Revenue rose 24.8% to $23.3bn in the first quarter, reflecting an approximate $3.0bn increase in automotive revenue to $20.0bn. Operating expenses were broadly flat at $1.9bn compared to last year. However, the group's decision to cut prices and higher material and logistics costs, fed into an 8 percentage-point drop in operating margins to 11.4%. That was worse than the market expected, and operating profit was $2.7bn, down from $3.6bn.
There was a 44% increase in production, split across both Model S/X and Model 3/Y vehicles. Tesla delivered 422,875 vehicles, compared to 310,048 last year.
Cash flow fell over 80% to $441m, partly reflecting the lower profits and the timing of deliveries in the quarter. Excluding the sale of regulatory credits, free cash flow would have been negative.
Tesla said the Cybertruck is on track to begin production later this year at the Texas Gigafactory. The group also highlighted its expectations that profits will be supplemented by accelerating software sales.
The shares fell 6.1% in after-hours trading.
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Our view
Tesla's operating margins have been disappointing, stemming from its decision to cut prices aggressively. This has been done to encourage sales as consumers face difficult economic conditions. Exactly where margins will settle is still a source of debate and largely depends on both pricing, and the group's ability to improve production efficiency.
Getting prices back into healthier territory is likely to be a tough ask while wider conditions remain difficult. At the same time, competition, especially in China, is also incredibly tough. EVs from formidable rivals like BYD are available at considerably lower price points than Tesla, which could see revenue growth stall in this important growth region.
Traditional car makers are throwing billions at producing their own electric vehicles too. Tracking the strength of Tesla's demand is important because Tesla's gigantic Gigafactories are expensive to ramp up, but once their costs have been covered, a greater proportion of each car sold drops through to profits. If volumes were to drop, the opposite would be true.
Software is a potential outlet for extra growth - the group's self-driving technology is already delivered to existing vehicles through wireless updates. This lends itself well to software subscription programmes, which would help pad profits and squeeze more out of cars already sold.
Another potential avenue is insurance. It's still early days but Tesla is already seeing green shoots. Driver data is used to set premiums. This creates an instant feedback loop, ultimately encouraging safer driving. Tesla is responsible for fewer accident costs and customers save money. Further afield are aspirations for a fully self-driving robotaxi.
Tesla bulls are of the mind that it doesn't matter if initial margins achieved on cars is low, because these types of extras mean the potential revenue per-vehicle in the long-run par surpasses the initial selling cost. We happen to like this as a theory but would like some hardened proof of the adoption of these services at scale.
The final word should go to governance risk. Musk is famously unconventional, as great innovators often are. But this has now landed him in trouble. Market sentiment was badly damaged after his Twitter takeover, as Tesla shareholders question if he could run both companies. He's faced court on fraud charges because of old tweets. Tesla investors need to be aware there could be further ups and downs in their investment caused by Musk's behaviour.
Tesla has an excellent product, and if production can be ramped up at pace, the horizon for more attractive per-unit costs looks rosy. There's no denying Tesla's remaining appeal, but the market is unlikely to fully replenish the group's valuation until margins are pointing north.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk
Most of the auto industry falls into the medium-risk category in terms of ESG. Product governance, particularly around safety, and carbon emissions from products and services are key risk drivers. Business ethics, labour relations and direct carbon emissions are also contributors to ESG risk.
According to Sustainalytics, Tesla's management of ESG risks is average. It is recognised as working towards lowering carbon emissions by reducing the prevalence of traditional car engines. However, its product governance and human capital management are deemed problematic. Issues include safety concerns around its autopilot technology and the management of its workforce. Governance concerns also include Elon Musk's past tweets which impacted Tesla's share price.
Tesla key facts
All ratios are sourced from Refinitiv. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn't be looked at on their own - it's important to understand the big picture.
This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by Refinitiv. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.
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