Every Tesla (TSLA) Investor Should Keep an Eye on This Number

Group 1 - Tesla shares have experienced significant growth, climbing 186% over the past five years and 2,710% over the past ten years, driven more by market sentiment towards Elon Musk's vision than by rational analysis of the company [1] - The automotive gross margin is a critical metric for investors, indicating Tesla's pricing power and the health of its core business of selling electric vehicles, which was reported at 17.2% for Q2, down from 28.5% in 2022 [3] - The electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly competitive, with both domestic and international manufacturers posing challenges, making future growth more difficult compared to the past decade [4] Group 2 - Tesla's financial performance is becoming more sensitive to macroeconomic factors, resembling a traditional car manufacturer rather than a software company, which is not favorable for its financial outlook [5] - Investors should focus on Tesla's core operating activity of selling electric vehicles, as competitive pressures will complicate financial success in the coming decade [7]