Tesla Stock Slips as Deliveries Miss Expectations

2 Okt

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) saw a notable decline of 5% in early trading Wednesday following the release of its Q3 2024 delivery and production numbers. While the electric vehicle (EV) giant reported 462,890 deliveries—slightly above analysts' predictions—investors had anticipated higher performance, leading to a sell-off. This drop brings TSLA down to $244.86, reflecting the ongoing battle between Tesla’s robust market presence and increasing competition from global automakers.

Q3 Delivery Report: Falling Short of the Hype
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) delivered just under 463,000 vehicles in Q3 2024, surpassing the 461,000 estimate, but investor sentiment seemed to have set loftier expectations. The production numbers were similarly positive, with Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) producing 469,796 vehicles, up from the 430,488 vehicles produced a year ago. Despite this growth, the stock slipped as the market had expected a more substantial increase to sustain the company’s valuation, which had already jumped 32% in the previous quarter.

Analysts from Wedbush described the report as "a step in the right direction" but also noted that some investors may have been looking beyond these delivery figures, anticipating the October 23 earnings report and the unveiling of Tesla’s much-discussed "robotaxi." Still, Tesla faces ongoing headwinds, especially in the competitive EV landscape.

Competition Heats Up
Tesla’s dominant position in the EV market is increasingly challenged, especially by Chinese automakers like BYD and Geely, as well as emerging rivals Li Auto and Nio. In the U.S., Rivian, Ford, and General Motors are all making headway into the EV space, with GM recently reporting a 60% year-over-year increase in EV sales. Even with Tesla maintaining a significant lead in the U.S. market, these rising competitors are placing pressure on its growth trajectory.

Tesla’s lack of specific delivery guidance for 2024 raises additional concerns. Although the company’s sales are growing, its ability to maintain such momentum amid fierce competition is in question. Analysts will be closely watching Tesla’s October 23 earnings report, with a particular focus on profit margins and how Tesla navigates the balance between maintaining its market share and controlling production costs.

Technical Analysis: The Chart Speaks Volumes
On the technical side, TSLA’s stock is showing signs of weakness. As of the time of writing, the stock has dropped 3.57%, with a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 57.43—an indicator that the stock is losing its buying momentum and moving closer to a neutral or selling zone. While Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) remains above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, suggesting underlying strength, the dip in RSI indicates potential volatility.

Tesla’s ability to stay above key moving averages amidst such market pressure will be critical in determining its next moves. Investors should keep an eye on whether the stock can sustain levels above its moving averages or if further selling pressure will drag it down into a correction territory. As the market awaits the earnings report later in the month, these technical patterns could provide a roadmap for short-term traders.

Tesla’s Future: More than Just Deliveries
Tesla’s long-term growth story remains intact, bolstered by innovations like self-driving technology and upcoming projects like the robotaxi. However, the EV maker must continue to outpace competitors and reassure investors that it can meet growing demand without sacrificing profitability. As the global EV market matures and competition ramps up, Tesla’s ability to innovate while maintaining healthy margins will be the key to its future success.

In conclusion, while Tesla’s Q3 delivery numbers met expectations, they fell short of the hype, leading to a sell-off. The stock remains technically strong, but investors should be cautious as it approaches critical RSI and moving average levels. With earnings just around the corner and Tesla’s next big product reveal on the horizon, the coming weeks will be pivotal for the company’s stock performance.