Tesla Shares Continue to Decline in 2024 as Job Cuts Highlight Slowing Growth

Tesla Shares Slide as Job Cuts Reinforce Slow Growth Concerns

April 20, 2024

By [Editor’s Name]

Tesla Inc. faced further setbacks today as its shares extended their decline, pushing the company’s market valuation below $500 billion. This comes as a new round of job cuts highlights the significant slowing of Tesla’s growth, a cause for concern among investors.

A Challenging Year for Tesla

The electric-vehicle maker’s stock plummeted as much as 4.8% to dip below $154 on Tuesday in New York, marking a 37% decline this year—making it one of the largest decliners on the S&P 500 Index in 2024. This decline has erased approximately $290 billion in shareholder wealth, a significant blow for Tesla. Notably, the company has not experienced a market value below $500 billion since late April of the previous year.

Ryan Brinkman, an analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co., expressed concern about Tesla’s future, stating, “The retrenchment in employment and capacity has far-reaching implications for the hypergrowth narrative still embedded in Tesla’s share price, suggesting material downside risk for the stock.”

Demand Woes and Strategic Shifts

Tesla’s difficulties began in October, when the company first alerted investors to the slowing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). However, it was only this month that the full extent of this weakness became apparent when Tesla reported sales for the first quarter that fell significantly below analysts’ expectations. This revelation reignited worries about Tesla’s growth trajectory.

To compound matters, Tesla revealed its intention to scrap its plans for a cheaper EV in favor of focusing on the development of a so-called “robotaxi.” Positioned as a pivotal move for Tesla’s success, this strategic shift comes at a time when the company’s profit outlook is rapidly darkening. Tesla has repeatedly lowered vehicle prices to attract buyers and stimulate demand.

The Impact of Job Cuts and Executives’ Departure

The recent announcement of substantial job cuts intensified concerns about demand risks, heightening their impact on Tesla’s stock performance. In addition, the departure of two key executives further dampened investor sentiment.

Conversely, this fading interest from consumers, which is affecting EV-makers globally, poses a more pressing challenge for Tesla compared to its competitors. As the Elon Musk-led company carries a significant valuation premium, largely due to its potential to dominate the future EV industry, such setbacks and downward shifts in optimism deliver a blow to both Tesla as a brand and its investors.

The Significance of Making EVs Affordable

While the development of fully self-driving vehicles remains crucial for Tesla’s long-term prospects, the importance of producing affordable EVs remains paramount for short-term growth. Experts generally agree that widespread adoption of self-driving cars may take several decades. Therefore, launching an affordable EV platform could breathe new life into Tesla’s growth potential.

David Wagner, a portfolio manager at Aptus Capital Advisors, explains, “The near-term bull case for Tesla is that investors are awaiting the launch of a lower-cost platform that will dramatically reinvigorate growth. However, the market is realizing that this may be unlikely, as the $25,000 car already exists today—China’s BYD makes it.”

BYD Co., a Chinese EV-maker, surpassed Tesla as the world’s leading seller of electric cars in the last quarter of 2023. Focused on affordable pricing, even though the company does not sell its vehicles in the US, BYD’s lineup boasts several reasonably priced EV models.

Upcoming First-Quarter Results

Tesla’s upcoming first-quarter results, scheduled to be announced on April 23, have mounting importance. Investors eagerly anticipate an explanation from the company’s management regarding their strategic shift at a time when growth is dubious.

Investors, analysts, and consumers alike watch with bated breath as Tesla navigates these turbulent waters, hoping to regain its stride and prove its prowess as a frontrunner in the EV industry.