Cathie Wood Trims TSLA Stake Before Robotaxi Day: Should You Too?

Core Viewpoint - Tesla is preparing to launch its robotaxi services imminently, with a specific date set for June 12, which has generated significant investor interest and a stock price increase of approximately 23% last month despite a weak earnings report for Q1 2025 [1][10]. Group 1: Tesla's Robotaxi Launch - The robotaxi service will initially deploy about 10 Model Ys in Austin, with plans to scale up to 1,000 vehicles in the following months, although the service will be geo-fenced to avoid unsafe areas [8][10]. - CEO Elon Musk confirmed successful testing of a Model Y without a driver on public streets, indicating progress towards fully autonomous rides [7][8]. - The company aims to revolutionize mobility by offering cheaper rides without drivers, similar to Uber and Lyft, but at a lower cost [3]. Group 2: Cathie Wood's Position - Cathie Wood's ARK Innovation ETF sold around 50,000 Tesla shares worth approximately $17 million, but Tesla remains the top holding in the fund, with a price target of $2,600 by 2029 [2][3]. - The sale is interpreted as a strategic move to "sell high, buy low," allowing the fund to book gains while maintaining a long-term bullish outlook on Tesla's future [4][10]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Tesla is entering the robotaxi market later than competitors like Alphabet's Waymo, which currently dominates the U.S. market with over 250,000 paid rides per week and significant investments planned [9][10]. - Waymo has already established commercial services in four U.S. cities and has partnered with Uber to expand its reach, posing a competitive threat to Tesla's ambitions [9]. Group 4: Tesla's Core Business Challenges - Tesla's core EV sales are declining, with a reported 15% year-over-year drop in China sales and the weakest quarterly deliveries in over two years [12][13]. - The company faces increasing competition from both legacy automakers and new entrants in the EV market, compounded by reputational issues stemming from CEO Elon Musk's political controversies [13]. Group 5: Valuation Concerns - Tesla's stock is trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 10.23, significantly higher than the industry average of 2.75, indicating that much of the current valuation is based on optimistic projections regarding its robotaxi business [15][17]. - Analysts suggest that the market is pricing in significant breakthroughs in unproven areas like autonomous driving, which may take years to materialize [15][17].