Oh, Tesla, once again capturing our attention as one of the favourite stocks in recent years. It's not hard to see why, with its impressive growth and a devoted following that seems almost like a cult. It seems like the perfect recipe for success, especially considering the company's relevance in the news and its appeal to a wide range of people, from those passionate about saving the environment to those seeking the next big investment opportunity.
As Tesla prepares to report its fourth-quarter earnings on January 27th, investors are eagerly anticipating guidance on the company's 2021 growth and future demand. One key factor to watch for in the earnings report will be delivery forecasts, as they often have a significant impact on the stock's performance.
Globally, Tesla has established itself as the leading producer of electric vehicles, with nearly 500,000 units delivered in 2020. The Tesla Model 3 has also become the best-selling plug-in electric vehicle worldwide. In the past, Model 3 deliveries accounted for over 80% of Tesla's total vehicle deliveries, surpassing the sales of the higher-end Model S and Model X. With the introduction of the Model 3 and the upcoming Model Y, Tesla is targeting a broader customer market. Additionally, the highly anticipated Roadster and Cybertruck are expected to expand the company's existing model line-up, adding to the excitement surrounding Tesla's future.
The growth and optimism surrounding Tesla's stock can be attributed to several factors. Traditional automobile players have struggled to keep up with the electric car program, potentially hindered by the impact of COVID-19, while Tesla entered the market earlier and stronger. The company's significant presence in the Chinese market has also played a substantial role in its success. Tesla's brand has become synonymous with electric cars, making it iconic among enthusiasts. Its early market share in the electric car industry has been crucial, as consumers tend to prefer established products over newcomers. Higher market share not only leads to greater sales but also creates a strong barrier to entry for competitors. This advantage allows Tesla to benefit more when the market expands, similar to the success seen by companies like Microsoft.
Despite already rising over 740% in 2020, Tesla's shares continue to perform well, with a 17% increase year to date. In contrast, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average have experienced less than 1% growth. The recent commencement of deliveries for the made-in-China Model Y in the Chinese market, which has rebounded strongly from the pandemic, is expected to impact Tesla's delivery volumes and profit margins. Local production in China and other regions helps reduce delivery costs, ultimately contributing to higher profitability for Tesla. Lower costs have also allowed the company to lower its prices multiple times, as CEO Elon Musk prioritizes volume growth over profit margins in the short term. Tesla plans to increase its production capacity in China, Texas, and Germany, aiming to deliver about 840,000 cars in 2021, according to Wall Street estimates.
Looking ahead, the relationship between President Biden and the Chinese government could potentially assist Tesla, as the Chinese government has shown a preference for electric cars. Elon Musk has stated Tesla's ambitious goal of producing 20 million cars per year before 2030, aligning with the projected growth of the global electric vehicle market. Analysts anticipate the market size for electric vehicles to increase almost five-fold by 2026, reaching an estimated global market size of $567 billion.
It is expected that institutional investors will continue to support Tesla, but how traders will fare during the upcoming earnings release remains to be seen. Earnings reports can significantly impact stock prices, causing volatility and influencing price direction. The potential for substantial price swings creates both risks and opportunities for investors and traders. Depending on their expectations for the earnings report, traders can open buy or sell positions to take advantage of potential price movements. It's important to note that trading CFDs or options involves more risk than traditional long-term investing, and practicing with virtual money first is recommended for those interested in short-term leverage trading.
In summary, Tesla's upcoming earnings report is eagerly awaited by investors and traders alike. The company's impressive growth, dominant market position, and ambitious future plans have contributed to the optimism surrounding its stock. However, trading around earnings reports carries inherent risks and requires careful consideration of market dynamics.