Why did Morgan Stanley cut Tesla's target price?

33_Tiger
03-07

Morgan Stanley cut $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$’s price target to $320. Here are the reasons.

  • Tesla’s product is relatively aged.

  • EV demand is decelerating in key markets.

  • China EV market is over-supplied, seeing a barrage of price cuts.

  • Hybrids renaissance – emerging as a real competitor to EVs.

Morgan Stanley expects Tesla’s 1H24 results to come in below expectations on profitability, with GAAP OP margins in the 2-3% range, implying underlying EV manufacturing margins (ex downstream retail and ZEV credits) to be potentially in the red.

  • Cut the unit volumes to under 2mm units, implying just over 10% YoY growth.

  • Reduced Auto gross margin to 11.4% vs. 13.2% (ex ZEV) previously with a 2Q trough of 9.9%.

  • Reduced GAAP OP margin to 3.7% (troughing at 2.2% in 1Q) .

Morgan Stanley believe Tesla has significant attributes to be valued as an AI beneficiary, but the company must see a stabilization in the negative earnings revisions within the auto business first.

The analysts do not believe Tesla will get credit as an AI company as long as core auto earnings are being revised down.

This process may take a few more quarters to see through, over which time our $100 bear case may be ‘in play.’

PT For Tesla Amid Uncertain Future?
A Delaware judge has rejected Elon Musk's $55 billion pay package at Tesla Inc. following a shareholder's challenge for being excessive. This ruling could significantly impact Musk's wealth and raise uncertainties about the future of his companies. -------------------- Will you buy Tesla under $200? What's your target price for Tesla?
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Comments

We need your insight to fill this gap
Leave a comment
3