Author: The INO.com Team

Amazon's Reinvestment Strategy: A Double-Edged Sword for Investors?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

With a market capitalization of $2.08 trillion, Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) is one of the most valuable companies on the Nasdaq. The e-commerce giant commands a premium valuation due to its consistent sales growth. However, it often appears significantly overvalued when analyzed through traditionally earnings-based valuation methods.

AMZN’s strategy has long been characterized by its aggressive reinvestment of the majority of its profits back into the business. This approach has played a pivotal role in Amazon’s rapid expansion while minimizing its tax burden. Yet, it also poses unique challenges when evaluating the company’s true worth.

Thus, it’s essential to consider several alternative valuation metrics to gauge the difference between market valuation and AMZN’s business fundamentals accurately.

Traditional Valuation Metrics: Beyond the P/E Ratio

Conventional valuation metrics like the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio often fall short when evaluating AMZN due to its reinvestment strategy. As of July 5, the company’s forward non-GAAP P/E multiple is 44.01. Net income-based metrics such as P/E can be misleading as they don’t fully capture the company’s growth potential or the value created by its reinvested profits.

So, investors have turned to the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, which is a company’s market value compared to its revenue, as a more reliable indicator.

Operating Income and Margin: A Clearer Picture

A more effective way to value Amazon is by looking at its P/S ratio within the context of its operating income and operating margin. These metrics provide a clearer view of the company’s profitability. AMZN’s trailing-12-month (TTM) operating income is approximately $100 billion, with its operating margin at a 10-year high. This improvement is primarily attributed to AWS’ growth and a rebound in its North America and International segments.

One scenario is paying a 3.26 P/S ratio for a business with high revenue growth but low-profit margins. However, paying the same ratio for a company that is not only increasing its revenue but also improving its profit margins is entirely different, making AMZN an attractive investment opportunity.

The Bull Case for Amazon

Undoubtedly, AMZN’s reinvestment strategy presents a double-edged sword for investors. On one hand, it has fueled tremendous growth and innovation, positioning the company at the forefront of several high-growth industries. On the other hand, it complicates traditional valuation methods, potentially leading to misinterpretations of the company’s financial health.

Despite these challenges, the bull case for Amazon remains strong. The company’s P/S ratio is close to its five-year average of 3.02, but the quality of its business is considerably improving. Amazon is growing its top line and expanding its margins, suggesting a path toward consistent profitability.

For the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, Amazon’s net sales increased 13% year-over-year to $143.30 billion. Notably, the company’s Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leader in cloud infrastructure, segment sales rose 17% year-over-year to $25 billion. AWS contributed over 61% of AMZN’s operating income in the quarter. AWS’ operating income grew faster than AWS’ sales, indicating that margins are improving.

According to HG Insights, AWS captured around 50.1% of the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) market share among the ten leading providers.

Amazon’s International segment sales grew 10% from the prior year’s quarter, and the North America segment increased 12%. The company’s operating income was $15.30 billion, up 218.8% year-over-year. Its net income came in at $10.40 billion for the first quarter, or $0.98 per share, compared to $3.20 billion, or $0.31 per share, in the same quarter of 2023.

Furthermore, AMZN’s operating cash flow was $99.10 billion for the trailing twelve months versus $54.30 billion for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2023. Its free cash flow increased to an inflow of $50.10 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with an outflow of $3.30 billion ended March 31, 2023.

“It was a good start to the year across the business, and you can see that in both our customer experience improvements and financial results,” said Andy Jassy, Amazon President and CEO.

“The combination of companies renewing their infrastructure modernization efforts and the appeal of AWS’s AI capabilities is reaccelerating AWS’s growth rate (now at a $100 billion annual revenue run rate); our Stores business continues to expand selection, provide everyday low prices, and accelerate delivery speed (setting another record on speed for Prime customers in Q1) while lowering our cost to serve; and, our Advertising efforts continue to benefit from the growth of our Stores and Prime Video businesses,” Jassy added.

Looking forward, analysts expect Amazon’s revenue and EPS for the fiscal year (ending December 2024) to increase 11.1% and 56.7% year-over-year to $638.80 billion and $4.54, respectively. The company’s revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2025 are expected to grow 11.2% and 26% from the prior year to $710.20 billion and $5.73, respectively.

Bottom Line

AMZN’s stock has had a record-breaking year, joining the $2 trillion club in June. The stock has surged nearly 37% over the past six months and more than 53% over the past year. While Amazon’s valuation may seem high at first glance, its improved business fundamentals and growth prospects justify the current stock price.

By continuously reinvesting profits back into its business, Amazon has managed to stay at the forefront of e-commerce and cloud computing, driving rapid expansion and innovation. While the company’s reinvestment strategy has undeniably been a catalyst for its success, it requires investors to adopt a more sophisticated approach to valuation, considering metrics beyond traditional net income-based ones.

By focusing on the P/S ratio within the context of operating income and margin, investors can gain a better understanding of the company’s financial trajectory and growth potential. Thus, while complicating traditional valuation methods, Amazon’s reinvestment strategy has laid the foundation for continued success and makes the company an attractive investment opportunity in the long term.

Disney’s $60 Billion Bet: Will Theme Park Expansion Drive Stock Growth?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The Walt Disney Company (DIS) plans to invest $60 billion in theme parks and cruises over the next ten years, marking a transformative chapter for the entertainment giant. However, the question looms: Will this massive outlay drive stock growth and solidify Disney’s financial health, or does it present a high-stakes gamble fraught with potential pitfalls?

Financial Health and Stock Performance: Analyzing the Impact

Disney’s theme parks have emerged as a robust profit engine in recent years. The entertainment segment, which includes parks, cruise ships, and consumer products, contributed 60% of the company’s operating income in the most recent quarter, up from 30% a decade ago. The parks have become a crucial buffer against the challenges faced by Disney’s traditional television and video streaming business.

The new $60 billion investment plan on theme parks reflects Disney’s commitment to further capitalizing on this profitability. By enhancing attractions and increasing cruise line capacity, Disney aims to drive higher guest attendance, extended stays, and greater spending per visitor. These factors collectively contribute to revenue growth, which could bolster stock performance in the long run.

Long-Term Benefits and Risks

The capital infusion will lead to new and upgraded attractions, potentially increasing visitor satisfaction and drawing larger crowds. These investments will build upon recent attractions such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by Disney’s animated film The Princess and the Frog; the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster; and Tron Lightcycle/Run.

Moreover, upgraded parks and expanded cruise lines will likely generate more revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and food services. This expanded capacity can lead to improved financial performance and, consequently, stock growth for Disney.

With intensified competition in central Florida from rival Universal Studios, which plans to open Epic Universe the following year and other emerging attractions, Disney’s investments could help maintain its market leadership and appeal, safeguarding its share of the theme park revenue.

However, potential pitfalls, including economic downturns or shifting consumer preferences, could impact the company’s financial health and stock performance. Generally, large-scale investments are vulnerable to economic shifts. An economic downturn could reduce consumer spending on leisure and travel, impacting theme parks’ attendance and profitability.

Changes in consumer tastes and expectations might also impact the success of new attractions. If DIS’ investments do not align with evolving customer preferences, the anticipated returns could fall short. Further, the maintenance and operational costs associated with new attractions and expanded facilities could strain Disney’s finances if not matched by proportional increases in revenue.

Thus, the timing of Disney’s massive investment in its theme parks is crucial. Economic indicators, such as consumer spending trends and global economic stability, will influence the success of these investments. If economic conditions deteriorate, DIS might face challenges in achieving its financial targets. Conversely, Disney’s investments could yield substantial returns if the economy remains robust or improves.

Additionally, macroeconomic factors such as inflation and interest rates could affect financing costs and operational expenses. Disney’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining its investment plans will be a critical factor in determining the success of this expansion strategy.

Bottom Line

Disney’s $60 billion investment in its theme parks and cruises represents a bold strategy and a high-risk venture. On one hand, it aligns with a long-term vision of growth and innovation, enhancing the company’s competitive positioning. The parks have historically been a vital revenue source, and expanding them can be seen as a strategic move to ensure sustained profitability.

On the other hand, the substantial capital required for such projects introduces enhanced financial risk, particularly if macroeconomic conditions become unfavorable. With the global economy facing uncertainties, including inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions, the timing of Disney’s investment might be seen as a gamble. The success of this strategy depends heavily on DIS’ ability to effectively execute its plans and adapt to changing economic conditions or consumer preferences.

Therefore, investors should weigh the potential for growth against the inherent risks, keeping a close eye on both economic trends and Disney’s operational performance.

How Administrative Errors at Boeing (BA) Could Cost Investors

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The shocking incident earlier this year involving the Boeing 737 Max has placed The Boeing Company (BA) in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. On January 5, the door plug of a commercial Boeing 737 Max 9 for Alaska Airlines blew off mid-air, revealing serious lapses in Boeing’s quality control and safety protocols.

This incident, traced back to a simple yet critical paperwork error, highlighted the potential dangers of administrative oversights in aviation manufacturing. Moreover, it interrupted Boeing’s progress in recovering from two deadly crashes of Max jets in 2018 and 2019. These crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, which claimed about 346 lives, are now back in the spotlight as well.

Detailed Analysis of the January 5th Accident

An Alaska Airlines flight operating a Boeing 737 Max 9 experienced a significant safety breach when a door plug came off 10 minutes after the flight took off from Portland, Oregon, on its way to Ontario, California. The root cause of this alarming event was a lack of paperwork. Evidence shows four bolts that hold the door plug in place were not installed before the plane left the factory in October, as the workers did not receive the necessary work order.

This administrative error, though seemingly minor, had the potential to endanger the lives of all passengers and crew on board, but luckily, the incident wasn’t fatal.

The door plug incident highlights significant issues with the quality of work along the Boeing assembly lines. These problems have drawn the attention of multiple federal investigations and whistleblower revelations, and have contributed to delays in jet deliveries, causing widespread disruptions for airlines and passengers worldwide.

Elizabeth Lund, BA’s Senior Vice President of Quality, addressed this issue at a press conference and admitted that the absence of paperwork led to administrative oversight. “The fact that one employee could not fill out one piece of paperwork in this condition and could result in an accident was shocking to all of us,” Lund stated.

The lack of paperwork was not new information, as it had been previously disclosed in testimony before the US Senate Commerce Committee by the head of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). After the aircraft company “blatantly violated NTSB investigative regulations,” the agency issued a series of sanctions against Boeing.

So, Boeing’s disclosure of the information led to further complications with the NTSB, resulting in a reprimand and potential criminal probe referral to the Department of Justice.

The PR Team’s Struggle in Managing Continuous Crises

Boeing’s PR team has faced immense challenges in managing the fallout from continuous crises. The January 5th incident required immediate crisis management to mitigate further damage. However, their efforts were complicated by a subsequent reprimand from the NTSB for allegedly violating investigative protocols by sharing information prematurely.

BA acknowledged Lund’s recent remarks were a mistake. “We deeply regret that some of our comments, intended to make clear our responsibility in the accident and explain the actions we are taking, overstepped the NTSB’s role as the source of investigative information,” Boeing’s Kowal stated.

The strained relationship with regulatory bodies exacerbates the difficulty for Boeing’s PR team, which must now balance transparency with compliance while managing public perception and investor confidence.

Potential Financial and Reputational Damage

Administrative errors like the one seen on January 5 involving the Boeing 737 Max 9 can lead to significant financial and reputational damage. For BA, the immediate financial impact includes potential fines, legal fees, and the cost of corrective measures.

However, the long-term consequences can be even more damaging. Repeated safety issues erode trust in the brand, leading to a loss of customer confidence and potentially impacting future sales. Airlines may reconsider placing orders with Boeing and opt for competitors that are perceived as more reliable.

Investors are particularly sensitive to such risks. Boeing’s stock price is closely tied to its reputation for safety and reliability. Continued administrative errors and poor crisis management can enhance stock price volatility, affecting investor returns. The market tends to react negatively to news of safety breaches and regulatory reprimands, as seen in the aftermath of the door plug incident.

BA’s stock has plunged more than 24% over the past six months and nearly 29% year-to-date.

Bleak First-Quarter 2024 Results

BA faces increased scrutiny over the safety of its planes. As it deals with quality crises from the January 5th flight, Boeing reported a massive $355 million net loss for the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024. The company brought in revenue of $16.57 billion, a 7.5% year-over-year decline.

During the quarter, Boeing posted a 36% year-over-year decrease in commercial plane deliveries. This resulted in cash flow from operations dropping to negative $3.36 billion and non-GAAP free cash flow falling to negative $3.90 billion.

“Our first quarter results reflect the immediate actions we've taken to slow down 737 production to drive improvements in quality,” commented Dave Calhoun, Boeing’s President and CEO. “We will take the time necessary to strengthen our quality and safety management systems and this work will position us for a stronger and more stable future.”

“Near term, yes, we are in a tough moment,” Calhoun told its employees. “Lower deliveries can be difficult for our customers and for our financials. But safety and quality must and will come above all else.”

Wall Street also appears bearish about the aviation giant’s growth prospects. Analysts expect BA’s revenue for the second quarter (ended June 2024) to decrease 10.4% year-over-year to $17.71 billion. The company is projected to post a loss per share of $1.14 for the same period.

Bottom Line

The January 5th incident involving the Boeing 737 Max 9 has renewed scrutiny of air travel and Boeing’s planes. This incident highlighted a long series of safety and manufacturing issues accumulated for Boeing over the years, including two deadly crashes involving Max jets. These lapses pose serious safety risks and jeopardize the company’s reputation and financial stability.

Boeing’s repeated safety failures could have significant implications for Boeing’s future orders and stock performance. If the aviation giant cannot address these systemic issues and improve its crisis management strategies, it risks losing market share to competitors like Airbus SE (EADSY).

Investors must closely monitor BA’s response to these ongoing challenges. Effective and transparent communication, coupled with improvements in operational processes, will be crucial in restoring investor confidence. Boeing must also work to repair its relationship with regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with all investigative protocols to avoid future reprimands and potential criminal investigations.

In conclusion, administrative errors at Boeing, exemplified by the January 5th incident, highlight the critical need for robust quality control and effective crisis management. The financial and reputational damage from such errors can considerably impact investor confidence. As Boeing navigates this problematic landscape, its ability to restore trust and demonstrate operational excellence will be vital to securing its future in the competitive aerospace industry.

Oil Stocks on the Rise: Pro-Oil Stance from Trump Boosts Sector

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The recent presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has stirred significant movements in the equity markets, especially within the energy sector. Biden’s shaky performance drove sentiment around Trump’s odds of securing a second term in the White House, propelling stocks of private prisons, credit card companies, and health insurance firms.

However, the most notable surge has been in oil stocks, reflecting Trump’s pro-oil policies and the market’s anticipation of potential benefits under his presidency.

Trump’s Pro-Oil Policies: A Catalyst for Growth

Trump’s administration has consistently advocated for deregulation and expansion of oil drilling activities, and a second term could amplify these policies. Last month, Donald Trump told Senate Republicans he would restart oil drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge if re-elected. This promise is seen as a green light for increased oil production, potentially boosting the profitability and growth of oil companies.

Moreover, Trump offered to roll back environmental regulations, hasten permitting and leasing approvals, and enhance tax benefits that the energy industry enjoys if top U.S. oil executives agreed to donate $1 billion for his White House re-election. Lower regulatory hurdles could lead to cost reductions for oil companies, making exploration and drilling more economically viable.

In the wake of the debate, energy stocks emerged as some of the best performers of the S&P 500 index despite a slight dip in Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate prices. Baker Hughes Co. (BKR) led the sector’s rally, with Valero Energy Corporation (VLO), Phillips 66 (PSX), Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP), and Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) following suit.

This recent surge is primarily driven by the market’s reaction to Trump’s potential White House re-election, which is perceived to favor the oil and gas industry significantly.

Top Beneficiaries of Pro-Oil Stance From Trump

Phillips 66 (PSX)

Valued at a market cap of $59.51 billion, Phillips 66 (PSX) is a global energy manufacturing and logistics company. It operates in four segments: Midstream; Chemicals; Refining; and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The company’s diversified operations could benefit from reduced regulatory pressures and expansion of oil drilling activities supported by Trump’s pro-oil policies.

On May 21, Phillips 66 agreed to acquire Pinnacle Midland Parent LLC from Energy Spectrum Capital in a strategic move to expand its natural gas gathering and processing footprint in the Midland Basin. Pinnacle’s assets encompass the newly built Dos Picos natural gas gathering and processing system: a 220 MMcf/d gas processing plant, 80 miles of gathering pipeline, and 50,000 dedicated acres through high-quality producers in one of PSX’s focus basins. 

Mark Lashier, Chairman and CEO of Phillips 66, said, “Pinnacle is a bolt-on asset that advances our wellhead-to-market strategy and complements our diversified and integrated asset portfolio. Further, this transaction aligns with our long-term objectives to build out our natural gas liquids value chain, be disciplined with our capital allocation and create sustainable value for our shareholders.”

Also, in April, PSX’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $1.15 per share, representing a rise of 10%. The dividend was paid on June 3, 2024, to shareholders of record as of the business close on May 20, 2024. The dividend increase demonstrates the company’s confidence in its growing mid-cycle cash flow generation and disciplined capital allocation strategy, which includes maintaining a secure and competitive dividend.

Since its establishment in 2012, Phillips 66 has consistently increased its dividend, resulting in a CAGR of 16%. Moreover, the company is well-poised to continue delivering substantial shareholder value by executing its strategic priorities, including returning $13-$15 billion to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases from July 2022 to the year-end 2024.

For the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, PSX reported revenue of $36.44 billion, beating analysts’ estimate of $33.56 billion. Its adjusted earnings were $822 million, or $1.90 per share, respectively. During the quarter, refining operated at 92% crude utilization. As of March 31, 2024, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.60 billion and $3.50 billion of committed capacity available under its credit facility.

Further, Phillips 66, through the successful execution of its strategic priorities, remains committed to increasing mid-cycle adjusted EBITDA to $14 billion by 2025 and returning more than 50% of operating cash flow to shareholders.

PSX’s stock is up around 5% year-to-date and has gained more than 45% over the past year.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY)

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) also stands to gain significantly from Trump’s pro-oil stance. OXY is a leading energy company with assets mainly in the U.S., the Middle East, and North Africa. The company’s extensive operations in the Permian and DJ basins and offshore Gulf of Mexico, coupled with potential regulatory rollbacks, could enhance its production capabilities.

Over the past six months, shares of OXY have surged more than 3% and approximately 46% over the past year. Moreover, the stock has already shown positive movement following the presidential debate, reflecting investor optimism.

Last month, OXY and BHE Renewables, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, formed a joint venture for the demonstration and deployment of TerraLithium’s Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and associated technologies to extract and commercially produce high-purity lithium compounds from geothermal brine.

By utilizing Occidental’s expertise in managing and processing brine within its oil & gas and chemicals businesses, combined with BHE Renewables’ extensive knowledge in geothermal operations, OXY is exceptionally equipped to advance a more sustainable method of lithium production.

During the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, OXY posted an adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders of $604 million, or $0.63 per share. Notably, midstream and marketing surpassed guidance for pre-tax income by nearly $100 million. Also, OxyChem exceeded guidance with a pre-tax income of $260 million.

In addition, Occidental’s total production was $1,172 Mboed near the mid-point of its guidance. Solid operational performance drove cash flow from operations of $2 billion and cash flow from operations before working capital of $2.3 billion.

“Operational excellence is fundamental to everything we do at Occidental, and our teams delivered at a high level across all segments during the first quarter of 2024,” stated OXY’s President and Chief Executive Officer Vicki Hollub. “We are executing in all areas of our diversified portfolio and positioned for free cash flow growth.”

Analysts expect OXY’s revenue and EPS for the second quarter (ended June 2024) to increase 3.5% and 26.4% year-over-year to $6.97 billion and $0.82, respectively. Also, the company has topped the consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters.

Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP)

With a $29.62 billion market cap, Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP) is a prominent provider of midstream services. The company primarily engages in the gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and selling of natural gas; transporting, storing, fractionating, treating, and purchasing and selling natural gas liquids (NGLs) and NGL products, like services to LPG exporters; and gathering, terminaling, and purchasing and selling crude oil.

TRGP, with its focus on natural gas and NGLs, stands to benefit from the Trump administration’s favoring fossil fuels. TRGP’s stock has soared more than 14% over the past month and around 52% over the past six months. Moreover, the stock is up nearly 72% over the past year.

Targa recently began operations at its new 120 MBbl/d Train 9 fractionator in Mont Belvieu, TX. Further, construction continues on Targa’s 275 MMcf/d Greenwood II plant in Permian Midland and its 230 MMcf/d Roadrunner II and 275 MMcf/d Bull Moose plants in Permian Delaware. In the Logistics and Transportation (L&T) segment, construction continues on Targa’s 120 MBbl/d Train 10 fractionator in Mont Belvieu, its Daytona NGL Pipeline.

In May, TRGP, to increase production and meet the rising infrastructure needs of customers, announced the construction of a new 275 MMcf/d cryogenic natural gas processing plant in Permian Midland (Pembrook II plant) and the construction of a new 150 MBbl/d fractionator in Mont Belvieu (Train 11).

Moreover, in April, Targa Resources’ Board of Directors declared an increase to its quarterly cash dividend to $0.75 per share, or $3 per share annually, for the first quarter of 2024. This dividend represents a 50% rise from the dividend declared in the first quarter of 2023. The dividend increase indicates the company’s solid financial health and confidence in its continued growth.

In the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, TRGP’s revenues increased 1% year-over-year to $4.56 billion. Its adjusted operating margin grew 3% from the prior year’s quarter to $622.10 million. Its NGL pipeline transportation volumes were $717.80 million, up 34% year-over-year.

Additionally, the company’s adjusted EBITDA rose 2.7% from the year-ago value to $966.20 million. Its adjusted cash flow from operations was $738.40 million for the quarter.

Street expects TRGP’s revenue for the fiscal year (ending December 2024) to increase 22.9% year-over-year to $19.74 billion. The consensus EPS estimate of $5.36 for the current year indicates an improvement of 46.4% year-over-year.

Bottom Line

The recent debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has underscored the potential for significant market shifts based on political outcomes, particularly within the energy sector. With Trump’s pro-oil policies gaining renewed attention, companies like Phillips 66, Occidental Petroleum, and Targa Resources are well-positioned to capitalize on a supportive regulatory environment and expansion of drilling activities.

As the election approaches, the energy sector’s trajectory will likely remain closely tied to political developments. Investors should remain vigilant and consider the implications of potential policy changes on their portfolios. The solid financial performance and strategic initiatives of PSX, OXY, and TRGP, combined with the potential regulatory shifts under the Trump administration, could drive growth and deliver significant shareholder value in the upcoming years.

Why Long-Term Investors Should Eye TSLA's Robotaxi Potential

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) is set to release its second-quarter delivery update in early July, which is expected to show a decline for the second straight quarter. Analysts have adjusted their estimates for TSLA deliveries downward due to concerns over consumer demand and intense competition in China. In January, the company cautioned that delivery growth in 2024 would be “notably lower” as the impact of months-long price cuts diminishes.

According to an average estimate derived from forecasts by 12 analysts polled by LSEG, the EV maker is expected to deliver 438,019 vehicles for the April-June period. Seven of these analysts have slashed their expectations in the past three months.

Further, Barclays analyst Dan Levy revised his deliveries forecast to 415,000 vehicles, marking an 11% year-over-year drop. He stated that “a soft delivery result could turn attention back to the currently challenging fundamental environment for Tesla.” Meanwhile, RBC Capital Markets and UBS have set their delivery estimates at 410,000 and 420,000 vehicles, respectively.

For comparison, Tesla delivered 386,810 vehicles in the first quarter of 2024 and 466,140 vehicles in the second quarter of 2023, with its highest deliveries tally in the fourth quarter of the previous year at 484,507 units.

Despite the anticipated dip in quarterly deliveries, many analysts suggest that investor focus is shifting from quarterly deliveries to TSLA’s long-term projects, particularly the highly anticipated Robotaxi event scheduled later this summer.

High-Profile Robotaxi Event

CEO Elon Musk officially announced on X that the company will unveil its long-promised Robotaxi on August 8, 2024. The upcoming autonomous vehicle will be built on Tesla’s next-generation vehicle platform. Musk has long hinted at the possibility of a Tesla Robotaxi, even showcasing a fully covered vehicle during a 2023 event unveiling the company's third Master Plan.

Musk previously stated that Tesla will eventually produce a car without human control. He further mentioned that Tesla vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Capability will, through software updates, continuously improve their driving skills. He also emphasized that Tesla owners could generate income from their autonomous cars by sending them to pick up and drop off passengers.

That would be a part of the “Tesla Network,” as described in Musk’s Master Plan Part Deux. “You will also be able to add your car to the Tesla shared fleet just by tapping a button on the Tesla phone app," he added, “and have it generate income for you while you’re at work or on vacation, significantly offsetting and at times potentially exceeding the monthly loan or lease cost.”

Several years later, Musk’s vision expanded even further. In 2019, he declared, "By the middle of next year, we'll have over a million Tesla cars on the road with Full Self-Driving hardware." He also claimed that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature would be so dependable that drivers could “go to sleep.” However, it should be noted that Teslas equipped with FSD software are not fully autonomous, and drivers should not sleep while using them.

While Musk’s promises may not always align perfectly with reality, the success of Autopilot and FSD proves that he remains at the forefront of a societal shift from human-powered vehicles to those piloted by AI.

TSLA’s stock has witnessed a continuous downturn, with a decline of nearly 15% year-to-date and more than 25% over the past year. However, the stock has surged around 16% over the past month as investors increasingly focus on the upcoming Robotaxi event.

While delivery data is crucial for an EV company, investors are looking beyond that. Ben Kallo, an analyst at Robert W. Baird, noted, “Compared to Q124 when investor attention was intensely focused on near-term delivery estimates being too high, we see a growing number of investors shifting their outlook to the Robotaxi event on August 8 and the opportunity related to FSD.”

Ben Kallo anticipates that investor attention will remain toward the long term until the Robotaxi launch, which could include details on low-cost, next-gen vehicles. Meanwhile, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives doesn’t anticipate significant fireworks for the June quarter but believes the 8/8 Robotaxi debut will be a substantial catalyst for TSLA.

UBS, however, is more skeptical about the Robotaxi event being an immediate catalyst for TSLA’s stock price. Nonetheless, the firm acknowledges that the EV maker has made significant technical progress in its Robotaxi and Optimus plans. And it is more likely than most companies to capitalize on AI in the physical world, with long-term benefits for its financial model.

Potential Risks and Challenges

While the upcoming Robotaxi event holds promise, it also has inherent risks and challenges. Autonomous driving technology faces stringent regulatory scrutiny. Tesla must navigate complex legal landscapes to deploy its Robotaxi fleet, which could delay implementation and affect timelines.

TSLA must continue to invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to ensure the reliability and safety of its autonomous vehicles. Critics argue that Musk exaggerates the capabilities of the technology, often with fatal consequences. There have been hundreds of crashes involving Tesla vehicles using FSD and Autopilot, resulting in dozens of deaths. The EV giant currently faces several wrongful death lawsuits.

While the Robotaxi initiative has long-term potential, it requires substantial upfront investment. The financial burden of developing and deploying autonomous vehicles could impact Tesla’s short-term profitability.

Bottom Line

TSLA is scheduled to release its second-quarter deliveries report this week, with analysts expecting to show a decline for the second consecutive quarter amid weak demand due to a lack of affordable new models and stiff competition in China. The deliveries report will be released just a few weeks before the company’s second-quarter earnings release.

Street expects Tesla’s revenue for the second quarter (ended June 2024) to decrease 4.2% year-over-year to $23.88 billion. The consensus EPS estimate of $0.58 for the same period indicates a decline of 35.9% year-over-year.

Despite the expected drop in deliveries and weak quarterly earnings, several market experts suggest that investor focus is shifting to Tesla’s long-term projects, particularly the high-profile Robotaxi event set for August this year. As the EV maker navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead, the Robotaxi initiative is a pivotal development that could redefine its future trajectory.

While short-term concerns persist, including weak consumer demand, regulatory hurdles, and ongoing legal challenges, long-term investors increasingly focus on Tesla’s ambitious autonomous driving vision. The event is poised to showcase the company’s technological advancements and could serve as a catalyst for renewed investor confidence.