Tesla Inc. recently announced that it may produce fewer vehicles in the current year compared to 2023, as the company prioritizes the development of its next-generation electric vehicle (EV). This announcement had a significant impact on Tesla’s stock, which experienced a decline of more than 3% in after-hours trading on Wednesday.
According to a letter addressed to shareholders, Tesla stated that in 2024, their vehicle volume growth rate is expected to be noticeably lower due to the concerted efforts of their teams at Gigafactory Texas to launch the next-generation vehicle. The company emphasized that it is currently navigating through a transition period between two major growth phases.
In terms of financial performance, Tesla reported earnings of $7.9 billion, equivalent to $2.27 per share, in the fourth quarter. This marks a substantial increase compared to the $3.7 billion, or $1.07 per share, earned in the same period last year. After adjusting for one-time items, Tesla’s adjusted earnings were recorded at 71 cents per share.
Furthermore, Tesla’s sales also experienced growth, reaching $25.17 billion compared to $24.32 billion in the previous year. Analysts predicted adjusted earnings of 73 cents per share on sales of $25.6 billion, according to a FactSet survey.
In terms of stock performance, Tesla has faced a challenging start to the year, with a decline of more than 16% this month. In contrast, the S&P 500 index has witnessed gains of 2%. However, over the past 12 months, Tesla’s stock has risen by more than 44%, surpassing the S&P’s gains of approximately 21%.
Tesla’s increased focus on the development of its next-generation EV demonstrates its commitment to innovation in the electric vehicle market. While this strategic decision may result in decreased vehicle production in the short term, it positions Tesla for future growth as it continues to lead the way in the industry.