General Motors Tops Estimates But Profits Hit by Recall Costs

General Motors stepped up a gear on Wednesday, with a stronger than predicted fourth quarter. The auto manufacturer posted earnings of $1.19 per share, in a sixth straight quarter of increasing profit. Cheap gas prices, low interest rates and better-than-expected truck sales were credited with boosting the company's performance. GM shares have dropped almost 3 percent this year after the company was forced to recall over 30 million vehicles in North America. The car maker says it now plans to boost its dividend starting in the second quarter.