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Tesla Stock vs. Apple Stock: Billionaires Buy One and Sell the Other
The Motley Fool· 2025-02-28 08:51
Tesla - Tesla maintained its lead in electric vehicle (EV) sales but faced weak demand due to rising competition and interest rates, resulting in its first annual decline in deliveries [2] - The company reported disappointing fourth-quarter financial results, with revenue increasing by only 2% to $26 billion, and non-GAAP net income rising 3% to $0.73 per diluted share [3] - CEO Elon Musk announced plans for a cheaper EV model, referred to as "Model Q," expected to launch in the first half of 2025, and confirmed the launch of an autonomous ride-sharing service in Austin by June 2025 [4][5] - Analysts have lowered earnings estimates for Tesla, partly due to the potential elimination of the federal EV tax credit, but Wall Street anticipates earnings growth of 24% annually through 2026, making the current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 119 appear expensive [6] - Despite the challenges, Tesla's theoretical opportunities in robotaxis and robotics could justify its current P/E ratio if successful, suggesting a potential investment opportunity for long-term investors [7] Apple - Apple enjoys strong brand authority and consumer loyalty, with a significant presence in multiple consumer electronics markets, particularly in smartphones [8] - The company has a robust services business that monetizes its installed base of 2.3 billion active devices, leading in global app store revenue and mobile payment solutions [9] - However, Apple faces headwinds that may impact earnings growth, including a potential loss of $20 billion in annual revenue if its deal with Alphabet is terminated [10] - Apple is losing smartphone market share in China due to intense competition, and consumer interest in new AI capabilities has been lukewarm [12] - The company reported a 4% increase in total revenue to $124 billion, with GAAP earnings rising 10% to $2.40 per diluted share, although growth was partly driven by stock buybacks [13] - Wall Street estimates a 10% annual increase in Apple's earnings through fiscal 2026, making its current P/E ratio of 34 appear expensive amid downward revisions of earnings estimates [14]