Crossroads@Dr_Crossroads
$TSLA I've sold the last of my Tesla position.
Tesla has been in a weird place for me for a while. I love the product. I am enamored with how amazing FSD (in a HW4 stack) is, and how excellent the vehicle is. My wife and I aren't likely to buy any vehicle that isn't a Tesla, and I'm already thinking of that nice upgrade (3-4 years from now) for my '22 Model 3.
I also would love to own an Optimus at some point. I love the vision, the vertical integration, and wouldn't bet against Elon.
Yet the stock is not the company. Tesla has always traded at a premium, but that premium is increasing over time. That's fine if it's in anticipation of significant future acceleration, but it's questionable when that happens.
On the call, they stated, “over time, we expect our hardware-related profits to be accompanied by an acceleration of AI, software and fleet-based profits,” but were effusive on the dates. That's probably for the best, as Elon timelines usually need to be extended.
Gross margins have improved, and the P/FCF looks like it's improving, but with the CapEx they're needing to do, this ratio will soon be negative.
I don't mind buying a stock with extreme multiples, but I see easier opportunities with clearer runways for acceleration elsewhere.
Tesla hasn't been a meaningful position for me for over a year, but I'm out for now. I'll still be rooting for the company (and shareholders) even while hoping the stock comes down to more reasonable levels where the R/R fits my portfolio better.