January 30, 2026 05:10 PM GMT Autos & Shared Mobility | North America Global Auto Monitor: The Era of Abundant Autonomy Is Upon Us After TSLA and GM earnings, autonomy looks less like a moonshot and more like a roadmap. Tesla sunsets S/X to prioritize robotaxi and Optimus, while GM pairs strong 2026 guidance and buybacks with a growing Super Cruise software base. What Others Are Reading - Our Most Read Reports [NORTH AMERICA] Exit Model X/S, Enter Robots: PT to $415 (29 Jan 2026) The wind down of Model X/S ...

Core Viewpoint - The year 2026 is identified as the pivotal moment for "Physical AI," where artificial intelligence transitions from digital platforms to physical applications in robots, vehicles, and handheld devices [1] Group 1: Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) - Tesla is viewed as the leading company in the Physical AI sector, evolving beyond a traditional car manufacturer to a significant player in embodied AI [1] - Concerns regarding quarterly delivery fluctuations are dismissed, with a focus on the anticipated "golden year" ahead [1] - Key technologies driving Tesla's valuation include Full Self-Driving (FSD) and the Optimus humanoid robot, with FSD adoption expected to reach 50% and autonomous "Cybercabs" operational in 30 cities by the end of 2026 [1] Group 2: Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) - Nvidia is described as the foundational company for the Physical AI ecosystem, providing essential computing power and specialized chips for autonomous fleets and industrial robotics [1] - The company is considered four to five years ahead of competitors, creating a significant competitive moat [1] - Nvidia's hardware is characterized as the "oxygen" of the industry, indicating its critical role in the shift towards physical robotics [1] Group 3: Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) - Apple is positioned as a key player in the upcoming physical AI upgrade cycle, with 2026 seen as a crucial year for the company [1] - The integration of generative AI into iPhone hardware and a potential partnership with Google Gemini are highlighted as catalysts for a major upgrade cycle [1] - The iPhone is regarded as the primary interface for consumers engaging with the AI revolution, with predictions of unlocking billions in recurring, high-margin revenue, potentially elevating Apple's valuation towards $5 trillion [1]

So, you just raised this funding round. You're focused on autonomous trucking. Uh Uber's in the mix here too if I I'm not mistaken.This comes in a week where there is more focus in part because of Tesla yesterday on uh physical AI. How do you play in that space. >> Yes.So the the goal really of the company of WAB is to lead physical AI and to build for the first time a single brain single AI system that is fully verifiable and safe and that can actually drive and perform all the tests necessary for uh you k ...

Core Viewpoint - The investment thesis emphasizes Tesla Inc. and Nvidia Corp. as the leading companies in the physical AI market, which is seen as a critical component of the fourth industrial revolution [1][2]. Tesla Inc. - Tesla's focus has shifted from vehicle delivery to high-margin software adoption, particularly through Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which is expected to increase adoption from 12% to 50% [4]. - A base case valuation of $600 and a bullish case of $800 are projected, driven by the margin story associated with FSD [4]. - The year 2025 is anticipated to be a significant transition year, leading into a "golden year" in 2026, influenced by advancements in FSD, autonomous Cybercabs, and robotics [5]. Nvidia Corp. - Nvidia is viewed as the foundational provider of hardware essential for autonomous systems and industrial robotics, positioning it as a leader in the AI infrastructure market [6]. - The company is considered to be four to five years ahead of competitors in the chip industry, making it a primary beneficiary of the current capital expenditure surge in the tech sector [6]. Energy Constraints - The primary constraint in the AI arms race is identified as energy shortages rather than capital or technology [7][8]. - There is a notable increase in data centers under construction, which is straining the energy grid, necessitating vertical integration strategies such as custom cooling and on-site energy generation to address the power crunch [7]. Price Action - As of 2026, Tesla shares have decreased by 4.91%, but have shown a 30.57% increase over the last six months and a 4.07% increase over the year [10]. - Nvidia shares have increased by 1.94% year-to-date, with a 7.39% rise in six months and a 54.44% increase over the year, indicating a stronger price trend compared to Tesla [10][11].

Summary of Tesla Inc Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) - **Industry**: Autos & Shared Mobility - **Market Cap**: $1,529,584 million - **Current Stock Price**: $431.46 (as of January 28, 2026) - **Price Target**: Lowered from $425.00 to $415.00 Key Points from the Earnings Call Strategic Transition - Tesla is transitioning from electric vehicles (EVs) to physical AI, marking a significant shift in its business model [2][10] - The company plans to wind down production of Model X and S, which together represent less than 2% of total units sold but contribute a higher percentage of gross profit [10] Financial Performance - The quarter's performance exceeded expectations due to strong operational execution despite a slowing EV demand environment [2] - Forecasted capital expenditures (capex) for 2026 are projected at $21 billion, significantly higher than previous estimates, indicating a ramp-up in investment to support growth and AI initiatives [2][11] - Operating expenses are expected to rise to 14.5% of sales in 2026, up from 13% in 2025 [2] Cash Flow and Profitability - Projected free cash flow (FCF) burn for 2026 is $8.1 billion, with expectations to moderate to $500 million in 2027 and return to FCF positive in 2028 [11] - Adjusted EBITDA estimates for 2026 have been lowered by 5% due to increased capex and operational costs [3][11] AI and Robotics Initiatives - Tesla is investing $2 billion in xAI to enhance its capabilities in managing autonomous fleets and improving efficiency across its physical AI markets [10] - The company aims to launch robotaxis in seven cities in the first half of 2026, with over 500 robotaxis already operational [10] Energy Business Outlook - The energy segment is expected to see strong growth in 2026, driven by new product launches like Megapack 3, although it may face margin compression due to higher tariffs and competition [10] Valuation Changes - The price target of $415 implies a 50x multiple on the 2030 EBITDA estimate, reflecting a cautious outlook on near-term multiple expansion due to elevated cash burn [3][21] - The valuation is broken down into components: $45/share for the core auto business, $145/share for network services, $125/share for mobility, $40/share for energy, and $60/share for humanoids [16][21] Risks and Considerations - Potential future shortages in chip and memory production could limit Tesla's growth in autonomous systems [11] - The company is exploring building its own chip fabrication facility to mitigate reliance on external suppliers [11] - The transition to physical AI and the associated capital intensity may pose risks to short-term profitability and stock performance [2][11] Market Sentiment - The overall sentiment remains cautious due to the anticipated headwinds in the EV market and the significant investments required for the transition to AI [22][23] Additional Insights - Tesla's leadership in physical AI and its strategic pivot are seen as long-term growth drivers, despite short-term challenges in the automotive sector [22] - The company is expected to leverage its cost leadership in EVs to expand its user base and increase revenue from high-margin software and services [22] This summary encapsulates the key insights and financial metrics discussed during Tesla's earnings call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, financial performance, and market outlook.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q3 fiscal 2026 increased by 12% year-over-year and 28.5% on a fiscal year-to-date basis, reaching $6.1 million compared to $5.4 million in Q3 fiscal 2025 [3][11] - Gross margin was 52.7% in Q3 fiscal 2026, down from 54% in Q3 fiscal 2025 and 54.8% in Q2 fiscal 2026, primarily due to product mix [11] - Operating loss for Q3 fiscal 2026 was $6.9 million, compared to an operating loss of $4.1 million in the prior year and $3.2 million in the prior quarter [12][13] - Net loss in Q3 fiscal 2026 was $3 million, or 9 cents per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $4 million, or 16 cents per diluted share in the same quarter a year ago [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to KYEC were $1.1 million, or 17.9% of net revenues, down from $1.2 million, or 22.7% in the same period a year ago [9] - Sales to Nokia increased to $675,000, or 11.1% of net revenues, compared to $239,000, or 4.4% in the same period last year [10] - Military defense sales accounted for 28.5% of third-quarter shipments, slightly down from 30% in the comparable quarter a year ago [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant increase in cash and cash equivalents, reaching $70.7 million as of December 31, 2025, compared to $13.4 million at March 31, 2025 [16] - Working capital was $71.7 million as of December 31, 2025, versus $16.4 million at March 31, 2025 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing its APU roadmap and planning hardware development after acquiring necessary IP, aiming to tape out Plato in early 2027 [3] - A partnership with G2 Tech for a proof-of-concept on autonomous perimeter security using drones and cameras is underway, supported by government funding [4][6] - The focus is on edge AI applications, emphasizing low power and low latency, with plans to validate performance through additional benchmarks and customer proof-of-concepts [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about strong sales from major customers in the first half of calendar 2026, driven by solid demand for products [3] - The company is actively pursuing non-dilutive R&D funding through government defense programs, which is expected to enhance exposure within the DOD for future business opportunities [24] Other Important Information - The company plans to expand cash disclosures in quarterly earnings releases to provide better insights into cash consumption and generation [15] - Current expectations for Q4 fiscal 2026 are net revenues in the range of $5.7 million to $6.5 million, with a gross margin of approximately 54% to 56% [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Importance of defense applications for Gemini-II - Management highlighted that military and defense sectors have been early adopters of their technology, with successful engagements with the DoD and other agencies [20] Question: Potential timelines for government funding - Management indicated a continuous pipeline of submissions for SBIRs and other funding programs, emphasizing the non-dilutive nature of this funding [24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q3 fiscal 2026 increased by 12% year-over-year and 28.5% on a fiscal year-to-date basis, reaching $6.1 million compared to $5.4 million in Q3 fiscal 2025 [3][11] - Gross margin was 52.7% in Q3 fiscal 2026, down from 54% in Q3 fiscal 2025 and 54.8% in the previous quarter [11] - Operating loss for Q3 fiscal 2026 was $6.9 million, compared to an operating loss of $4.1 million in the prior year and $3.2 million in the prior quarter [13] - Net loss in Q3 fiscal 2026 was $3 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.2 million, or $0.11 per diluted share in the previous quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to KYEC were $1.1 million, or 17.9% of net revenues, down from $1.2 million, or 22.7% of net revenues in the same period a year ago [9] - Sales to Nokia increased to $675,000, or 11.1% of net revenues, compared to $239,000, or 4.4% of net revenues in the same period a year ago [10] - Military defense sales accounted for 28.5% of third-quarter shipments, slightly down from 30% in the comparable quarter a year ago [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on defense applications, which have shown early success, particularly with the U.S. Department of Defense [20] - The partnership with G2 Tech is expected to enhance capabilities in real-world applications, particularly in defense and potential commercial uses beyond drones [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing its APU roadmap and hardware development, with plans to tape out Plato in early 2027 [3] - A partnership with G2 Tech for a proof-of-concept in autonomous perimeter security is underway, supported by government funding [4][6] - The focus is on low-power edge AI applications, with an emphasis on performance per watt and responsiveness rather than peak training metrics [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about strong sales from major customers in the first half of calendar 2026 [3] - The company is actively pursuing non-dilutive R&D funding through government defense programs, which is expected to provide additional financial support [24] - Current expectations for Q4 fiscal 2026 are net revenues in the range of $5.7 million to $6.5 million, with a gross margin of approximately 54% to 56% [17] Other Important Information - The company reported a significant increase in cash and cash equivalents to $70.7 million as of December 31, 2025, primarily due to net proceeds from a registered direct offering [16] - Total operating expenses in Q3 fiscal 2026 were $10.1 million, up from $7 million in the same period a year ago, driven by increased R&D spending [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Importance of defense applications for Gemini 2 - Management highlighted that military and defense sectors have been the quickest to adopt their technology, with successful SBIR wins and ongoing evaluations for various applications [20][21] Question: Potential timelines for government funding - Management indicated a continuous pipeline of submissions for SBIRs and other funding programs, emphasizing the non-dilutive nature of this funding and its importance for future business exposure [24]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in Q3 fiscal 2026 increased by 12% year-over-year and 28.5% on a fiscal year-to-date basis, reaching $6.1 million compared to $5.4 million in Q3 fiscal 2025 [3][12] - Gross margin decreased to 52.7% in Q3 fiscal 2026 from 54% in Q3 fiscal 2025, primarily due to product mix [12] - Operating loss for Q3 fiscal 2026 was $6.9 million, compared to an operating loss of $4.1 million in the prior year [13] - Net loss in Q3 fiscal 2026 was $3 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.2 million, or $0.11 per diluted share in the previous quarter [14][15] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $70.7 million as of December 31, 2025, primarily due to $46.9 million in net proceeds from a registered direct offering [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales to KYEC were $1.1 million, or 17.9% of net revenues, down from $1.2 million, or 22.7% in the same period a year ago [10] - Sales to Nokia increased to $675,000, or 11.1% of net revenues, compared to $239,000, or 4.4% in the same period a year ago [11] - Military defense sales accounted for 28.5% of third-quarter shipments, slightly down from 30% in the comparable quarter a year ago [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on defense applications, which have shown early success, particularly with the U.S. Department of Defense [21] - The partnership with G2 Tech aims to leverage the company's technology for real-world applications, including drones and smart cities [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing its APU roadmap and hardware development, with plans to tape out Plato in early 2027 [3] - The partnership with G2 Tech for the Sentinel program is expected to enhance the company's capabilities in autonomous perimeter security [4] - The focus is on non-dilutive R&D funding through government defense programs and strategic partnerships to support development [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about strong demand from major customers in the first half of calendar 2026 [3] - The company anticipates receiving over $1 million in government funding for the Sentinel project, which will offset R&D expenses [6] - The outlook for Q4 fiscal 2026 is net revenues in the range of $5.7 million to $6.5 million, with a gross margin of approximately 54% to 56% [18] Other Important Information - The company is expanding cash disclosures in its quarterly earnings to provide better insights into cash consumption and generation [16] - Total operating expenses in Q3 fiscal 2026 were $10.1 million, up from $7 million in the prior year [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Importance of defense applications for Gemini 2 - Management highlighted that military and defense sectors have been the quickest to adopt their technology, with successful partnerships and applications already established [21][24] Question: Timelines for government funding - Management indicated a continuous pipeline of submissions for SBIRs and other funding opportunities, emphasizing the non-dilutive nature of this funding [26]

Group 1: Tesla and FSD - Tesla is at a pivotal moment in its history, with significant focus on Full Self-Driving (FSD) and autonomous capabilities, which are expected to drive future growth [2][3] - FSD adoption is projected to increase from 12% to 50%, which could significantly enhance Tesla's margins and stock valuation, with a base case target of $600 and a bull case of $800 [2][4] - The year 2025 is anticipated to be a major transition year for Tesla, with 2026 potentially being a "golden year" for the company [3] Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The tech industry is facing challenges related to power and chip shortages, which could impact the fourth industrial revolution [5][9] - Major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are expected to focus on vertical integration to address power supply constraints [6][8] - The current environment is described as an "arms race," where energy shortages are the primary limiting factor, rather than capital or technology [9]

Core Insights - Tesla is ending production of the Model S and Model X, marking the retirement of its two longest-running electric vehicles as part of a strategic shift towards an autonomous future [1][3] Production and Sales - The Model S was introduced in 2012 and the Model X in 2015, both contributing significantly to Tesla's establishment in the premium EV market [2] - In 2025, the Model 3 and Model Y accounted for approximately 97% of Tesla's total vehicle deliveries, which reached 1.6 million units [2][4] - The total production for 2025 was 1,654,667 vehicles, with 1,600,767 being Model 3/Y and 53,900 classified as "Other Models" [4] Strategic Shift - The decision to cease production of the Model S and Model X aligns with Tesla's broader strategy to cut costs and focus on more profitable models, as these older models are among the slowest sellers [3] - Tesla is transitioning from a traditional hardware-focused automaker to a "physical AI" company, with plans to scale up production in robotics, energy storage, and battery manufacturing [6] Future Focus - The Fremont factory, currently producing the Model S and Model X, will be repurposed for the production of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot, with plans to ramp up production to 1 million units per year [7][8]