Thursday saw Tesla shares slide by a striking 8% following a third-quarter earnings report that didn’t quite rev up to meet analyst expectations. This electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy juggernaut, led by the ever-mercurial Elon Musk, has often been in a league of its own when it comes to investor enthusiasm. However, the latest financials and future outlook have left some Wall Street analysts scratching their heads, and others outright concerned.

During the earnings call, Musk’s comments added more static to the already charged atmosphere. He flagged the upcoming production challenges for the much-anticipated Cybertruck, likening the situation to self-sabotage. “We dug our own grave with Cybertruck. Nobody digs a grave better than themselves,” he quipped. But investors weren’t laughing.

Here’s the lowdown on how analysts are interpreting Tesla’s latest financial saga:

JPMorgan: Eyeing the Imbalance

JPMorgan analysts underscored an unsettling trend: despite slashing prices across its vehicle lineup, Tesla’s delivery numbers haven’t shifted into a higher gear. This pricing strategy, meant to boost sales, seems to have backfired, hinting at potential underlying demand issues.

Moreover, Tesla’s once-vaunted EBIT margin is losing its luster. At 7.5% in the third quarter, it’s no longer the envy of the automotive world, with rivals Ford and General Motors hot on its heels in recent comparisons. Given these developments, JPMorgan finds Tesla’s near $800 billion market cap harder to justify, especially when juxtaposed with its peers.

And if you’re wondering about the future, JPMorgan holds firm with an “Underweight” rating and a $135 price target, indicating a potential 40% descent from where the stock currently races.

Wedbush: Navigating a ‘Mini Disaster’

For Dan Ives of Wedbush, the earnings call sounded more alarms than assurances for Tesla enthusiasts. With Musk highlighting potential headwinds like shrinking profit margins and the rocky road ahead for Cybertruck production, optimism took a backseat.

Adding to the unease was Musk’s hint at further price reductions in response to macroeconomic pressures, leaving investors craving more stability. Despite this, Wedbush maintains an “Outperform” stance but has throttled back its price target from $350 to $310.

Bank of America: Steering Through Uncertainty

Factory downtimes and price reductions hit Tesla’s profits like a one-two punch, according to Bank of America. The analysts also caution that the ongoing price adjustments, though aimed at making the vehicles more wallet-friendly for consumers, pose a continuous risk.

While recognizing Tesla’s agility and growth efforts, Bank of America remains “Neutral” on the EV maker, adjusting its price target slightly downwards to $290 from $300.

What does all this mean for investors and entrepreneurs? Tesla, a hallmark of innovation and market disruption, is cruising through a patch of financial turbulence. While its long-term trajectory has often defied naysayers, the current landscape suggests a bumpy ride ahead. For stakeholders, this may be a time for seat belts — ensuring your investment strategy can handle some jolts while keeping an eye on the road Tesla is paving for its future.