"Tesla's Governance Concerns Impact Stock Rating and Future Outlook"
Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded Tesla to a Neutral rating and reduced their price target due to increased governance concerns, exacerbated by a recent Delaware judge's ruling and a Wall Street Journal report. The firm emphasizes the importance of Tesla's management focusing on long-term goals and improving automotive manufacturing techniques, as disruptions to these capabilities could hinder the company's technological and cost advantages. Despite the downgrade, analysts are maintaining their 2024 and 2025 EPS estimates, based on expected delivery volume growth, while noting that EV sales growth in the US slowed in January but is showing more favorable comparisons in China.