Summary
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) reported its first quarter 2016 financial results, showcasing continued revenue growth driven by automotive sales, although the company experienced a wider net loss compared to the prior year. Total revenues increased to $1.15 billion, up from $939.9 million in Q1 2015, primarily due to higher Model S deliveries and the commencement of Model X deliveries. However, gross margin saw a decrease to 22.0% from 27.7% year-over-year, impacted by product mix and manufacturing inefficiencies. Operating expenses, particularly in research and development and selling, general, and administrative, also rose significantly, contributing to a larger loss from operations and a net loss of $282.3 million for the quarter, compared to $154.2 million in Q1 2015. Despite the increased loss, Tesla's cash position improved, ending the quarter with $1.44 billion in cash and cash equivalents, bolstered by significant financing activities including debt issuances and borrowings. The company highlighted strong demand for its upcoming Model 3 and provided an optimistic outlook for production targets, while also acknowledging the capital expenditure needs to support its ambitious growth plans, including the Gigafactory expansion.
Financial Highlights
46 data points| Revenue | $1.15B |
| Cost of Revenue | $894.58M |
| Gross Profit | $252.47M |
| R&D Expenses | $182.48M |
| SG&A Expenses | $318.21M |
| Operating Expenses | $500.69M |
| Operating Income | -$248.22M |
| Interest Expense | $40.63M |
| Net Income | -$282.27M |
| EPS (Basic) | $-0.14 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.99B |
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenues increased by 22% year-over-year to $1.15 billion, driven by automotive sales.
- 2Net loss widened to $282.3 million ($2.13 per share) from $154.2 million ($1.22 per share) in the prior year's quarter.
- 3Gross margin declined to 22.0% from 27.7% year-over-year, impacted by product mix and production ramp challenges.
- 4Operating expenses surged, with R&D up 9.2% and SG&A up 62.8%, reflecting investments in new products and infrastructure.
- 5Cash and cash equivalents increased to $1.44 billion, supported by strong financing activities, including new debt issuances and credit facility drawdowns.
- 6Tesla confirmed significant demand for the newly unveiled Model 3 and reiterated ambitious production targets for 2018 (500,000 vehicles).
- 7The company expects to advance its 500,000 vehicle build plan by two years to 2018 and anticipates capital expenditures to be approximately 50% higher than initially estimated for 2016.