By
Svetlana Soroka
April 18th, 2024
According to the company, it has plans to produce a total of 1.8 million vehicles with the total delivery expectations pegged around that figure.
American multinational electric vehicle manufacturing company Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) recorded a bearish close of its stock on Monday following the publication of its first quarter delivery numbers. The figures, unveiled over the week showed the company delivered a total of 422,875 electric vehicles in the quarter with a total production of 440,808 cars.
The delivery figures were below the target projected by analysts polled by FactSet who were expecting a total delivery of 432,000. According to the FactSet data, the projections ranged from 410,000 to 451,000, a sign that many analysts were extremely bullish on the performance of the firm.
Though the figures are somewhat in line with the estimates from the firm, investors are concerned that to surpass many of its bullish expectations, additional price cuts may have to be implemented.
“Many investors believe that Tesla’s recent price cuts reflect a structural cost advantage that will enable it to pressure rivals and capture outsize volume and dominate the EV market,” wrote Toni Sacconaghi, an analyst at Bernstein, in a note following the deliveries report. “We maintain that price cuts have and will undermine industry profitability (including Tesla’s), but that incumbents are deep pocketed and not likely to back down.”
According to the data shared, the delivery figures come at a 4% growth from what it revealed in the past quarter. The numbers were driven up by the series of price cuts instituted in its key markets including the United States, Europe, and China.
With the EV world growing more competitive by the day, more electric car manufacturers are beginning to debut equally innovative and cheaper vehicle versions, a trend that may further force Tesla to taper down its prices. Without price reduction, there are fears the firm will lose its market momentum.
Tesla EV Production Projections
According to the company, it has plans to produce a total of 1.8 million vehicles with the total delivery expectations pegged around that figure. According to top officials of the EV giant, Tesla is aiming for 50% growth over the long term.
Tesla’s performance outlook is a mixed one as some analysts are bearish on the company’s shares while a host of others believe it is set on an important pedestal. While Dan Levy of Barclays has a neutral rating on the Tesla shares with a price target of $275 from its current level, Sacconaghi has a relatively bearish projection.
According to the research note published, Sacconaghi has a price target of $150, down from the $194 it printed in today’s pre-market trading.
“The key question for investors is what might margins be, amid significant price cuts but improving commodity costs?” Sacconaghi said.
The shares of the EV company ended Monday’s trading session at a 6.12% loss with the current growth trend showing signs of recovery.