Tesla reports today; this analyst just called 50% upside

Core Insights - Tesla's stock closed at $332.11, gaining 6.09% over the past five days, but remains down 12.44% year-to-date due to a deteriorating relationship between CEO Elon Musk and President Trump [1] - The upcoming earnings report is set against a backdrop of broader market gains, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching all-time highs [2] - Investor focus has shifted to Tesla's core automotive business struggles and the future of its robotaxi rollout [2] Analyst Perspectives - Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities maintains a $500 price target for Tesla, indicating a potential 50% upside, citing a fundamental shift in Musk's leadership approach [3] - Ives notes that the current earnings setup is significantly different from three months ago, with Musk now focused on the Robotaxi expansion and other initiatives [4] - Ives believes Tesla is at a "positive crossroads" with multiple catalysts, including AI initiatives and a potential xAI investment requiring shareholder approval [4] Market Performance - Tesla's performance in China is highlighted as crucial, with a rebound in sales in June after months of decline, driven by demand for the updated Model Y [5] - Wall Street's 12-month price targets for Tesla show a divided sentiment, with an average target of $299.52, indicating an 8.82% downside from current levels [6] - The range of price targets varies widely from Ives's high of $500 to a bear case low of $19.05 [6] Financial Expectations - For the upcoming quarter, Wall Street anticipates total revenues of approximately $22 billion, with automotive revenues around $16 billion, and earnings per share of $0.39 [7] - Despite near-term numbers being unremarkable, investor focus is on Tesla's AI-driven future with a motivated Musk at the helm [8]