Analyst Philippe Houchois says latest China sales data puts to rest concerns over demand
Shares of Tesla Inc. extended their recent surge to an eight-month high on Friday, after Jefferies analyst Philippe Houchois raised his price target and earnings estimates, saying concerns over demand in the electric vehicle leader’s key China market have now been put to rest.
And regarding worries about the negative effects of the global semiconductor shortage on automobile production, Houchois said Tesla is better positioned to deal with the shortage than its peers.
The stock TSLA, +3.02% climbed 3.0% for a fifth straight daily gain, to reach the highest close since Feb. 9. The 7.3% rise this week marked the eighth straight weekly gain, the longest such stretch since a 12-week streak ended in February 2020.
Houchois raised his stock price target to $950, which is 7.6% above the Jan. 26 record close of $883.09, from $850, as his research and analysis suggests higher capacity ramp and sustained demand. He reiterated the buy rating he’s had on Tesla since August.
“For some time the narrative has been legacy [original equipment manufacturers] closing the gap; we see little evidence as Tesla continues to challenge at multiple levels,” Houchois wrote in a note to clients.
“The final details of Q3 also showed China domestic sales of 73.6K units, putting to rest concerns about domestic demand, while annualized Q3 output yields 530K, i.e., Shanghai running at more than full capacity,” he added.
Houchois raised his 2021 estimate for adjusted earnings per share to $5.59 from $5.12 and for revenue to $54.09 billion from $53.62 billion, which are now well above the FactSet consensus for EPS of $5.30 and for revenue of $51.05 billion.
He said while Tesla hasn’t been immune to supply disruptions, it has outperformed its peers in sourcing chips.
“From discussions with a senior expert in semiconductor sourcing and manufacturing, we understand this partly reflects Tesla in-sourcing chip design with an ability to effect rapid redesign and secure more direct souring than peers,” Houchois wrote.
What is also helping Tesla outproduce its OEM peers is the design of its manufacturing facilities, which are focused on simplicity and flow, Houchois said.
“In a global auto industry plagued by complexity, Tesla continues to reduce complexity and set new standards for simplicity of design and assembly,” he wrote.
Tesla’s stock has run up 23.9% over the past eight weeks, and has soared 87.8% over the past 12 months. In comparison, the S&P 500 index SPX, +0.75% has advanced 28.4% the past year.