Tesla stock used to be a sure bet, but the automaker now finds itself in a precarious position as its stock falls. Since its peak in 2021 at $407, Tesla's shares have slid by approximately 60%. This decline makes it the worst-performing stock in the S&P 500 over the period.
Analysts attribute Tesla's downward spiral to a combination of factors. Safety concerns, recalls, sluggish growth, and price cuts have marred its reputation. Market watchers foresee stagnant growth in 2024, followed by a decline in 2025 due to extra competition, underwhelming deliveries, and further price reductions.
While other tech giants such as Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft bask in robust earnings growth, Tesla recently reported a stark 40% profit decline, exacerbating its woes.
Besides its diminished stock value, Tesla also remains overvalued relative to its earnings. The former darling of rapid growth now faces an uncertain future, likely prompting a further dip in its share price.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Prominent analysts have already revised their price targets downward, signaling more turbulence ahead for Tesla investors. Wells Fargo slashed its target to $125 from $200, while UBS has adopted a more conservative stance with a revised target of $165, down from $225.
Tesla's rocky journey reveals the volatile nature of the electric vehicle market and the need for sustained innovation in the face of intensifying competition. As Tesla grapples with its myriad challenges, investors are bracing for further turbulence in the days and weeks to come.