Updated
Updated · Barchart · Jul 29
Tesla Drops 14% After Scrapping 2026 Volume Targets for 4 New Products
Updated
Updated · Barchart · Jul 29

Tesla Drops 14% After Scrapping 2026 Volume Targets for 4 New Products

3 articles · Updated · Barchart · Jul 29

Summary

  • Tesla removed language pointing to 2026 volume production for Cybercab, Semi, Megapack 3 and Optimus, saying it must first ramp 4680 battery-cell output; the stock fell more than 14% after earnings.
  • Q2 revenue rose 26% to $28.24 billion and deliveries hit a record 480,126 vehicles, but adjusted EPS of $0.33 missed roughly $0.51 estimates, operating margin shrank to 1.4% and free cash flow turned negative.
  • Capital spending more than doubled to $5.79 billion, and Tesla said 2026 capex will exceed $25 billion as it pours money into AI, robotics, manufacturing capacity and batteries.
  • Elon Musk said Optimus may be Tesla's hardest manufacturing challenge, reinforcing investor worries that robotaxi, robotics and energy-growth plans remain intact but are slipping further out on the timeline.
  • Wall Street turned more cautious after the report, with JPMorgan cutting its target to $445 and Morgan Stanley to $400 even as Tesla still trades at about 235 times forward earnings.

Insights

Can Musk's massive AI and robotics gamble pay off before regulatory roadblocks completely drain Tesla's shrinking cash reserves?
How might uneven European self-driving approvals and soaring capital expenses derail Tesla's risky transition into an AI powerhouse?
Why did Tesla's stock crash 18% despite record sales, and what hidden cash burn has Wall Street terrified?