Why Some Believe Tesla Will Make New Highs In 2017 On Model 3, Solar Roof Execution

Ben Kallo of Baird maintained an Outperform rating on Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA)'s stock with a $366 price target ahead of the company's first quarter delivery announcement, which is expected Monday.

Tesla has already guided to deliver 47,000 to 50,000 Model S and X units in the first half of 2017, and Kallo believes Tesla can achieve this if its Q1 deliveries come in above 20,000 units.

The analyst believes the bulk of focus for investors moving forward won't be its delivery guidance, but rather updates and progress on the Model 3 car, the Gigafactory ramp and future solar roof products.

Kallo expects Tesla to host a Model 3 event before July, which will provide more details and specifications on the car. The potential of the event alone should support Tesla's stock and help boost it new all-time highs.

Confidence Moving Forward

Kallo briefly commented on Tencent Holdings' recent investment in Tesla, which he said should be seen as a "vote of confidence" for the company, adding that the investment may also demonstrate Tesla's ability to execute on its production ramp, new product announcements and overall brand value. 

Finally, Kallo highlighted six factors which bode well for investor confidence moving forward:

• Continued production ramp
• Expansion of gross margins
• Updates on the Gigafactory
• The beginning stages of Model 3 production
• Ramp of Tesla Energy
• Potential introduction of new products

See Also:

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