Stifel Turns More Bullish on Tesla (TSLA), Citing Strong FSD and Robotaxi Progress

Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is one of the AI Stocks Making Moves on Wall Street. On November 17, Stifel raised the firm’s price target on the stock to $508 from $483 and kept a “Buy” rating on the shares. Analysts at the firm are optimistic on Tesla driven by its advancing robotaxi rollout, improving FSD capabilities and long-term Optimus potential.

“We believe that Tesla’s AI-based Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology and Robotaxi initiatives are critical to the story and a large part of our valuation.”

Stifel discussed Tesla’s robotaxi expansion plans, highlighting how the company plans to reach 8 to 10 metropolitan areas by year-end 2025. Meanwhile, robotaxis without safety drivers in parts of Austin will likely be deployed by end of 2025.

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“[Tesla] management noted plans to expand to roughly eight to 10 metropolitan areas by year-end 2025. In Austin, TSLA has expanded the coverage area three times since its initial launch in June 2025, and is operating with a safety driver. Robotaxi in the Bay Area is also making progress though safety drivers are still in place.”

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Version 14 also “appears to be working well,” the firm noted, and there are plans to add “reasoning capabilities” in version 14.3 or 14.4. The capabilities will allow for better decision making and use 360-degree vision for tasks such as selecting optimal parking spots.

The only concern Stifel has highlighted is Tesla’s automotive business where its falling gross profit per vehicle and “flattish” average selling prices in the near future are dampening the overall outlook.

Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is an automotive and clean energy company that leverages advanced artificial intelligence in its autonomous driving technology and robotics initiatives.

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