Tesla Inc on Wednesday forecast supply chain issues would persist throughout 2022 and limit electric vehicle production, while posting record quarterly revenue that beat Wall Street expectations.
The outlook showed that even Tesla cannot avoid the shortages that were pitfalls for many larger automakers last year. And Tesla has the additional challenge of opening two new factories this year with chips and other parts in short supply.
Shares rose 1% in after-hours trade after an initial drop.
Cautionary Comment
CFRA analyst Garrett Nelson said the supply chain comments were simply cautionary. "We like how the company is setting up," he said, adding that the quarterly results looked good.
Revenue rose to $17.72 billion in the fourth quarter, from $10.74 billion a year earlier. Analysts had expected the electric-vehicle maker to report revenue of $16.57 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.
The world's most valuable automaker last quarter handed over a record number of vehicles to customers despite supply chain headwinds.
"Our own factories have been running below capacity for several quarters as supply chain became the main limiting factor, which is likely to continue through 2022," Tesla said in a statement.
Tesla said on Wednesday that its new factory in Austin has started production of Model Y late last year, adding it plans to start deliveries to customers after final certification, without elaborating on the timeframe.
It said it aims to maximize output from its California factory beyond 600,000 vehicles per year.
Tesla has fared better than most automakers in managing supply chain issues by using less scarce chips and quickly re-writing software.
Tesla faces challenges of scaling up production at two new factories this year with technology changes as well as battery and other supply chain constraints clouding the outlook.
It faces rising competition from rivals who are set to launch an array of electric cars, from more affordable models to electric pickups.
Quarterly Profits
Tesla's $4.09 billion in adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) beat the consensus estimate of $3.89 billion, according to Refinitiv. That appeared to qualify Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk for an additional options payout under his 2018 compensation package.
Quarterly profits took a $340 million hit from payroll taxes related to Musk exercising options related to his 2012 compensation package.
The profits also reflected rising raw material, commodity and logistics costs and expenses related to warranties and recalls. Tesla is recalling more than 475,000 of its Model 3 and Model S electric cars to address rearview camera and trunk issues that increase the risk of crashing.
