Tesla Upgraded To Buy: Why This Analyst Thinks EV Maker's Operational Outlook Is Stronger Than Ever

Tesla, Inc. TSLA shares have shed more than 30% in the year-to-date period amid worries concerning the COVID-19 lockdowns in China and worsening macroeconomic fundamentals.

The Tesla Analyst: UBS analyst Patrick Hummel has upgraded Tesla shares from Neutral to Buy and maintained the price target at $1,100.

The Tesla Thesis: Tesla boasts of a record-high order backlog and it also benefits from the ramp-up of two new gigafactories, analyst Hummel said in a note.

The company is seeing margin momentum, the analyst said. After dipping in the second quarter, auto gross margin should structurally exceed 30%, thanks to pricing & process innovation, he added.

Tesla, the analyst noted, has a structural competitive edge in key supply chains, which would lead to superior growth and profitability.

"Integration represents a strong competitive edge in an environment of structurally tight supply chains," Hummel said.

Related Link: Tesla Bounces Back With Strong May Sales In China, Clocking 2000% Sequential Rise

Tesla's stable dominant global battery electric vehicle market share of about 20% suggests the company is well positioned to become one of the top three global automakers by 2030, the analyst said. He also said the 10% salaried staff reduction at Tesla doesn't change the long-term outlook.

The operational outlook, the analyst said, is stronger than ever before.

Hummel lowered his 2022 earnings per share estimate for Tesla by 12% to account for the Shanghai lockdown. The 50% growth target will still be met, he said.

UBS, however, raised its EPS estimates for the next three years by up to 40%, resulting in 2025 EPS of $28. This, according to the firm, can be achieved mostly with the already-know products and production facilities.

Tesla Price Action: Tesla stock closed Thursday's session down 0.89% at $719.12, according to Benzinga Pro data.