Tesla has not had a great earnings track record: Analyst talks Q4 expectations

Tesla - Tesla's stock has doubled since last April but has remained stagnant since September, indicating a cautious market sentiment [1] - The current price target for Tesla is set at $350, reflecting a shift to a sell rating due to unfavorable risk-reward dynamics [2] - Tesla has missed earnings expectations in seven of the past nine quarters, with a significant year-over-year earnings drop of 31% in the first three quarters of last year [3] - The upcoming fourth quarter is expected to show a further decline in earnings, with consensus estimates predicting a 38% year-over-year drop [4] - The elimination of federal EV tax credits is anticipated to reduce demand for Tesla vehicles and eliminate a profitable revenue stream from selling regulatory emissions credits [5][6] - Tesla's vehicle sales in the fourth quarter were down 16% year-over-year, raising concerns about future performance [6] - The company faces significant execution challenges in 2026, with promises of volume production for new models like the Cyber Cab and Semi [7] - The rollout of Tesla's autonomous driving technology is expected to be slower than management forecasts, with delays in necessary permitting [9][11] General Motors (GM) - GM has performed well, beating earnings expectations for 13 consecutive quarters and achieving a 54% increase in stock value last year [13][14] - Despite its success, GM's large exposure to EVs raises concerns, particularly with the expiration of EV tax credits potentially leading to a loss of market share [15][16] - The company has taken write-downs related to its significant investments in EV assets, indicating potential challenges ahead [15]