Tesla Inc Stock Price Falls But It's Still Not Worth a Bet

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Lately I’ve been bearish on Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA).But perhaps now is a time to think about a purchase? Well, TSLA stock is certainly cheaper. Since September, the shares have dropped from $385 to $303.

But I still think there are significant risks for shareholders — and yes, the TSLA stock price remains vulnerable.

Just look at the latest earnings report. The net loss ballooned to $619 million, which was the largest in its history. Even when making adjustments, the loss was still much larger than the Street was expecting — that is, it was $2.92 per share versus the consensus of $2.28 per share.

However, the most jarring news — at least for TSLA stock — was that the production of the Model 3 would hit 5,000 units per week by late Q1, not the prior estimate of Q4. The company also did not provide any guidance on when the levels would hit 10,000 per week. The prior guidance was that TSLA would reach this during sometime in 2018.

Something else to keep in mind: Back in March, the company boasted it would produce 500,000 vehicles in 2018. In other words, this seems kind of like a pipe dream.

So what’s going on? According to the TSLA earnings call, it appears that the manufacturing of the battery packs have been a challenge. In fact, the company’s director of battery engineering has departed to launch his own competing venture.

It’s true that the company has had difficulties with earlier models. Let’s face it: CEO Elon Musk has a penchant for pushing the cutting edge, which has fueled TSLA stock. But it also means that there are risks of delays and potential flubs.

As for the Model 3, there will be a solution. But it is far from clear how long it will take. If anything, the company is essentially giving more time for rivals like Daimler AG (OTCMKTS:DDAIF), General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) and Volkswagen AG (ADR) (OTCMKTS:VLKAY) to catch up. These automakers have been spending aggressively in making a play for the electronic car market as well as self-driving vehicles.

Another nagging issue, which should be a major worry for TSLA stock, is that Musk is stretched. Consider that he is also the CEO and CTO of SpaceX and also is an active angel investor, with ventures like the Hyperloop. Meanwhile, TSLA itself is involved in various businesses, which could prove to be distractions. They include the SolarCity and EVs for pick-up trucks.