01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 10-K filed February 23, 2018. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
Tesla's 2017 10-K filing reveals significant year-over-year revenue growth, driven primarily by a substantial increase in automotive sales and the full-year inclusion of SolarCity's results.
The company delivered over 100,000 Model S and Model X vehicles, alongside the initial production and delivery of 1,764 Model 3 vehicles, underscoring the ongoing challenge and investment in ramping up production for the mass market. The energy generation and storage segment experienced explosive growth, largely due to the SolarCity acquisition, demonstrating Tesla's expanding footprint in sustainable energy solutions beyond electric vehicles.
Despite impressive revenue figures, the company continued to report a net loss, reflecting substantial investments in R&D and SG&A to support production expansion, new product development (like the Semi and Roadster), and global infrastructure build-out. Key risks highlighted include production bottlenecks for Model 3 and dependence on key suppliers.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Total revenues grew by 68% to $11.76 billion, compared to $7.00 billion in 2016, largely driven by a 53% increase in automotive sales and a 515% increase in energy generation and storage revenue (due to the SolarCity acquisition).
- The company delivered 101,420 Model S and Model X vehicles and initiated Model 3 deliveries, totaling 1,764 units in 2017.
- Research and development expenses increased by 65% to $1.38 billion, reflecting continued investment in new vehicle platforms and technologies.
- Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses rose by 73% to $2.48 billion, indicating significant investment in sales infrastructure, marketing, and operational expansion.
- Despite revenue growth, Tesla reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $1.96 billion for 2017, compared to a net loss of $675 million in 2016.
- Capital expenditures in 2017 totaled $4.08 billion, primarily for Model 3 production capacity, Gigafactory 1 expansion, and infrastructure build-out.
- The company faced significant production challenges and bottlenecks, particularly with the Model 3 ramp, impacting delivery targets and contributing to a lower automotive gross margin (23% in 2017 vs. 25% in 2016).
03—One dollar
Follow one dollar
For each $1.00 of revenue in FY2017, Tesla, Inc. lost $0.17.
- Revenue$11.76B100.0%
- Cost of revenue−$9.54B81.1%
- Gross profit$2.22B18.9%
- Operating costs−$3.85B32.8%
- Operating income−$1.63B13.9%
- Interest, other & tax−$330.0M2.8%
- Net income−$1.96B16.7%
04—Financials
Financial Highlights
Figures from 10-KFY2017filed February 23, 2018Financial Statements
FY2017 against FY2016
| Line item | FY2017FY2016 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $11.76B$7.00B | +68.0% |
| Cost of Revenue | $9.54B$5.40B | +76.6% |
| Gross Profit | $2.22B$1.60B | +39.0% |
| R&D Expenses | $1.38B$834.41M | +65.1% |
| SG&A Expenses | $2.48B$1.43B | +73.0% |
| Operating Expenses | $3.85B$2.27B | +70.1% |
| Operating Income | -$1.63B-$667.34M | −144.6% |
| Interest Expense | $471.00M$198.81M | +136.9% |
| Net Income | -$1.96B-$674.91M | −190.7% |
| EPS (Basic) | $-0.79$-0.31 | −152.8% |
| EPS (Diluted) | $-0.79$-0.31 | −152.8% |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 2.49B2.16B | +15.1% |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 2.49B2.16B | +15.1% |
05—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Tesla's primary revenue drivers in 2017?
Tesla's primary revenue drivers in 2017 were automotive sales, which saw a 53% increase due to higher Model S and Model X deliveries and the initial rollout of Model 3. The energy generation and storage segment also showed substantial growth, up 515%, driven by the full-year inclusion of SolarCity's revenue.
What were the key challenges faced by Tesla in 2017, particularly regarding production?
The main challenge was the production ramp-up of the Model 3, which experienced significant bottlenecks, notably in the battery module assembly line at Gigafactory 1. These issues led to production delays and a lower automotive gross margin, as operating costs were incurred at lower volumes than initially anticipated.
How did the SolarCity acquisition impact Tesla's financial performance in 2017?
The acquisition of SolarCity, completed in November 2016, significantly boosted Tesla's energy generation and storage segment revenue, which grew by 515% in 2017. However, it also contributed to increased R&D, SG&A expenses, and overall net losses, as Tesla invested in integrating and scaling the solar business.
What is Tesla's outlook for Model 3 production in 2018 based on this filing?
The filing targets a production rate of 2,500 Model 3 vehicles per week by the end of Q1 2018 and 5,000 vehicles per week by the end of Q2 2018. However, the company acknowledges the difficulty in forecasting precise production rates due to the ongoing ramp-up and potential future bottlenecks.
06—Continue