Q4 Update to the 2024 Economic Outlook Forecasts 4.4% Expansion in Equipment and Software Investment, 2.7% GDP Growth
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The U.S. economy remains on strong footing, fueled in part by continued healthy investment in equipment and software, according to the Q4 update to the 2024 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook. Real equipment and software investment growth is projected to be 4.4% in 2024, with a modest near-term outlook for investment growth and the potential for improvement next year as interest rate cuts start to take effect in the economy. The report, which was prepared by Keybridge and released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, also forecasts real GDP growth of 2.7% this year, a slight uptick from the Foundation’s Q3 update to the 2024 Economic Outlook published in July.
The Foundation’s report is focused on the $1.16 trillion equipment leasing and finance industry and highlights key trends in equipment investment, placing them in the context of the broader U.S. economic climate.
Leigh Lytle, President of the Foundation, and President & CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, said, “The Foundation’s Q4 Outlook continues to support a soft-landing scenario and provides optimism for 2025 investment activity. The U.S. economy has been impressively resilient but heightened political and economic uncertainty, as well as weather-related business interruptions, are likely to slow investment growth in Q4. We are optimistic that activity will remain strong in 2025, however, as Fed rate cuts start taking effect and election-related uncertainty abates. The Monthly Confidence Index for the Equipment Finance Industry agrees with Q4 Outlook findings, holding steady in October at its highest level since 2022.”
Highlights from the Q4 update to the 2024 Outlook include:
- Equipment and software investment bounced back in Q2 after three consecutive weak quarters, expanding by a strong 7.0% (annualized). Aircraft investment was primarily responsible for the improvement, along with information processing equipment, while industrial equipment contracted modestly.
- The U.S. economy experienced broad-based growth in the second quarter, expanding at a 3.0% annualized rate (up from 1.6% in Q1). Softer-than-anticipated job growth and rising unemployment over the summer raised questions about the long-term sustainability of the current economic expansion. However, layoffs remain low by historical standards, real wage growth is healthy, inflation is modestly elevated but largely contained, and the prospect for additional rate cuts later this year and next year should provide a boost to hiring and investment. The economy appears poised for growth in the new year.
- The manufacturing sector continues to struggle. Both shipments and new orders of core capital goods are sluggish, industrial production is soft, the ISM Purchasing Managers Index for Manufacturing has contracted for 22 out of the last 23 months, and manufacturing employment has fallen by 50,000 workers in 2024 (including 34,000 in the last two months).
- Small business owners have adopted a more cautious posture despite generally favorable business conditions. Recent shifts in the labor market, rising geopolitical tension, and the 2024 election have led to a rapid rise in uncertainty that may depress investment activity in the near term. At the same time, if inflation remains in check and the Fed gradually cuts rates as expected, activity should pick up again in early 2025.
- The Fed is characterizing its decision to cut rates by 50 bps rather than 25 bps as a “recalibration” rather than an emergency reaction to a weakening labor market. The Fed maintains that rate cuts are not intrinsically linked to a looming recession, but rather that a controlled easing of monetary policy, if properly timed and calibrated, can help keep the economy on track.
The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor, which is released in conjunction with the Economic Outlook, tracks 12 equipment and software investment verticals. In addition, the Momentum Monitor Sector Matrix provides a customized data visualization of current values of each of the 12 verticals based on recent momentum and historical strength. This month two verticals are expanding, two are peaking, four are recovering, and four are weakening. Over the next three to six months the Foundation expects the following trends to materialize on a year-over-year basis:
- Agriculture machinery investment growth will continue to weaken.
- Construction machinery investment growth will continue to contract.
- Materials handling equipment investment growth may improve modestly.
- All other industrial equipment investment growth will remain muted, though recent movement is encouraging
- Medical equipment investment growth may expand modestly, but momentum is soft.
- Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth will remain weak, though recent movement is encouraging.
- Aircraft investment growth should continue to improve.
- Ships and boats investment growth appears to have bottomed out and should improve.
- Railroad equipment investment growth should remain positive, though momentum is slowing.
- Trucks investment growth will remain soft and may turn negative.
- Computers investment growth should continue to expand at a robust pace.
- Software investment growth will expand at a solid pace.
The Foundation produces the Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook report in partnership with economic and public policy consulting firm Keybridge Research. The annual economic forecast provides the U.S. macroeconomic outlook, credit market conditions, and key economic indicators. The Q4 report is the third update to the 2024 Economic Outlook, and will be followed by the publication of the 2025 Economic Outlook in December.
Download the full report at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/u-s-economic-outlook/.
Download the Momentum Monitor at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/momentum-monitor/.
All Foundation studies are available for free download from the Foundation’s online library at http://store.leasefoundation.org/.
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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that propels the equipment finance sector—and its people—forward through industry-specific knowledge, intelligence, and student talent development programs that contribute to industry innovation, individual careers, and the advancement of the equipment leasing and finance industry. The Foundation is funded through charitable individual and corporate donations. Learn more at www.leasefoundation.org.
Media Contact: Kelli Nienaber, knienaber@leasefoundation.org
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Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Sink Amid Stocks Decline, Treasury Yields Climb: Analyst Sees 'Promising Signs' — Retest 'Successful' If King Crypto Stays Above This Level
Leading cryptocurrencies joined stocks in a broader sell-off on Wednesday as the market lost momentum seen at the beginning of the week.
Cryptocurrency | Gains +/- | Price (Recorded at 9:15 p.m. EDT) |
Bitcoin BTC/USD | -1.54% | $66,584.09 |
Ethereum ETH/USD |
-4.50% | $2,515.92 |
Dogecoin DOGE/USD | -1.84% | $0.1384 |
What Happened: Bitcoin plummeted as low as $65,188 during trading hours before recouping losses overnight.
Ethereum sank below $2,500 for the first time in nearly 10 days, hitting an intraday low of $2,463. Over the last week, Bitcoin’s dominance has steadily increased at the cost of Ethereum and other altcoins.
Total cryptocurrency liquidations topped $277 million in the last 24 hours, the highest in a week. Upside bets to the tune of $203 million were wiped out.
Bitcoin’s Open Interest dropped 0.87% in the last 24 hours, while Ethereum recorded a 1.15% decline in funds locked in unsettled contracts.
That said, the number of traders longing Bitcoin significantly exceeded those betting against the cryptocurrency, as per the Long/Shorts Ratio.
Additionally, market participants remained greedy as of this writing, according to the Cryptocurrency Fear & Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
Cryptocurrency | Gains +/- | Price (Recorded at 9:15 p.m. EDT) |
Jupiter (JUP) | +11.49% | $1.10 |
BOOK OF MEME (BOME) | +10.75% | $0.009891 |
Popcat (POPCAT) | +6.43% | $1.50 |
The global cryptocurrency stood at $2.28 trillion, following a drop of 2.19% in the last 24 hours.
Stocks recorded a third straight session of losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 409.94 points, or 0.96%, to end at 42,514.95. The S&P 500 slipped 0.92% to close at 5,797.42, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell 1.60% to 18,276.65.
The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield continued its climb, briefly exceeding 4.25%, its highest since last week of July. Interestingly, the yield has risen significantly since the aggressive 0.5% interest rate cut enacted by the Federal Reserve last month.
Meanwhile, investors expected a 91% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut during the next FOMC meeting, as per the CME FedWatch tool.
See More: Best Cryptocurrency Scanners
Analyst Notes: Popular cryptocurrency analyst and trader Rekt Capital said that the ongoing retest would be deemed “successful” if Bitcoin managed to stay above $66,200 until the new weekly close.
“Promising signs so far,” the trader remarked.
Widely-followed cryptocurrency market researcher Michaël van de Poppe attributed Bitcoin’s sideways movement to rising Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar.
However, he predicted volatility once more macroeconomic data starts trickling in.
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Wall Street Slumps For Third Straight Day As Investor Sentiment Fades, Dollar Strength Resumes, Boeing Disappoints: What's Driving Markets Wednesday?
Wall Street is on track for its third consecutive day of losses as investors grow cautious about risky assets, awaiting more clarity on U.S. fiscal and monetary policies and scrutinizing the latest batch of corporate earnings.
Both equities and commodities took a hit on Wednesday, while the U.S. dollar gained strength, attracting investor flows as traders moved to safer cash positions.
The U.S. dollar index, as tracked by the the Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ETF UUP, rose 0.5%, reaching levels last seen in late July.
At midday in New York, the S&P 500 was down 0.7%, attempting to hold support around the 5,800-point level. The Dow Jones also dropped 0.7%, and tech stocks, along with small caps, fared worse, sliding by 0.9%.
On the data front, mortgage applications declined for the fourth straight week, reflecting continued pressure from elevated borrowing costs.
Existing home sales fell by 1% in September to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 3.84 million, the lowest level since October 2010. This follows an upwardly revised 3.88 million in August and missed forecasts of 3.9 million.
Despite weak housing data, real estate stocks showed surprising resilience. The Vanguard Real Estate ETF VNQ and the SPDR Homebuilders ETF XHB moved higher after two straight sessions of losses.
Gold prices, as tracked by the SPDR Gold Trust GLD, fell more than 1%, pulling mining stocks down with it. Silver plummeted over 3%, retreating from 12-year highs reached on Tuesday.
Oil prices slipped by 1%, while Bitcoin BTC/USD tumbled 2%.
Major Indices | Price | 1-day %chg |
S&P 500 | 5,815.02 | -0.7% |
Dow Jones | 42,625.59 | -0.7% |
Russell 2000 | 2,213.10 | -0.9% |
Nasdaq 100 | 20,196.24 | -0.9% |
According to Benzinga Pro data:
- The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY fell 0.6% to $579.72.
- The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average DIA inched 0.7% lower to $426.41.
- The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series QQQ fell 1% to $491.16.
- The iShares Russell 2000 ETF IWM fell 0.7% $219.80.
- The Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund XLRE outperformed, up 0.6%. The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund XLY lagged, down 1%.
- Boeing Co. BA fell 2.4% after reporting a worse-than-expected losses last quarter.
Other stocks reacting to earnings included:
- Texas Instruments Inc. TXN, up 3.5%.
- Baker Hughes Co. BKR, up 3.9%.
- Seagate Technology Holdings PLC STX, down over 7%.
- Packaging Corporation of America PKG, up over 6%.
- Manhattan Associates Inc. MANH, down over 7%.
- East West Bancorp. Inc. EWBC, up over 7%.
- Enphase Energy Inc. ENPH, down over 13%.
- Coca-Cola Co. KO, down 2.2%.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. TMO, down 2.9%.
- NextEra Energy Inc. NEE, down 0.1%.
- AT&T Inc. T, up 3.8%.
- Boston Scientific Corp. BSX, down 3.7%.
- CME Group Inc. CME, down 0.9%.
- GE Vernova Inc. GEV, down 1.6%.
- Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. HLT, down 2.6%.
- Vertiv Holdings LLC VRT, down 2.8%.
- Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. ODFL, down 4.8%.
Large-cap companies reporting earnings after the close include Tesla Inc. TSLA, T-Mobile US Inc. TMUS, International Business Machines Corp. IBM, ServiceNow Inc. NOW, Lam Research Corp. LRCX, Newmont Corp. NEM, United Rentals Inc. URI, Las Vegas Sands Corp. LVS, Raymond James Financial Inc. RJF.
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Michael Saylor Says He Supports Self Custody For The 'Willing & Able' After Coming Under Fire From The Community For 'Myth And Trope' Comments
Amid mounting criticism, MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor declared support for Bitcoin’s BTC/USD self-custody, stating that the asset benefits from all types of custody.
What Happened: On Wednesday, Saylor took to X to clear the air on a controversial take that kicked up a storm. He advocated for self-custody for those willing.
“Bitcoin benefits from all forms of investment by all types of entities, and should welcome everyone,” he added.
Why It Matters: Saylor’s clarification was in sharp contrast to his recent statement made in an interview, where he termed the self-custody narrative used by Bitcoin maximalists as a “myth and trope” propagated by “paranoid crypto-anarchists.”
The hot take didn’t go down too well with Bitcoiners and those in support of privacy and decentralization.
Jameson Lopp, a known Bitcoin technologist, dismissed Saylor’s views as contrary to the fundamentals outlined in the whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto.
Ethereum ETH/USD creator Vitalik Buterin dubbed the comments as “bat***t insane,” arguing that’s not what cryptocurrency is about.
Saylor’s also drew attention from political figures, including pro-cryptocurrency Senate hopeful John Deaton, who called self-custody an “inalienable” right for Americans.
Price Action: At the time of writing, Bitcoin was exchanging hands at $67,238.74, up 0.19% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Green Methanol Market Estimated to Reach $11.1 billion by 2030 Globally, at a CAGR of 33.8%, says MarketsandMarkets™
Delray Beach, FL, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Green Methanol Market is projected to grow from USD 1.9 billion in 2024 to USD 11.1 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 33.8% during the forecast period, as per the recent study by MarketsandMarkets. The rising emphasis on cutting greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change is boosting demand for green methanol as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-derived methanol. Moreover, government policies aimed at encouraging the use of renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are spurring investment and growth in the green methanol market.
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Browse in-depth TOC on “Green Methanol Market”
225 – Market Data Tables
50 – Figures
192 – Pages
List of Key Players in Green Methanol Market:
- OCI N.V. (Netherlands)
- Carbon Recycling International Inc. (Iceland)
- Methanex Corporation (Canada)
- Proman (Switzerland)
- Södra (Sweden)
Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Challenges in Green Methanol Market:
- Driver: Increasing demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources and expanding demand for Green Methanol in Automotive and Construction Market
- Restraint: Competing fuel options – Ethanol, Hydrogen, Biofuels
- Opportunity: Use of green methanol as an alternative fuel in marine and manufacturing industries
- Challenge: Infrastructure, scale and efficiency limitations for production of Green Methanol
Key Findings of the Study:
- Based on feedstock, biomass accounted for the largest market share of the overall market.
- By application fuel segment is estimated to account for the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
- North America is estimated to account for the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
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Based on feedstock, the green hydrogen is the fastest-growing feedstock segment for green methanol due to its potential to significantly cut carbon emissions. Produced using renewable energy sources like wind and solar, it offers a cleaner alternative to conventional hydrogen. Technological advancements are reducing electrolyzer costs, making green hydrogen more affordable. Government incentives and renewable energy policies are accelerating its adoption. Its versatility and easy integration into existing industrial processes also make it a preferred choice. As a result, green hydrogen is driving the growth of the green methanol market by providing a sustainable and cost-effective feedstock.
Based on application, the fuel segment is is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The use of green methanol as fuel is growing quickly because industries need cleaner energy options and governments are making stricter rules to protect the environment. Green methanol produces fewer emissions and can be used in shipping, transportation (mixed with gasoline or directly in engines) and generating power. It’s popular because it works well with current infrastructure and helps industries lower their carbon footprint.
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Based on region, North America is poised to emerge as the fastest-growing market in the green methanol sector. This growth is propelled by rigorous environmental regulations, substantial investments in renewable energy infrastructure, and strong government support through incentives and policies. The region’s commitment to sustainability, combined with the involvement of key industry leaders and continuous technological advancements, significantly boosts the demand for green methanol across diverse applications.
Browse Adjacent Markets: Advanced Materials Market Research Reports & Consulting
Related Reports:
- Green Hydrogen Market – Global Forecast to 2030
- Technical Ceramics Market – Global Forecast to 2029
- Precast Concrete Market – Global Forecast to 2027
About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore™ (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets™.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets Inc. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA : 1-888-600-6441 UK +44-800-368-9399 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/
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TSMC Cuts Off Client After Discovering Chips Sent to Huawei
(Bloomberg) — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. discovered this month that chips it made for a specific customer ended up with Huawei Technologies Co., a potential violation of US sanctions intended to sever the flow of technology to a Chinese national champion.
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TSMC halted shipments to the client around mid-October after it realized semiconductors fabricated for that entity had found their way into Huawei products, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said. The chipmaker has since notified the US and Taiwanese governments and is investigating the matter more thoroughly, the person said, asking not to be identified discussing a sensitive situation.
It’s unclear whether the TSMC client was acting on Huawei’s behalf, or where it’s based. But the incident sheds new light on reports that surfaced in past days, including from The Information, that Washington reached out to TSMC recently about whether the company had produced chips for the blacklisted Chinese company.
TSMC’s discovery raises questions about how Huawei, considered China’s best hope of ascending the semiconductor industry, got its hands on advanced chips. Research firm TechInsights recently discovered that Huawei’s latest AI servers contained processors made by TSMC, Nvidia Corp.’s most important manufacturing partner.
Huawei has been on a sanctions list since 2020 and is barred from doing business with TSMC and its chipmaking peers without a US government license. In the past year, Huawei has relied on local partner Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. for production, including a 7-nanometer chip unveiled last August in a Huawei smartphone.
But US officials have questioned SMIC’s ability to make 7-nm chips at scale. Huawei’s use of TSMC output for its latest AI chips may be a sign that reinforces that narrative. The Taiwanese chipmaker has said it stopped all shipments to Huawei after Sept. 15, 2020, which the company reiterated when asked about the TechInsights report.
A TSMC representative declined to comment on the latest development. A Huawei spokesperson had no immediate comment when contacted by Bloomberg News. A US Commerce Department spokesperson said the agency’s Bureau of Industry and Security is “aware of reporting alleging potential violations of US export controls.”
Euronet Worldwide Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results
LEAWOOD, Kan., Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (“Euronet” or the “Company”) EEFT, a leading global financial technology solutions and payments provider, reports third quarter 2024 financial results.
Euronet reports the following consolidated results for the third quarter 2024 compared with the same period of 2023:
- Revenues of $1,099.3 million, a 9% increase from $1,004.0 million (9% increase on a constant currency1 basis).
- Operating income of $182.2 million, a 9% increase from $167.0 million (9% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Adjusted EBITDA2 of $225.7 million, a 6% increase from $212.5 million (6% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Net income attributable to Euronet of $151.5 million, or $3.21 diluted earnings per share, compared with $104.2 million, or $2.05 diluted earnings per share.
- Adjusted earnings per share3 of $3.03, an 11% increase from $2.72.
- Euronet’s cash and cash equivalents were $1,524.1 million and ATM cash was $805.4 million, totaling $2,329.5 million as of September 30, 2024, and availability under its revolving credit facilities was approximately $669.8 million.
See the reconciliation of non-GAAP items in the attached financial schedules.
“I am pleased that we achieved a third quarter adjusted EPS of $3.03, an 11% increase over the prior year’s $2.72. I also point out that we did not include in our adjusted EPS approximately $0.28 per share related to an investment gain. Had we done so, adjusted EPS would have been $3.31. This year’s third quarter is a great reminder of how our product and geographic diversity helps to provide consistency in our earnings. Moreover, with our 17% nine months year to date adjusted EPS growth, we are well on track to be at the top end of the range with good prospects to exceed the range,” stated Michael J. Brown, Euronet’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“Money Transfer produced strong third quarter results compared to the prior year across all financial metrics. EFT produced solid results across all metrics with double digit growth in operating income and adjusted EBITDA. epay delivered double-digit revenue and transaction growth.”
Taking into consideration recent trends in the business and the global economy, continued double-digit quarterly earnings growth, and historical seasonal patterns, the Company remains confident in its previously announced expectations that its 2024 adjusted EPS will grow 10-15% year-over-year, consistent with its 10 and 20 year compounded annualized growth rates. Moreover, the Company expects that in 2025 it will again produce adjusted EPS growth in the 10-15% range. This outlook does not include any changes that may develop in foreign exchange rates, interest rates or other unforeseen factors.
Segment and Other Results
The EFT Processing Segment reports the following results for the third quarter 2024 compared with the same period or date in 2023:
- Revenues of $373.0 million, an 8% increase from $345.8 million (7% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Operating income of $117.3 million, a 12% increase from $104.8 million (12% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Adjusted EBITDA of $142.1 million, a 10% increase from $128.7 million (10% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Transactions of 2,982 million, a 34% increase from 2,231 million.
- Total of 55,292 installed ATMs as of September 30, 2024, a 4% increase from 53,272. We operated 54,020 active ATMs as of September 30, 2024, a 5% increase from 51,496 as of September 30, 2023.
Constant currency revenue, operating income, and adjusted EBITDA growth in the third quarter 2024 was driven by travel, growth in the merchant services business and growth within recent market expansion. Operating margins benefited from transactions driven by continued travel recovery together with effective expense management.
The increase in active ATMs includes the acquisition of 800 ATMs in Malaysia together with the addition of approximately 800 outsourcing ATMs, and the impact of winterizing 500 more ATMs in the prior year at September 30, 2023, compared to September 30, 2024.
Transaction growth outpaced revenue growth due to continued growth in high-volume low-value transactions in India.
The epay Segment reports the following results for the third quarter 2024 compared with the same period or date in 2023:
- Revenues of $290.3 million, a 10% increase from $264.5 million (10% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Operating income of $29.1 million, a 3% increase from $28.3 million (2% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Adjusted EBITDA of $31.0 million, a 3% increase from $30.1 million (3% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Transactions of 1,126 million, a 22% increase from 925 million.
- POS terminals of approximately 766,000 as of September 30, 2024, a 5% decrease from approximately 810,000.
- Retailer locations of approximately 348,000 as of September 30, 2024, unchanged from prior year.
Double-digit revenue and transaction growth was driven by continued digital media and mobile growth. Operating income and adjusted EBITDA growth did not keep pace with the overall growth in revenue due to inflationary pressures in the business and expenses incurred to launch new proprietary product offerings.
The Money Transfer Segment reports the following results for the third quarter 2024 compared with the same period or date in 2023:
- Revenues of $438.2 million, an 11% increase from $395.9 million (10% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Operating income of $58.1 million, an 8% increase from $53.7 million (7% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Adjusted EBITDA of $64.1 million, a 6% increase from $60.7 million (4% increase on a constant currency basis).
- Total transactions of 45.1 million, an 11% increase from 40.6 million.
- Network locations of approximately 595,000 as of September 30, 2024, a 10% increase from approximately 540,000.
Constant currency revenue growth was primarily driven by near double-digit growth in cross-border transactions, offset by a decrease in intra-US transactions. Direct-to-consumer digital transactions grew by 30%, reflecting strong consumer demand for digital products, which represents 19% of total digital transactions. The constant currency operating income increase of 7% was influenced by an additional $2 million year-over-year digital customer marketing spend during the quarter versus last year. Excluding the incremental digital customer marketing spend, constant currency operating income growth would have exceeded 10%, producing operating margins consistent with prior year. Money Transfer’s revenue and gross profit per transaction were consistent with the prior year.
Corporate and Other reports $22.3 million of expense for the third quarter 2024 compared with $19.8 million for the third quarter 2023. The increase in corporate expenses is largely from increased salaries, performance-based compensation and other management expenses.
Balance Sheet and Financial Position
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents on hand was $1,524.1 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $1,271.8 million as of June 30, 2024. The net increase in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents is the net result of the generation of cash from operations and working capital fluctuations partially offset by share repurchases.
Total indebtedness was $2,278.8 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $2,270.2 million as of June 30, 2024. Availability under the Company’s revolving credit facilities was approximately $669.8 million as of September 30, 2024.
The Company repurchased 1 million shares for $101.3 million during the third quarter, which will improve earnings per share by 2% for future periods.
Non-GAAP Measures
In addition to the results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company presents non-GAAP financial measures, such as constant currency financial measures, operating income, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted earnings per share. These measures should be used in addition to, and not a substitute for, revenues, operating income, net income and earnings per share computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors regarding the Company’s performance and overall results of operations. These non-GAAP measures are also an integral part of the Company’s internal reporting and performance assessment for executives and senior management. The non-GAAP measures used by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies. The attached schedules provide a full reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure.
The Company does not provide a reconciliation of its forward-looking non-GAAP measures to GAAP due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for GAAP and the related GAAP and non-GAAP reconciliation, including adjustments that would be necessary for foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and other charges reflected in the Company’s reconciliation of historic numbers, the amount of which, based on historical experience, could be significant.
(1) Constant currency financial measures are computed as if foreign currency exchange rates did not change from the prior period. This information is provided to illustrate the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on the Company’s results when compared to the prior period.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income excluding, to the extent incurred in the period, interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and other non-operating or non-recurring items that are considered expenses or income under U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA represents a performance measure and is not intended to represent a liquidity measure.
(3) Adjusted earnings per share is defined as diluted U.S. GAAP earnings per share excluding, to the extent incurred in the period, the tax-effected impacts of: a) foreign currency exchange gains or losses, b) share-based compensation, c) acquired intangible asset amortization, d) non-cash income tax expense, e) non-cash investment gain f) other non-operating or non-recurring items and g) dilutive shares relate to the Company’s convertible bonds. Adjusted earnings per share represents a performance measure and is not intended to represent a liquidity measure.
Conference Call and Slide Presentation
Euronet Worldwide will host an analyst conference call on October 24, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss these results. The call may also include discussion of Company developments on the Company’s operations, forward-looking information, and other material information about business and financial matters. To listen to the call via telephone please register at Euronet Worldwide Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Call. The conference call will also be available via webcast at http://ir.euronetworldwide.com. Participants should register at least five minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the event. A slideshow will be included in the webcast.
A webcast replay will be available beginning approximately one hour after the event at http://ir.euronetworldwide.com and will remain available for one year.
About Euronet Worldwide, Inc.
Starting in Central Europe in 1994 and growing to a global real-time digital and cash payments network with millions of touchpoints today, Euronet now moves money in all the ways consumers and businesses depend upon. This includes money transfers, credit/debit card processing, ATMs, POS services, branded payments, foreign currency exchange and more. With products and services in more than 200 countries and territories provided through its own brand and branded business segments, Euronet and its financial technologies and networks make participation in the global economy easier, faster and more secure for everyone.
A leading global financial technology solutions and payments provider, Euronet has developed an extensive global payments network that includes 55,292 installed ATMs, approximately 949,000 EFT POS terminals and a growing portfolio of outsourced debit and credit card services which are under management in 113 countries; card software solutions; a prepaid processing network of approximately 766,000 POS terminals at approximately 348,000 retailer locations in 64 countries; and a global money transfer network of approximately 595,000 locations serving 205 countries and territories. Euronet serves clients from its corporate headquarters in Leawood, Kansas, USA, and 67 worldwide offices. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.euronetworldwide.com.
Statements contained in this news release that concern Euronet’s or its management’s intentions, expectations, or predictions of future performance, are forward-looking statements. Euronet’s actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including: conditions in world financial markets and general economic conditions, including impacts from the COVID-19 or other pandemics; inflation; the war in the Ukraine and the related economic sanctions; military conflicts in the Middle East; our ability to successfully integrate any acquired operations; economic conditions in specific countries and regions; technological developments affecting the market for our products and services; our ability to successfully introduce new products and services; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; the effects of any breach of our computer systems or those of our customers or vendors, including our financial processing networks or those of other third parties; interruptions in any of our systems or those of our vendors or other third parties; our ability to renew existing contracts at profitable rates; changes in fees payable for transactions performed for cards bearing international logos or over switching networks such as card transactions on ATMs; our ability to comply with increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, including anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism, anti-bribery, consumer and data protection and privacy; changes in laws and regulations affecting our business, including tax and immigration laws and any laws regulating payments, including dynamic currency conversion transactions; changes in our relationships with, or in fees charged by, our business partners; competition; the outcome of claims and other loss contingencies affecting Euronet; the cost of borrowing (including fluctuations in interest rates), availability of credit and terms of and compliance with debt covenants; and renewal of sources of funding as they expire and the availability of replacement funding. These risks and other risks are described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. Copies of these filings may be obtained via the SEC’s Edgar website or by contacting the Company. Any forward-looking statements made in this release speak only as of the date of this release. Except as may be required by law, Euronet does not intend to update these forward-looking statements and undertakes no duty to any person to provide any such update under any circumstances. The Company regularly posts important information to the investor relations section of its website.
EURONET WORLDWIDE, INC. | |||||
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||
(in millions) | |||||
As of | |||||
September 30, | As of | ||||
2024 | December 31, | ||||
(unaudited) | 2023 | ||||
ASSETS | |||||
Current assets: | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,524.1 | $ | 1,254.2 | |
ATM cash | 805.4 | 525.2 | |||
Restricted cash | 18.9 | 15.2 | |||
Settlement assets | 1,461.0 | 1,681.5 | |||
Trade accounts receivable, net | 273.2 | 370.6 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 303.2 | 316.0 | |||
Total current assets | 4,385.8 | 4,162.7 | |||
Property and equipment, net | 340.3 | 332.1 | |||
Right of use lease asset, net | 142.9 | 142.6 | |||
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets, net | 1,118.9 | 1,015.1 | |||
Other assets, net | 301.2 | 241.9 | |||
Total assets | $ | 6,289.1 | $ | 5,894.4 | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||||
Current liabilities: | |||||
Settlement obligations | $ | 1,461.0 | $ | 1,681.5 | |
Accounts payable and other current liabilities | 877.4 | 816.9 | |||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 51.4 | 50.3 | |||
Short-term debt obligations | 1,081.4 | 151.9 | |||
Total current liabilities | 3,471.2 | 2,700.6 | |||
Debt obligations, net of current portion | 1,195.5 | 1,715.4 | |||
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | 95.4 | 95.8 | |||
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion | 1.9 | 2.3 | |||
Deferred income taxes | 77.6 | 47.0 | |||
Other long-term liabilities | 85.5 | 83.6 | |||
Total liabilities | 4,927.1 | 4,644.7 | |||
Equity | 1,362.0 | 1,249.7 | |||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 6,289.1 | $ | 5,894.4 |
EURONET WORLDWIDE, INC. | |||||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||
(unaudited – in millions, except share and per share data) | |||||||
Three Months Ended | |||||||
September 30, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 1,099.3 | $ | 1,004.0 | |||
Operating expenses: | |||||||
Direct operating costs | 634.0 | 576.7 | |||||
Salaries and benefits | 169.6 | 153.6 | |||||
Selling, general and administrative | 80.6 | 73.9 | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 32.9 | 32.8 | |||||
Total operating expenses | 917.1 | 837.0 | |||||
Operating income | 182.2 | 167.0 | |||||
Other income (expense): | |||||||
Interest income | 6.5 | 4.0 | |||||
Interest expense | (24.2 | ) | (15.0 | ) | |||
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) | 27.4 | (8.8 | ) | ||||
Other income | 16.5 | — | |||||
Total other income (expense), net | 26.2 | (19.8 | ) | ||||
Income before income taxes | 208.4 | 147.2 | |||||
Income tax expense | (56.8 | ) | (43.0 | ) | |||
Net income | 151.6 | 104.2 | |||||
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests | (0.1 | ) | — | ||||
Net income attributable to Euronet Worldwide, Inc. | $ | 151.5 | $ | 104.2 | |||
Add: Interest expense from assumed conversion of convertible notes, net of tax | 1.1 | 1.1 | |||||
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation | $ | 152.6 | $ | 105.3 | |||
Earnings per share attributable to Euronet Worldwide, Inc. stockholders – diluted | $ | 3.21 | $ | 2.05 | |||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 47,554,606 | 51,470,603 | |||||
EURONET WORLDWIDE, INC. | |||||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of Net Income to Operating Income (Expense) and Adjusted EBITDA | |||||||||||||||||||
(unaudited – in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
Three months ended September 30, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||
EFT Processing | epay | Money Transfer | Corporate Services | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 151.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Add: Income tax expense | 56.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less: Total other income, net | (26.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Operating income (expense) | $ | 117.3 | $ | 29.1 | $ | 58.1 | $ | (22.3 | ) | $ | 182.2 | ||||||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 24.8 | 1.9 | 6.0 | 0.2 | 32.9 | ||||||||||||||
Add: Share-based compensation | — | — | — | 10.6 | 10.6 | ||||||||||||||
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation (Adjusted EBITDA) (1) | $ | 142.1 | $ | 31.0 | $ | 64.1 | $ | (11.5 | ) | $ | 225.7 | ||||||||
Three months ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
EFT Processing | epay | Money Transfer | Corporate Services | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 104.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Add: Income tax expense | 43.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
Add: Total other expense, net | 19.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (expense) | $ | 104.8 | $ | 28.3 | $ | 53.7 | $ | (19.8 | ) | $ | 167.0 | ||||||||
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 23.9 | 1.8 | 7.0 | 0.1 | 32.8 | ||||||||||||||
Add: Share-based compensation | — | — | — | 12.7 | 12.7 | ||||||||||||||
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and share-based compensation (Adjusted EBITDA) | $ | 128.7 | $ | 30.1 | $ | 60.7 | $ | (7.0 | ) | $ | 212.5 |
EURONET WORLDWIDE, INC. | |||||||
Reconciliation of Adjusted Earnings per Share | |||||||
(unaudited – in millions, except share and per share data) | |||||||
Three Months Ended | |||||||
September 30, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | ||||||
Net income attributable to Euronet Worldwide, Inc. | $ | 151.5 | $ | 104.2 | |||
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain | (27.4 | ) | 8.8 | ||||
Intangible asset amortization(1) | 5.1 | 5.5 | |||||
Share-based compensation(2) | 10.6 | 12.7 | |||||
Income tax effect of above adjustments(3) | 4.9 | (4.7 | ) | ||||
Non-cash investment gain(4) | (16.9 | ) | — | ||||
Non-cash GAAP tax expense(5) | 8.8 | 6.2 | |||||
Adjusted earnings(6) | $ | 136.6 | $ | 132.7 | |||
Adjusted earnings per share – diluted(6) | $ | 3.03 | $ | 2.72 | |||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (GAAP) | 47,554,606 | 51,470,603 | |||||
Effect of adjusted EPS dilution of convertible notes | (2,781,818 | ) | (2,781,818 | ) | |||
Effect of unrecognized share-based compensation on diluted shares outstanding | 320,885 | 185,073 | |||||
Adjusted diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 45,093,673 | 48,873,858 | |||||
(1) Intangible asset amortization of $5.1 million and $5.5 million are included in depreciation and amortization expense of $32.9 million and $32.8 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, in the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) Share-based compensation of $10.6 million and $12.7 million are included in salaries and benefits expense of $169.6 million and $153.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2023, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations.
(3) Adjustment is the aggregate U.S. GAAP income tax effect on the preceding adjustments determined by applying the applicable statutory U.S. federal, state and/or foreign income tax rates.
(4) Non-cash investment gain of $16.9 million is included in other income in the consolidated statement of operations.
(5) Adjustment is the non-cash GAAP tax impact recognized on certain items such as the utilization of certain material net deferred tax assets and amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets.
(6) Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP measures that should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, net income and earnings per share computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Contact: Euronet Worldwide, Inc. Stephanie Taylor +1-913-327-4200
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Alfa Laval AB (publ) Interim report July 1 – September 30, 2024
LUND, Sweden, Oct. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —
Highlights
- Order intake was SEK 18.9 (17.0) billion, an organic increase of 15 percent.
- Net sales was SEK 16.2 (15.8) billion, an organic increase of 6 percent.
- Adjusted EBITA increased by 7 percent to SEK 2.8 (2.6) billion, corresponding to a margin of 17.3 (16.7) percent.
- Strong cash flow from operating activities of SEK 3.7 (2.9) billion.
- Earnings per share of SEK 4.77 (4.29).
Summary
Third quarter
Order intake increased by 15 percent* to SEK 18,927 (17,032) million.
Net sales increased by 6 percent* to SEK 16,208 (15,768) million.
Adjusted EBITA**: SEK 2,800 (2,626) million.
Adjusted EBITA margin**: 17.3 (16.7) percent.
Result after financial items: SEK 2,529 (2,345) million.
Net income: SEK 1,983 (1,781) million.
Earnings per share: SEK 4.77 (4.29).
Cash flow from operating activities: SEK 3,745 (2,932) million.
First nine months
Order intake increased by 6 percent* to SEK 56,116 (53,822) million.
Net sales increased by 8 percent* to SEK 48,643 (45,759) million.
Adjusted EBITA**: SEK 8,166 (7,391) million.
Adjusted EBITA margin**: 16.8 (16.2) percent.
Result after financial items: SEK 7,166 (6,396) million.
Net income: SEK 5,369 (4,811) million.
Earnings per share: SEK 12.92 (11.56).
Cash flow from operating activities: SEK 8,126 (5,278) million.
Return on capital employed (%) **: 22.8 (19.4).
Net debt to EBITDA, times **: 0.61 (1.19).
* Excluding currency effects. ** Alternative performance measures.
Outlook for the fourth quarter
“We expect demand in the fourth quarter to be on a lower level compared to the third quarter.”
Earlier published outlook (July 23, 2024): We expect demand in the third quarter to be on a somewhat lower level compared to the second quarter.”
The Q3 2024 report has been reviewed by the company’s auditors.
This information is information that Alfa Laval AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at CEST 07.30 on October 24, 2024.
For more information, please contact:
Johan Lundin, Head of Investor Relations
Phone: +46 46 36 65 10
Mobile: +46 730 46 30 90
E-mail: : johan.lundin@alfalaval.com
Alfa Laval AB (publ)
PO Box 73
SE-221 00 Lund
Sweden
Corporate registration number: 556587-8054
Visiting address:
Rudeboksvägen 1
Phone: + 46 46 36 65 00
Website: www.alfalaval.com
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SOURCE Alfa Laval
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Tesla stock jumps on Q3 earnings beat
Tesla (TSLA) reported mixed third-quarter results after the bell on Wednesday, but the stock jumped as investors cheered the earnings beat, higher gross margins, and news that Tesla’s cheaper EV is on track for production next year.
CEO Elon Musk also said on an earnings call that Tesla’s volume growth could be 20-30% next year.
Tesla shares jumped over 11% in premarket trading on Thursday, setting up to add as much as $80 billion to the company’s market valuation.
For the quarter, Tesla reported revenue of $25.18 billion vs. $25.4 billion per Bloomberg consensus, higher than the $25.05 billion it reported in Q2 and also topping the $23.40 billion Tesla reported a year ago. Tesla posted adjusted EPS of $0.72 vs. $0.60 expected, on adjusted net income of $2.5 billion and free cash flow of $2.9 billion.
The closely watched gross margin figure came in at 19.8%, much higher than the 16.8% expected.
“We delivered strong results in Q3 with growth in vehicle deliveries both sequentially and year-on-year, resulting in record third-quarter volumes,” the company said in its earnings deck. “Preparations remain underway for our offering of new vehicles — including more affordable models — which we will begin launching in the first half of 2025.”
Earlier this month, Tesla announced third quarter deliveries that slightly missed expectations, sending the stock lower.
Tesla said it delivered 462,890 vehicles in Q3, up 6.4% quarter over quarter, to mark the first quarter of delivery growth this year. The numbers also came in ahead of the 435,059 EVs the company delivered in the year-ago period. But Wall Street had expected Tesla to deliver closer to 463,897, according to Bloomberg.
“Refreshed Model 3 ramp continued successfully in Q3 with higher total production and lower cost of goods sold quarter-over-quarter. Cybertruck production increased sequentially and achieved a positive gross margin for the first time,” Tesla said in its report.
Tesla said it expects vehicle deliveries to achieve “slight growth” in 2024. CEO Elon Musk added during the conference call that 20-30% growth next year is possible, though he couched it as a “best guess.”
Ahead of Tesla’s Q3 disclosure, shares were down approximately 11% since Tesla revealed its robotaxi, dubbed the Cybercab, at its showy “We, Robot” event from the Warner Bros. studio lot in Burbank, Calif., on Oct. 10.
Investors and analysts were left wanting more details from Tesla’s “We, Robot” event on the Cybercab itself and detailed testing plans, along with questions about the development of Tesla’s sub-$30,000 EV, dubbed the Model 2.
Elon Musk Shuts Down Traditional Tesla $25K EV Rumors, Calls It 'Pointless' As Company Focuses On All-Autonomous Future: 'Yeah. It Would Be Silly'
Tesla Inc. TSLA CEO Elon Musk has definitively shut down speculation about the company’s long-rumored $25,000 traditional electric vehicle, marking a strategic pivot towards an all-autonomous future for the electric vehicle maker.
What Happened: During Tesla’s third-quarter earnings call, Musk explicitly rejected the idea of developing a conventional $25,000 car, calling it “pointless” and “silly” in light of the company’s autonomous vehicle strategy.
“I think having a regular $25,000 model is pointless. Yeah. It would be silly. Like, it’ll be completely at odds with what we believe,” Musk stated during the earnings call.
Instead, Tesla is focusing its efforts on the development of its robotaxi vehicle, dubbed the “Cybercab.” Unlike traditional vehicles, the Cybercab will be designed exclusively for autonomous operation, without a steering wheel or pedals.
“Autonomous, it’s fully considered cost per mile, is what matters,” Musk explained. “And if you try to make a car that is, essentially, a hybrid manual automatic car, it’s not going to be as good as a dedicated autonomous car.”
The company’s vision for the future is unambiguously autonomous. Tesla plans to begin volume production of the Cybercab in 2026, with ambitious targets of producing 2-4 million units annually across multiple factories.
“I think it’s going to be very obvious in retrospect… that the future is autonomous electric vehicles,” Musk emphasized. “Non-autonomous gasoline vehicles in the future will be like riding a horse and using a foot phone. It’s not that there are no horses… but they’re unusual. They’re niche.”
Tesla currently produces approximately 35,000 autonomous-capable vehicles per week, which Musk contrasted with competitors like Alphabet Inc GOOGLGOOG owned Waymo, noting that “Waymo’s entire fleet is less than – they have less than a 1,000 cars. We make 35,000 a week.”
Why It Matters: While abandoning the traditional $25,000 car concept, Tesla still plans to introduce a more affordable vehicle in the first half of 2025, which Musk indicated would be priced “sub-30k” with incentives. However, this vehicle will be designed with autonomous capabilities in mind, aligning with the company’s broader strategy.
The company also plans to launch its robotaxi service in Texas and California next year, pending regulatory approval, with Texas expected to move faster due to less stringent regulatory requirements.
The decision comes as Tesla maintains its position as one of the few profitable electric vehicle manufacturers globally. During the earnings call, Musk noted that “to the best of my knowledge, there was no EV division of any company, of any existing auto company that is profitable.”
This strategic pivot underscores Tesla’s confidence in its autonomous driving technology, with the company predicting that its Full Self-Driving system will surpass human safety levels by the second quarter of 2025.
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