Tesla Shares Down Despite Record Q1 Deliveries Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, has reported record deliveries in the first quarter of 2021, but its shares have taken a hit. The company delivered 184,800 vehicles in the first three months of the year, beating analysts' expectations. However, the stock price fell by 3.4% in after-hours trading, indicating that investors were not impressed. The reason for the drop in share price is not entirely clear, but there are a few possible explanations. One is that the market was expecting even better results from Tesla, given the hype around electric vehicles and the company's recent success. Another is that investors are concerned about the company's ability to maintain its growth trajectory in the face of increasing competition. Tesla has been the dominant player in the electric vehicle market for several years, but that is changing. Traditional automakers like Ford and General Motors are investing heavily in electric vehicles, and new players like Lucid Motors and Rivian are entering the market. This increased competition could make it harder for Tesla to maintain its market share and profitability. Another factor that may be contributing to the drop in share price is the ongoing semiconductor shortage. This shortage has affected the entire automotive industry, and Tesla is no exception. The company has had to temporarily shut down production at its California factory due to a lack of chips. This could impact its ability to meet demand and deliver vehicles in the coming months. Despite these challenges, Tesla remains a strong player in the electric vehicle market. Its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles continue to be popular with consumers, and the company has a loyal fan base. It also has a strong balance sheet, with over $19 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of the end of 2020. In conclusion, while Tesla's record Q1 deliveries are impressive, the drop in share price indicates that investors are not entirely convinced. The company faces increasing competition, a semiconductor shortage, and the challenge of maintaining its growth trajectory. However, Tesla remains a leader in the electric vehicle market, and its long-term prospects are still strong.