Earlier quoted context omitted.
Tesla posted positive free cash flow (CFO - capex) for 4 of the last 5 quarters (page 24) and it the only company with increase in # of deliveries among the 10 largest autos globally (page 7). Gross margins >20% is also best in class in the auto industry The list goes on in terms of growth & profitability
> Tesla posted positive free cash flow (CFO - capex) for 4 of the last 5 quarters Can you explain how their capex is decreasing as they build out more factories and invest in new technology? Seems odd, doesn't it? Yet is sure makes that cash flow number look good. These are the kinda things that analysts consider red flags. > it the only company with increase in # of deliveries among the 10 largest autos globally Do…
From 2017 to 2018, they were focused in ramping-up production at the Fremont factory [0]. And compared to Q2 2019 Capex is actually 118% * higher ! * (546m vs 250m), so I can't see how they are slowing investments.
>Do you think this is a reasonable comparison when Toyota builds as many cars in a few days as Tesla does in a quarter? Tesla can futz a few thousand cars with a fleet sale or inventory build and drastically change their growth trajectory.
I do believe they did a tremendous job in ramping-up deliveries (page 18) in such a short period of time). It is 2x the number from just 3 years ago.
>By the way, what's a "delivery"? I don't think I've ever seen them define it. I would assume it means "car delivered to customer", and yet they build inventory. Very opaque.
By delivery Tesla probably needs to recognize revenue according to ASC 606, or when the product is delivered instead of paid. I'm sure theirs auditors must pay close attention to this number.