Tesla stock price is on the rise today despite gloomy expectations for vehicle deliveries: This could be why

Core Insights - Tesla Inc. shares are experiencing a premarket increase of approximately 2% as they enter the first trading day of 2026, despite low expectations for Q4 2025 vehicle deliveries [1][2] - The stock has risen over 46% since last summer, indicating renewed investor interest in Tesla's advancements in AI and automation [2] Vehicle Deliveries - Tesla's Q4 2025 vehicle deliveries are projected to be around 422,850, reflecting a decline of roughly 15% compared to the previous quarter, and falling short of the FactSet consensus of approximately 440,000 vehicles [3][4] - The anticipated decline in deliveries was expected due to consumer behavior ahead of the expiration of tax credits in September [3][4] Investor Sentiment - Despite the disappointing delivery figures, investor sentiment appears to be focused on future prospects rather than past performance, with excitement surrounding Tesla's ambitions in AI, automation, and robotaxis [5][6] - Analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities has identified Tesla as one of the top AI stocks for 2026, suggesting a belief in the company's potential despite skepticism regarding self-driving vehicle promises [6] Market Trends - The rise in Tesla's stock price may also be influenced by broader market optimism, as other tech and AI-related stocks, such as Nvidia, Meta, and Apple, are also experiencing gains [7]