Tesla Stock Outlook Divided Over Optimus Robot Production Forecasts

Amid divided expert opinions on the production outlook and stock price of Tesla CEO Elon Musk's developing robot 'Optimus,' UBS has upgraded Tesla's investment rating from 'Sell' to 'Neutral.' UBS analyst Joseph Spak projected Optimus production at 5,000 units in 2027 and 30,000 units in 2030.

The delay in unveiling the new third-generation Optimus model has influenced pessimistic outlooks. CEO Elon Musk stated that while the third-generation Optimus is functional, final touches are still needed before its reveal. Concerns about production disruptions have been raised, citing reliance on Chinese component supply chains for mass production of humanoid robots and the potential for escalating US-China tensions as weak points for Tesla's robot competitiveness.

In contrast, Chinese robot company Agile Robotics shipped its 10,000th robot, 'Yuanjing A3,' last month, and Unitree shipped over 5,500 robots last year.

Tesla is operating its robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, and CEO Elon Musk has encouraged the use of Tesla robotaxis in Dallas and Houston as well.