In the lead-up to the anticipated third-quarter (Q3) report of Tesla, concerns have emerged regarding the company’s ability to meet delivery projections. Analysts have sounded warnings, citing planned factory closures and subdued market demand as key factors contributing to this potential shortfall. Among the brokerages expressing apprehension are Barclays, Baird, and Guggenheim, all of which have attributed the anticipated weakness to scheduled downtime in Tesla’s manufacturing facilities in Europe and China. These shutdowns are part of a strategic retooling initiative aimed at upgrading equipment and laying the groundwork for the production of the eagerly awaited Model 3 sedan and the Cybertruck.
Preliminary estimates from analysts suggest that Tesla may deliver between 439,200 and 455,000 vehicles in the September quarter. This forecast falls short of Wall Street’s collective projection of 458,713 vehicles, as derived from the average of estimates provided by 11 analysts surveyed by LSEG. If these projections hold true, it would mark the first sequential decline in Tesla’s deliveries since the second quarter of 2022.
Looking ahead, there is room for cautious optimism in the fourth quarter. The retooling efforts are expected to position Tesla for a refreshed vehicle lineup, enhancing its competitiveness against offerings from U.S. counterparts like Ford, as well as Chinese manufacturer BYD. Nevertheless, some industry observers remain skeptical about Tesla’s performance, suggesting that further price reductions may be necessary to stimulate sales in an environment characterized by escalating competition and a broader deceleration in electric vehicle demand. Such a strategy, however, would likely come at the expense of Tesla’s historically robust profit margins.
In response to market challenges, Tesla has already implemented price adjustments on its Model S and Model X, coupled with heightened discounts on its Model 3 and Model Y, with reductions exceeding $5,000 in the U.S. Additionally, the company has scaled back production plans at its German facility due to tepid demand.
Yet, rays of hope persist. The revamped Model 3, slated for release, could offer a substantial boost in the fourth quarter, buoyed by its higher price point and planned market entry into China and Europe. Initial reviews of the updated Model 3 have been overwhelmingly positive, with surging wait times signaling robust demand.
An unexpected variable in this equation is the ongoing autoworkers’ strike at the Detroit Three, potentially offering shelter to Tesla investors wary of placing their bets on Ford and GM in these uncertain times. Despite a 5% dip in Tesla shares this month, reflecting expectations of a delivery shortfall, the company’s stock has nearly doubled over the course of the year.
In conclusion, the eagerly anticipated Q3 report of Tesla will shed light on how the company navigates through factory retooling and soft demand, determining whether it can overcome these challenges and meet its delivery projections. The impact of its factory upgrades and the introduction of new models remains to be seen, leaving stakeholders eagerly awaiting the forthcoming report to ascertain whether Tesla will meet its delivery projections.
Source: Reuters
