Key takeaways
View moreTesla's current valuation appears moderately overvalued based on its high EV/EBITDA ratio of 54.54 compared to the industry average of 39.03, despite strong financial performance and growth prospects. While the company has significant growth opportunities and technological advantages, the premium valuation doesn't fully account for increasing competition, decelerating revenue growth, and potential regulatory challenges.
- Tesla's financial performance is strong, but its growth is decelerating, and profitability is declining.
- Tesla's operational efficiency is improving, but its cash flow from operations and free cash flow are decreasing.
- Tesla has significant growth opportunities, but it faces intense competition and macroeconomic challenges.
- Tesla's valuation is high, reflecting its strong brand and technological leadership, but it is subject to volatility and potential risks.
- Tesla's future performance will depend on its ability to execute on its growth plans, navigate the competitive landscape, and manage macroeconomic and regulatory risks.
Evaluation summary
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Company Overview:
- Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) is a leading electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy company, designing, developing, manufacturing, selling, and leasing high-performance fully electric vehicles, solar energy generation systems, and energy storage products.
- Key products include the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and energy storage products like Powerwall and Megapack.
- The company operates through two main business segments: (1) Automotive and (2) Energy Generation and Storage.
- Tesla sells vehicles directly to customers through an international network of company-owned stores and galleries.
- The company competes with established automakers like General Motors (GM) and new entrants in the electric vehicle and energy storage markets, such as Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER).
- For comparative analysis, we will use the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) as a benchmark and General Motors (GM) and Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) as industry peers.
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Financial Performance:
- Tesla's revenue has been growing significantly, reaching $25.5 billion in Q3 2024, up from $23.35 billion in Q3 2023. However, revenue growth is decelerating, with a year-over-year increase of 9.2% in Q3 2024 compared to 17.2% in Q3 2023.
- Net income has been volatile, reaching $1.48 billion in Q3 2024, down from $7.93 billion in Q3 2023. This decline is primarily due to a significant tax benefit in Q3 2023.
- Tesla's profitability is strong, with a high return on assets (ROA) of 12.22% in Q3 2024, a return on equity (ROE) of 21.13% in Q3 2024, and an EBITDA margin of 13.75% in Q3 2024. However, these metrics are decreasing, indicating a potential decline in profitability.
- Tesla's ROA, ROE, and EBITDA margin are significantly above the industry average, highlighting its strong profitability relative to its peers.
- Recent news reports suggest that Tesla is facing challenges in maintaining its profitability due to macroeconomic factors like inflation and interest rates, which are impacting customer demand and supply chain costs.
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Operational Efficiency:
- Tesla's working capital has been increasing, reaching $25.25 billion in Q3 2024, up from $18.39 billion in Q3 2023. This increase is primarily due to higher levels of inventory and accounts receivable.
- Tesla's cash flow from operations has been decreasing, reaching $3.61 billion in Q3 2024, down from $4.37 billion in Q3 2023. This decline is primarily due to changes in working capital.
- Tesla's capital expenditures have been increasing, reaching $2.27 billion in Q3 2024, up from $2.31 billion in Q3 2023. This increase is driven by investments in new manufacturing facilities and technology.
- Tesla's free cash flow has been decreasing, reaching $1.34 billion in Q3 2024, down from $2.06 billion in Q3 2023. This decline is primarily due to the combination of decreasing cash flow from operations and increasing capital expenditures.
- Tesla's current ratio and quick ratio are above the industry average, indicating a strong liquidity position. However, these ratios are decreasing, suggesting a potential decline in liquidity.
- Tesla's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average, indicating a strong solvency position. However, this ratio is increasing, suggesting a potential decline in solvency.
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Growth Opportunities:
- Tesla is expanding its manufacturing capacity globally, with new Gigafactories in Texas, Nevada, and Berlin. The company also announced a new Gigafactory in Monterrey, Mexico.
- Tesla is developing new products, including the Cybertruck, a more affordable model with a sub-$30,000 price point, and a ride-hailing service.
- Tesla is investing heavily in R&D, particularly in autonomous driving and AI technologies. The company's FSD technology is expected to surpass human driving safety by Q2 2025.
- Tesla is expanding its geographic reach, with a strong presence in the US, Europe, and China. The company is also targeting emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia.
- Tesla's strategic focus areas include:
- Expanding its vehicle production and delivery capacity.
- Developing and launching new products, including more affordable models.
- Investing in autonomous driving and AI technologies.
- Expanding its energy storage business.
- Expanding its geographic reach.
- Tesla is making progress on its previously announced initiatives, including the Cybertruck, the more affordable model, and the ride-hailing service.
- Tesla's capital allocation strategy is focused on investing in growth initiatives, including new manufacturing facilities, R&D, and technology.
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Recent Developments and Market Sentiment:
- Tesla's Q3 2024 earnings call highlighted strong financial performance, with record deliveries and profitability despite industry headwinds.
- The company emphasized its progress in autonomous driving technology, with a target of surpassing human driving safety by Q2 2025.
- Tesla also announced plans to launch a ride-hailing service in California and Texas in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
- The company's expansion into energy storage is driving significant growth, with strong demand for Megapack and Powerwall.
- Tesla's focus on cost reduction and operational efficiency is critical for maintaining profitability and achieving its ambitious growth targets.
- The market sentiment towards Tesla is mixed, with some investors concerned about the company's valuation and its ability to maintain its growth trajectory.
- Recent news reports have highlighted Tesla's legal and regulatory challenges, including ongoing litigation and government investigations.
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Risks and Threats:
- Tesla's ability to successfully ramp production and deliveries of new products, particularly the Cybertruck and the more affordable model, is a key risk.
- Tesla's reliance on suppliers, including single-source suppliers, and potential supply chain disruptions pose a significant risk.
- Tesla's exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is a risk, particularly in emerging markets.
- Potential legal and regulatory changes impacting electric vehicles and self-driving technology could create significant challenges for Tesla.
- Cybersecurity risks and data breaches are a concern for Tesla, given its reliance on technology and its collection of customer data.
- Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, and customer demand, could impact Tesla's financial performance.
- Tesla's competition is intensifying, with established automakers like GM and new EV startups like UBER investing heavily in electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies.
- Tesla's ongoing legal matters, including litigation related to the 2018 CEO Performance Award and directors' compensation, lawsuits alleging discrimination and harassment, and various consumer claims and class actions, could impact the company's reputation and financial performance.
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Valuation Analysis:
- Tesla's EV/EBITDA ratio is significantly higher than the industry average, indicating a premium valuation.
- Tesla's EV/Sales ratio is also significantly higher than the industry average, further supporting its premium valuation.
- Potential catalysts for Tesla's valuation include:
- Continued growth in vehicle deliveries and revenue.
- Successful development and launch of new products, including the Cybertruck and the more affordable model.
- Continued progress in autonomous driving technology.
- Expansion into new markets, particularly emerging markets.
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Price Performance:
- Tesla's stock price has been volatile, with significant fluctuations in recent months.
- Tesla's stock price has underperformed both GM and UBER over the past three years, with the exception of the past six months.
- Tesla's stock price has also underperformed the benchmark, XLY, over most of the historical periods analyzed.
- Recent price movements have been influenced by news events, including the company's Q3 2024 earnings call and the announcement of the new Gigafactory in Monterrey, Mexico.
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Future Outlook:
- Tesla's management guidance projects vehicle sales growth of 20% to 30% for 2025.
- Tesla expects its internally produced 4680 battery cells to become the most cost-competitive in North America.
- Tesla anticipates significant improvements in Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, projecting that FSD will achieve safer-than-human driving performance by Q2 2025.
- Tesla's future performance is expected to be influenced by:
- The company's ability to execute on its growth plans.
- The competitive landscape in the EV and clean energy markets.
- Macroeconomic conditions.
- Legal and regulatory developments.
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Summary:
- Tesla is a leading electric vehicle and clean energy company with strong financial performance, but its growth is decelerating, and profitability is declining.
- Tesla's operational efficiency is improving, but its cash flow from operations and free cash flow are decreasing.
- Tesla has significant growth opportunities, but it faces intense competition and macroeconomic challenges.
- Tesla's valuation is high, reflecting its strong brand and technological leadership, but it is subject to volatility and potential risks.
- Tesla's future performance will depend on its ability to execute on its growth plans, navigate the competitive landscape, and manage macroeconomic and regulatory risks.
- Key areas for monitoring include:
- Tesla's ability to maintain its profitability.
- Tesla's cash flow generation and capital allocation.
- Tesla's progress on its new product launches.
- Tesla's competitive landscape and market share.
- Tesla's legal and regulatory environment.
- Overall, Tesla's investment profile is characterized by high growth potential, but also high risk. Investors should carefully consider these factors before making any investment decisions.
Price history
Fundamentals
Insights
- Tesla's revenue growth is increasing but is decelerating.
- Tesla's profitability is strong, but is decreasing.
- Tesla's liquidity position is strong, but is decreasing.
- Tesla's solvency is strong, but is decreasing.
- Tesla's cash flow from operations is decreasing.
- Tesla's free cash flow is decreasing.
- Tesla's growth is decelerating.
- Tesla's financial flexibility is decreasing.
- Tesla's financial health is strong, but is deteriorating.
- Tesla's financial performance is being impacted by macroeconomic factors like inflation and interest rates.
- Tesla's ability to successfully ramp production and deliveries of new products is a key risk factor.
- Tesla's reliance on suppliers, including single-source suppliers, and potential supply chain disruptions is a key risk factor.
- Tesla's exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates is a key risk factor.
- Potential legal and regulatory changes impacting electric vehicles and self-driving technology are a key risk factor.
- Cybersecurity risks and data breaches are a key risk factor.
- Tesla's future outlook is uncertain, but the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the transition to sustainable transportation and energy.
Analysis
- Revenue
- Tesla's revenue growth is increasing but is decelerating.
- Tesla's revenue growth is likely driven by new product launches, market expansion, and pricing strategies.
- Tesla's revenue growth is significantly above the industry average.
- Profitability
- Tesla's profitability is strong, with a high return on assets, return on equity, and EBITDA margin.
- Tesla's profitability is decreasing, as evidenced by the declining return on assets, return on equity, and EBITDA margin.
- Tesla's profitability is significantly above the industry average.
- Liquidity
- Tesla's liquidity position is strong, with a high current ratio and quick ratio.
- Tesla's liquidity position is decreasing, as evidenced by the declining current ratio and quick ratio.
- Tesla's liquidity position is below the industry average.
- Solvency
- Tesla's solvency is strong, with a low debt-to-equity ratio and a high debt coverage ratio.
- Tesla's solvency is decreasing, as evidenced by the increasing debt-to-equity ratio and the declining debt coverage ratio.
- Tesla's solvency is significantly below the industry average.
- Operational Efficiency
- Tesla's asset utilization efficiency is improving, as evidenced by the increasing return on assets and return on equity.
- Tesla's asset utilization efficiency is decreasing, as evidenced by the declining return on assets and return on equity.
- Cash Flow Analysis
- Tesla's cash flow from operations is decreasing.
- Tesla's capital expenditures are increasing.
- Tesla's free cash flow is decreasing.
- Tesla's cash flow from operations is significantly above the industry average.
- Tesla's capital expenditures are significantly above the industry average.
- Tesla's free cash flow is significantly below the industry average.
- Risk Factors
- Tesla's profitability is decreasing.
- Tesla's liquidity position is decreasing.
- Tesla's solvency is decreasing.
- Tesla's cash flow from operations is decreasing.
- Tesla's free cash flow is decreasing.
- Tesla's growth is decelerating.
- Tesla's financial flexibility is decreasing.
- Tesla's ability to successfully ramp production and deliveries of new products.
- Reliance on suppliers, including single-source suppliers, and potential supply chain disruptions.
- Exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
- Potential legal and regulatory changes impacting electric vehicles and self-driving technology.
- Cybersecurity risks and data breaches.
- Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, and customer demand.
- Future Outlook
- Tesla's revenue growth is expected to continue, but at a slower pace than in the past.
- Tesla's profitability is expected to decrease.
- Tesla's liquidity position is expected to remain strong.
- Tesla's solvency is expected to remain strong.
- Tesla's cash flow from operations is expected to decrease.
- Tesla's free cash flow is expected to decrease.
- Tesla's growth is expected to decelerate.
- Tesla's financial flexibility is expected to decrease.
- Profitability
Financial statements
Public filings
- Tesla is a leading electric vehicle and clean energy company, but faces intensifying competition in both its automotive and energy storage businesses.
- The company is aggressively expanding its manufacturing capacity and product lineup, including new models like the Cybertruck, while also investing heavily in autonomous driving and AI technologies.
- Tesla's financial performance has been strong, with positive operating cash flow, but it continues to face significant capital expenditure requirements to fund growth.
- Macroeconomic challenges like inflation, rising interest rates, and supply chain disruptions pose risks to Tesla's profitability and growth trajectory.
- The company is navigating a complex legal and regulatory landscape, with ongoing litigation, government investigations, and evolving rules around electric vehicles and self-driving technology.
- Overall, Tesla appears well-positioned to capitalize on the transition to sustainable transportation and energy, but must execute flawlessly to maintain its market leadership amid increasing competition and economic headwinds.
Core Business and Operations:
- Tesla designs, develops, manufactures, sells and leases high-performance fully electric vehicles, solar energy generation systems, and energy storage products
- Key products include the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and energy storage products like Powerwall and Megapack
- Operates two main business segments: (1) Automotive and (2) Energy Generation and Storage
- Sells vehicles directly to customers through an international network of company-owned stores and galleries
- Competes with established automakers as well as new entrants in the electric vehicle and energy storage markets
Industry and Market Trends:
- Operating in a cyclical automotive industry that is sensitive to political, regulatory, and macroeconomic conditions
- Facing increasing competition from both traditional automakers and new electric vehicle startups
- Regulatory environment for electric vehicles and self-driving technology continues to evolve, creating both opportunities and challenges
- Increasing focus on sustainability, renewable energy, and electrification trends provide tailwinds
Recent Events:
- Announced the location of a new Gigafactory in Monterrey, Mexico
- Opened up the previously proprietary Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles through the North American Charging Standard (NACS)
- Initiated restructuring actions in Q2 2024 to reduce costs and improve efficiency
- Converted from a Delaware to Texas corporation in June 2024
Risk Factors:
- Ability to successfully ramp production and deliveries of new products
- Reliance on suppliers, including single-source suppliers, and potential supply chain disruptions
- Exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates
- Potential legal and regulatory changes impacting electric vehicles and self-driving technology
- Cybersecurity risks and data breaches
- Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, interest rates, and customer demand
Legal Matters:
- Ongoing litigation related to the 2018 CEO Performance Award and directors' compensation
- Lawsuits alleging discrimination and harassment at Tesla's facilities
- Various consumer claims and class actions related to product defects and misrepresentations
- Investigations by government agencies, including the SEC and DOJ
Management's Discussion and Analysis:
- Focused on profitable growth, cost reduction, and operational efficiency
- Investing heavily in R&D, AI, and autonomous driving capabilities
- Expanding global manufacturing capacity and delivery infrastructure
- Generating positive operating cash flow to fund growth, though capital expenditures remain high
- Experiencing headwinds from macroeconomic factors like inflation and interest rates
Earnings calls
Earnings Report 2024Q3 (2024-10-23)
Key takeaways
- Strong Financial Performance Despite Industry Headwinds: Tesla's record Q3 results demonstrate resilience in a challenging automotive market, highlighting its strong competitive position.
- Autonomous Driving as a Key Differentiator: Significant progress in FSD technology is crucial for Tesla's future growth and competitive advantage, potentially transforming the company into a mobility services provider.
- Cost Management and Efficiency are Critical: Tesla's focus on cost reduction across all segments is essential for maintaining profitability and achieving its ambitious growth targets.
- Regulatory Landscape Presents Both Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating the fragmented regulatory landscape for autonomous vehicles is a key challenge, but successful approvals could unlock significant market potential.
- Strategic Diversification Beyond Vehicles: Tesla's expansion into energy storage and AI positions the company for long-term growth and diversification beyond its core automotive business.
- Investor Uncertainty Regarding xAI's Impact: The lack of clarity regarding the relationship between Tesla and xAI raises concerns among investors about resource allocation and potential conflicts of interest.
- China Market as a Growth Engine: The significant outperformance of the Chinese market suggests a strong growth trajectory for Tesla in other regions as EV adoption increases.
Focus of management’s prepared remarks
- Record Q3 Performance and Profitability: Tesla achieved record deliveries and profitability in Q3 2024, exceeding expectations despite a challenging automotive market.
- Growth in Energy Storage: Strong demand for Megapack and Powerwall is driving significant growth in the energy storage business.
- Autonomous Driving Progress: Significant advancements in FSD technology are expected, with a target of surpassing human driving safety by Q2 2025. The October 10th event showcased autonomous vehicle capabilities.
- Affordable Vehicle Models: Tesla remains on track to deliver more affordable models starting in the first half of 2025, aiming for a sub-$30,000 price point with incentives.
- Cybertruck Production: Volume production of the Cybertruck is anticipated to begin in 2026, with a target of at least 2 million units per year.
- 4680 Battery Cell Cost Competitiveness: Tesla's internally produced 4680 battery cells are nearing cost competitiveness with other alternatives in North America.
- Expansion of Ride-Hailing: Tesla plans to launch a ride-hailing service in California and Texas in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
- Long-Term Vision: Tesla's long-term vision encompasses sustainable energy, transportation, robotics, and AI, positioning the company for future growth and market leadership.
Focus of the analyst Q&A
- Affordable Model Timeline and Alignment with AI Roadmap: Analysts inquired about the timeline for the more affordable model and its integration with Tesla's AI product roadmap. Concerns were raised about the availability of a $25,000 non-robotaxi model.
- Service Center Wait Times: Analysts sought an update on Tesla's efforts to reduce long wait times at service centers.
- Tesla Semi Update: Analysts requested an update on the Tesla Semi's production timeline, growth prospects, and the integration of FSD.
- Integration of X and Grok into Tesla Vehicles: Analysts asked about the timeline for integrating X and Grok into Tesla vehicles.
- Regulatory Approvals for Unsupervised FSD: Analysts questioned the status of regulatory approvals for unsupervised FSD in California and Texas, clarifying whether approval extends to all existing Model 3 and Y vehicles.
- Tesla's 2025 Plans: Analysts sought a detailed overview of Tesla's plans for 2025.
- Tesla Roadster Update: Analysts requested an update on the Tesla Roadster's development and launch timeline.
- Robotaxi Rollout Strategy: Analysts inquired about the planned rollout strategy for robotaxis, including the use of Tesla's own fleet versus customer-owned vehicles and the compatibility with Hardware 3.
- Relationship Between Tesla and xAI: Analysts sought clarification on the relationship between Tesla and xAI, addressing concerns about potential competition for talent, technology, and Elon Musk's time. The question highlighted investor uncertainty regarding the benefits of xAI to Tesla.
Summary
- Financial Performance
Tesla reported record Q3 2024 deliveries despite year-over-year industry declines in order volumes. The company achieved record Q3 results and generated record operating cash flows of $6.3 billion. Automotive revenues grew both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year, although average selling prices (ASPs) decreased due to financing incentives. Energy storage business showed strong growth in demand for Megapacks and Powerwalls. Specific financial figures regarding profitability and margins are provided in the call but not explicitly stated as exceeding or falling short of analyst expectations.
- Revenue Drivers
Key revenue drivers included record vehicle deliveries, strong growth in the energy storage business, and increased revenue from Full Self-Driving (FSD) features ($326 million in Q3), including the release of FSD for Cybertruck and Actually Smart Summon. Elevated levels of regular 2-week credit sales also contributed significantly ($2 billion YTD). The Chinese market outperformed the US and European markets by a factor of three, suggesting future growth potential in other regions.
- Profit Margins and Cost Management
Automotive margins improved quarter-over-quarter due to increased production and delivery volume, favorable pricing, and localized deliveries. However, sustaining these margins in Q4 is expected to be challenging. Energy margins reached a record of over 30% in Q3, although fluctuations are anticipated. Tesla emphasized cost reduction efforts, aiming to lower the cost per vehicle and per megawatt-hour without compromising customer experience. The company achieved its lowest cost per kilowatt-hour in Q3.
- Guidance and Outlook
Management projected vehicle sales growth of 20% to 30% for 2025, barring unforeseen events. Cybertruck volume production is anticipated to begin in 2026, aiming for at least 2 million units annually, potentially reaching 4 million. Tesla expects its internally produced 4680 battery cells to become the most cost-competitive in North America. The company anticipates significant improvements in Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, projecting that FSD will achieve safer-than-human driving performance by Q2 2025. Expansion of ride-hailing services in California and Texas is planned for 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. Capital expenditures (CapEx) for 2024 are expected to exceed $11 billion, largely due to investments in AI compute.
- Strategic Initiatives
Key strategic initiatives include the development and launch of more affordable vehicle models (sub-$30,000 with incentives), the ramp-up of Cybertruck production, the continued expansion of the energy storage business, significant advancements in FSD technology, the rollout of a ride-hailing service, and substantial investments in AI compute infrastructure. Tesla is also focusing on improving service center efficiency and expanding its network. The company highlighted its vertically integrated approach, controlling vehicle production, service, and software development.
- Management Commentary
Management expressed confidence in Tesla's performance and future prospects, emphasizing its profitability in a challenging automotive market and its technological leadership in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and energy storage. The overall tone was optimistic, projecting significant growth and market dominance. Elon Musk repeatedly highlighted the transformative potential of autonomous driving and the long-term value of Optimus (humanoid robot).
- Industry and Market Conditions
Tesla acknowledged a challenging automotive environment with declining order volumes across the industry. Management noted that most EV companies are unprofitable, highlighting Tesla's unique position. The company believes that declining interest rates could positively impact automotive demand. The impact of macroeconomic factors, such as interest rates and geopolitical events, was acknowledged as a potential risk.
Comparative analysis
Benchmarks (as of 2024-10-11)
- Performance Comparison:
- TSLA has underperformed XLY over most of the historical periods analyzed, particularly over the past year and two years. This suggests that TSLA has been more susceptible to market downturns than the broader Consumer Discretionary sector. However, TSLA has outperformed XLY over the past six months, indicating a potential shift in investor sentiment.
- Risk and Return Analysis:
- TSLA has provided lower annualized returns than XLY over the past three years. This suggests that TSLA has not been as profitable as the broader Consumer Discretionary sector.
- TSLA has been significantly more volatile than XLY, as evidenced by its higher annualized volatility. This indicates that TSLA's price movements have been more erratic and unpredictable than XLY's.
- TSLA has experienced significantly larger maximum drawdowns than XLY. This indicates that TSLA is significantly more susceptible to large price declines than XLY.
- Risk-Adjusted Performance:
- XLY has consistently offered a better risk-adjusted return than TSLA, as indicated by its higher Sharpe ratio. This suggests that XLY has been a more efficient investment than TSLA, providing higher returns for a given level of risk.
- TSLA's higher beta indicates that it is a riskier investment than XLY. This suggests that TSLA's price is likely to fluctuate more than XLY's during periods of market volatility.
- Overall Assessment:
- TSLA has underperformed XLY in terms of both absolute and risk-adjusted returns over the past three years. This suggests that TSLA has been a less profitable and riskier investment than the broader Consumer Discretionary sector. However, TSLA's recent outperformance over the past six months and its decreasing volatility in recent quarters may indicate a potential shift in investor sentiment and a more stable future performance. Investors should carefully consider TSLA's high volatility and susceptibility to large drawdowns before making any investment decisions.
Peers Price History(as of 2024-10-11)
- Performance Comparison:
- TSLA has consistently underperformed both GM and UBER over the past three years, with the exception of the past six months. This underperformance is particularly pronounced in the longer timeframes, such as the one-year, two-year, and three-year periods.
- TSLA's performance has been inconsistent relative to the peer companies, with periods of outperformance and underperformance.
- Risk and Return Analysis:
- TSLA has provided lower annualized returns than both GM and UBER over the past three years. This suggests that TSLA's growth potential may be lower than its peers.
- TSLA has been significantly more volatile than both GM and UBER, as evidenced by its higher annualized volatility. This indicates that TSLA's stock price is more susceptible to fluctuations and market swings.
- TSLA has experienced larger maximum drawdowns than both GM and UBER. This suggests that TSLA's stock price is more vulnerable to significant declines and carries a higher risk profile.
- Risk-Adjusted Performance:
- TSLA's Sharpe Ratio has been consistently lower than GM's and UBER's, indicating that TSLA has not offered a better risk-adjusted return. This suggests that TSLA's returns have not adequately compensated for its higher risk.
- TSLA's beta value has been consistently higher than GM's and UBER's, indicating that it is more sensitive to market movements. This suggests that TSLA's stock price is more likely to fluctuate in line with broader market trends, potentially amplifying both gains and losses.
- Overall Assessment:
- TSLA has consistently underperformed both GM and UBER over the past three years, with the exception of the past six months. This underperformance is particularly pronounced in the longer timeframes, such as the one-year, two-year, and three-year periods.
- TSLA's higher volatility and larger drawdowns suggest that it carries a higher risk profile than its peers.
- TSLA's lower Sharpe Ratio indicates that its returns have not adequately compensated for its higher risk.
- TSLA's higher beta suggests that it is more sensitive to market movements, potentially amplifying both gains and losses.
- Overall, TSLA's performance, risk, and valuation metrics suggest that it may be a riskier investment than its peers. Investors should carefully consider these factors before making any investment decisions.
Peers Fundamentals(as of 2024-06-30)
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Market Position and Size:
- TSLA's market capitalization is significantly larger than its peers, General Motors (GM) and Uber Technologies (UBER), indicating that the market values TSLA significantly higher than its peers, likely due to its focus on electric vehicles and its perceived growth potential.
- While TSLA's market cap is significantly larger than its peers, its revenue is less than GM's. However, TSLA's revenue is greater than UBER's. This suggests that TSLA's market cap is not solely driven by its current revenue, but also by investor expectations of future growth and profitability.
- TSLA's EBITDA is also significantly lower than GM's, but higher than UBER's. This further supports the notion that TSLA's market cap is driven by factors beyond current profitability.
- Overall, TSLA's market position is characterized by a significantly higher market cap than its peers, despite having lower revenue than GM. This suggests that the market has high expectations for TSLA's future growth and profitability, which are not yet reflected in its current financial performance.
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Profitability and Efficiency:
- TSLA's profitability metrics are mixed compared to its peers and industry averages. While it outperforms in some areas, such as EBITDA margin, it lags behind in others, such as net profit margin.
- Considering TSLA's size and revenue, its profitability metrics are relatively strong within the industry. This suggests that TSLA is able to generate profits efficiently, even as it scales its operations.
- TSLA's return on average assets (ROA), return on average total equity (ROE), return on average total capital (ROTC), and return on average invested capital (ROIC) are significantly higher than its peers and industry averages, indicating that TSLA is highly efficient in utilizing its assets, equity, capital, and invested capital to generate returns.
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Financial Health and Stability:
- TSLA's liquidity position is relatively strong, while its debt position is relatively low compared to its peers and industry averages. This suggests that TSLA has a strong financial position and is able to manage its liquidity and debt effectively.
- TSLA's balance sheet structure is significantly different from its peers, with a more conservative approach to debt and a stronger cash position. This suggests that TSLA has a strong financial position and is able to manage its financial resources effectively.
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Valuation and Market Perception:
- TSLA's valuation metrics are significantly higher than its peers and industry averages. This suggests that the market has high expectations for TSLA's future growth and profitability, which are not yet reflected in its current financial performance.
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Cash Flow and Capital Management:
- TSLA's cash flow generation is mixed compared to its peers, considering their market caps. While it outperforms in some areas, such as free cash flow, it lags behind in others, such as net operating cash flow.
- TSLA's Total Capital Expenditure is significantly lower than GM's, but higher than UBER's. This indicates that TSLA is investing less in capital expenditures than GM, but more than UBER.
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Growth and Future Prospects:
- TSLA's growth trends show a mixed picture compared to the peer group average. TSLA consistently shows higher growth in sales, EBITDA, net income, and basic earnings per share, indicating strong revenue and profit growth. However, TSLA consistently shows lower growth in free cash flow and free cash flow margin, suggesting challenges in converting profits into cash flow.
- TSLA's year-over-year growth rates exhibit significant fluctuations, particularly in net income, basic earnings per share, and free cash flow. This suggests that TSLA's growth is not always consistent and may be subject to volatility.
- Comparing TSLA's 3-year and 5-year CAGR figures reveals that TSLA's growth has been more consistent in sales, EBITDA, and total assets, with 3-year CAGRs exceeding 5-year CAGRs. However, TSLA's growth in free cash flow, free cash flow margin, and book value per share has been less consistent, with 3-year CAGRs lower than 5-year CAGRs. This suggests that TSLA's growth in these areas may be slowing down.
- TSLA's growth trends suggest that it is outperforming its peers in terms of revenue and profit growth, but it faces challenges in converting profits into cash flow. The sustainability of TSLA's growth rates is a concern, as some metrics show signs of deceleration.
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Potential for Investment:
- TSLA's investment attractiveness is a complex issue, with both potential advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, TSLA exhibits strong growth in revenue and profitability, high efficiency in generating returns, and a strong cash position. These factors suggest that TSLA has a solid foundation for future growth and profitability.
- On the other hand, TSLA faces challenges in converting profits into cash flow, and its valuation is significantly higher than its peers and industry averages. This suggests that the market has high expectations for TSLA's future growth and profitability, which are not yet reflected in its current financial performance. If TSLA fails to meet these expectations, its valuation could decline significantly.
- Overall, TSLA's investment attractiveness is a matter of balancing its strong growth potential and profitability with its challenges in cash flow generation and its high valuation. Investors should carefully consider these factors before making any investment decisions.
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Key Risks and Considerations:
- TSLA's challenges in converting profits into cash flow are a significant risk for investors. If TSLA is unable to improve its cash flow generation, its growth may be unsustainable.
- TSLA's high valuation is another significant risk. If TSLA fails to meet the market's high expectations for future growth and profitability, its valuation could decline significantly.
- TSLA's dependence on government subsidies and tax credits is a potential risk. If these subsidies and tax credits are reduced or eliminated, TSLA's profitability could be negatively impacted.
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Overall Assessment:
- TSLA is a high-growth company with strong profitability and efficiency. However, it faces challenges in converting profits into cash flow, and its valuation is significantly higher than its peers and industry averages. Investors should carefully consider these factors before making any investment decisions.