Instant Reaction: Tesla Earnings Surpass Expectations
Oct 23, 2024
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In this discussion, industry expert Ross Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki, and Bloomberg Technology cohost Ed Ludlow delve into Tesla's impressive earnings beyond Wall Street expectations. They analyze the rebound in demand for electric vehicles and the company's projected growth in vehicle deliveries. The conversation also highlights the impact of declining production costs, the need for focused leadership amid political distractions, and the implications of new product strategies on Tesla's market standing. Expect engaging insights about the future of the EV giant!
Tesla's earnings exceeded expectations primarily due to reduced costs and improved margins despite declining average selling prices for vehicles.
Elon Musk's political involvement raises concerns about potential impacts on Tesla's brand image and operational focus amid growing competition.
Deep dives
Tesla's Strong Earnings Performance
Tesla delivered 1.8 million cars in 2023, which was a significant achievement, although average selling prices experienced a decline. However, the company's automotive gross margin exceeded estimates, largely due to decreased costs associated with goods sold and evolving supply chain dynamics. This improvement suggests that reduced battery demand and lower lithium prices are benefiting Tesla’s margins, allowing for more profitability. The ongoing plans for launching more affordable vehicle models highlight the company's strategy to attract a broader customer base while navigating potential challenges with product cannibalization.
Elon Musk’s Political Involvement
Elon Musk's substantial financial contributions to political causes, particularly his support for the Trump campaign, have raised concerns among investors regarding the implications for Tesla. Some argue that taking a strong political stance may alienate key consumer demographics, which could affect Tesla's sales performance and brand image. The potential risks associated with aligning Tesla's brand with specific political figures during a highly polarized climate are concerning, as they may deter customers who disagree with Musk's political choices. This level of political engagement is seen as unprecedented for a CEO and may complicate Tesla's market positioning.
Leadership and Focus at Tesla
Concerns about Elon Musk's divided attention among multiple ventures, including politics, have been highlighted as a potential detriment to Tesla's operational success. Observations suggest that Musk may not fully engage with Tesla's daily operations, which could hinder innovation, particularly in key areas like full self-driving technology. The discussion points out that in previous years, Musk’s committed focus on Tesla played a critical role in the company’s growth and success. Many investors now worry that a lack of this engagement could allow competitors to gain ground in the rapidly evolving EV market.
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Tesla surpassed Wall Street estimates for earnings in the third quarter, reflecting a rebound in demand for the company’s electric vehicles. The EV maker also said it expects to achieve slight growth in vehicle deliveries for the full year. For instant reaction and analysis, hosts Tim Stenovec and Katie Greifeld speak with Gerber Kawasaki Wealth Management CEO Ross Gerber and Bloomberg Technology cohost Ed Ludlow.