federal tax credit, also reduced demand.

    Chevrolet Equinox EV sales fell 61.8%, Blazer EV sales dropped 68.1%, and GMC Hummer EV sales declined 56.8%. Still, GM held an estimated 13.5% to 14% share of the US EV market, trailing only Tesla.

    GM reported $4.5 billion in EV-related cash charges through the second quarter, with total EV-related charges reaching $7.2 billion this year. The company has recorded $10.9 billion in EV charges since the second half of 2025.

    CFO Paul Jacobson described consumer demand as “resilient” and noted that GM’s first-half earnings per share were 25% higher than any previous first-half result. However, high interest rates and vehicle prices continue to pressure affordability.