Tesla set a profit record, but supply chain issues prevented it from launching new models this year

Tesla set a profit record, but warned that supply chain issues would prevent it from launching new models this year, while focusing on expanding production in its existing product line.

That means Cybertruck fans won't have until at least 2023. On the other hand, CEO Elon Musk said that on the other hand, fully autonomous driving capabilities will be introduced this year, while humanoid robots are rapidly evolving.

The Austin, Texas-based automaker reported fourth-quarter earnings of $2.88 billion, or $2.54 per share, due to strong sales of its mass-market models. This was higher than analysts expected at $2.36 per share.

In 2021, Tesla delivered more than 936,000 vehicles worldwide, up 87 percent from the previous year and above the projected 50 percent annual growth rate in a few years. But it now warns that the shortages that have led to lower sales at most other major automakers will also squeeze Tesla.

Tesla said: "As the supply chain becomes a major constraint, our own factory has been below capacity for several consecutive quarters, and this situation is likely to continue into 2022." ”

After the initial sharp decline, Tesla's stock has barely changed in extended trading. The stock rose 2.1 percent to $937.41 at the close in New York on Wednesday, down 11 percent this year.

Gene Munster of Loup Ventures said: "In the current environment, comments on risk factors have different weights. "Whenever there are unknowns in the future, it scares investors a little bit."

The company said Wednesday that revenue rose 65 percent to $17.7 billion this quarter, compared to $16.6 billion previously expected, and executives said on a conference call with investors that growth was expected "to easily exceed 50 percent in 2022."