Tesla, the electric vehicle giant led by CEO Elon Musk, has reported its worst annual profit in five years, down 46% to $3.8 billion. Despite introducing cheaper models and promising to stay focused on the company, sales have taken a hit due to boycotts and the loss of market share to Chinese rivals.
The plunge in profits comes as Tesla faces increased competition from other manufacturers and struggles with brand destruction, largely attributed to Musk's involvement in US politics. Investors have kept faith in Musk, however, and the stock has seen a 9% increase over the past year.
Musk has been pushing for investors to focus on more futuristic projects, such as robotaxis ferrying millions of cars without drivers or robots taking care of elderly parents. The company plans to close production of its Model S and X models in the second quarter and convert its Fremont factory to produce Optimus robots.
Tesla's fourth-quarter net income plummeted 61% to $840 million, with gross profit margins jumping to 20%. Analysts attribute this improvement to Tesla's ability to show increasing profitability. Plans outlined in the company's earnings report include rolling out robotaxi services in six cities by mid-year.
Despite a setback for the company, some analysts remain bullish on Tesla, citing its potential in the self-driving car market and energy storage business. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities expects robotaxis to be available in over 30 cities by year-end and predicts Tesla will capture 70% of the global market share for self-driving cars.
Tesla's struggles serve as a reminder that even the most successful companies can face challenges, but with innovative projects like Optimus robots, the company may yet find a path forward.
The plunge in profits comes as Tesla faces increased competition from other manufacturers and struggles with brand destruction, largely attributed to Musk's involvement in US politics. Investors have kept faith in Musk, however, and the stock has seen a 9% increase over the past year.
Musk has been pushing for investors to focus on more futuristic projects, such as robotaxis ferrying millions of cars without drivers or robots taking care of elderly parents. The company plans to close production of its Model S and X models in the second quarter and convert its Fremont factory to produce Optimus robots.
Tesla's fourth-quarter net income plummeted 61% to $840 million, with gross profit margins jumping to 20%. Analysts attribute this improvement to Tesla's ability to show increasing profitability. Plans outlined in the company's earnings report include rolling out robotaxi services in six cities by mid-year.
Despite a setback for the company, some analysts remain bullish on Tesla, citing its potential in the self-driving car market and energy storage business. Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities expects robotaxis to be available in over 30 cities by year-end and predicts Tesla will capture 70% of the global market share for self-driving cars.
Tesla's struggles serve as a reminder that even the most successful companies can face challenges, but with innovative projects like Optimus robots, the company may yet find a path forward.