From being deeply beaten down to staging a swift comeback, shares of Ola Electric Mobility are witnessing a sharp recovery in less than 10 trading sessions. The stock has surged an impressive 68% since the beginning of the month. Meanwhile, rival Ather Energy has also been gaining traction, with its shares rising 16% over the same period.

Despite the recent rebound, Ola Electric’s longer-term performance has remained weak. The stock is still down 75% from its peak of Rs 157, which it touched during the post-listing frenzy after debuting at an issue price of Rs 76 in 2024. In less than two years since listing, the stock now trades below Rs 40, nearly 50% below its issue price, highlighting the extent of the correction.

In sharp contrast, Ather Energy’s share price has soared 172% from its issue price of Rs 321 in less than a year since listing.

What’s fuelling renewed buying?

For Ola, the rally follows a series of positive developments. The company recently prepared its in-house LFP battery for production, a key step that could meaningfully lower EV costs and support wider adoption. It has also secured PLI certification for a key model, improving its eligibility for government incentives.

Demand trends have shown signs of revival as well. March 2026 saw a strong rebound, with a noticeable pick-up in both orders and registrations, indicating a potential turnaround in business performance. In a significant milestone, Ola Electric became the first EV company in India to cross 1 million cumulative vehicle registrations, according to VAHAN data. The achievement underlines the company’s scale and reflects the broader momentum in India’s electric mobility space.
Ather Energy, currently the No.3 player in the electric two-wheeler market, reported record sales of 35,688 units in March, up 128% year-on-year (YoY), translating into a 19% market share. Notably, this marked the fifth instance of monthly sales crossing 20,000 units, all achieved in FY2026, and the first time it has gone past the 30,000 mark. For the full year, Ather sold 2,39,118 units, crossing the 2,00,000 milestone for the first time.

Capital’s EV boost

At a broader level, policy support has also played a key role in lifting sentiment. A major trigger has been the proposed Delhi EV policy, which aims to ban the registration of petrol two-wheelers in the national capital from April 2028.

The draft Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026-2030 mandates that only electric two-wheelers can be registered from FY29 onwards, with the objective of accelerating EV adoption and reducing pollution. “Through tax exemptions, incentives, and expanded charging infrastructure, we want to accelerate EV adoption and build a sustainable transport system,” said Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh.

Under the draft policy, buyers of electric two-wheelers in Delhi could receive a subsidy of up to Rs 30,000 in the first year from the notification.

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Which one should you buy?

Brokerages have also turned cautious on Ola Electric Mobility off late. Goldman Sachs recently downgraded Ola Electric to Neutral and cut its target price to Rs 26 from Rs 52. It has lowered its FY26 to FY28 revenue estimates and now expects a mid single-digit market share beyond FY30E, compared with earlier projections of low teens. The brokerage also flagged that continued EBITDA losses and capital expenditure could lead to a fundraise over the next 12-18 months.

Similarly, Citi downgraded the stock to Sell from Buy and slashed its target price by 51% to Rs 27 from Rs 55. It cited ongoing challenges in volume growth, slower-than-expected EV penetration in the two-wheeler segment and the impact of GST cuts. Citi also pointed to market share losses, service-related issues, intense competition and negative customer perception as key concerns.

In contrast, sentiment around Ather Energy remains constructive. Ambit Capital initiated coverage on the company with a Buy rating and a target price of Rs 781, highlighting its strong competitive positioning.

Ambit expects electric scooter penetration to rise from 16% in FY25 to around 28% by FY30E, driven by falling battery costs and continued value engineering. While scooters dominate currently, motorcycles represent a large untapped opportunity, accounting for over 60% of the market. Ather’s Ritza, EL platform and Zenith are expected to help expand its presence across segments.

The brokerage also pointed to Ather’s strong technology-driven moat, supported by its powertrain capabilities, software and sustained R&D investments. Vertical integration is likely to improve cost efficiency and reduce reliance on subsidies, while in-house design capabilities enable faster product rollouts and better supply chain control. Pricing discipline, brand strength and charging infrastructure further support its positioning.

Looking ahead, Ambit believes Ather’s new platforms and expanding portfolio could drive profitability. The modular EL platform is expected to enable entry into the sub-Rs 1.25 lakh segment and support scale. Gradual capacity additions, along with better utilisation and higher integration, could improve margins. The brokerage expects EBITDA margins to improve to 10% by FY30E from a 9% operating loss in 9MFY26.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

A Disney World fan account shared video suggesting the Florida theme park has revived its famous “Ladies and gentlemen” greeting, after ditching such phrases for gender-neutral messages years ago.

The fan account, known on X as “Theme Park Cheetah,” shared video purporting to show the return of the greeting.

“It was very nice to hear that ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ has returned to the Magic Kingdom Express Monorail recently!” the account wrote in a post.

“For context it was removed around 2021 when Disney tried to make the parks more ‘inclusive,’” it added.

DISNEY MOVES AWAY FROM WOKE MESSAGING WITH HEARTFELT VIRAL AD CENTERED ON DADS AND SONS

Disney did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment. 

It was reported in 2021 that Walt Disney World in Orlando removed its longtime greeting, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,” from its Magic Kingdom fireworks show to promote inclusivity. It was replaced with a greeting saying, “Good evening, dreamers of all ages!”

Disney’s diversity and inclusion manager Vivian Ware was heard speaking of such changes in a video conference recorded in March 2022.

PIXAR CHIEF DEFENDS CUTTING LGBTQ THEMES IN FILM, CALLS TO FOCUS ON MAKING GOOD MOVIES, NOT ‘THERAPY’

In April 2021, Disney Parks announced in a statement that it wanted its “guests to see their own backgrounds and traditions reflected in the stories, experiences and products they encounter in their interactions with Disney.” 

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“That means cultivating an environment where all people feel welcomed and appreciated for their unique life experiences, perspectives and culture,” it said at the time. “Where we celebrate allyship and support for each other. And where diverse views and ideas are sought after as critical contributions towards our collective success.”

She added: “I don’t think people realise exactly how much money it can actually be because £600 was a lot for my sister, but I’ve had mates who spend over a grand on their prom because they hired fancy cars, hired a really lovely suit, they got their hard done.”

Shares of Navratna PSU RailTel Corporation of India surged up to 5% to hit an intraday high of Rs 354 on the BSE on Thursday, extending gains for a second consecutive session. The stock has rallied a sharp 25% over this two-day period.

The latest surge comes after RailTel was awarded a contract worth Rs 100 crore for the selection of a system integrator to develop and maintain an integrated IT solution for monitoring minor minerals over five years. The project aims to streamline oversight and improve tracking mechanisms within the sector.

Earlier this week, the company announced multiple order wins with a total value of about Rs 608 crore, boosting investor sentiment.

In an exchange filing, RailTel Corporation of India said it has received Letters of Acceptance (LoAs) from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for two major infrastructure projects involving integrated tunnel communication systems.

The first contract, worth around Rs 309.27 crore, relates to Package 1. It involves the supply, installation, testing, and commissioning (SITC) of integrated communication systems for tunnels T-1 to T-7 and associated stations, covering a 42.7 km stretch.

The second order, valued at approximately Rs 255.27 crore, pertains to Package 2 and covers SITC work for tunnels T-8 to T-11 and four stations, spanning 36 km. The scope includes VHF simplex systems, CCTV, public address systems, and emergency call points.
Both projects are domestic in nature and are scheduled for completion by April 12, 2028.Additionally, RailTel has secured a work order from the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board to provide security-related ancillary services during recruitment examinations. This contract is valued at approximately Rs 43.96 crore.

Also read: HDB Financial Services zooms 12% on strong Q4 results and FY26 dividend

The company clarified that none of these contracts falls under related-party transactions and that there is no promoter group interest in the awarding entities. All three orders were received on April 13, 2026.

Despite the recent rally, RailTel shares are still down 7% so far this year. However, the latest momentum has lifted the stock nearly 30% over the past month.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

BRISBANE, Australia — Harlan Goode, the 18-year-old powerhouse vocalist from Redlands, Queensland, who captured hearts with his soaring ballads and commanding stage presence on Australian Idol 2026, is already charting his next chapter following a heartbreaking runner-up finish in the grand final.

Goode placed second to Kesha Oayda in the nail-biting finale that aired Tuesday night, April 14, after a season defined by his consistent ability to deliver goosebump-inducing performances of classics and contemporary hits. Despite not taking home the title, the young singer-songwriter emerged as one of the competition’s breakout stars, with fans and industry insiders predicting a bright future beyond the Idol spotlight.

“I am beyond grateful for the journey of the past few months on Australian Idol,” Goode posted on Instagram shortly after the result. The message, accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos, reflected his maturity and positive outlook at such a young age. He balanced the competition with finishing Year 12 exams earlier in the season, juggling school vice-captain duties with late-night rehearsals and live shows.

The grand final saw Goode deliver memorable renditions, including a powerful take on ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All” that echoed his audition piece and drew standing ovations from judges. In the top-two showdown, he faced off against eventual winner Oayda in a high-stakes battle that kept viewers glued to their screens. More than a million votes poured in, with many fans expressing disappointment online that Goode did not claim the crown, calling him the “true winner” in spirit for his emotional depth and vocal control.

Goode’s path on the show was marked by rapid progression. He earned a golden ticket with his audition, advanced through the Top 30 and Top 12, and consistently raised the bar in themes ranging from ballads to high-energy anthems. Judges praised his “powerhouse vocals” and ability to connect with audiences, while guest mentor Josh Groban offered advice that Goode later described as transformative. “He’s a genuinely beautiful human being,” Goode told Now To Love, highlighting how the interaction boosted his confidence heading into the finale.

Even before the final, Goode shared ambitious post-show plans in interviews with New Idea and other outlets. He spoke of recording two original songs he had written within the first two weeks after the competition wrapped. “I’m hoping to smash out two songs I have written,” he said, emphasizing his drive to transition from contestant to professional artist. He also mentioned plans to perform at a couple of festivals and host shows in his hometown of Redlands, where community support has been overwhelming.

That local backing has been palpable. Redlands residents and Brisbane’s bayside community rallied around their hometown hero, with special messages of encouragement from music figures like multi-award-winning artist and conductor Jonathon Welch. Social media flooded with congratulations and messages of pride, positioning Goode as a symbol of Queensland talent on the national stage.

Now, with the Idol spotlight dimming, the focus shifts to what’s next for the teenager. Insiders suggest Goode is well-positioned for a music career launch. The runner-up prize package still offers valuable exposure, including potential recording opportunities, though the winner receives the full $100,000 cash prize, a recording package with Hive Sound Studios, a songwriting camp with Sony Music Publishing, marketing support from The Annex, and VIP tickets to major events like the ARIA Awards and TV WEEK Logie Awards.

Goode has already built a strong online presence. His Instagram account @harlan.goode showcases performance clips that continue to garner thousands of views and supportive comments. Fans frequently note his ballad prowess, comparing him to established artists who excel in emotional delivery. A dedicated website, harlangoode.com, serves as a hub for his content and social feeds, signaling early professional infrastructure.

Music industry observers point to recent Australian Idol alumni who parlayed strong showings into sustained careers. While winners often secure immediate recording deals, runners-up frequently benefit from fan loyalty and use the platform to release independent music or sign with labels seeking fresh talent. Goode’s blend of raw talent, work ethic and relatability — finishing high school while competing — has endeared him to a broad demographic.

In exclusive comments before the finale, Goode revealed his ambition had grown significantly during the competition. “I’ve always been driven and always had these massive dreams but now I feel in control of my future,” he said. That sense of agency is likely to drive his immediate steps: prioritizing songwriting, studio time and live performances to build momentum while the show’s visibility remains high.

Potential next moves include independent single releases, leveraging the songwriting camp access if extended through runner-up perks, and targeted festival appearances. Hometown shows in Redlands could serve as warm-up gigs, allowing him to connect directly with supporters who voted relentlessly. Longer-term, a move toward original material rather than covers will be key to establishing his artistic identity.

Goode’s vocal style — powerful yet nuanced, capable of tackling everything from ABBA to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” — suggests versatility that could appeal to pop, rock and adult contemporary audiences. His youth also positions him for crossover potential in international markets if early releases gain traction on streaming platforms.

The Australian Idol 2026 season itself generated significant buzz, with the grand final dividing some viewers who felt Goode deserved the win for his consistency and star quality. Social media reactions ranged from heartbreak for the runner-up to celebration of Oayda’s historic victory as the first female winner since 2007. Yet even critics of the result acknowledged Goode’s impact, with comments like “a star is born — and this is only the beginning” reflecting widespread sentiment.

For Goode personally, the experience has been life-changing. Balancing academics with the intense schedule of live television performances demonstrated discipline beyond his years. Friends and family have described him as humble and focused, traits that will serve him well in the competitive music industry.

Looking ahead, the coming months will be critical. Releasing original music quickly could capitalize on post-show momentum, while building a touring presence might solidify his fan base. Collaborations with established songwriters or producers could accelerate development, and any label interest sparked by his Idol run would open doors to professional management and marketing resources.

Goode has hinted at keeping his head down and continuing to work hard regardless of the outcome. That mindset echoes advice from mentors throughout the competition and positions him for sustainable success rather than fleeting fame.

As Australian music continues to produce global stars, Harlan Goode represents the next wave of homegrown talent. From school halls in Redlands to national television stages, his journey has been one of steady growth and undeniable vocal gifts. While the Idol crown went to another, the runner-up’s path forward appears filled with opportunity.

Industry watchers will be monitoring his first post-Idol releases closely. If early singles showcase the songwriting he teased, Goode could quickly transition from reality TV standout to charting artist. Festivals and regional tours offer platforms to hone his live show, while social media engagement keeps fans invested.

For now, the 18-year-old is soaking in the support and planning his next moves with the same determination that carried him through Idol’s eliminations. “Keep the ball rolling and keep working,” he said — words that encapsulate his approach as he steps into the professional music world.

Harlan Goode may not have won Australian Idol 2026, but his powerful performances and clear vision for the future suggest the real competition is just beginning. Australia’s music scene could soon welcome a fresh voice with the talent and drive to make a lasting impression.

Honda is recalling a massive fleet of 440,830 Odyssey minivans over a potentially serious airbag malfunction, following reports of dozens of injuries, federal regulators announced.

In a notice dated April 9, the automaker warned that a software programming flaw could trigger the side airbags to deploy unexpectedly from relatively minor road impacts, including “driving over potholes, speed bumps, or road debris.”

“Air bags that deploy unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said. 

Regulators said the affected vehicles include 2018–2022 models manufactured between Jan. 24, 2017, and June 3, 2022. 

MERCEDES-BENZ RECALLS OVER 24,000 VEHICLES DUE TO DRIVE SHAFT DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE SUDDEN FAILURE

The issue was reportedly corrected in the production process thereafter, clearing subsequent model years from the recall.

To address the defect, authorized dealers will reprogram or replace the electrical units at no cost to vehicle owners.

As of April 2, Honda has recorded 130 warranty claims and 25 reported injuries linked to the issue. No fatalities have been reported yet, according to NHTSA.  

In a stark warning, safety regulators also noted that Honda may have been aware of the defect days before formally reporting it, adding that the delay could raise concerns under federal laws governing the timely disclosure of safety issues.

“The information in your report suggests that Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) may have been aware of this issue more than five business days before filing a report with NHTSA,” the agency said. 

“Please be reminded that under Federal law, this agency is to be notified of all safety defect and/or noncompliance decisions within five business days…. Significant civil penalties can be assessed for this violation.”

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
HMC	HONDA MOTOR CO. LTD.	24.26	+0.10	+0.41%

BISSELL STEAMERS RECALLED IN RESPONSE TO DOZENS OF ‘SERIOUS’ BURN INJURIES

Official notification letters are scheduled for distribution in late May 2026.

A stop-sale order has also been issued for impacted units currently in dealership inventories. 

Customers with further questions can contact Honda’s customer service line at 1-888-234-2138. 

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Drivers can also check whether their car has been impacted by searching for their model number on NHTSA.gov.

FOX Business reached out to Honda for more information.

NEW YORK — Meta Platforms Inc. has officially ended support for the standalone Facebook Messenger desktop experience, with messenger.com no longer available for messaging as of April 2026 and users now automatically redirected to the integrated Facebook messaging interface at facebook.com/messages.

The change, which took effect this month, marks the final step in Meta’s consolidation of its messaging services. The company had already discontinued the native Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac in December 2025. Now, the dedicated web version joins them in retirement, forcing desktop users to access chats through the main Facebook website.

Here are the five essential things every user needs to know about this latest update:

First, messenger.com is gone for messaging purposes. Starting in April 2026, anyone visiting the old site is automatically redirected to facebook.com/messages. All conversations, media, group chats and call history sync seamlessly because the underlying data remains the same. Users do not lose access to their messages, but the clean, distraction-free interface of the old standalone site has disappeared. The redirect works in any modern browser, though some report slightly slower initial loading as the full Facebook page renders.

Second, the Messenger desktop apps for Windows and Mac are also retired. Meta removed them from official stores last year and stopped supporting them entirely. Anyone who still had the apps installed found them directing users to the web version even before the April cutoff. There is no plan to bring back native desktop applications. Meta’s stated goal is to reduce maintenance costs across fragmented platforms and focus engineering resources on mobile apps and core Facebook integration.

Third, users who accessed Messenger without a linked Facebook account face the biggest disruption. Previously, messenger.com allowed sign-in with just a phone number or Messenger-specific credentials. That option no longer works on desktop. These users must switch to the iOS or Android mobile app to continue chatting. Meta recommends setting up a PIN code in advance to restore chat history easily across devices. Without a PIN, some history may require additional verification steps.

Fourth, core features remain fully available through facebook.com/messages. Users can still send texts, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, stickers, react to messages, make voice and video calls, create group chats, use disappearing messages and access end-to-end encrypted Secret Conversations. The interface now sits inside the broader Facebook environment, so users see their news feed, notifications and other Facebook elements alongside messaging. Many report the experience feels more cluttered than the old dedicated site, but functionality is unchanged for day-to-day use.

Fifth, mobile apps continue operating normally with no changes. The Messenger apps on iOS and Android remain the primary recommended way to chat for millions of users. They receive regular updates with new features such as improved AI replies, better HD photo and video sharing, and enhanced privacy controls. Desktop users who prefer a larger screen can simply keep a browser tab open to facebook.com/messages or use the mobile app side-by-side on a second monitor.

The decision reflects Meta’s broader strategy of streamlining its product portfolio. Messenger launched as a standalone app in 2011 and grew into its own web and desktop presence over the following decade. By 2014 it had split from Facebook’s main interface, allowing users to message without opening the social network. That separation ended gradually. In recent years Meta has pushed harder toward unification across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp while reducing overhead on less-used platforms.

Company executives have not issued a detailed public statement beyond the official help page, but the move aligns with cost-cutting efforts as Meta invests heavily in artificial intelligence, the metaverse and advertising infrastructure. Maintaining separate codebases for messenger.com and the desktop apps required ongoing resources that the company decided were no longer justified given the dominance of mobile usage.

User reaction has been mixed. On Reddit and tech forums, many expressed frustration at losing the minimalist messenger.com experience, especially those who used it for work or to separate messaging from their personal Facebook feeds. Others welcomed the simplification, noting they already messaged primarily through the Facebook website or mobile app. Some power users are exploring browser extensions or third-party clients, though Meta warns that unofficial tools may violate terms of service and risk account restrictions.

For businesses and developers using the Messenger Platform API, the change has minimal immediate impact. The API itself continues to function for chatbots, customer support and automated messaging. However, any tools or integrations that specifically targeted messenger.com URLs may need updating to point to the Facebook messaging endpoint.

Security and privacy features carry over to the new setup. End-to-end encryption remains available for one-on-one and group chats when enabled. Users can still control who can message them, block contacts and report abuse through the same tools now located within the Facebook interface.

To make the transition smoother, Meta suggests the following steps: update bookmarks from messenger.com to facebook.com/messages, log in with a Facebook account where possible for full desktop functionality, set or reset a Messenger PIN for easy chat restoration on mobile, and familiarize yourself with the layout of messages inside Facebook. Those who rarely use desktop can simply rely on their phones going forward.

The shutdown has sparked wider conversations about platform fragmentation and user experience. While mobile remains the dominant way people communicate, a significant minority still preferred dedicated desktop interfaces for longer sessions or multitasking. Meta’s move prioritizes simplicity and cost efficiency over that preference.

As of mid-April 2026, the vast majority of users appear to have adapted. Redirects function reliably, and chat continuity is high. Any lingering complaints on social media tend to focus on the loss of a cleaner interface rather than broken functionality. Meta continues monitoring feedback but has given no indication it will reverse the decision or restore the old web version.

For those still adjusting, the help center at Facebook offers guides for restoring chats, managing notifications and troubleshooting redirect issues. Clearing browser cache or trying an incognito window can resolve occasional loading glitches during the early days of the change.

This latest update is part of a longer trend. Meta has steadily reduced standalone products across its family of apps, encouraging users to stay within the main ecosystems where advertising and data integration are easier to manage. Similar consolidations have occurred with Instagram features and WhatsApp web enhancements.

Looking ahead, further integration across Meta’s platforms seems likely. Features such as shared inboxes or unified notifications could appear in future updates. For now, the message to users is clear: desktop messaging lives on, but only inside Facebook.

The change affects hundreds of millions of occasional desktop users, yet the core promise of Messenger — connecting people quickly and reliably — remains intact. Conversations continue without interruption, just in a new digital home. As Meta focuses on its vision of seamless social communication, the retirement of messenger.com represents another chapter in the evolution of one of the world’s most-used messaging services.

Users who relied heavily on the old desktop experience may need time to adjust habits, but the transition ultimately reinforces Meta’s bet on mobile-first usage combined with convenient web access through its flagship social network. Whether the unified approach improves or frustrates daily workflows will vary by individual, but the direction is set: Facebook messaging now serves as the central desktop hub for what was once a fully independent Messenger ecosystem.

Singapore’s tax advantage depends on incentives. The 15% global minimum tax mandates a top-up for low-tax profits, affecting multinational groups with significant revenues starting January 2025.

Singapore’s Value Proposition and the Global Minimum Tax

Historically, Singapore’s attractiveness to multinational companies relied on its ability to offer low effective tax rates through incentive schemes and centralized regional operations. However, the implementation of the 15% global minimum tax under the GloBE framework, effective from January 2025, introduces a new dimension to tax assessments. This change impacts how multinationals’ tax outcomes are calculated, emphasizing jurisdictional effective tax rates over statutory rates.

Applicability and Calculation of the Global Minimum Tax

This global minimum tax targets multinational groups with annual consolidated revenues of at least €750 million over two of the last four years. Exposure is determined based on the jurisdictional effective tax rate, which uses GloBE definitions of income and taxes. If a Singapore operation’s effective tax rate falls below 15% after incentives and deductions, it becomes subject to a top-up tax, regardless of compliance with local tax laws.

Impact on Multinational Operations in Singapore

When a Singapore entity’s jurisdictional effective tax rate is beneath 15%, the top-up tax equates to the shortfall between the actual and minimum rates. For example, an $8 million tax on $100 million profit at 8% incurs a $7 million top-up obligation. To address this, Singapore has introduced a Domestic Top-Up Tax (DTT) for local profits and a Multinational Enterprise Top-Up Tax (MTT) applying the Income Inclusion Rule, ensuring that low-taxed foreign income is appropriately taxed within the group.

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Read the original article : Adapting to Singapore’s 15% Global Minimum Tax as a Multinational

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NEW YORK — Tesla Inc. shares surged more than 4 percent in morning trading Wednesday, trading near $379 as investors bet on accelerating progress toward robotaxi deployment and artificial intelligence initiatives despite a modest miss on first-quarter vehicle deliveries.

At approximately 10:55 a.m. EDT on April 15, 2026, TSLA stock had risen $15.28, or 4.20 percent, from Tuesday’s close of $364.20. The electric vehicle maker’s market capitalization stood around $1.37 trillion, with shares fluctuating in a 52-week range of roughly $222.79 to $498.83. Year-to-date in 2026 the stock is up about 15 percent but trails the broader market’s gains amid persistent questions over near-term growth.

The rally followed fresh sightings of dozens of Cybercab robotaxis at Giga Texas and optimism around Full Self-Driving software updates, even as the company delivered 358,023 vehicles in the first quarter — below Wall Street expectations of about 365,000 to 370,000. Production reached 408,386 vehicles, creating an inventory buildup of more than 50,000 units.

Model 3 and Model Y accounted for the bulk of output and deliveries, with 341,893 units handed over to customers. Other models, including Cybertruck, delivered 16,130 vehicles. Energy storage deployments hit 8.8 gigawatt-hours, continuing strong growth in Tesla’s battery business, which some analysts now view as the company’s most reliable near-term growth engine.

Tesla is scheduled to report full first-quarter financial results after the market close on April 22. Analysts will scrutinize margins, which have faced pressure from price cuts and competition, along with any updates on capital spending projected to exceed $20 billion this year to fund AI infrastructure and new product ramps.

Wall Street’s view on Tesla remains divided. Across roughly 40 analysts, the consensus rating is Hold, with an average 12-month price target near $395 to $402, implying modest upside of about 5 to 8 percent from current levels. Bullish targets reach as high as $600 from firms like Wedbush, while bearish calls dip to $25 from GLJ Research, reflecting deep skepticism over valuation.

Bulls highlight Tesla’s pivot toward autonomy and robotics. Production of the steering-wheel-free Cybercab is ramping at Giga Texas, with initial low-volume output underway and expectations for higher volumes later in 2026. Elon Musk has signaled that unsupervised Full Self-Driving could enable widespread robotaxi service across U.S. cities by year-end, potentially transforming Tesla from an automaker into a high-margin technology platform.

Recent FSD version 14.3 updates have shown improved reaction times and behavior, while Tesla continues expanding supervised autonomy approvals internationally, including in Europe. Optimus humanoid robot development is also advancing, with low-volume production of Optimus Gen 3 slated for later this year and high-volume output targeted for 2027 or beyond.

Energy storage and solar ambitions add another growth layer. Tesla deployed record battery volumes in 2025, and Musk has outlined aggressive plans to scale U.S. solar manufacturing toward 100 gigawatts annually. The Megapack business has delivered consistent revenue growth even as automotive sales faced headwinds from softening EV demand and intense Chinese competition.

Yet challenges persist. Global vehicle deliveries fell in 2025 compared with the prior year, and first-quarter 2026 numbers showed only slight year-over-year improvement. Inventory accumulation raises questions about pricing strategy and demand, particularly for higher-priced models. Regulatory hurdles for unsupervised robotaxis remain significant, and capital expenditures are expected to pressure free cash flow into negative territory this year.

Competition is intensifying on multiple fronts. Traditional automakers and startups are accelerating autonomous vehicle programs, while lower-cost EVs from Chinese manufacturers continue eroding margins in key markets. Tesla’s premium positioning has helped in some regions, with record sales reported in Germany recently, but overall growth has slowed from the explosive rates of earlier years.

The stock’s valuation reflects these tensions. Trading at a trailing price-to-earnings multiple above 300, Tesla commands a premium that assumes successful execution on futuristic bets rather than current auto sales. Forward estimates for 2026 earnings per share hover around $2 to $3 in some models, with revenue projections varying widely depending on robotaxi adoption timelines.

Retail investors and high-profile holders like Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest have continued buying dips, viewing any weakness as an entry point into what they see as the defining AI and robotics story of the decade. Institutional ownership remains elevated, though some funds have trimmed positions amid volatility.

Musk’s leadership continues to drive both enthusiasm and scrutiny. The CEO has repeatedly emphasized that 2026 will mark a pivotal year for Cybercab production, Optimus scaling and broader robotaxi rollout. He has also pushed for massive investments in AI training compute and energy infrastructure to support these ambitions.

For investors debating buy or sell decisions in 2026, the calculus depends on time horizon and conviction in Tesla’s non-auto businesses. Short-term traders may focus on the April 22 earnings reaction, FSD software milestones and any Cybercab production updates. Longer-term holders are betting that software licensing, robotaxi networks and humanoid robots could eventually dwarf today’s vehicle revenue.

Bears warn that delays in autonomy have been a recurring theme, and that current multiples leave little room for execution shortfalls. If robotaxi rollout disappoints or competition erodes EV market share further, the stock could face renewed pressure toward the lower end of its range.

Tesla pays no dividend, channeling resources into growth and share-based compensation. Its cash position and access to capital markets provide flexibility, but rising capex and potential negative free cash flow will test balance sheet strength.

As spring advances, attention will turn to summer production ramps, potential cheaper EV model details and international regulatory progress for FSD. Broader economic factors, including interest rates, consumer spending and geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains, could also influence sentiment.

At current levels near $379, Tesla embodies one of the market’s most polarizing names — a legacy EV leader transitioning into an AI and robotics powerhouse. Bulls see asymmetric upside if Musk’s vision materializes, while skeptics view it as richly valued with substantial downside risk.

The coming months will provide critical data points. Strong energy storage results, smoother Cybercab manufacturing and tangible FSD advancements could sustain momentum. Any signs of slowing demand or autonomy delays might trigger volatility reminiscent of past cycles.

Tesla has defied gravity before, rewarding patient believers through multiple growth chapters. Whether 2026 becomes the breakout year for robotaxis and Optimus — or another period of promise versus delivery — will shape shareholder returns for years to come.