Tesla's Big Reveal: What Investors Are Really Worried About

Tesla is set to release its first-quarter earnings soon, and investors are buzzing with questions. The company has had a rough year, with its stock plummeting more than 40%. This drop is partly due to disappointing delivery numbers and a dip in popularity. Analysts expect earnings per share to be around $0. 41 and revenue to hit $21. 345 billion, but these estimates have been sliding since the year began. Investors are eager to know if Tesla can deliver on its promises. One big question is about the timeline for more affordable models. Reports suggest that the lower-cost Model Y, expected in the first half of this year, has been pushed back by several months. This delay is just one of many that have investors on edge. Another hot topic is the full self-driving feature. Elon Musk has been promising unsupervised full self-driving for years, but it's still not available for personal use. Musk has blamed regulatory issues, not technical problems, for the delay. For now, full self-driving will be limited to a Tesla-owned fleet in Austin, starting in June. Tariffs are also a concern. Tesla assembles its US-sold cars in the US, which protects it from some tariffs. However, the company relies heavily on parts from abroad, so tariffs on auto parts could still hit Tesla hard. Recently, Tesla suspended shipments of Cybercab and Semi parts from China due to high tariffs. The Robotaxi is another point of interest. Tesla plans to launch paid Cybercab rides in Austin in June, but there are doubts about its profitability. Internal analysis suggests that these self-driving taxis might never turn a profit. Brand damage is also on investors' minds. Tesla's sales took a big hit in Q1, and many blame Musk's role in the government and the protests that followed. Surveys show that while many Americans know about Tesla, they wouldn't buy one. Instead, they'd opt for brands like Toyota or Honda. Even Musk has admitted that his role is costly. The Cybertruck, Tesla's futuristic pickup, has been particularly hard to sell. Many units are still sitting outside the Texas production plant, waiting for buyers. This struggle highlights the challenges Tesla faces in winning over consumers. Investors are also worried about how Tesla will handle global economic risks. The company needs to show that it can adapt to changes in tariffs and other economic factors. Only time will tell if Tesla can turn things around and meet the high expectations of its investors.