Analysts React to Political Fallout
Baird downgraded Tesla from “Outperform” to “Neutral”, expressing concern that investor optimism around robotaxi ambitions is overblown and that the Musk–Trump feud adds fresh uncertainty .
Argus Research mirrored this move, shifting Tesla to “Hold” over worries that non-fundamental events—such as Musk’s political entanglements—are influencing stock sentiment .
Stock vs. Fundamentals
Tesla stock plunged about 14–15% within a week, erasing over $150 billion in market value after the Musk–Trump showdown, though it modestly rebounded later
Year-to-date, the stock is down roughly 27–30%, dropping from earlier highs amid elevated volatility .
Sales Pressure in China & Europe
China deliveries have fallen 8% year-over-year through May, with May alone plunging 30%. Weakness in Europe also contributes to global softening .
Robotaxi Initiative: A Double-Edged Sword
Tesla plans to launch a limited robotaxi pilot (around 10 geofenced, supervised vehicles) in Austin, potentially expanding to ~1,000 units soon.
However, Baird estimates only ~6,000 units by late next year—far less than Musk’s “hundreds of thousands” projection—and warns of a potential “sell-the-news” reaction .
Investors report mixed views: while some see robotaxi as a significant long-term catalyst, others think its immediate impact may be limited .
🧭 Contextual Insight
Political Crosswinds
Musk’s online clash with Trump centered on Trump’s tax/spending plan and Musk’s criticism of EV subsidy cuts. Trump’s retaliation threatened to strip federal contracts or credits from Musk’s companies—including SpaceX and Tesla
Analysts warn the episode may alienate both political sides, leaving Tesla politically exposed and vulnerable to policy reversals .
Broader Risks
Beyond politics and robotaxi hype, concerns include valuation stretched (~150× 2025 expected earnings), intensifying EV competition from legacy automakers, loss of U.S. tax credits, and regulatory scrutiny of Tesla’s self-driving tech .
Bull Case
If the robotaxi roll-out proceeds smoothly, analysts from Wedbush and Morgan Stanley see it as a foundational step toward a high-margin, AI-driven business—and a key to restoring investor confidence.
Bear Case
Execution missteps, launch delays, or regulatory roadblocks could spark a sell-the-news sell-off, especially in the current sensitivity to Musk-related headlines.
Tesla is navigating a perfect storm of political backlash, softening sales, and overpriced expectations—all while betting big on the Austin robotaxi rollout. Analysts have stepped back for now, citing a wait-and-see stance ahead of this week’s event. In the short term, expect continued volatility; but in the long run, successful robotaxis could reshape investor sentiment.
🗓 Next Watch: The official robotaxi launch by mid‑June. If Tesla delivers early-stage results promptly and cleanly, it may help steady the stock. Would you like a comparison with past Tesla "sell-the-news" events, or a breakdown of competitive rival robotaxi timelines?
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