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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 001-34756
Tesla, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 91-2197729
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
3500 Deer Creek Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(650) 681-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock TSLA The Nasdaq Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”)
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§
232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act:
Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐
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TESLA, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
INDEX
Page
PART I.
Item 1. Business 4
Item 1A. Risk Factors 14
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 27
Item 2. Properties 27
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 28
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 28
PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities 29
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data 30
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 31
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 49
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 50
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 107
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 107
Item 9B. Other Information 107
PART III.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 108
Item 11. Executive Compensation 108
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 108
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 108
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 108
PART IV.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 108
Item 16. Summary 125
Signatures 126
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Forward-Looking Statements
The discussions in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations that
involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning any
potential future impact of the coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”) pandemic on our business, our strategy, future operations, future
financial position, future revenues, projected costs, profitability, expected cost reductions, capital adequacy, expectations
regarding demand and acceptance for our technologies, growth opportunities and trends in the market in which we operate,
prospects and plans and objectives of management. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,”
“intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans,
intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-
looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the
forward-looking statements that we make. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the risks set forth in
Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Overview
We design, develop, manufacture, sell and lease high-performance fully electric vehicles and energy generation and storage
systems, and offer services related to our sustainable energy products. We generally sell our products directly to customers,
including through our website and retail locations. We also continue to grow our customer-facing infrastructure through a global
network of vehicle service centers, Mobile Service technicians, body shops, Supercharger stations and Destination Chargers to
accelerate the widespread adoption of our products. We emphasize performance, attractive styling and the safety of our users and
workforce in the design and manufacture of our products and are continuing to develop full self-driving technology for improved
safety. We also strive to lower the cost of ownership for our customers through continuous efforts to reduce manufacturing costs
and by offering financial services tailored to our products. Our mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy,
engineering expertise, vertically integrated business model and focus on user experience differentiate us from other companies.
Segment Information
We operate as two reportable segments: (i) automotive and (ii) energy generation and storage.
The automotive segment includes the design, development, manufacturing, sales and leasing of electric vehicles as well as
sales of automotive regulatory credits. Additionally, the automotive segment is also comprised of services and other, which
includes non-warranty after-sales vehicle services, sales of used vehicles, retail merchandise, sales by our acquired subsidiaries to
third party customers and vehicle insurance revenue. The energy generation and storage segment includes the design, manufacture,
installation, sales and leasing of solar energy generation and energy storage products and related services and sales of solar energy
systems incentives.
Model Y
Model Y is a compact sport utility vehicle (“SUV”) built on the Model 3 platform with seating for up to seven adults, which
we began delivering in March 2020. We currently manufacture Model Y at the Fremont Factory and at Gigafactory Shanghai.
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We have also developed software capabilities for remotely controlling and dispatching our energy storage systems across a
wide range of markets and applications, including through our real-time energy trading platform.
In 2019, we commenced direct customer and channel partner sales of the third generation of our Solar Roof, which combines
premium glass roof tiles with energy generation. We are ramping the volume production of Solar Roof at Gigafactory New York,
and we are improving our installation capability and efficiency.
Technology
Automotive
Battery and Powertrain
Our core vehicle technology competencies include powertrain engineering and manufacturing and our ability to design
vehicles that utilize the unique advantages of an electric powertrain. We have designed our proprietary powertrain systems to be
adaptable, efficient, reliable and cost-effective while withstanding the rigors of an automotive environment. We offer dual motor
powertrain vehicles, which use two electric motors to maximize traction and performance in an all-wheel drive configuration, and
are introducing vehicle powertrain technology featuring three electric motors for further increased performance.
Among other things, we maintain extensive testing and R&D capabilities for battery cells, packs and systems, and have built
an expansive body of knowledge on lithium-ion cell chemistry types and performance characteristics. In order to enable a greater
supply of cells for our products with higher energy density at lower costs, we are currently using our expertise to develop a new
proprietary lithium-ion battery cell and improved manufacturing processes.
Self-Driving Development
We have expertise in developing technologies, systems and software to enable self-driving vehicles using primarily vision
and radar-based sensors. Our FSD Computer runs our neural networks in our vehicles, and we are also developing additional
computer hardware to better enable the massive amounts of field data captured by our vehicles to continually train and improve
these neural networks for real-world performance.
Currently, we offer in our vehicles certain advanced driver assist systems under our Autopilot and FSD options. Although at
present the driver is ultimately responsible for controlling the vehicle, our systems provide safety and convenience functionality
that relieves drivers of the most tedious and potentially dangerous aspects of road travel much like the system that airplane pilots
use, when conditions permit. As with other vehicle systems, we improve these functions in our vehicles over time through over-
the-air updates.
We intend to establish in the future an autonomous Tesla ride-hailing network, which we expect would also allow us to
access a new customer base even as modes of transportation evolve.
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We are also expanding our manufacturing operations globally while exploring ways to localize our vehicle designs and
production for particular markets, including country-specific market demands and factory optimizations for local workforces. As
we increase our capabilities, particularly in the areas of automation, die-making and line-building, we are also making strides in
the simulations modeling these capabilities prior to construction.
Automotive
Direct Sales
Our vehicle sales channels currently include our website and an international network of company-owned stores. In some
jurisdictions, we also have galleries to educate and inform customers about our products, but such locations do not actually transact
in the sale of vehicles. We believe this infrastructure enables us to better control costs of inventory, manage warranty service and
pricing, educate consumers about electric vehicles, maintain and strengthen the Tesla brand and obtain rapid customer feedback.
We reevaluate our sales strategy both globally and at a location-by-location level from time to time to optimize our current
sales channels. Sales of vehicles in the automobile industry tend to be cyclical in many markets, which may expose us to volatility
from time to time.
Public Charging
We have a growing global network of Tesla Superchargers, which are our industrial grade, high-speed vehicle chargers.
Where possible, we co-locate Superchargers with our solar and energy storage systems to reduce costs and promote renewable
power. Supercharger stations are typically placed along well-traveled routes and in and around dense city centers to allow Tesla
vehicle owners the ability to enjoy quick, reliable and ubiquitous charging with convenient, minimal stops. Use of the
Supercharger network either requires payment of a fee or is free under certain sales programs.
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We also work with a wide variety of hospitality, retail and public destinations, as well as businesses with commuting
employees, to offer additional charging options for our customers. These Destination Charging and workplace locations deploy
Tesla Wall Connectors to provide charging to Tesla vehicle owners who patronize or are employed at their businesses. We also
work with single-family homeowners and multi-family residential entities to deploy home charging solutions.
In-App Upgrades
As our vehicles are capable of being updated remotely over-the-air, our customers may purchase additional paid options and
features through the Tesla app. We expect that this functionality will also allow us to offer certain options and features on a
subscription basis in the future.
In the U.S., we offer residential solar and energy storage products directly through our website, stores and galleries, as well
as through our network of channel partners. Outside of the U.S., we use our international sales organization and a network of
channel partners to market and sell these products for the residential market. We also sell Powerwall directly to utilities. In the case
of products sold to utilities or channel partners, such partners typically sell the product and manage the installation in customer
homes.
We sell our commercial and utility-scale energy storage systems to customers through our U.S. and international sales
organization and our channel partner network. In certain jurisdictions, we also sell installed solar energy systems (with or without
energy storage) to commercial customers through cash, lease and PPA transactions.
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Financial Services
Automotive
Purchase Financing and Leases
We offer leasing and/or loan financing arrangements for our vehicles in certain jurisdictions in North America, Europe and
Asia through various financial institutions. Under certain of such programs, we have provided resale value guarantees or buyback
guarantees that may obligate us to repurchase the subject vehicles at pre-determined values. We also offer vehicle financing
arrangements in certain markets for specified vehicle models directly through our local subsidiaries.
Insurance
In August 2019, we launched an insurance product designed for our customers, which offers rates that are often better than
other alternatives. This product is currently available in California, and we plan to expand both the markets in which we offer
insurance products and our ability to offer such products, as part of our ongoing effort to decrease the total cost of ownership for
our customers.
Manufacturing
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Other Manufacturing
Generally, we continue to expand production capacity at our existing facilities. We also intend to further increase cost-
competitiveness in our significant markets by strategically adding local manufacturing, including at Gigafactory Berlin in
Germany and Gigafactory Texas in Austin, Texas, which are under construction.
Supply Chain
Our products use thousands of purchased parts that are sourced from hundreds of suppliers across the world. We have
developed close relationships with vendors of key parts such as battery cells, electronics and complex vehicle assemblies. Certain
components purchased from these suppliers are shared or are similar across many product lines, allowing us to take advantage of
pricing efficiencies from economies of scale.
As is the case for most automotive companies, most of our procured components and systems are sourced from single
suppliers. Where multiple sources are available for certain key components, we work to qualify multiple suppliers for them where
it is sensible to do so in order to minimize production risks owing to disruptions in their supply. We also mitigate risk by
maintaining safety stock for key parts and assemblies and die banks for components with lengthy procurement lead times.
Our products use various raw materials including aluminum, steel, cobalt, lithium, nickel and copper. Pricing for these
materials is governed by market conditions and may fluctuate due to various factors outside of our control, such as supply and
demand and market speculation. We strive to execute long-term supply contracts for such materials at competitive pricing when
feasible, and we currently believe that we have adequate access to raw materials supplies in order to meet the needs of our
operations.
As we temporarily suspended most of our manufacturing operations at Gigafactory New York pursuant to a New York State
executive order issued in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were granted a one-year deferral of our
obligation to be compliant with our applicable targets under such agreement on April 30, 2020, which was memorialized in an
amendment to our agreement with the SUNY Foundation in July 2020.
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Regulatory Credits
We earn tradable credits in the operation of our business under various regulations related to zero-emission vehicles
(“ZEVs”), greenhouse gas, fuel economy, renewable energy and clean fuel. We sell these credits to other regulated entities who can
use the credits to comply with emission standards, renewable energy procurement standards and other regulatory requirements.
For example, energy storage systems that are charged using solar energy may be eligible for the solar energy-related U.S.
federal tax credits described below. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) has also taken steps to enable the
participation of energy storage in wholesale energy markets. In addition, California and a number of other states have adopted
procurement targets for energy storage, and behind-the-meter energy storage systems qualify for funding under the California Self
Generation Incentive Program.
In particular, Sections 48 and 25D of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code currently provide a tax credit of 26% of qualified
commercial or residential expenditures for solar energy systems, which may be claimed by our customers for systems they
purchase, or by us for arrangements where we own the systems. These tax credits are currently scheduled to decline and/or expire
in 2023 and beyond.
Regulations
Vehicle Safety and Testing
In the U.S., our vehicles are subject to regulation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”),
including all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (“FMVSS”) and the NHTSA bumper standard. Numerous
FMVSS apply to our vehicles, such as crash-worthiness requirements, crash avoidance requirements and electric vehicle
requirements. While our current vehicles fully comply and we expect that our vehicles in the future will fully comply with all
applicable FMVSS with limited or no exemptions, FMVSS are subject to change from time to time. As a manufacturer, we must
self-certify that our vehicles meet all applicable FMVSS and the NHTSA bumper standard, or otherwise are exempt, before the
vehicles may be imported or sold in the U.S.
We are also required to comply with other federal laws administered by NHTSA, including the CAFE standards, Theft
Prevention Act requirements, consumer information labeling requirements, Early Warning Reporting requirements regarding
warranty claims, field reports, death and injury reports and foreign recalls, owner’s manual requirements and additional
requirements for cooperating with safety investigations and defect and recall reporting. The U.S. Automobile Information and
Disclosure Act also requires manufacturers of motor vehicles to disclose certain information regarding the manufacturer’s
suggested retail price, optional equipment and pricing. In addition, federal law requires inclusion of fuel economy ratings, as
determined by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”), and 5-star safety
ratings as determined by NHTSA, if available.
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Our vehicles sold outside of the U.S. are subject to similar foreign safety, environmental and other regulations. Many of
those regulations are different from those applicable in the U.S. and may require redesign and/or retesting. Some of those
regulations impact or prevent the rollout of new vehicle features. Additionally, the European Union has established new rules
regarding additional compliance oversight that commenced in 2020, and there is also regulatory uncertainty related to the United
Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.
Self-Driving Vehicles
Generally, laws pertaining to self-driving vehicles are evolving globally, and in some cases may create restrictions on self-
driving features that we develop. While there are currently no federal U.S. regulations specifically pertaining to self-driving
vehicles or self-driving equipment, NHTSA has published recommended guidelines on self-driving vehicles, and retains the
authority to investigate and/or take action on the safety of any vehicle, equipment or features operating on public roads. Certain
U.S. states have legal restrictions on the operation, registration or licensure of self-driving vehicles, and many other states are
considering them. This regulatory patchwork increases the legal complexity with respect to self-driving vehicles in the U.S.
In markets that follow the regulations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, some requirements restrict
the design of advanced driver-assistance or self-driving features, which can compromise or prevent their use entirely. Other
applicable laws, both current and proposed, may hinder the path and timeline to introducing self-driving vehicles for sale and use
in the markets where they apply.
Other key markets, including China, continue to consider self-driving regulation. Any implemented regulations may differ
materially from those in the U.S. and Europe, which may further increase the legal complexity of self-driving vehicles and limit or
prevent certain features.
Some automobile dealer trade associations have both challenged the legality of our operations in court and used
administrative and legislative processes to attempt to prohibit or limit our ability to operate existing stores or expand to new
locations. Certain dealer associations have also actively lobbied state licensing agencies and legislators to interpret existing laws or
enact new laws in ways not favorable to our ownership and operation of our own retail and service locations. We expect such
challenges to continue, and we intend to actively fight any such efforts.
We use lithium-ion cells in our high voltage battery packs in our vehicles and energy storage products. The use, storage and
disposal of our battery packs are regulated under existing laws and are the subject of ongoing regulatory changes that may add
additional requirements in the future. We have agreements with third party battery recycling companies to recycle our battery
packs and we are also piloting our own recycling technology.
Solar Energy—General
We are not a “regulated utility” in the U.S., although we are subject to certain state and federal regulations applicable to solar
and battery storage providers. To operate our systems, we enter into standard interconnection agreements with applicable utilities.
Sales of electricity and non-sale equipment leases by third parties, such as our leases, PPAs and subscription agreements, have
faced regulatory challenges in some states and jurisdictions.
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Competition
Automotive
The worldwide automotive market is highly competitive and we expect it will become even more competitive in the future as
we introduce additional vehicles in a broader cross-section of the passenger and commercial vehicle market and expand our
vehicles’ capabilities.
We believe that our vehicles compete in the market both based on their traditional segment classification as well as based on
their propulsion technology. For example, Model S and Model X compete primarily with premium sedans and premium SUVs and
Model 3 and Model Y compete with small to medium-sized sedans and compact SUVs, which are extremely competitive markets.
Competing products typically include internal combustion vehicles from more established automobile manufacturers; however,
many established and new automobile manufacturers have entered or have announced plans to enter the market for electric and
other alternative fuel vehicles. Overall, we believe these announcements and vehicle introductions promote the development of the
electric vehicle market by highlighting the attractiveness of electric vehicles relative to the internal combustion vehicle. Many
major automobile manufacturers have electric vehicles available today in major markets including the U.S., China and Europe, and
other current and prospective automobile manufacturers are also developing electric vehicles. In addition, several manufacturers
offer hybrid vehicles, including plug-in versions.
We also believe that there is increasing competition for our vehicle offerings as a platform for delivering self-driving
technologies, charging solutions and other features and services, and we expect to compete in this developing market through
continued progress on our Autopilot, FSD and neural network capabilities, Supercharger network and our infotainment offerings.
Intellectual Property
We place a strong emphasis on our innovative approach and proprietary designs which bring intrinsic value and uniqueness
to our product portfolio. As part of our business, we seek to protect the underlying intellectual property rights of these innovations
and designs such as with respect to patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and other measures, including through employee
and third-party nondisclosure agreements and other contractual arrangements. For example, we place a high priority on obtaining
patents to provide the broadest and strongest possible protection to enable our freedom to operate our innovations and designs
within our products and technologies in the electric vehicle market as well as to protect and defend our product portfolio. We have
also adopted a patent policy in which we irrevocably pledged that we will not initiate a lawsuit against any party for infringing our
patents through activity relating to electric vehicles or related equipment for so long as such party is acting in good faith. We made
this pledge in order to encourage the advancement of a common, rapidly-evolving platform for electric vehicles, thereby benefiting
ourselves, other companies making electric vehicles and the world.
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We want to attract a pool of diverse and exceptional candidates and support their career growth once they become
employees. Our efforts begin at the entry level with development, apprenticeship and internship programs in local high schools,
community colleges and four-year colleges. In addition, we seek to hire based on talent rather than solely on educational pedigree,
and have provided thousands of job openings, including in our local communities, for capable workers from various backgrounds
to learn valuable skills in critical operations such as in manufacturing, vehicle service and energy product installation. We also
emphasize in our evaluation and career development efforts internal mobility opportunities for employees to drive professional
development. Our goal is a long-term, upward-bound career at Tesla for every employee, which we believe also drives our
retention efforts.
We also believe that our ability to retain our workforce is dependent on our ability to foster an environment that is
sustainably safe, respectful, fair and inclusive of everyone and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion inside and outside of our
business. From our outreach to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions to sponsoring
employee resource groups across numerous locations, including Asian Pacific Islanders at Tesla, Black at Tesla, Intersectionality,
Latinos at Tesla, LGBTQ at Tesla, Veterans at Tesla and Women in Tesla, we engage these networks as key business resources and
sources of actionable feedback. We are also working on diversity efforts in our supply chain to expand our outreach and support to
small- and large-scale suppliers from underrepresented communities to emphasize this culture with our own employees.
Available Information
We file or furnish periodic reports and amendments thereto, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In addition, the SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and
information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically. Our website is located at www.tesla.com,
and our reports, amendments thereto, proxy statements and other information are also made available, free of charge, on our
investor relations website at ir.tesla.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such information
with the SEC. The information posted on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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We temporarily suspended operations at each of our manufacturing facilities worldwide for a part of the first half of 2020.
Some of our suppliers and partners also experienced temporary suspensions before resuming, including Panasonic, which
manufactures battery cells for our products at our Gigafactory Nevada. We also instituted temporary employee furloughs and
compensation reductions while our U.S. operations were scaled back. Reduced operations or closures at motor vehicle
departments, vehicle auction houses and municipal and utility company inspectors have resulted in challenges in or postponements
for our new vehicle deliveries, used vehicle sales and energy product deployments. Global trade conditions and consumer trends
may further adversely impact us and our industries. For example, pandemic-related issues have exacerbated port congestion and
intermittent supplier shutdowns and delays, resulting in additional expenses to expedite delivery of critical parts. Similarly,
increased demand for personal electronics has created a shortfall of microchip supply, and it is yet unknown how we may be
impacted. Sustaining our production trajectory will require the readiness and solvency of our suppliers and vendors, a stable and
motivated production workforce and ongoing government cooperation, including for travel and visa allowances. The contingencies
inherent in the construction of and ramp at new facilities such as Gigafactory Shanghai, Gigafactory Berlin and Gigafactory Texas
may be exacerbated by these challenges.
We cannot predict the duration or direction of current global trends, the sustained impact of which is largely unknown, is
rapidly evolving and has varied across geographic regions. Ultimately, we continue to monitor macroeconomic conditions to
remain flexible and to optimize and evolve our business as appropriate, and we will have to accurately project demand and
infrastructure requirements globally and deploy our production, workforce and other resources accordingly. If current global
market conditions continue or worsen, or if we cannot or do not maintain operations at a scope that is commensurate with such
conditions or are later required to or choose to suspend such operations again, our business, prospects, financial condition and
operating results may be harmed.
We may experience delays in launching and ramping the production of our products and features, or we may be unable to
control our manufacturing costs.
We have previously experienced and may in the future experience launch and production ramp delays for new products and
features. For example, we encountered unanticipated supplier issues that led to delays during the ramp of Model X and
experienced challenges with a supplier and with ramping full automation for certain of our initial Model 3 manufacturing
processes. In addition, we may introduce in the future new or unique manufacturing processes and design features for our products.
There is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully and timely introduce and scale such processes or features.
In particular, our future business depends in large part on increasing the production of mass-market vehicles including Model
3 and Model Y, which we are planning to achieve through multiple factories worldwide. We have relatively limited experience to
date in manufacturing Model 3 and Model Y at high volumes and even less experience building and ramping vehicle production
lines across multiple factories in different geographies. In order to be successful, we will need to implement, maintain and ramp
efficient and cost-effective manufacturing capabilities, processes and supply chains and achieve the design tolerances, high quality
and output rates we have planned at our manufacturing facilities in California, Nevada, Texas, China and Germany. We will also
need to hire, train and compensate skilled employees to operate these facilities. Bottlenecks and other unexpected challenges such as
those we experienced in the past may arise during our production ramps, and we must address them promptly while continuing to
improve manufacturing processes and reducing costs. If we are not successful in achieving these goals, we could face delays in
establishing and/or sustaining our Model 3 and Model Y ramps or be unable to meet our related cost and profitability targets.
We may also experience similar future delays in launching and/or ramping production of our energy storage products and
Solar Roof; new product versions or variants; new vehicles such as Tesla Semi, Cybertruck and the new Tesla Roadster; and future
features and services such as new Autopilot or FSD features and the autonomous Tesla ride-hailing network. Likewise, we may
encounter delays with the design, construction and regulatory or other approvals necessary to build and bring online future
manufacturing facilities and products.
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Any delay or other complication in ramping the production of our current products or the development, manufacture, launch
and production ramp of our future products, features and services, or in doing so cost-effectively and with high quality, may harm
our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We may be unable to grow our global product sales, delivery and installation capabilities and our servicing and vehicle
charging networks, or we may be unable to accurately project and effectively manage our growth.
Our success will depend on our ability to continue to expand our sales capabilities. We also frequently adjust our retail
operations and product offerings in order to optimize our reach, costs, product line-up and model differentiation and customer
experience. However, there is no guarantee that such steps will be accepted by consumers accustomed to traditional sales
strategies. For example, marketing methods such as touchless test drives that we have pioneered in certain markets have not been
proven at scale. We are targeting with Model 3 and Model Y a global mass demographic with a broad range of potential customers,
in which we have relatively limited experience projecting demand and pricing our products. We currently produce numerous
international variants at a limited number of factories, and if our specific demand expectations for these variants prove inaccurate,
we may not be able to timely generate deliveries matched to the vehicles that we produce in the same timeframe or that are
commensurate with the size of our operations in a given region. Likewise, as we develop and grow our energy products and
services worldwide, our success will depend on our ability to correctly forecast demand in various markets.
Because we do not have independent dealer networks, we are responsible for delivering all of our vehicles to our customers.
While we have improved our delivery logistics, we may face difficulties with deliveries at increasing volumes, particularly in
international markets requiring significant transit times. For example, we saw challenges in ramping our logistics channels in
China and Europe to initially deliver Model 3 there in the first quarter of 2019. We have deployed a number of delivery models,
such as deliveries to customers’ homes and workplaces and touchless deliveries, but there is no guarantee that such models will be
scalable or be accepted globally. Likewise, as we ramp Solar Roof, we are working to substantially increase installation personnel
and decrease installation times. If we are not successful in matching such capabilities with actual production, or if we experience
unforeseen production delays or inaccurately forecast demand for the Solar Roof, our business, financial condition and operating
results may be harmed.
Moreover, because of our unique expertise with our vehicles, we recommend that our vehicles be serviced by us or by certain
authorized professionals. If we experience delays in adding such servicing capacity or servicing our vehicles efficiently, or
experience unforeseen issues with the reliability of our vehicles, particularly higher-volume and newer additions to our fleet such
as Model 3 and Model Y, it could overburden our servicing capabilities and parts inventory. Similarly, the increasing number of
Tesla vehicles also requires us to continue to rapidly increase the number of our Supercharger stations and connectors throughout
the world.
There is no assurance that we will be able to ramp our business to meet our sales, delivery, installation, servicing and vehicle
charging targets globally, that our projections on which such targets are based will prove accurate or that the pace of growth or
coverage of our customer infrastructure network will meet customer expectations. These plans require significant cash investments
and management resources and there is no guarantee that they will generate additional sales or installations of our products, or that we
will be able to avoid cost overruns or be able to hire additional personnel to support them. As we expand, we will also need to ensure
our compliance with regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions applicable to the sale, installation and servicing of our products,
the sale or dispatch of electricity related to our energy products and the operation of Superchargers. If we fail to manage our growth
effectively, it may harm our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Our future growth and success are dependent upon consumers’ demand for electric vehicles and specifically our vehicles
in an automotive industry that is generally competitive, cyclical and volatile.
If the market for electric vehicles in general and Tesla vehicles in particular does not develop as we expect, develops more
slowly than we expect, or if demand for our vehicles decreases in our markets or our vehicles compete with each other, our
business, prospects, financial condition and operating results may be harmed.
We are still at an earlier stage and have limited resources and production relative to established competitors that offer internal
combustion engine vehicles. In addition, electric vehicles still comprise a small percentage of overall vehicle sales. As a result, the
market for our vehicles could be negatively affected by numerous factors, such as:
• perceptions about electric vehicle features, quality, safety, performance and cost;
• perceptions about the limited range over which electric vehicles may be driven on a single battery charge, and access to
charging facilities;
• competition, including from other types of alternative fuel vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and high fuel-
economy internal combustion engine vehicles;
• volatility in the cost of oil and gasoline, such as wide fluctuations in crude oil prices during 2020;
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Finally, the target demographics for our vehicles, particularly Model 3 and Model Y, are highly competitive. Sales of
vehicles in the automotive industry tend to be cyclical in many markets, which may expose us to further volatility as we expand
and adjust our operations and retail strategies. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the transportation and
automotive industries long-term. It is uncertain as to how such macroeconomic factors will impact us as a company that has been
experiencing growth and increasing market share in an industry that has globally been experiencing a recent decline in sales.
Our suppliers may fail to deliver components according to schedules, prices, quality and volumes that are acceptable to
us, or we may be unable to manage these components effectively.
Our products contain thousands of parts that we purchase globally from hundreds of mostly single-source direct suppliers,
generally without long-term supply agreements. This exposes us to multiple potential sources of component shortages, such as
those that we experienced in 2012 and 2016 with our Model S and Model X ramps. Unexpected changes in business conditions,
materials pricing, labor issues, wars, governmental changes, tariffs, natural disasters such as the March 2011 earthquakes in Japan,
health epidemics such as the global COVID-19 pandemic, trade and shipping disruptions and other factors beyond our or our
suppliers’ control could also affect these suppliers’ ability to deliver components to us or to remain solvent and operational. For
example, a global shortage of microchips has been reported since early 2021, and the impact to us is yet unknown. The
unavailability of any component or supplier could result in production delays, idle manufacturing facilities, product design changes
and loss of access to important technology and tools for producing and supporting our products. Moreover, significant increases in
our production, such as for Model 3 and Model Y, or product design changes by us have required and may in the future require us
to procure additional components in a short amount of time. Our suppliers may not be willing or able to sustainably meet our
timelines or our cost, quality and volume needs, or to do so may cost us more, which may require us to replace them with other
sources. Finally, we have limited vehicle manufacturing experience outside of the Fremont Factory and we may experience issues
increasing the level of localized procurement at our Gigafactory Shanghai and at future factories such as Gigafactory Berlin and
Gigafactory Texas. While we believe that we will be able to secure additional or alternate sources or develop our own
replacements for most of our components, there is no assurance that we will be able to do so quickly or at all. Additionally, we
may be unsuccessful in our continuous efforts to negotiate with existing suppliers to obtain cost reductions and avoid unfavorable
changes to terms, source less expensive suppliers for certain parts and redesign certain parts to make them less expensive to
produce. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
As the scale of our vehicle production increases, we will also need to accurately forecast, purchase, warehouse and transport
components at high volumes to our manufacturing facilities and servicing locations internationally. If we are unable to accurately
match the timing and quantities of component purchases to our actual needs or successfully implement automation, inventory
management and other systems to accommodate the increased complexity in our supply chain and parts management, we may
incur unexpected production disruption, storage, transportation and write-off costs, which may harm our business and operating
results.
We may be unable to meet our projected construction timelines, costs and production ramps at new factories, or we may
experience difficulties in generating and maintaining demand for products manufactured there.
Our ability to increase production of our vehicles on a sustained basis, make them affordable globally by accessing local
supply chains and workforces and streamline delivery logistics is dependent on the construction and ramp of Gigafactory
Shanghai, Gigafactory Berlin and Gigafactory Texas. The construction of and commencement and ramp of production at these
factories are subject to a number of uncertainties inherent in all new manufacturing operations, including ongoing compliance with
regulatory requirements, procurement and maintenance of construction, environmental and operational licenses and approvals for
additional expansion, potential supply chain constraints, hiring, training and retention of qualified employees and the pace of
bringing production equipment and processes online with the capability to manufacture high-quality units at scale. For example,
we are currently constructing Gigafactory Berlin under conditional permits. Moreover, we intend to incorporate sequential design
and manufacturing changes into vehicles manufactured at each new factory. We have limited experience to date with developing
and implementing vehicle manufacturing innovations outside of the Fremont Factory, as we only recently began production at
Gigafactory Shanghai. In particular, the majority of our design and engineering resources are currently located in California. In
order to meet our expectations for our new factories, we must expand and manage localized design and engineering talent and
resources. If we experience any issues or delays in meeting our projected timelines, costs, capital efficiency and production
capacity for our new factories, expanding and managing teams to implement iterative design and production changes there,
maintaining and complying with the terms of any debt financing that we obtain to fund them or generating and maintaining
demand for the vehicles we manufacture there, our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition may be harmed.
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We will need to maintain and significantly grow our access to battery cells, including through the development and
manufacture of our own cells, and control our related costs.
We are dependent on the continued supply of lithium-ion battery cells for our vehicles and energy storage products, and we
will require substantially more cells to grow our business according to our plans. Currently, we rely on suppliers such as Panasonic
for these cells. However, we have to date fully qualified only a very limited number of such suppliers and have limited flexibility
in changing suppliers. Any disruption in the supply of battery cells from our suppliers could limit production of our vehicles and
energy storage products. In the long term, we intend to supplement cells from our suppliers with cells manufactured by us, which
we believe will be more efficient, manufacturable at greater volumes and cost-effective than currently available cells. However,
our efforts to develop and manufacture such battery cells have required and may require significant investments, and there can be
no assurance that we will be able to achieve these targets in the timeframes that we have planned or at all. If we are unable to do
so, we may have to curtail our planned vehicle and energy storage product production or procure additional cells from suppliers at
potentially greater costs, either of which may harm our business and operating results.
In addition, the cost of battery cells, whether manufactured by our suppliers or by us, depends in part upon the prices and
availability of raw materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and/or other metals. The prices for these materials fluctuate and their
available supply may be unstable, depending on market conditions and global demand for these materials, including as a result of
increased global production of electric vehicles and energy storage products. Any reduced availability of these materials may
impact our access to cells and any increases in their prices may reduce our profitability if we cannot recoup the increased costs
through increased vehicle prices. Moreover, any such attempts to increase product prices may harm our brand, prospects and
operating results.
We face strong competition for our products and services from a growing list of established and new competitors.
The worldwide automotive market is highly competitive today and we expect it will become even more so in the future. For
example, Model 3 and Model Y face competition from existing and future automobile manufacturers in the extremely competitive
entry-level premium sedan and compact SUV markets. A significant and growing number of established and new automobile
manufacturers, as well as other companies, have entered or are reported to have plans to enter the market for electric and other
alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles, as well as the market for self-driving
technology and other vehicle applications and software platforms. In some cases, our competitors offer or will offer electric
vehicles in important markets such as China and Europe, and/or have announced an intention to produce electric vehicles
exclusively at some point in the future. Many of our competitors have significantly greater or better-established resources than we
do to devote to the design, development, manufacturing, distribution, promotion, sale and support of their products. Increased
competition could result in our lower vehicle unit sales, price reductions, revenue shortfalls, loss of customers and loss of market
share, which may harm our business, financial condition and operating results.
We also face competition in our energy generation and storage business from other manufacturers, developers, installers and
service providers of competing energy systems, as well as from large utilities. Decreases in the retail or wholesale prices of
electricity from utilities or other renewable energy sources could make our products less attractive to customers and lead to an
increased rate of residential customer defaults under our existing long-term leases and PPAs.
We may experience issues with lithium-ion cells or other components manufactured at Gigafactory Nevada, which may
harm the production and profitability of our vehicle and energy storage products.
Our plan to grow the volume and profitability of our vehicles and energy storage products depends on significant lithium-ion
battery cell production by our partner Panasonic at Gigafactory Nevada. Although Panasonic has a long track record of producing
high-quality cells at significant volume at its factories in Japan, it has relatively limited experience with cell production at
Gigafactory Nevada, which began in 2017. Moreover, although Panasonic is co-located with us at Gigafactory Nevada, it is free to
make its own operational decisions, such as its determination to temporarily suspend its manufacturing there in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we produce several vehicle components, such as battery modules and packs incorporating the
cells produced by Panasonic for Model 3 and Model Y and drive units (including to support Gigafactory Shanghai production), at
Gigafactory Nevada, and we also manufacture energy storage products there. In the past, some of the manufacturing lines for
certain product components took longer than anticipated to ramp to their full capacity, and additional bottlenecks may arise in the
future as we continue to increase the production rate and introduce new lines. If we or Panasonic are unable to or otherwise do not
maintain and grow our respective operations at Gigafactory Nevada production, or if we are unable to do so cost-effectively or hire
and retain highly-skilled personnel there, our ability to manufacture our products profitably would be limited, which may harm our
business and operating results.
Finally, the high volumes of lithium-ion cells and battery modules and packs manufactured at Gigafactory Nevada are stored
and recycled at our various facilities. Any mishandling of battery cells may cause disruption to the operation of such facilities.
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we have implemented safety procedures related to the handling of the cells, there can be no assurance that a safety issue or fire
related to the cells would not disrupt our operations. Any such disruptions or issues may harm our brand and business.
We face risks associated with maintaining and expanding our international operations, including unfavorable and
uncertain regulatory, political, economic, tax and labor conditions.
We are subject to legal and regulatory requirements, political uncertainty and social, environmental and economic conditions
in numerous jurisdictions, over which we have little control and which are inherently unpredictable. Our operations in such
jurisdictions, particularly as a company based in the U.S., create risks relating to conforming our products to regulatory and safety
requirements and charging and other electric infrastructures; organizing local operating entities; establishing, staffing and
managing foreign business locations; attracting local customers; navigating foreign government taxes, regulations and permit
requirements; enforceability of our contractual rights; trade restrictions, customs regulations, tariffs and price or exchange controls;
and preferences in foreign nations for domestically manufactured products. Such conditions may increase our costs, impact our
ability to sell our products and require significant management attention, and may harm our business if we unable to manage them
effectively.
Our business may suffer if our products or features contain defects, fail to perform as expected or take longer than
expected to become fully functional.
If our products contain design or manufacturing defects that cause them not to perform as expected or that require repair, or
certain features of our vehicles such as new Autopilot or FSD features take longer than expected to become enabled, are legally
restricted or become subject to onerous regulation, our ability to develop, market and sell our products and services may be
harmed, and we may experience delivery delays, product recalls, product liability, breach of warranty and consumer protection
claims and significant warranty and other expenses. In particular, our products are highly dependent on software, which is
inherently complex and may contain latent defects or errors or be subject to external attacks. Issues experienced by our customers
have included those related to the Model S and Model X 17-inch display screen, the panoramic roof and the 12-volt battery in the
Model S, the seats and doors in the Model X and the operation of solar panels installed by us. Although we attempt to remedy any
issues we observe in our products as effectively and rapidly as possible, such efforts may not be timely, may hamper production or
may not completely satisfy our customers. While we have performed extensive internal testing on our products and features, we
currently have a limited frame of reference by which to evaluate their long-term quality, reliability, durability and performance
characteristics. There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix any defects in our products prior to their sale to or
installation for customers.
We will need to maintain public credibility and confidence in our long-term business prospects in order to succeed.
In order to maintain and grow our business, we must maintain credibility and confidence among customers, suppliers,
analysts, investors, ratings agencies and other parties in our long-term financial viability and business prospects. Maintaining such
confidence may be challenging due to our limited operating history relative to established competitors; customer unfamiliarity with
our products; any delays we may experience in scaling manufacturing, delivery and service operations to meet demand;
competition and uncertainty regarding the future of electric vehicles or our other products and services; our quarterly production
and sales performance compared with market expectations; and other factors including those over which we have no control. In
particular, Tesla’s products, business, results of operations, statements and actions are well-publicized by a range of third parties.
Such attention includes frequent criticism, which is often exaggerated or unfounded, such as speculation regarding the sufficiency
or stability of our management team. Any such negative perceptions, whether caused by us or not, may harm our business and
make it more difficult to raise additional funds if needed.
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We may be unable to effectively grow, or manage the compliance, residual value, financing and credit risks related to, our
various financing programs.
We offer financing arrangements for our vehicles in North America, Europe and Asia primarily through various financial
institutions. We also currently offer vehicle financing arrangements directly through our local subsidiaries in certain markets.
Depending on the country, such arrangements are available for specified models and may include operating leases directly with us
under which we typically receive only a very small portion of the total vehicle purchase price at the time of lease, followed by a
stream of payments over the term of the lease. We have also offered various arrangements for customers of our solar energy
systems whereby they pay us a fixed payment to lease or finance the purchase of such systems or purchase electricity generated by
them. If we do not successfully monitor and comply with applicable national, state and/or local financial regulations and consumer
protection laws governing these transactions, we may become subject to enforcement actions or penalties.
The profitability of any directly-leased vehicles returned to us at the end of their leases depends on our ability to accurately
project our vehicles’ residual values at the outset of the leases, and such values may fluctuate prior to the end of their terms
depending on various factors such as supply and demand of our used vehicles, economic cycles and the pricing of new vehicles.
We have made in the past and may make in the future certain adjustments to our prices from time to time in the ordinary course of
business, which may impact the residual values of our vehicles and reduce the profitability of our vehicle leasing program. The
funding and growth of this program also relies on our ability to secure adequate financing and/or business partners. If we are
unable to adequately fund our leasing program through internal funds, partners or other financing sources, and compelling
alternative financing programs are not available for our customers who may expect or need such options, we may be unable to
grow our vehicle deliveries. Furthermore, if our vehicle leasing business grows substantially, our business may suffer if we cannot
effectively manage the resulting greater levels of residual risk.
Similarly, we have provided resale value guarantees to vehicle customers and partners for certain financing programs, under
which such counterparties may sell their vehicles back to us at certain points in time at pre-determined amounts. However, actual
resale values are subject to fluctuations over the term of the financing arrangements, such as from the vehicle pricing changes
discussed above. If the actual resale values of any vehicles resold or returned to us pursuant to these programs are materially lower
than the pre-determined amounts we have offered, our financial condition and operating results may be harmed.
Finally, our vehicle and solar energy system financing programs and our energy storage sales programs also expose us to
customer credit risk. In the event of a widespread economic downturn or other catastrophic event, our customers may be unable or
unwilling to satisfy their payment obligations to us on a timely basis or at all. If a significant number of our customers default, we
may incur substantial credit losses and/or impairment charges with respect to the underlying assets.
We must manage ongoing obligations under our agreement with the Research Foundation for the State University of New
York relating to our Gigafactory New York.
We are party to an operating lease and a research and development agreement through the SUNY Foundation. These
agreements provide for the construction and use of our Gigafactory New York, which we have primarily used for the development
and production of our Solar Roof and other solar products and components, energy storage components and Supercharger
components, and for other lessor-approved functions. Under this agreement, we are obligated to, among other things, meet
employment targets as well as specified minimum numbers of personnel in the State of New York and in Buffalo, New York and
spend or incur $5.00 billion in combined capital, operational expenses, costs of goods sold and other costs in the State of New
York during the 10-year period beginning April 30, 2018. As we temporarily suspended most of our manufacturing operations at
Gigafactory New York pursuant to a New York State executive order issued in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,
we were granted a one-year deferral of our obligation to be compliant with our applicable targets under such agreement on April
30, 2020, which was memorialized in an amendment to our agreement with the SUNY Foundation in July 2020. While we expect
to have and grow significant operations at Gigafactory New York and the surrounding Buffalo area, any failure by us in any year
over the course of the term of the agreement to meet all applicable future obligations may result in our obligation to pay a
“program payment” of $41 million to the SUNY Foundation for such year, the termination of our lease at Gigafactory New York
which may require us to pay additional penalties and/or the need to adjust certain of our operations, in particular our production
ramp of the Solar Roof or other components. Any of the foregoing events may harm our business, financial condition and
operating results.
If we are unable to attract, hire and retain key employees and qualified personnel, our ability to compete may be harmed.
The loss of the services of any of our key employees or any significant portion of our workforce could disrupt our operations
or delay the development, introduction and ramp of our products and services. In particular, we are highly dependent on the
services of Elon Musk, our Chief Executive Officer. None of our key employees is bound by an employment agreement for any
specific term and we may not be able to successfully attract and retain senior leadership necessary to grow our business. Our future
success also depends upon our ability to attract, hire and retain a large number of engineering, manufacturing, marketing, sales and
delivery, service, installation, technology and support personnel, especially to support our planned high-volume product sales,
market and geographical
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expansion and technological innovations. Recruiting efforts, particularly for senior employees, may be time-consuming, which
may delay the execution of our plans. If we are not successful in managing these risks, our business, financial condition and
operating results may be harmed.
Employees may leave Tesla or choose other employers over Tesla due to various factors, such as a very competitive labor
market for talented individuals with automotive or technology experience, or any negative publicity related to us. In California,
Nevada and other regions where we have operations, there is increasing competition for individuals with skillsets needed for our
business, including specialized knowledge of electric vehicles, software engineering, manufacturing engineering and electrical and
building construction expertise. Moreover, we may be impacted by perceptions relating to reductions in force that we have
conducted in the past in order to optimize our organizational structure and reduce costs and the departure of certain senior
personnel for various reasons. Likewise, as a result of our temporary suspension of various U.S. manufacturing operations in the
first half of 2020, in April 2020 we temporarily furloughed certain hourly employees and reduced most salaried employees’ base
salaries. We also compete with both mature and prosperous companies that have far greater financial resources than we do and
start-ups and emerging companies that promise short-term growth opportunities.
Finally, our compensation philosophy for all of our personnel reflects our startup origins, with an emphasis on equity-based
awards and benefits in order to closely align their incentives with the long-term interests of our stockholders. We periodically seek
and obtain approval from our stockholders for future increases to the number of awards available under our equity incentive and
employee stock purchase plans. If we are unable to obtain the requisite stockholder approvals for such future increases, we may
have to expend additional cash to compensate our employees and our ability to retain and hire qualified personnel may be harmed.
We are highly dependent on the services of Elon Musk, our Chief Executive Officer.
We are highly dependent on the services of Elon Musk, our Chief Executive Officer and largest stockholder. Although Mr.
Musk spends significant time with Tesla and is highly active in our management, he does not devote his full time and attention to
Tesla. Mr. Musk also currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer of Space Exploration Technologies
Corp., a developer and manufacturer of space launch vehicles, and is involved in other emerging technology ventures.
We must manage risks relating to our information technology systems and the threat of intellectual property theft, data
breaches and cyber-attacks.
We must continue to expand and improve our information technology systems as our operations grow, such as product data
management, procurement, inventory management, production planning and execution, sales, service and logistics, dealer
management, financial, tax and regulatory compliance systems. This includes the implementation of new internally developed
systems and the deployment of such systems in the U.S. and abroad. We must also continue to maintain information technology
measures designed to protect us against intellectual property theft, data breaches, sabotage and other external or internal cyber-
attacks or misappropriation. However, the implementation, maintenance, segregation and improvement of these systems require
significant management time, support and cost, and there are inherent risks associated with developing, improving and expanding
our core systems as well as implementing new systems and updating current systems, including disruptions to the related areas of
business operation. These risks may affect our ability to manage our data and inventory, procure parts or supplies or manufacture,
sell, deliver and service products, adequately protect our intellectual property or achieve and maintain compliance with, or realize
available benefits under, tax laws and other applicable regulations.
Moreover, if we do not successfully implement, maintain or expand these systems as planned, our operations may be
disrupted, our ability to accurately and/or timely report our financial results could be impaired and deficiencies may arise in our
internal control over financial reporting, which may impact our ability to certify our financial results. Moreover, our proprietary
information or intellectual property could be compromised or misappropriated and our reputation may be adversely affected. If
these systems or their functionality do not operate as we expect them to, we may be required to expend significant resources to
make corrections or find alternative sources for performing these functions.
Any unauthorized control or manipulation of our products’ systems could result in loss of confidence in us and our
products.
Our products contain complex information technology systems. For example, our vehicles and energy storage products are
designed with built-in data connectivity to accept and install periodic remote updates from us to improve or update their
functionality. While we have implemented security measures intended to prevent unauthorized access to our information
technology networks, our products and their systems, malicious entities have reportedly attempted, and may attempt in the future,
to gain unauthorized access to modify, alter and use such networks, products and systems to gain control of, or to change, our
products’ functionality, user interface and performance characteristics or to gain access to data stored in or generated by our
products. We encourage reporting of potential vulnerabilities in the security of our products through our security vulnerability
reporting policy, and we aim to remedy any reported and verified vulnerability. However, there can be no assurance that any
vulnerabilities will not be exploited before they can be identified, or that our remediation efforts are or will be successful.
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Any unauthorized access to or control of our products or their systems or any loss of data could result in legal claims or
government investigations. In addition, regardless of their veracity, reports of unauthorized access to our products, their systems or
data, as well as other factors that may result in the perception that our products, their systems or data are capable of being hacked,
may harm our brand, prospects and operating results. We have been the subject of such reports in the past.
Our business may be adversely affected by any disruptions caused by union activities.
It is not uncommon for employees of certain trades at companies such as us to belong to a union, which can result in higher
employee costs and increased risk of work stoppages. Moreover, regulations in some jurisdictions outside of the U.S. mandate
employee participation in industrial collective bargaining agreements and work councils with certain consultation rights with
respect to the relevant companies’ operations. Although we work diligently to provide the best possible work environment for our
employees, they may still decide to join or seek recognition to form a labor union, or we may be required to become a union
signatory. From time to time, labor unions have engaged in campaigns to organize certain of our operations, as part of which such
unions have filed unfair labor practice charges against us with the National Labor Relations Board, and they may do so in the
future. In September 2019, an administrative law judge issued a recommended decision for Tesla on certain issues and against us
on certain others. The National Labor Relations Board has not yet adopted the recommendation and we have appealed certain
aspects of the recommended decision. Any unfavorable ultimate outcome for Tesla may have a negative impact on the perception
of Tesla’s treatment of our employees. Furthermore, we are directly or indirectly dependent upon companies with unionized work
forces, such as suppliers and trucking and freight companies. Any work stoppages or strikes organized by such unions could delay
the manufacture and sale of our products and may harm our business and operating results.
We may choose to or be compelled to undertake product recalls or take other similar actions.
As a manufacturing company, we must manage the risk of product recalls with respect to our products. Recalls for our
vehicles have resulted from, for example, industry-wide issues with airbags from a particular supplier, concerns of corrosion in
Model S and Model X power steering assist motor bolts, certain suspension failures in Model S and Model X and issues with
Model S and Model X media control units. In addition to recalls initiated by us for various causes, testing of or investigations into
our products by government regulators or industry groups may compel us to initiate product recalls or may result in negative
public perceptions about the safety of our products, even if we disagree with the defect determination or have data that shows the
actual safety risk to be non-existent. In the future, we may voluntarily or involuntarily initiate recalls if any of our products are
determined by us or a regulator to contain a safety defect or be noncompliant with applicable laws and regulations, such as U.S.
federal motor vehicle safety standards. Such recalls, whether voluntary or involuntary or caused by systems or components
engineered or manufactured by us or our suppliers, could result in significant expense, supply chain complications and service
burdens, and may harm our brand, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Our current and future warranty reserves may be insufficient to cover future warranty claims.
We provide a manufacturer’s warranty on all new and used Tesla vehicles we sell. We also provide certain warranties with
respect to the energy generation and storage systems we sell, including on their installation and maintenance, and for components
not manufactured by us, we generally pass through to our customers the applicable manufacturers’ warranties. As part of our
energy generation and storage system contracts, we may provide the customer with performance guarantees that warrant that the
underlying system will meet or exceed the minimum energy generation or other energy performance requirements specified in the
contract. Under these performance guarantees, we bear the risk of electricity production or other performance shortfalls, even if
they result from failures in components from third party manufacturers. These risks are exacerbated in the event such
manufacturers cease operations or fail to honor their warranties.
If our warranty reserves are inadequate to cover future warranty claims on our products, our financial condition and
operating results may be harmed. Warranty reserves include our management’s best estimates of the projected costs to repair or to
replace items under warranty, which are based on actual claims incurred to date and an estimate of the nature, frequency and costs
of future claims. Such estimates are inherently uncertain and changes to our historical or projected experience, especially with
respect to products such as Model 3, Model Y and Solar Roof that we have recently introduced and/or that we expect to produce at
significantly greater volumes than our past products, may cause material changes to our warranty reserves in the future.
Our insurance coverage strategy may not be adequate to protect us from all business risks.
We may be subject, in the ordinary course of business, to losses resulting from products liability, accidents, acts of God and
other claims against us, for which we may have no insurance coverage. As a general matter, we do not maintain as much insurance
coverage as many other companies do, and in some cases, we do not maintain any at all. Additionally, the policies that we do have
may include significant deductibles or self-insured retentions, policy limitations and exclusions, and we cannot be certain that our
insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover all future losses or claims against us. A loss that is uninsured or which exceeds
policy limits may require us to pay substantial amounts, which may harm our financial condition and operating results.
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There is no guarantee that we will have sufficient cash flow from our business to pay our substantial indebtedness or that
we will not incur additional indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2020, we and our subsidiaries had outstanding $10.57 billion in aggregate principal amount of
indebtedness (see Note 12, Debt, to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K).
Our substantial consolidated indebtedness may increase our vulnerability to any generally adverse economic and industry
conditions. We and our subsidiaries may, subject to the limitations in the terms of our existing and future indebtedness, incur
additional debt, secure existing or future debt or recapitalize our debt.
Holders of convertible senior notes issued by us or our subsidiary may convert such notes at their option prior to the
scheduled maturities of the respective convertible senior notes under certain circumstances pursuant to the terms of such notes.
Upon conversion of the applicable convertible senior notes, we will be obligated to deliver cash and/or shares pursuant to the terms
of such notes. For example, as our stock price has significantly increased recently, we have seen higher levels of early conversions
of such “in-the-money” convertible senior notes. Moreover, holders of such convertible senior notes may have the right to require
us to repurchase their notes upon the occurrence of a fundamental change pursuant to the terms of such notes.
Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal and interest on our indebtedness when due, to make payments upon
conversion or repurchase demands with respect to our convertible senior notes or to refinance our indebtedness as we may need or
desire, depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our
control. Our business may not continue to generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to satisfy our obligations
under our existing indebtedness and any future indebtedness we may incur, and to make necessary capital expenditures. If we are
unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying investments
or capital expenditures, selling assets, refinancing or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly
dilutive. Our ability to refinance existing or future indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at
such time. In addition, our ability to make payments may be limited by law, by regulatory authority or by agreements governing
our future indebtedness. We may not be able to engage in these activities on desirable terms or at all, which may result in a default
on our existing or future indebtedness and harm our financial condition and operating results.
Our debt agreements contain covenant restrictions that may limit our ability to operate our business.
The terms of certain of our credit facilities, including our senior asset-based revolving credit agreement, contain, and any of
our other future debt agreements may contain, covenant restrictions that limit our ability to operate our business, including
restrictions on our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt or issue guarantees, create liens, repurchase stock, or make
other restricted payments, and make certain voluntary prepayments of specified debt. In addition, under certain circumstances we
are required to comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio. As a result of these covenants, our ability to respond to changes in
business and economic conditions and engage in beneficial transactions, including to obtain additional financing as needed, may be
restricted. Furthermore, our failure to comply with our debt covenants could result in a default under our debt agreements, which
could permit the holders to accelerate our obligation to repay the debt. If any of our debt is accelerated, we may not have sufficient
funds available to repay it.
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We hold and may acquire digital assets that may be subject to volatile market prices, impairment and unique risks of loss.
In January 2021, we updated our investment policy to provide us with more flexibility to further diversify and maximize
returns on our cash that is not required to maintain adequate operating liquidity. As part of the policy, which was duly approved by
the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, we may invest a portion of such cash in certain alternative reserve assets including
digital assets, gold bullion, gold exchange-traded funds and other assets as specified in the future. Thereafter, we invested an
aggregate $1.50 billion in bitcoin under this policy and may acquire and hold digital assets from time to time or long-term.
Moreover, we expect to begin accepting bitcoin as a form of payment for our products in the near future, subject to applicable laws
and initially on a limited basis, which we may or may not liquidate upon receipt.
The prices of digital assets have been in the past and may continue to be highly volatile, including as a result of various
associated risks and uncertainties. For example, the prevalence of such assets is a relatively recent trend, and their long-term
adoption by investors, consumers and businesses is unpredictable. Moreover, their lack of a physical form, their reliance on
technology for their creation, existence and transactional validation and their decentralization may subject their integrity to the
threat of malicious attacks and technological obsolescence. Finally, the extent to which securities laws or other regulations apply or
may apply in the future to such assets is unclear and may change in the future. If we hold digital assets and their values decrease
relative to our purchase prices, our financial condition may be harmed.
Moreover, digital assets are currently considered indefinite-lived intangible assets under applicable accounting rules, meaning
that any decrease in their fair values below our carrying values for such assets at any time subsequent to their acquisition will
require us to recognize impairment charges, whereas we may make no upward revisions for any market price increases until a sale,
which may adversely affect our operating results in any period in which such impairment occurs. Moreover, there is no guarantee
that future changes in GAAP will not require us to change the way we account for digital assets held by us.
Finally, as intangible assets without centralized issuers or governing bodies, digital assets have been, and may in the future be,
subject to security breaches, cyberattacks or other malicious activities, as well as human errors or computer malfunctions that may
result in the loss or destruction of private keys needed to access such assets. While we intend to take all reasonable measures to
secure any digital assets, if such threats are realized or the measures or controls we create or implement to secure our digital assets
fail, it could result in a partial or total misappropriation or loss of our digital assets, and our financial condition and operating
results may be harmed.
We may need to defend ourselves against intellectual property infringement claims, which may be time-consuming and
expensive.
Our competitors or other third parties may hold or obtain patents, copyrights, trademarks or other proprietary rights that
could prevent, limit or interfere with our ability to make, use, develop, sell or market our products and services, which could make
it more difficult for us to operate our business. From time to time, the holders of such intellectual property rights may assert their
rights and urge us to take licenses and/or may bring suits alleging infringement or misappropriation of such rights, which could
result in substantial costs, negative publicity and management attention, regardless of merit. While we endeavor to obtain and
protect the intellectual property rights that we expect will allow us to retain or advance our strategic initiatives, there can be no
assurance that we will be able to adequately identify and protect the portions of intellectual property that are strategic to our
business, or mitigate the risk of potential suits or other legal demands by our competitors. Accordingly, we may consider the
entering into licensing agreements with respect to such rights, although no assurance can be given that such licenses can be
obtained on acceptable terms or that litigation will not occur, and such licenses and associated litigation could significantly
increase our operating expenses. In addition, if we are determined to have or believe there is a high likelihood that we have
infringed upon a third party’s intellectual property rights, we may be required to cease making, selling or incorporating certain
components or intellectual property into the goods and services we offer, to pay substantial damages and/or license royalties, to
redesign our products and services and/or to establish and maintain alternative
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branding for our products and services. In the event that we are required to take one or more such actions, our brand, business,
financial condition and operating results may be harmed.
Our operations could be adversely affected by events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars or health
epidemics.
We may be impacted by natural disasters, wars, health epidemics or other events outside of our control. For example, our
corporate headquarters, the Fremont Factory and Gigafactory Nevada are located in seismically active regions in Northern
California and Nevada, and our Gigafactory Shanghai is located in a flood-prone area. If major disasters such as earthquakes,
floods or other events occur, or our information system or communications network breaks down or operates improperly, our
headquarters and production facilities may be seriously damaged, or we may have to stop or delay production and shipment of our
products. In addition, the global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted economic markets, manufacturing operations, supply chains,
employment and consumer behavior in nearly every geographic region and industry across the world, and we have been, and may
in the future be, adversely affected as a result. We may incur expenses or delays relating to such events outside of our control,
which could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Demand for our products and services may be impacted by the status of government and economic incentives supporting
the development and adoption of such products.
Government and economic incentives that support the development and adoption of electric vehicles in the U.S. and abroad,
including certain tax exemptions, tax credits and rebates, may be reduced, eliminated or exhausted from time to time. For example,
a $7,500 federal tax credit that was available in the U.S. for the purchase of our vehicles was reduced in phases during and
ultimately ended in 2019. We believe that this sequential phase-out likely pulled forward some vehicle demand into the periods
preceding each reduction. Moreover, previously available incentives favoring electric vehicles in areas including Ontario, Canada,
Germany, Hong Kong, Denmark and California have expired or were cancelled or temporarily unavailable, and in some cases were
not eventually replaced or reinstituted, which may have negatively impacted sales. Any similar developments could have some
negative impact on demand for our vehicles, and we and our customers may have to adjust to them.
In addition, certain governmental rebates, tax credits and other financial incentives that are currently available with respect to
our solar and energy storage product businesses allow us to lower our costs and encourage customers to buy our products and
investors to invest in our solar financing funds. However, these incentives may expire when the allocated funding is exhausted,
reduced or terminated as renewable energy adoption rates increase, sometimes without warning. For example, the U.S. federal
government currently offers certain tax credits for the installation of solar power facilities and energy storage systems that are
charged from a co-sited solar power facility; however, these tax credits are currently scheduled to decline and/or expire in 2023
and beyond. Likewise, in jurisdictions where net metering is currently available, our customers receive bill credits from utilities for
energy that their solar energy systems generate and export to the grid in excess of the electric load they use. The benefit available
under net metering has been or has been proposed to be reduced, altered or eliminated in several jurisdictions, and has also been
contested and may continue to be contested before the FERC. Any reductions or terminations of such incentives may harm our
business, prospects, financial condition and operating results by making our products less competitive for potential customers,
increasing our cost of capital and adversely impacting our ability to attract investment partners and to form new financing funds
for our solar and energy storage assets.
Finally, we and our fund investors claim these U.S. federal tax credits and certain state incentives in amounts based on
independently appraised fair market values of our solar and energy storage systems. Nevertheless, the relevant governmental
authorities have audited such values and in certain cases have determined that these values should be lower, and they may do so
again in the future. Such determinations may result in adverse tax consequences and/or our obligation to make indemnification or
other payments to our funds or fund investors.
We are subject to evolving laws and regulations that could impose substantial costs, legal prohibitions or unfavorable
changes upon our operations or products.
As we grow our manufacturing operations in additional regions, we are or will be subject to complex environmental,
manufacturing, health and safety laws and regulations at numerous jurisdictional levels in the U.S., China, Germany and other
locations abroad, including laws relating to the use, handling, storage, recycling, disposal and/or human exposure to hazardous
materials, product material inputs and post-consumer products and with respect to constructing, expanding and maintaining our
facilities. The costs of compliance, including remediations of any discovered issues and any changes to our operations mandated
by new or amended laws, may be significant, and any failures to comply could result in significant expenses, delays or fines. We
are also subject to laws and regulations applicable to the supply, manufacture, import, sale and service of automobiles both
domestically and abroad. For example, in countries outside of the U.S., we are required to meet standards relating to vehicle safety,
fuel economy and
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emissions that are often materially different from requirements in the U.S., thus resulting in additional investment into the vehicles
and systems to ensure regulatory compliance in those countries. This process may include official review and certification of our
vehicles by foreign regulatory agencies prior to market entry, as well as compliance with foreign reporting and recall management
systems requirements.
In particular, we offer in our vehicles Autopilot and FSD features that today assist drivers with certain tedious and potentially
dangerous aspects of road travel, but which currently require drivers to remain fully engaged in the driving operation. We are
continuing to develop our FSD technology with the goal of achieving full self-driving capability in the future. There are a variety
of international, federal and state regulations that may apply to self-driving vehicles, which include many existing vehicle
standards that were not originally intended to apply to vehicles that may not have a driver. Such regulations continue to rapidly
change, which increases the likelihood of a patchwork of complex or conflicting regulations, or may delay products or restrict self-
driving features and availability, which could adversely affect our business.
Finally, as a manufacturer, installer and service provider with respect to solar generation and energy storage systems and a
supplier of electricity generated and stored by the solar energy and energy storage systems we install for customers, we are
impacted by federal, state and local regulations and policies concerning electricity pricing, the interconnection of electricity
generation and storage equipment with the electric grid and the sale of electricity generated by third party-owned systems. If
regulations and policies that adversely impact the interconnection or use of our solar and energy storage systems are introduced,
they could deter potential customers from purchasing our solar and energy storage products, threaten the economics of our existing
contracts and cause us to cease solar and energy storage system sales and operations in the relevant jurisdictions, which may harm
our business, financial condition and operating results.
Any failure by us to comply with a variety of U.S. and international privacy and consumer protection laws may harm us.
Any failure by us or our vendor or other business partners to comply with our public privacy notice or with federal, state or
international privacy, data protection or security laws or regulations relating to the processing, collection, use, retention, security
and transfer of personally identifiable information could result in regulatory or litigation-related actions against us, legal liability,
fines, damages, ongoing audit requirements and other significant costs. Substantial expenses and operational changes may be
required in connection with maintaining compliance with such laws, and in particular certain emerging privacy laws are still
subject to a high degree of uncertainty as to their interpretation and application. For example, in May 2018, the General Data
Protection Regulation began to fully apply to the processing of personal information collected from individuals located in the
European Union, and has created new compliance obligations and significantly increased fines for noncompliance. Similarly, as of
January 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act imposes certain legal obligations on our use and processing of personal
information related to California residents. Finally, new privacy and cybersecurity laws are coming into effect in China.
Notwithstanding our efforts to protect the security and integrity of our customers’ personal information, we may be required to
expend significant resources to comply with data breach requirements if, for example, third parties improperly obtain and use the
personal information of our customers or we otherwise experience a data loss with respect to customers’ personal information. A
major breach of our network security and systems may result in fines, penalties and damages and harm our brand, prospects and
operating results.
We could be subject to liability, penalties and other restrictive sanctions and adverse consequences arising out of certain
governmental investigations and proceedings.
We are cooperating with certain government investigations as discussed in Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies, to the
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. To our knowledge, no government
agency in any such ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred. However, we cannot predict the outcome
or impact of any such ongoing matters, and there exists the possibility that we could be subject to liability, penalties and other
restrictive sanctions and adverse consequences if the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice or any other government agency were to
pursue legal action in the future. Moreover, we expect to incur costs in responding to related requests for information and
subpoenas, and if instituted, in defending against any governmental proceedings.
For example, on October 16, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York entered a final judgment
approving the terms of a settlement filed with the Court on September 29, 2018, in connection with the actions taken by the SEC
relating to Mr. Musk’s statement on August 7, 2018 that he was considering taking Tesla private. Pursuant to the settlement, we,
among other things, paid a civil penalty of $20 million, appointed an independent director as the chair of our board of directors,
appointed two additional independent directors to our board of directors and made further enhancements to our disclosure controls
and other corporate governance-related matters. On April 26, 2019, this settlement was amended to clarify certain of the
previously-agreed disclosure procedures, which was subsequently approved by the Court. All other terms of the prior settlement
were reaffirmed without modification. Although we intend to continue to comply with the terms and requirements of the
settlement, if there is a lack of compliance or an alleged lack of compliance, additional enforcement actions or other legal
proceedings may be instituted against us.
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We may face regulatory challenges to or limitations on our ability to sell vehicles directly.
While we intend to continue to leverage our most effective sales strategies, including sales through our website, we may not
be able to sell our vehicles through our own stores in certain states in the U.S. with laws that may be interpreted to impose
limitations on this direct-to-consumer sales model. It has also been asserted that the laws in some states limit our ability to obtain
dealer licenses from state motor vehicle regulators, and such assertions persist. In certain locations, decisions by regulators
permitting us to sell vehicles have been and may be challenged by dealer associations and others as to whether such decisions
comply with applicable state motor vehicle industry laws. We have prevailed in many of these lawsuits and such results have
reinforced our continuing belief that state laws were not intended to apply to a manufacturer that does not have franchise dealers.
In some states, there have also been regulatory and legislative efforts by dealer associations to propose laws that, if enacted, would
prevent us from obtaining dealer licenses in their states given our current sales model. A few states have passed legislation that
clarifies our ability to operate, but at the same time limits the number of dealer licenses we can obtain or stores that we can
operate. The application of state laws applicable to our operations continues to be difficult to predict.
Internationally, there may be laws in jurisdictions we have not yet entered or laws we are unaware of in jurisdictions we have
entered that may restrict our sales or other business practices. Even for those jurisdictions we have analyzed, the laws in this area
can be complex, difficult to interpret and may change over time. Continued regulatory limitations and other obstacles interfering
with our ability to sell vehicles directly to consumers may harm our financial condition and operating results.
Our financial results may vary significantly from period to period due to fluctuations in our operating costs and other
factors.
We expect our period-to-period financial results to vary based on our operating costs, which we anticipate will fluctuate as
the pace at which we continue to design, develop and manufacture new products and increase production capacity by expanding
our current manufacturing facilities and adding future facilities, may not be consistent or linear between periods. Additionally, our
revenues from period to period may fluctuate as we introduce existing products to new markets for the first time and as we develop
and introduce new products. As a result of these factors, we believe that quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our financial results,
especially in the short term, are not necessarily meaningful and that these comparisons cannot be relied upon as indicators of future
performance. Moreover, our financial results may not meet expectations of equity research analysts, ratings agencies or investors,
who may be focused only on short-term quarterly financial results. If any of this occurs, the trading price of our stock could fall
substantially, either suddenly or over time.
We may fail to meet our publicly announced guidance or other expectations about our business, which could cause our
stock price to decline.
We may provide from time to time guidance regarding our expected financial and business performance. Correctly
identifying key factors affecting business conditions and predicting future events is inherently an uncertain process, and our
guidance may not ultimately be accurate and has in the past been inaccurate in certain respects, such as the timing of new product
manufacturing ramps. Our guidance is based on certain assumptions such as those relating to anticipated production and sales
volumes (which generally are not linear throughout a given period), average sales prices, supplier and commodity costs and
planned cost reductions. If our guidance varies from actual results due to our assumptions not being met or the impact on our
financial performance that could occur as a result of various risks and uncertainties, the market value of our common stock could
decline significantly.
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Transactions relating to our convertible senior notes may dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders, or may
otherwise depress the price of our common stock.
The conversion of some or all of the convertible senior notes issued by us or our subsidiaries would dilute the ownership
interests of existing stockholders to the extent we deliver shares upon conversion of any of such notes by their holders, and we may
be required to deliver a significant number of shares. Any sales in the public market of the common stock issuable upon such
conversion could adversely affect their prevailing market prices. In addition, the existence of the convertible senior notes may
encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of such notes could be used to satisfy short positions, or the
anticipated conversion of such notes into shares of our common stock could depress the price of our common stock.
Moreover, in connection with certain of the convertible senior notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions,
which are expected to reduce the potential dilution and/or offset potential cash payments we are required to make in excess of the
principal amount upon conversion of the applicable notes. We also entered into warrant transactions with the hedge counterparties,
which could separately have a dilutive effect on our common stock to the extent that the market price per share of our common
stock exceeds the applicable strike price of the warrants on the applicable expiration dates. In addition, the hedge counterparties or
their affiliates may enter into various transactions with respect to their hedge positions, which could also affect the market price of
our common stock or the convertible senior notes.
If Elon Musk were forced to sell shares of our common stock that he has pledged to secure certain personal loan
obligations, such sales could cause our stock price to decline.
Certain banking institutions have made extensions of credit to Elon Musk, our Chief Executive Officer, a portion of which
was used to purchase shares of common stock in certain of our public offerings and private placements at the same prices offered
to third-party participants in such offerings and placements. We are not a party to these loans, which are partially secured by
pledges of a portion of the Tesla common stock currently owned by Mr. Musk. If the price of our common stock were to decline
substantially, Mr. Musk may be forced by one or more of the banking institutions to sell shares of Tesla common stock to satisfy
his loan obligations if he could not do so through other means. Any such sales could cause the price of our common stock to
decline further.
Anti-takeover provisions contained in our governing documents, applicable laws and our convertible senior notes could
impair a takeover attempt.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws afford certain rights and powers to our board of directors that may facilitate the
delay or prevention of an acquisition that it deems undesirable. We are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law and other provisions of Delaware law that limit the ability of stockholders in certain situations to effect certain
business combinations. In addition, the terms of our convertible senior notes may require us to repurchase such notes in the event
of a fundamental change, including a takeover of our company. Any of the foregoing provisions and terms that has the effect of
delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of
our common stock, and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We are headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Our principal facilities include a large number of properties in North America,
Europe and Asia utilized for manufacturing and assembly, warehousing, engineering, retail and service locations, Supercharger
sites and administrative and sales offices. Our facilities are used to support both of our reporting segments, and are suitable and
adequate for the conduct of our business. We primarily lease such facilities with the exception of some manufacturing facilities.
The following table sets forth the location of our primary owned and leased manufacturing facilities.
* We own the building and the land use rights with an initial term of 50 years. The land use rights are treated as operating lease
right-of-use assets.
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In addition, each of the matters below is being disclosed pursuant to Item 103 of Regulation S-K because it relates to
environmental regulations and aggregate civil penalties that could potentially exceed $1 million. We believe that any proceeding
that is material to our business or financial condition is likely to have potential penalties far in excess of such amount.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (“BAAQMD”) has issued notices of violation to us relating to air permitting
and related compliance for the Fremont Factory, but has not initiated formal proceedings. We have disputed certain of these
allegations and have asserted that there has been no related adverse community or environmental impact. While we have not yet
resolved this matter, we remain in close communication with BAAQMD with respect to it. We do not currently expect any material
adverse impact on our business.
The German Umweltbundesamt has issued our subsidiary in Germany a notice and fine in the amount of 12 million euro
alleging its non-compliance under applicable laws relating to market participation notifications and take-back obligations with
respect to end-of-life battery products required thereunder. This is primarily relating to administrative requirements, but Tesla has
continued to take back battery packs, and although we cannot predict the outcome of this matter, including the final amount of any
penalties, we have filed our objection and it is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our business.
We have also received a follow-up information request from the EPA under Section 114(a) of the Clean Air Act of 1963, as
amended (the “Clean Air Act”). The EPA is reviewing the compliance of our Fremont Factory operations with applicable
requirements under the Clean Air Act, and we are working with the EPA in responding its requests for information. While the
outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time, it is not currently expected to have a material adverse impact on our
business.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
Our common stock has traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “TSLA” since it began trading on
June 29, 2010. Our initial public offering was priced at $3.40 per share on June 28, 2010 as adjusted to give effect to the Stock
Split.
Holders
As of February 1, 2021, there were 5,353 holders of record of our common stock. A substantially greater number of holders
of our common stock are “street name” or beneficial holders, whose shares are held by banks, brokers and other financial
institutions.
Dividend Policy
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently do not anticipate paying any cash
dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the discretion of our board
of directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements,
general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
The following graph shows a comparison, from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2020, of the cumulative total return
on our common stock, The NASDAQ Composite Index and a group of all public companies sharing the same SIC code as us,
which is SIC code 3711, “Motor Vehicles and Passenger Car Bodies” (Motor Vehicles and Passenger Car Bodies Public Company
Group). Such returns are based on historical results and are not intended to suggest future performance. Data for The NASDAQ
Composite Index and the Motor Vehicles and Passenger Car Bodies Public Company Group assumes an investment of $100 on
January 1, 2016 and reinvestment of dividends. We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock nor do we
anticipate paying any such cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
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As of December 31,
2020 2019 (3) 2018 (2) 2017 2016 (1)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital (deficit) $ 12,469 $ 1,436 $ (1,686) $ (1,104) $ 433
Total assets $ 52,148 $ 34,309 $ 29,740 $ 28,655 $ 22,664
Total long-term liabilities $ 14,170 $ 15,532 $ 13,434 $ 15,348 $ 10,923
(1) We acquired SolarCity Corporation (“SolarCity”) on November 21, 2016. SolarCity’s financial results have been included in
our financial results from the acquisition date as previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2016.
(2) We adopted ASC 606 in 2018. Prior periods have not been revised. For further details, refer to Note 2, Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.
(3) We adopted ASC 842 in 2019. Prior periods have not been revised. For further details, refer to Note 2, Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies, of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
(4) Prior period results have been adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. See Note 1, Overview, of the notes to the
consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.
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In 2020, we produced 509,737 vehicles and delivered 499,647 vehicles. We are currently focused on increasing vehicle
production and capacity, developing and ramping our battery cell technology, increasing the affordability of our vehicles,
expanding our global infrastructure and introducing our next vehicles.
In 2020, we deployed 3.02 GWh of energy storage products and 205 megawatts of solar energy systems. We are currently
focused on ramping production of energy storage products, improving our Solar Roof installation capability and efficiency and
increasing market share of retrofit solar energy systems.
In 2020, we recognized total revenues of $31.54 billion, representing an increase of $6.96 billion compared to the prior year.
We continue to ramp production, build new manufacturing capacity and expand our operations to enable increased deliveries and
deployments of our products and further revenue growth.
In 2020, our net income attributable to common stockholders was $721 million, representing a favorable change of $1.58
billion compared to the prior year. In 2020, our operating margin was 6.3%, representing a favorable change of 6.6% compared to
the prior year. We continue to focus on operational efficiencies, while we have seen an acceleration of non-cash stock-based
compensation expense due to a rapid increase in our market capitalization and updates to our business outlook.
We ended 2020 with $19.38 billion in cash and cash equivalents, representing an increase of $13.12 billion from the end of
2019. Our cash flows from operating activities during 2020 was $5.94 billion, compared to $2.41 billion during 2019, and capital
expenditures amounted to $3.16 billion during 2020, compared to $1.33 billion during 2019. Sustained growth has allowed our
business to generally fund itself, but we will continue a number of capital-intensive projects in upcoming periods.
We cannot predict the duration or direction of current global trends from this pandemic, the sustained impact of which is
largely unknown, is rapidly evolving and has varied across geographic regions. Ultimately, we continue to monitor macroeconomic
conditions to remain flexible and to optimize and evolve our business as appropriate, and we will have to accurately project
demand and infrastructure requirements globally and deploy our production, workforce and other resources accordingly.
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Automotive—Production
The following is a summary of the status of production of each of our announced vehicle models in production and under
development, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
We recently announced updated versions of Model S and Model X featuring a redesigned powertrain and other
improvements. In 2021, we are focused on ramping these models on new manufacturing equipment, as well as production rates of
Model 3 and Model Y, to at least the capacity that we have installed. The next phase of production growth will depend on the
construction of Gigafactory Berlin and Gigafactory Texas, each of which is progressing as planned for deliveries beginning in
2021. Our goal is to continuously decrease production costs and increase the affordability of our vehicles. We are continuing to
develop and manufacture our own battery cells, with which we are targeting high-volume output, lower capital and production
costs and longer range. As cell supply is critical to our business, coupling this strategy with cells from our suppliers will help us
stay ahead of any potential constraints.
However, these plans are subject to uncertainties inherent in establishing and ramping manufacturing operations, which may
be exacerbated by the number of concurrent international projects and any future impact from events outside of our control such as
the COVID-19 pandemic and any industry-wide component constraints. Moreover, we must meet ambitious technological targets
with our plans for battery cells as well as for iterative manufacturing and design improvements for our vehicles with each new
factory.
However, we operate in a cyclical industry that is sensitive to trade, environmental and political uncertainty, all of which
may also be compounded by any future global impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, there have been recent
signs of recovery from competitors that experienced downturns in 2020, meaning that we will have to continue to execute well to
maintain the momentum that we have gained relative to an ever-growing competitive landscape.
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Our business has recently been consistently generating cash flow from operations in excess of our level of capital spend, and
with better working capital management resulting in shorter days sales outstanding than days payable outstanding, our sales
growth is also facilitating positive cash generation. On the other hand, we are likely to see heightened levels of capital
expenditures during certain periods depending on the specific pace of our capital-intensive projects. Moreover, as our stock price
has significantly increased recently, we have seen higher levels of early conversions of “in-the-money” convertible senior notes,
which obligates us to deliver cash and or shares pursuant to the terms of those notes. Overall, we expect our ability to be self-
funding to continue as long as macroeconomic factors support current trends in our sales. We also opportunistically strengthened
our liquidity further through an at-the-market offering of common stock in December 2020, with net proceeds to us of
approximately $4.99 billion.
In March 2018, our stockholders approved a performance-based stock option award to our CEO (the “2018 CEO
Performance Award”), consisting of 12 vesting tranches contingent on the achievement of specified market capitalization and
operational milestones. We incur non-cash stock-based compensation expense for each tranche only after the related operational
milestone initially becomes probable of being met based on a subjective assessment of our future financial performance, and if this
happens following the grant date, we record at such time a cumulative catch-up expense that may be significant based on the
length of time elapsed from the grant date. Moreover, the remaining expense for that tranche is ratably recorded over the period
remaining until the later of (i) the expected achievement of the relevant operational milestone (if it has not yet been achieved) and
(ii) the expected achievement of the related market capitalization milestone (if it has not yet been achieved). Upon vesting of a
tranche, all remaining associated expense is recognized immediately. Because the expected market capitalization achievements are
generally later than the related expected operational milestone achievements, the achievement of the former earlier than expected
may increase the magnitude of any catch-up expense and/or accelerate the rate at which the remaining expense is recognized.
During 2020, several operational milestones became probable and several tranches vested, including as a result of our market
capitalization increasing rapidly, resulting in the recognition or acceleration of related expense earlier than anticipated and within a
relatively short period of time. See Note 14, Equity Incentive Plans—2018 CEO Performance Award, to the consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details regarding the stock-based compensation
relating to the 2018 CEO Performance Award. As our market capitalization is unpredictable and our financial performance
improves, it is possible that the earlier-than-planned recognition of such expenses will continue in the near term.
In January 2021, we updated our investment policy to provide us with more flexibility to further diversify and maximize
returns on our cash that is not required to maintain adequate operating liquidity. As part of the policy, we may invest a portion of
such cash in certain specified alternative reserve assets. Thereafter, we invested an aggregate $1.50 billion in bitcoin under this
policy. Moreover, we expect to begin accepting bitcoin as a form of payment for our products in the near future, subject to
applicable laws and initially on a limited basis, which we may or may not liquidate upon receipt. Digital assets are considered
indefinite-lived intangible assets under applicable accounting rules. Accordingly, any decrease in their fair values below our
carrying values for such assets at any time subsequent to their acquisition will require us to recognize impairment charges, whereas
we may make no upward revisions for any market price increases until a sale. As we currently intend to hold these assets long-
term, these charges may negatively impact our profitability in the periods in which such impairments occur even if the overall
market values of these assets increase.
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. The
estimates used for, but not limited to, determining significant economic incentive for resale value guarantee arrangements, sales
return reserves, the collectability of accounts receivable, inventory valuation, fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill, fair value of
financial instruments, fair value and residual value of operating lease vehicles and solar energy systems subject to leases could be
impacted. We have assessed the impact and are not aware of any specific events or circumstances that required an update to our
estimates and assumptions or materially affected the carrying value of our assets or liabilities as of the date of issuance of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K. These estimates may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained. Actual results could
differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Revenue Recognition
Automotive Segment
Automotive Sales Revenue
Automotive Sales without Resale Value Guarantee
Automotive sales revenue includes revenues related to deliveries of new vehicles and pay-per-use charges, and specific other
features and services that meet the definition of a performance obligation under ASC 606, including access to our Supercharger
network, internet connectivity, FSD features and over-the-air software updates. We recognize revenue on automotive sales upon
delivery to the customer, which is when the control of a vehicle transfers. Payments are typically received at the point control
transfers or in accordance with payment terms customary to the business. Other features and services such as access to our
Supercharger network, internet connectivity and over-the-air software updates are provisioned upon control transfer of a vehicle
and recognized over time on a straight-line basis as we have a stand-ready obligation to deliver such services to the customer. We
recognize revenue related to these other features and services over the performance period, which is generally the expected
ownership life of the vehicle or the eight-year life of the vehicle. Revenue related to FSD features is recognized when functionality
is delivered to the customer. For our obligations related to automotive sales, we estimate standalone selling price by considering
costs used to develop and deliver the service, third-party pricing of similar options and other information that may be available.
At the time of revenue recognition, we reduce the transaction price and record a sales return reserve against revenue for
estimated variable consideration related to future product returns based on historical experience. In addition, any fees that are paid
or payable by us to a customer’s lender when we arrange the financing are recognized as an offset against automotive sales
revenue.
Costs to obtain a contract mainly relate to commissions paid to our sales personnel for the sale of vehicles. Commissions are
not paid on other obligations such as access to our Supercharger network, internet connectivity, FSD features and over-the-air
software updates. As our contract costs related to automotive sales are typically fulfilled within one year, the costs to obtain a
contract are expensed as incurred. Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as automotive sales
revenue, and we have elected to recognize the cost for freight and shipping when control over vehicles, parts or accessories have
transferred to the customer as an expense in cost of automotive sales revenue. Our policy is to exclude taxes collected from a
customer from the transaction price of automotive contracts.
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With the exception of the Vehicle Sales to Leasing Partners with a Resale Value Guarantee and a Buyback Option program
discussed within the Automotive Leasing section below, we recognize revenue when control transfers upon delivery to customers
in accordance with ASC 606 as a sale with a right of return as we do not believe the customer has a significant economic incentive
to exercise the resale value guarantee provided to them at contract inception. The process to determine whether there is a
significant economic incentive includes a comparison of a vehicle’s estimated market value at the time the option is exercisable
with the guaranteed resale value to determine the customer’s economic incentive to exercise. The performance obligations and the
pattern of recognizing automotive sales with resale value guarantees are consistent with automotive sales without resale value
guarantees with the exception of our estimate for sales return reserve. Sales return reserves for automotive sales with resale value
guarantees are estimated based on historical experience plus consideration for expected future market values. On a quarterly basis,
we assess the estimated market values of vehicles under our buyback options program to determine whether there have been
changes to the likelihood of future product returns. As we accumulate more data related to the buyback values of our vehicles or as
market conditions change, there may be material changes to their estimated values.
Our policy is to exclude taxes collected from a customer from the transaction price of automotive contracts.
Vehicle Sales to Leasing Partners with a Resale Value Guarantee and a Buyback Option
We offered buyback options in connection with automotive sales with resale value guarantees with certain leasing partner
sales in the U.S. and where we expected the customer had a significant economic incentive to exercise the resale value guarantee
provided to them at contract inception, we continued to recognize these transactions as operating leases. These transactions
entailed a transfer of leases, which we had originated with an end-customer, to our leasing partner. As control of the vehicles had
not been transferred in accordance with ASC 606, these transactions were accounted for as interest-bearing collateralized
borrowings in accordance with ASC 840, Leases, prior to January 1, 2019. Under this program, cash was received for the full price
of the vehicle and the collateralized borrowing value was generally recorded within resale value guarantees and the customer
upfront down payment was recorded within deferred revenue. We amortize the deferred revenue amount to automotive leasing
revenue on a straight-line basis over the option period and accrue interest expense based on our borrowing rate. We capitalized
vehicles under this program to operating lease vehicles, net, on the consolidated balance sheets, and we record depreciation from
these vehicles to cost of automotive leasing revenue during the period the vehicle is under a lease arrangement. Cash received for
these vehicles, net of revenue recognized during the period, is classified as collateralized lease (repayments) borrowings within
cash flows from financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. With the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1,
2019, all new agreements under this program are accounted for as operating leases under ASC 842 and there was no material
change in the timing and amount of revenue recognized over the term. Consequently, any cash flows for new agreements are
classified as operating cash activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
At the end of the lease term, we settle our liability in cash by either purchasing the vehicle from the leasing partner for the
buyback option amount or paying a shortfall to the option amount the leasing partner may realize on the sale of the vehicle. Any
remaining balances within deferred revenue and resale value guarantee will be settled to automotive leasing revenue. The end
customer can extend the lease for a period of up to 6 months. In cases where the leasing partner retains ownership of the vehicle
after the end of our option period, we expense the net value of the leased vehicle to cost of automotive leasing revenue.
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For large commercial and utility grade solar energy system and energy storage system sales which consist of the engineering,
design and installation of the system, customers make milestone payments that are consistent with contract-specific phases of a
project. Revenue from such contracts is recognized over time using the percentage of completion method based on cost incurred as
a percentage of total estimated contract costs for energy storage system sales and as a percentage of total estimated labor hours for
solar energy system sales. Certain large-scale commercial and utility grade solar energy system and energy storage system sales
also include operations and maintenance service which are negotiated with the design and installation contracts and are thus
considered to be a combined contract with the design and installation service. For certain large commercial and utility grade solar
energy systems and energy storage systems where the percentage of completion method does not apply, revenue is recognized
when control transfers, which is when the product has been delivered to the customer and commissioned for energy storage
systems and when the project has received permission to operate from the utility for solar energy systems. Operations and
maintenance service revenue is recognized ratably over the respective contract term for solar energy system sales and upon
delivery of the service for energy storage system sales. Customer payments for such services are usually paid annually or quarterly
in advance.
In instances where there are multiple performance obligations in a single contract, we allocate the consideration to the
various obligations in the contract based on the relative standalone selling price method. Standalone selling prices are estimated
based on estimated costs plus margin or by using market data for comparable products. Costs incurred on the sale of residential
installations before the solar energy systems are completed are included as work in process within inventory in the consolidated
balance sheets. Any fees that are paid or payable by us to a solar loan lender would be recognized as an offset against revenue.
Costs to obtain a contract relate mainly to commissions paid to our sales personnel related to the sale of solar energy systems and
energy storage systems. As our contract costs related to solar energy system and energy storage system sales are typically fulfilled
within one year, the costs to obtain a contract are expensed as incurred.
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As part of our solar energy system and energy storage system contracts, we may provide the customer with performance
guarantees that warrant that the underlying system will meet or exceed the minimum energy generation or energy performance
requirements specified in the contract. In certain instances, we may receive a bonus payment if the system performs above a
specified level. Conversely, if a solar energy system or energy storage system does not meet the performance guarantee
requirements, we may be required to pay liquidated damages. Other forms of variable consideration related to our large
commercial and utility grade solar energy system and energy storage system contracts include variable customer payments that will
be made based on our energy market participation activities. Such guarantees and variable customer payments represent a form of
variable consideration and are estimated at contract inception at their most likely amount and updated at the end of each reporting
period as additional performance data becomes available. Such estimates are included in the transaction price only to the extent
that it is probable a significant reversal of revenue will not occur.
We record as deferred revenue any non-refundable amounts that are collected from customers related to fees charged for
prepayments and remote monitoring service and operations and maintenance service, which is recognized as revenue ratably over
the respective customer contract term.
For solar energy systems where customers purchase electricity from us under PPAs prior to January 1, 2019, we have
determined that these agreements should be accounted for as operating leases pursuant to ASC 840. Revenue is recognized based
on the amount of electricity delivered at rates specified under the contracts, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
We record as deferred revenue any amounts that are collected from customers, including lease prepayments, in excess of
revenue recognized and operations and maintenance service fees, which is recognized as revenue ratably over the respective
customer contract term. Deferred revenue also includes the portion of rebates and incentives received from utility companies and
various local and state government agencies, which is recognized as revenue over the lease term.
We capitalize initial direct costs from the execution of agreements for solar energy systems and PPAs, which include the
referral fees and sales commissions, as an element of solar energy systems, net, and subsequently amortize these costs over the
term of the related agreements.
Inventory Valuation
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is computed using standard cost for vehicles and
energy storage products, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. In addition, cost for solar energy systems is
recorded using actual cost. We record inventory write-downs for excess or obsolete inventories based upon assumptions about
current and future demand forecasts. If our inventory on-hand is in excess of our future demand forecast, the excess amounts are
written-off.
We also review our inventory to determine whether its carrying value exceeds the net amount realizable upon the ultimate
sale of the inventory. This requires us to determine the estimated selling price of our vehicles less the estimated cost to convert the
inventory on-hand into a finished product. Once inventory is written-down, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established
and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.
Should our estimates of future selling prices or production costs change, additional and potentially material increases to this
reserve may be required. A small change in our estimates may result in a material charge to our reported financial results.
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Warranties
We provide a manufacturer’s warranty on all new and used vehicles and a warranty on the installation and components of the
energy generation and storage systems we sell for periods typically between 10 to 25 years. We accrue a warranty reserve for the
products sold by us, which includes our best estimate of the projected costs to repair or replace items under warranties and recalls
when identified. These estimates are based on actual claims incurred to date and an estimate of the nature, frequency and costs of
future claims. These estimates are inherently uncertain given our relatively short history of sales, and changes to our historical or
projected warranty experience may cause material changes to the warranty reserve in the future. The warranty reserve does not
include projected warranty costs associated with our vehicles subject to operating lease accounting and our solar energy systems
under lease contracts or PPAs, as the costs to repair these warranty claims are expensed as incurred. The portion of the warranty
reserve expected to be incurred within the next 12 months is included within accrued liabilities and other, while the remaining
balance is included within other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Warranty expense is recorded as a
component of cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation
We use the fair value method of accounting for our stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) granted to employees
and for our employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”) to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for the
stock-based awards. The fair value of stock option awards with only service and/or performance conditions is estimated on the
grant or offering date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires inputs such
as the risk-free interest rate, expected term and expected volatility. These inputs are subjective and generally require significant
judgment. The fair value of RSUs is measured on the grant date based on the closing fair market value of our common stock. The
resulting cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the awards,
usually the vesting period, which is generally four years for stock options and RSUs and six months for the ESPP. Stock-based
compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis, net of actual forfeitures in the period.
For performance-based awards, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the expected performance
achievement period of individual performance milestones when the achievement of each individual performance milestone
becomes probable. For performance-based awards with a vesting schedule based entirely on the attainment of both performance
and market conditions, stock-based compensation expense associated with each tranche is recognized over the longer of (i) the
expected achievement period for the operational milestone for such tranche and (ii) the expected achievement period for the related
market capitalization milestone determined on the grant date, beginning at the point in time when the relevant operational
milestone is considered probable of being achieved. If such operational milestone becomes probable any time after the grant date,
we will recognize a cumulative catch-up expense from the grant date to that point in time. If the related market capitalization
milestone is achieved earlier than its expected achievement period and the achievement of the related operational milestone, then
the stock-based compensation expense will be recognized over the expected achievement period for the operational milestone,
which may accelerate the rate at which such expense is recognized. If additional operational milestones become probable, stock-
based compensation expense will be recorded in the period it becomes probable including cumulative catch-up expense for the
service provided since the grant date. The fair value of such awards is estimated on the grant date using Monte Carlo simulations.
As we accumulate additional employee stock-based awards data over time and as we incorporate market data related to our
common stock, we may calculate significantly different volatilities and expected lives, which could materially impact the valuation
of our stock-based awards and the stock-based compensation expense that we will recognize in future periods. Stock-based
compensation expense is recorded in cost of revenues, research and development expense and selling, general and administrative
expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes
We are subject to taxes in the U.S. and in many foreign jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining our
provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax
assets. We make these estimates and judgments about our future taxable income that are based on assumptions that are consistent
with our future plans. Tax laws, regulations and administrative practices may be subject to change due to economic or political
conditions including fundamental changes to the tax laws applicable to corporate multinationals. The U.S., many countries in the
European Union and a number of other countries are actively considering changes in this regard. As of December 31, 2020, we had
recorded a full valuation allowance on our net U.S. deferred tax assets because we expect that it is more likely than not that our
U.S. deferred tax assets will not be realized. Should the actual amounts differ from our estimates, the amount of our valuation
allowance could be materially impacted.
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Furthermore, significant judgment is required in evaluating our tax positions. In the ordinary course of business, there are
many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax settlement is uncertain. As a result, we recognize the effect of this
uncertainty on our tax attributes or taxes payable based on our estimates of the eventual outcome. These effects are recognized
when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are supportable, we believe that it is likely that some of those positions may
not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. We are required to file income tax returns in the U.S. and various foreign
jurisdictions, which requires us to interpret the applicable tax laws and regulations in effect in such jurisdictions. Such returns are
subject to audit by the various federal, state and foreign taxing authorities, who may disagree with respect to our tax positions. We
believe that our consideration is adequate for all open audit years based on our assessment of many factors, including past
experience and interpretations of tax law. We review and update our estimates in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as
the closing of a tax audit, the lapse of a statute of limitations or a change in estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of
these matters differs from our expectations, such differences may impact income tax expense in the period in which such
determination is made. The eventual impact on our income tax expense depends in part if we still have a valuation allowance
recorded against our deferred tax assets in the period that such determination is made.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements reflect our accounts and operations and those of our subsidiaries in which we have a
controlling financial interest. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 810, Consolidation, we consolidate any variable interest
entity (“VIE”) of which we are the primary beneficiary. We form VIEs with our financing fund investors in the ordinary course of
business in order to facilitate the funding and monetization of certain attributes associated with our solar energy systems and leases
under our direct vehicle leasing programs. The typical condition for a controlling financial interest ownership is holding a majority
of the voting interests of an entity; however, a controlling financial interest may also exist in entities, such as VIEs, through
arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. ASC 810 requires a variable interest holder to consolidate a VIE if
that party has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the
obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE
that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We do not consolidate a VIE in which we have a majority ownership interest when
we are not considered the primary beneficiary. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of all the VIEs. We
evaluate our relationships with all the VIEs on an ongoing basis to ensure that we continue to be the primary beneficiary. All
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
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Results of Operations
Effects of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted our business and financial results in 2020.
The temporary suspension of production at our factories during the first half of 2020 caused production limitations that,
together with reduced or closed government and third party partner operations in the year, negatively impacted our deliveries and
deployments in 2020. While we resumed operations at all of our factories worldwide, our temporary suspension at our factories
resulted in idle capacity charges as we still incurred fixed costs such as depreciation, certain payroll related expenses and property
taxes. As part of our response strategy to the business disruptions and uncertainty around macroeconomic conditions caused by the
COVID-19 pandemic, we instituted cost reduction initiatives across our business globally to be commensurate to the scope of our
operations while they were scaled back in the first half of 2020. This included temporary labor cost reduction measures such as
employee furloughs and compensation reductions. Additionally, we suspended non-critical operating spend and opportunistically
renegotiated supplier and vendor arrangements. As part of various governmental responses to the pandemic granted to companies
globally, we received certain payroll related benefits which helped to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our
financial results. Such payroll related benefits related to our direct headcount have been primarily netted against our disclosed idle
capacity charges and they marginally reduced our operating expenses. The impact of the idle capacity charges incurred during the
first half of 2020 were almost entirely offset by our cost savings initiatives and payroll related benefits.
Revenues
Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Automotive sales $ 26,184 $ 19,952 $ 17,632 $ 6,232 31% $ 2,320 13%
Automotive leasing 1,052 869 883 183 21% (14) -2%
Total automotive revenues 27,236 20,821 18,515 6,415 31% 2,306 12%
Services and other 2,306 2,226 1,391 80 4% 835 60%
Total automotive & services and other
segment revenue 29,542 23,047 19,906 6,495 28% 3,141 16%
Energy generation and
storage segment revenue 1,994 1,531 1,555 463 30% (24) -2%
Total revenues $ 31,536 $ 24,578 $ 21,461 $ 6,958 28% $ 3,117 15%
Automotive leasing revenue includes the amortization of revenue for vehicles under direct operating lease agreements as
well as those sold with resale value guarantees accounted for as operating leases under lease accounting. We began offering direct
leasing for Model 3 vehicles in the second quarter of 2019 and we began offering direct leasing for Model Y vehicles in the third
quarter of 2020. Additionally, automotive leasing revenue includes direct sales-type leasing programs where we recognize all
revenue associated with the sales-type lease upon delivery to the customer, which we introduced in volume during the third quarter
of 2020.
Services and other revenue consists of non-warranty after-sales vehicle services, sales of used vehicles, retail merchandise,
sales by our acquired subsidiaries to third party customers and vehicle insurance revenue.
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Automotive leasing revenue increased $183 million, or 21%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year
ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to an increase in cumulative vehicles under our direct operating lease program and the
introduction of direct sales-type leasing programs which we began offering in volume during the third quarter of 2020 where we
recognize all revenue associated with the sales-type lease upon delivery to the customer. These increases were partially offset by
the decreases in automotive leasing revenue associated with our resale value guarantee leasing programs accounted for as
operating leases as those portfolios have declined.
Services and other revenue increased $80 million, or 4%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year
ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to an increase in non-warranty maintenance services revenue as our fleet continues to
grow, an increase in retail merchandise revenue and an increase in sales by our acquired subsidiaries to third party customers as we
had a partial year of sales in the prior year from our mid-year 2019 acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by a decrease
in used vehicle revenue driven by a reduction in non-Tesla trade-ins.
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Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Cost of revenues
Automotive sales $ 19,696 $ 15,939 $ 13,686 $ 3,757 24% $ 2,253 16%
Automotive leasing 563 459 488 104 23% (29) -6%
Total automotive cost of revenues 20,259 16,398 14,174 3,861 24% 2,224 16%
Services and other 2,671 2,770 1,880 (99) -4% 890 47%
Total automotive & services and other
segment cost of revenues 22,930 19,168 16,054 3,762 20% 3,114 19%
Energy generation and storage segment 1,976 1,341 1,365 635 47% (24) -2%
Total cost of revenues $ 24,906 $ 20,509 $ 17,419 $ 4,397 21% $ 3,090 18%
Gross profit total automotive $ 6,977 $ 4,423 $ 4,341
Gross margin total automotive 26% 21% 23%
Gross profit total automotive & services and
other
segment $ 6,612 $ 3,879 $ 3,852
Gross margin total automotive & services
and other
segment 22% 17% 19%
Gross profit energy generation and storage
segment $ 18 $ 190 $ 190
Gross margin energy generation and storage
segment 1% 12% 12%
Total gross profit $ 6,630 $ 4,069 $ 4,042
Total gross margin 21% 17% 19%
Cost of automotive leasing revenue includes the amortization of operating lease vehicles over the lease term, cost of goods
sold associated with direct sales-type leases which were introduced in volume in the third quarter of 2020, as well as warranty
expenses related to leased vehicles. Cost of automotive leasing revenue also includes vehicle connectivity costs and allocations of
electricity and infrastructure costs related to our Supercharger network for vehicles under our leasing programs.
Cost of services and other revenue includes costs associated with providing non-warranty after-sales services, costs to
acquire and certify used vehicles, costs for retail merchandise, and costs to provide vehicle insurance. Cost of services and other
revenue also includes direct parts, material and labor costs and manufacturing overhead associated with the sales by our acquired
subsidiaries to third party customers.
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Cost of automotive leasing revenue increased $104 million, or 23%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to
the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to an increase in cumulative vehicles under our direct operating lease program
and the introduction of direct sales-type leasing programs which we began offering in volume during the third quarter of 2020
where we recognize all cost of revenue associated with the sales-type lease upon delivery to the customer. These increases were
partially offset by the decreases in cost of automotive lease revenue associated with our resale value guarantee leasing programs
which are accounted for as operating leases as those portfolios have declined.
Cost of services and other revenue decreased $99 million, or 4%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the
year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to a decrease in used vehicle cost of revenue driven by a reduction in non-Tesla
trade-ins, partially offset by increases in non-warranty maintenance services as our fleet continues to grow and an increase in costs
of retail merchandise as our sales have increased.
Gross margin for total automotive increased from 21% to 26% in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year
ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to an improvement of Model 3 gross margin primarily from lower material,
manufacturing, freight and duty costs from localized procurement and manufacturing in China, partially offset by a decrease in the
average selling price of Model 3 due to a higher proportion of Model 3 Standard Range variants in our sales mix compared to the
prior year. Additionally, there was an increase of $986 million in sales of regulatory credits and a positive impact from Model Y
deliveries in 2020 as Model Y gross margin was higher than our prior year total automotive gross margin. These increases were
partially offset by idle capacity charges of $213 million as a result of a temporary suspension of production at the Fremont Factory
and Gigafactory Nevada during the first half of 2020.
Gross margin for total automotive & services and other segment increased from 17% to 22% in the year ended December 31,
2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the automotive gross margin impacts discussed above
and a lower proportion of services and other, which operated at a lower gross margin than our automotive business, within the
segment in the year ended December 31, 2020. Additionally, there was an improvement in our non-warranty maintenance services
gross margin due to increased operational efficiencies despite additional costs from ramping service centers to accommodate a
larger deployed fleet and an improvement in our used vehicle sales gross margin.
Gross margin for energy generation and storage decreased from 12% to 1% in the year ended December 31, 2020 as
compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to a higher proportion of Solar Roof in our overall energy business
which operated at lower gross margins as a result of temporary manufacturing underutilization during product ramp. Additionally,
there were lower gross margins in our solar cash and loan business from reduced average selling prices as a result of our low cost
solar strategy, partially offset by lower materials and manufacturing costs.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Research and development $ 1,491 $ 1,343 $ 1,460 $ 148 11% $ (117) -8%
As a percentage of revenues 5% 5% 7%
Research and development (“R&D”) expenses consist primarily of personnel costs for our teams in engineering and research,
manufacturing engineering and manufacturing test organizations, prototyping expense, contract and professional services and
amortized equipment expense.
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R&D expenses increased $148 million, or 11%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to a $62 million increase in expensed materials as we continue to expand our
product roadmap, $61 million increase in stock-based compensation expense primarily related to the issuance of equity awards in
fiscal year 2020 at higher grant date fair values due to our increased share price, $20 million increase in facilities, freight and
depreciation expenses and a $20 million increase in employee and labor related expenses.
R&D expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased from 5.5% to 4.7% in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared
to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease is primarily an increase in total revenues from expanding sales, partially offset
by an increase in our R&D expenses as detailed above.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Selling, general and administrative $ 3,145 $ 2,646 $ 2,835 $ 499 19% $ (189) -7%
As a percentage of revenues 10% 11% 13%
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses generally consist of personnel and facilities costs related to our
stores, marketing, sales, executive, finance, human resources, information technology and legal organizations, as well as fees for
professional and contract services and litigation settlements.
SG&A expenses increased $499 million, or 19%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2019. The increase is primarily due to an increase of $625 million in stock-based compensation expense, of which
$542 million was attributable to the 2018 CEO Performance Award. We recorded stock-based compensation expense of $838
million in the year ended December 31, 2020 for the 2018 CEO Performance Award compared to $296 million in the prior year. Of
the expense recorded in fiscal year 2020, $232 million was due to cumulative catch-up expense for the service provided from the
grant date when three operational milestones under such award were considered probable of being met and the remaining
unamortized expense of $357 million for the first four tranches were recognized upon vesting as the first four market capitalization
milestones were achieved (see Note 14, Equity Incentive Plans, to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K). The remaining stock-based compensation expense increase of $83 million attributable to other
directors and employees is primarily related to the issuance of equity awards in fiscal year 2020 at higher grant date fair values due
to our increased share price. The increase in stock-based compensation was partially offset by a decrease of $90 million in
customer promotional costs, facilities-related expenses and sales and marketing activities. Additionally, there was a reduction to
operating expenses for costs previously incurred in the amount of $43 million for the settlement in part of the securities litigation
relating to the SolarCity acquisition (see Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies—Legal Proceedings—Securities Litigation
Relating to the SolarCity Acquisition, to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form
10-K).
SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased from 11% to 10% in year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to
the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease is primarily from an increase in total revenues from expanding sales, partially
offset by an increase in our SG&A expenses as detailed above.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Restructuring and other $ — $ 149 $ 135 $ (149) -100% $ 14 10%
As a percentage of revenues 0% 1% 1%
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we carried out certain restructuring actions in order to reduce costs and improve
efficiency. There were no restructuring actions in the year ended December 31, 2020.
Interest Expense
Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Interest expense $ (748) $ (685) $ (663) $ (63) 9% $ (22) 3%
As a percentage of revenues 2% 3% 3%
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Interest expense increased by $63 million, or 9%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2019, primarily due to $105 million of losses on extinguishment of debt in fiscal year 2020 from early conversions
on our convertible senior notes, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense due to a decrease in our weighted average interest
rate as compared to the prior year and an increase of $17 million in the amount of interest we capitalized from the consolidated
statements of operations to property, plant and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets. Increased capitalization results in
lower interest expense. The amount of interest we capitalize is driven by our construction in progress balance, which increased
year-over-year due to our construction and expansion of multiple factories.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Not
Other (expense) income, net $ (122) $ 45 $ 22 $ (167) meaningful $ 23 105%
As a percentage of revenues 0% 0% 0%
Other (expense) income, net, consists primarily of foreign exchange gains and losses related to our foreign currency-
denominated monetary assets and liabilities and changes in the fair values of our fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps. We expect
our foreign exchange gains and losses will vary depending upon movements in the underlying exchange rates.
Other (expense) income, net, changed unfavorably by $167 million in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the
year ended December 31, 2019. The unfavorable change was primarily due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates such
as the U.S. dollar depreciating greater than 5% against the euro and the Chinese yuan in 2020 compared to an appreciation of 2%
and 1% against the same currencies in the prior year, respectively.
Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Provision for income taxes $ 292 $ 110 $ 58 $ 182 165% $ 52 90%
Effective tax rate 25% -17% -6%
Our provision for income taxes increased by $182 million, or 165%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to
the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the substantial increases in taxable profits in our foreign
jurisdictions year-over-year.
Our effective tax rate increased from -17% to 25% in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year,
primarily due to substantial pre-tax income in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to a pre-tax loss for the year ended
December 31, 2019.
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Year Ended December 31, 2020 vs. 2019 Change 2019 vs. 2018 Change
(Dollars in millions) 2020 2019 2018 $ % $ %
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling
interests and
redeemable noncontrolling interests in Not
subsidiaries $ 141 $ 87 $ (87) $ 54 62% $ 174 meaningful
Our net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests was related to
financing fund arrangements.
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests increased by $54 million,
or 62%, in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due
to lower activities from new financing fund arrangements.
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predominantly from our deliveries of vehicles, sales and installations of our energy storage products and solar energy systems,
proceeds from debt facilities, proceeds from financing funds and proceeds from equity offerings.
Our sources of liquidity and cash flows enable us to fund ongoing operations, research and development projects for new
products and technologies including our announced proprietary battery cells, ongoing production and additional manufacturing
ramps at existing manufacturing facilities such as the Fremont Factory, Gigafactory Nevada, Gigafactory Shanghai and
Gigafactory New York, the construction of Gigafactory Berlin and Gigafactory Texas, and the continued expansion of our retail
and service locations, body shops, Mobile Service fleet, Supercharger network and energy product installation capabilities.
As discussed in and subject to the considerations referenced in Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Management Opportunities, Challenges and Risks and 2021 Outlook—Cash Flow
and Capital Expenditure Trends in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we currently expect our capital expenditures to be $4.50 to
$6.00 billion in 2021 and in each of the next two fiscal years.
We expect that the cash we generate from our core operations will generally be sufficient to cover our future capital
expenditures and to pay down our near-term debt obligations, although we may choose to seek alternative financing sources. For
example, our local subsidiary has entered into credit facilities to support construction and production at Gigafactory Shanghai. See
Note 12, Debt, to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As always, we
continually evaluate our capital expenditure needs and may decide it is best to raise additional capital to fund the rapid growth of
our business.
In January 2021, we updated our investment policy to provide us with more flexibility to further diversify and maximize
returns on our cash that is not required to maintain adequate operating liquidity. As part of the policy, we may invest a portion of
such cash in certain specified alternative reserve assets. Thereafter, we invested an aggregate $1.50 billion in bitcoin under this
policy. Moreover, we expect to begin accepting bitcoin as a form of payment for our products in the near future, subject to
applicable laws and initially on a limited basis, which we may or may not liquidate upon receipt. We believe our bitcoin holdings
are highly liquid. However, digital assets may be subject to volatile market prices, which may be unfavorable at the time when we
want or need to liquidate them.
We have an agreement to spend or incur $5.0 billion in combined capital, operational expenses, costs of goods sold and other
costs in the State of New York during the 10-year period beginning April 30, 2018, which we expect to meet through our
operations. As we temporarily suspended most of our manufacturing operations at Gigafactory New York pursuant to a New York
State executive order issued in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were granted a one-year deferral of our
obligation to be compliant as of April 30, 2020 with our applicable targets under such agreement.
We expect that our current sources of liquidity together with our projection of cash flows from operating activities will
provide us with adequate liquidity over at least the next 12 months, even considering the expected levels of capital expenditures in
the current and next two fiscal years. A large portion of our future expenditures is to fund our growth, and we can adjust our capital
and operating expenditures by operating segment, including future expansion of our product offerings, retail and service locations,
body shops, Mobile Service fleet, and Supercharger network. For example, if our near-term manufacturing operations decrease in
scale or ramp more slowly than expected, including due to global economic conditions and levels of consumer outlook and spend
impacting demand in the worldwide transportation, automotive and energy product industries, we may choose to correspondingly
slow the pace of our capital expenditures. We may need or want to raise additional funds in the future, and these funds may not be
available to us when we need or want them, or at all. If we cannot raise additional funds when we need or want them, our
operations and prospects could be negatively affected.
In addition, we had $2.63 billion of unused committed amounts under our credit facilities and financing funds as of
December 31, 2020, some of which are subject to satisfying specified conditions prior to draw-down (such as pledging to our
lenders sufficient amounts of qualified receivables, inventories, leased vehicles and our interests in those leases, solar energy
systems and the associated customer contracts, our interests in financing funds or various other assets; and contributing or selling
qualified solar energy systems and the associated customer contracts or qualified leased vehicles and our interests in those leases
into the financing funds). For details regarding our indebtedness and financing funds, refer to Note 12, Debt, and Note 17, Variable
Interest Entity Arrangements to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $3.54 billion to $5.94 billion during the year ended December 31,
2020 from $2.40 billion during the year ended December 31, 2019. This increase was primarily due to the increase in net income
excluding non-cash expenses and gains of $2.82 billion, the decrease in net operating assets and liabilities of $533 million and
$188 million of the repayment of our 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2019 during the three months ended March 31, 2019
(which represents the portion of the repayment that was classified as an operating activity, as this represented an interest payment
on the deeply-discounted convertible senior notes). The decrease in our net operating assets and liabilities was mainly driven by a
larger increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year from
ramp up in production at the Fremont Factory and Gigafactory Shanghai. The decrease in our net operating assets and liabilities
was partially offset by a smaller increase in deferred revenue primarily due to delivery of regulatory credits in 2020 under a
previous arrangement where we had received payment in advance as of December 31, 2019, a larger increase in operating lease
vehicles as Model 3 direct leasing was introduced in the second quarter of 2019 and Model Y direct leasing was introduced in the
third quarter of 2020, and a larger increase in accounts receivables of government rebates already passed through to customers.
Cash flows from financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019 consisted primarily of $1.82 billion from the
issuance of the 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 (“2024 Notes”), net of transaction costs, and $848 million from the
issuance of common stock, net of underwriting discounts, in registered public offerings, $736 million of net borrowings under loan
agreements entered into by certain Chinese subsidiaries, $394 million of net borrowings for automotive asset-backed notes and
$174 million from the issuance of warrants in connection with the offering of the 2024 Notes. These cash inflows were partially
offset by a $732 million portion of the repayment of our 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2019 that was classified as
financing activity, a $566 million repayment of our 1.625% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2019, a purchase of convertible note
hedges of $476 million in connection with the offering of the 2024 Notes and collateralized lease repayments of $389 million.
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Contractual Obligations
We are party to contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties, including certain debt
financing arrangements and leases, primarily for stores, service centers, certain manufacturing facilities and certain corporate
offices. These also include, as part of our normal business practices, contracts with suppliers for purchases of certain raw materials,
components and services to facilitate adequate supply of these materials and services and capacity reservation contracts. The
following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2020, certain significant obligations that will affect our future liquidity (in millions):
(1) These amounts represent (i) purchase orders of $5.95 billion issued under binding and enforceable agreements with all
vendors as of December 31, 2020 and (ii) $12.37 billion in other estimable purchase obligations pursuant to such agreements,
primarily relating to the purchase of lithium-ion cells produced by Panasonic at Gigafactory Nevada, including any
additional amounts we may have to pay vendors if we do not meet certain minimum purchase obligations. In cases where no
purchase orders were outstanding under binding and enforceable agreements as of December 31, 2020, we have included
estimated amounts based on our best estimates and assumptions or discussions with the relevant vendors as of such date or,
where applicable, on amounts or assumptions included in such agreements for purposes of discussion or reference. In certain
cases, such estimated amounts were subject to contingent events. Furthermore, these amounts do not include future payments
for purchase obligations that were recorded in accounts payable or accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2020.
(2) This includes non-recourse debt repayments, including scheduled interest, of $5.16 billion. Non-recourse debt refers to debt
that is recourse to only assets of our subsidiaries. Short-term scheduled interest payments and amortization of convertible
senior note conversion features, debt discounts and deferred financing costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 is $342
million. Long-term scheduled interest payments and amortization of convertible senior note conversion features, debt
discounts and deferred financing costs for the years thereafter is $1.13 billion.
The table above excludes unrecognized tax benefits of $353 million because if recognized, they would be an adjustment to
our deferred tax assets.
We offer resale value guarantees or similar buyback terms to certain customers who purchase and finance their vehicles
through one of our specified commercial banking partners and certain leasing partners (refer to Automotive Sales with Resale Value
Guarantee or a Buyback Option in Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included
elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). The maximum amount we could be required to pay under these programs, should
customers exercise their resale value guarantees or buyback options, would be $1.84 billion over the next five years, of which $394
million is within a 12-month period from December 31, 2020. We have not included this in the table above as it is unknown how
many customers will exercise their options. Additionally, we plan to resell any vehicles which are returned to us and therefore, the
actual exposure to us is deemed to be limited.
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We have also experienced, and will continue to experience, fluctuations in our net income (loss) as a result of gains (losses)
on the settlement and the re-measurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies that are not the local
currency (primarily consisting of our intercompany and cash and cash equivalents balances). For the year ended December 31,
2020, we recognized a net foreign currency loss of $114 million in other (expense) income, net, with our largest re-measurement
exposures from the U.S. dollar, euro and Canadian dollar as our subsidiaries’ monetary assets and liabilities are denominated in
various local currencies. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized a net foreign currency gain of $48 million in other
(expense) income, net, with our largest re-measurement exposures from the U.S. dollar, British pound and Canadian dollar.
We considered the historical trends in foreign currency exchange rates and determined that it is reasonably possible that
adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates of 10% for all currencies could be experienced in the near-term. These changes
were applied to our total monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than our local currencies at the balance
sheet date to compute the impact these changes would have had on our net income (loss) before income taxes. These changes
would have resulted in a benefit of $8 million at December 31, 2020 and an adverse impact of $362 million at December 31, 2019
assuming no foreign currency hedging.
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Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 51
Consolidated Balance Sheets 54
Consolidated Statements of Operations 55
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 56
Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity 57
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 58
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 59
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Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tesla, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December
31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), of redeemable
noncontrolling interests and equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, including
the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases
in 2019 and the manner in which it accounts for revenue from contracts with customers in 2018.
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control
over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express
opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based
on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of
the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial
reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.
Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of
the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate
opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the sales return reserve related to resale value guarantees or
buyback options was $703 million as of December 31, 2020, of which $202 million was short-term. The Company offers some
customers resale value guarantees or buyback options. Under these programs, the Company receives full payment for the vehicle
sales price at the time of delivery and the customer has the option of selling their vehicle back to the Company during the
guarantee period for a pre-determined resale value. In circumstances where management does not believe the customer has a
significant economic incentive to exercise the resale value guarantee or buyback option provided to them at contract inception, the
Company recognizes revenue when control transfers upon delivery to a customer as a sale with a right of return. In circumstances
where management believes the customer has a significant economic incentive to exercise the resale value guarantee or buyback
option at contract inception, the Company recognizes the transaction as an operating lease. Management’s determination of
whether there is a significant economic incentive includes comparing a vehicle’s estimated market value at the time the option is
exercisable with the guaranteed resale value. Sales return reserves are estimated based on historical experience plus consideration
for expected future market values. On a quarterly basis, management assesses the estimated future market values of vehicles under
these programs, taking into account price adjustments on vehicle offerings and changes in market conditions subsequent to the
initial sale to determine the need for changes to the reserve.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to automotive sales to customers with a
resale value guarantee or buyback option is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management in determining the
sales return reserve when customers do not have a significant economic incentive to exercise their option; this in turn led to a high
degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to the sales
return reserve when customers do not have a significant economic incentive.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall
opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to
automotive revenue recognition for sales to customers with a resale value guarantee or buyback option as well as the related sales
return reserve, including controls over management’s estimate of expected future market values and historical experience. These
procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for determining whether customers have a significant
economic incentive to exercise their put rights under the resale value guarantee and buyback option programs and, if not, the
related sales return reserve. This included evaluating the appropriateness of the model applied and the reasonableness of significant
assumptions related to historical experience and the estimated expected future market values used in the comparison to guaranteed
resale amounts. Evaluating assumptions related to historical experience and estimated expected future market values involved
evaluating whether the assumptions used were reasonable considering current and past performance and consistency with evidence
obtained in other areas of the audit. Procedures were performed to evaluate the reliability, completeness and relevance of
management’s data used in the development of the historical experience assumption.
As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, total accrued warranty, which primarily relates to the automotive
segment, was $1,468 million as of December 31, 2020. The Company provides a manufacturer’s warranty on all new and used
Tesla vehicles. As described in Note 2, a warranty reserve is accrued for these products sold, which includes management’s best
estimate of the projected costs to repair or replace items under warranty, including recalls when identified. These estimates are
based on actual claims incurred to date and an estimate of the nature, frequency and costs of future claims.
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The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the automotive warranty reserve is a
critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management in determining the warranty reserve; this in turn led to significant
auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures to evaluate the estimate of the nature, frequency and costs of
future claims, and the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall
opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to
management’s estimate of the automotive warranty reserve, including controls over management’s estimate of the nature,
frequency and costs of future claims as well as the completeness and accuracy of actual claims incurred to date. These procedures
also included, among others, testing management’s process for determining the automotive warranty reserve. This included
evaluating the appropriateness of the model applied and the reasonableness of significant assumptions related to the nature and
frequency of future claims and the related costs to repair or replace items under warranty. Evaluating the assumptions related to the
nature and frequency of future claims and the related costs to repair or replace items under warranty involved evaluating whether
the assumptions used were reasonable considering current and past performance, including a lookback analysis comparing prior
period forecasted claims to actual claims incurred. These procedures also included developing an independent estimate of a portion
of the warranty accrual, comparing the independent estimate to management’s estimate to evaluate the reasonableness of the
estimate, and testing the completeness and accuracy of historical vehicle claims. Procedures were performed to test the reliability,
completeness, and relevance of management’s data related to the historical claims processed and that such claims were
appropriately used by management in the estimation of future claims. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were
used to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of aspects of management’s model for estimating the nature and frequency of future
claims, and testing management’s warranty reserve for a portion of future warranty claims.
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Tesla, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions, except per share data)
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the five-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in
August 2020. See Note 1, Overview, for details.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Tesla, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in millions, except per share data)
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the five-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in
August 2020. See Note 1, Overview, for details.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Tesla, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(in millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Tesla, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity
(in millions, except per share data)
Accumulated
Redeemable Additional Other Total Noncontrolling
Noncontrolling Common Stock Paid-In Accumulated Comprehensive Stockholders' Interests in Total
Interests Shares (1) Amount (1) Capital (1) Deficit Income (Loss) Equity Subsidiaries Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2017 $ 398 844 $ 1 $ 9,177 $ (4,974 ) $ 33 $ 4,237 $ 997 $ 5,234
Adjustments for prior periods from
adopting ASC 606 8 — — — 623 — 623 (89 ) 534
Adjustments for prior periods from
adopting Accounting Standards
Update No. 2017-05 — — — — 9 — 9 — 9
Exercises of conversion feature of
convertible senior notes — 1 0 0 — — 0 — 0
Issuance of common stock for
equity incentive awards — 18 0 296 — — 296 — 296
Stock-based compensation — — — 775 — — 775 — 775
Contributions from noncontrolling
interests 276 — — — — — — 161 161
Distributions to noncontrolling
interests (61 ) — — — — — — (210 ) (210 )
Other (3 ) — — — — — — — —
Net loss (62 ) — — — (976 ) — (976 ) (25 ) (1,001 )
Other comprehensive loss — — — — — (41 ) (41 ) — (41 )
Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 556 863 $ 1 $ 10,248 $ (5,318 ) $ (8 ) $ 4,923 $ 834 $ 5,757
Adjustments for prior periods from
adopting ASC 842 — — — — 97 — 97 — 97
Conversion feature of 2.00%
Convertible Senior Notes due in
2024 ("2024 Notes") — — — 491 — — 491 — 491
Purchase of convertible note
hedges — — — (476 ) — — (476 ) — (476 )
Sales of warrants — — — 174 — — 174 — 174
Issuance of common stock for
equity incentive awards and
acquisitions, net of transaction
costs — 24 0 482 — — 482 — 482
Issuance of common stock in May
2019 public offering at $48.60 per
share (1), net of
issuance costs of $15 — 18 0 848 — — 848 — 848
Stock-based compensation — — — 973 — — 973 — 973
Contributions from noncontrolling
interests 105 — — — — — — 174 174
Distributions to noncontrolling
interests (65 ) — — — — — — (198 ) (198 )
Other (1 ) — — (4 ) — — (4 ) — (4 )
Net income (loss) 48 — — — (862 ) — (862 ) 39 (823 )
Other comprehensive loss — — — — — (28 ) (28 ) — (28 )
Balance as of December 31, 2019 $ 643 905 $ 1 $ 12,736 $ (6,083 ) $ (36 ) $ 6,618 $ 849 $ 7,467
Adjustments for prior periods from
adopting ASU 2016-13 — — — (37 ) — (37 ) — (37 )
Reclassification between equity
and mezzanine equity for
convertible senior notes — — — (51 ) — — (51 ) — (51 )
Exercises of conversion feature of
convertible senior notes — 2 0 59 — — 59 — 59
Issuance of common stock for
equity incentive awards — 19 0 417 — — 417 — 417
Issuance of common stock in
public offerings, net of
issuance costs of $68 (1) — 34 0 12,269 — — 12,269 — 12,269
Stock-based compensation — — — 1,861 — — 1,861 — 1,861
Contributions from noncontrolling
interests 7 — — — — — — 17 17
Distributions to noncontrolling
interests (67 ) — — — — — — (132 ) (132 )
Buy-outs of noncontrolling
interests (4 ) — — (31 ) — — (31 ) — (31 )
Net income 25 — — — 721 — 721 116 837
Other comprehensive income — — — — — 399 399 — 399
Balance as of December 31, 2020 $ 604 960 $ 1 $ 27,260 $ (5,399 ) $ 363 $ 22,225 $ 850 $ 23,075
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the five-for-one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend in
August 2020. See Note 1, Overview, for details regarding stock split and public offerings.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Tesla, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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Tesla, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 – Overview
Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on July 1, 2003. We
design, develop, manufacture and sell high-performance fully electric vehicles and design, manufacture, install and sell solar
energy generation and energy storage products. Our Chief Executive Officer, as the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”),
organizes our company, manages resource allocations and measures performance among two operating and reportable segments:
(i) automotive and (ii) energy generation and storage.
As of and following December 31, 2020, there has continued to be widespread impact from the coronavirus disease
(“COVID-19”) pandemic. In 2020, we temporarily suspended operations at each of our manufacturing facilities worldwide for a
part of the first half of the year. Some of our suppliers and partners also experienced temporary suspensions before resuming,
including Panasonic, which manufactures battery cells for our products at our Gigafactory Nevada. We also instituted temporary
employee furloughs and compensation reductions while our U.S. operations were scaled back. Finally, reduced operations or
closures at motor vehicle departments, vehicle auction houses and municipal and utility company inspectors resulted in challenges
in or postponements for our new vehicle deliveries, used vehicle sales, and energy product deployments. By the second half of
2020, however, we resumed operations at all of our manufacturing facilities and have continued to increase our output and add
additional capacity and work with each of our suppliers and government agencies on meeting, ramping and sustaining our
production. On the other hand, certain government regulations and shifting social behaviors have continued to limit or close non-
essential transportation, government functions, business activities and person-to-person interactions. In some cases, the relaxation
of such trends has recently been followed by actual or contemplated returns to stringent restrictions on gatherings or commerce.
We cannot predict the duration or direction of such trends, which have also adversely affected and may in the future affect our
operations.
On February 19, 2020, we completed a public offering of our common stock and issued a total of 15.2 million shares (as
adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split, as described in the paragraph below), for total cash proceeds of $2.31 billion, net of
underwriting discounts and offering costs of $28 million.
On August 10, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a five-for-one split of the Company’s common stock effected in the
form of a stock dividend (the “Stock Split”). Each stockholder of record on August 21, 2020 received a dividend of four additional
shares of common stock for each then-held share, distributed after close of trading on August 28, 2020. All share and per share
amounts presented herein have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the Stock Split.
On September 1, 2020, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with certain sales agents to sell $5.00 billion in
shares of our common stock from time to time through an “at-the-market” offering program. Such sales were completed by
September 4, 2020 and settled by September 9, 2020, with the sale of 11,141,562 shares of common stock resulting in gross
proceeds of $5.00 billion and net proceeds of $4.97 billion, net of sales agents’ commissions of $25 million and other offering
costs of $1 million.
On December 8, 2020, we entered into a separate Equity Distribution Agreement with certain sales agents to sell $5.00
billion in shares of our common stock from time to time through an “at-the-market” offering program. Such sales were completed
by December 9, 2020 and settled by December 11, 2020, with the sale of 7,915,589 shares of common stock resulting in gross
proceeds of $5.00 billion and net proceeds of $4.99 billion, net of sales agents’ commissions of $13 million and other offering
costs of $1 million.
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The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles (“GAAP”) and reflect our accounts and operations and those of our subsidiaries in which we have a
controlling financial interest. In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810,
Consolidation, we consolidate any variable interest entity (“VIE”) of which we are the primary beneficiary. We form VIEs with
financing fund investors in the ordinary course of business in order to facilitate the funding and monetization of certain attributes
associated with solar energy systems and leases under our direct vehicle leasing programs. The typical condition for a controlling
financial interest ownership is holding a majority of the voting interests of an entity; however, a controlling financial interest may
also exist in entities, such as VIEs, through arrangements that do not involve controlling voting interests. ASC 810 requires a
variable interest holder to consolidate a VIE if that party has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly
impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the
VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We do not consolidate a VIE in
which we have a majority ownership interest when we are not considered the primary beneficiary. We have determined that we are
the primary beneficiary of all the VIEs (see Note 17, Variable Interest Entity Arrangements). We evaluate our relationships with all
the VIEs on an ongoing basis to ensure that we continue to be the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances
have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and expenses
and related disclosures in the accompanying notes.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been uncertainty and disruption in the global economy and financial markets. The
estimates used for, but not limited to, determining significant economic incentive for resale value guarantee arrangements, sales return
reserves, the collectability of accounts receivable, inventory valuation, fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill, fair value of financial
instruments, fair value and residual value of operating lease vehicles and solar energy systems subject to leases could be impacted. We
have assessed the impact and are not aware of any specific events or circumstances that required an update to our estimates and
assumptions or materially affected the carrying value of our assets or liabilities as of the date of issuance of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K. These estimates may change as new events occur and additional information is obtained. Actual results could differ
materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation in the consolidated
financial statements and the accompanying notes. Restricted cash and MyPower customer notes receivable have been reclassified
to other assets and resale value guarantees has been reclassified to other liabilities.
Revenue Recognition
Adoption of ASC 606 revenue standard
On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective
method.
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Revenue by source
The following table disaggregates our revenue by major source (in millions):
(1) Due to pricing adjustments we made to our vehicle offerings during 2020 and 2019, we estimated that there was a
greater likelihood that customers would exercise their buyback options and adjusted our sales return reserve on vehicles
previously sold under our buyback options program, which resulted in a reduction of automotive sales with resale value
guarantee. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, price adjustments resulted in a reduction of automotive
sales with resale value guarantee by $72 million and $555 million, respectively. The amounts presented represent
automotive sales with resale value guarantee net of such pricing adjustments’ impact.
Automotive Segment
Automotive Sales Revenue
Automotive Sales without Resale Value Guarantee
Automotive sales revenue includes revenues related to deliveries of new vehicles and pay-per-use charges, and specific other
features and services that meet the definition of a performance obligation under ASC 606, including access to our Supercharger
network, internet connectivity, Full Self-Driving (“FSD”) features and over-the-air software updates. We recognize revenue on
automotive sales upon delivery to the customer, which is when the control of a vehicle transfers. Payments are typically received at
the point control transfers or in accordance with payment terms customary to the business. Other features and services such as
access to our Supercharger network, internet connectivity and over-the-air software updates are provisioned upon control transfer
of a vehicle and recognized over time on a straight-line basis as we have a stand-ready obligation to deliver such services to the
customer. We recognize revenue related to these other features and services over the performance period, which is generally the
expected ownership life of the vehicle or the eight-year life of the vehicle. Revenue related to FSD features is recognized when
functionality is delivered to the customer. For our obligations related to automotive sales, we estimate standalone selling price by
considering costs used to develop and deliver the service, third-party pricing of similar options and other information that may be
available.
At the time of revenue recognition, we reduce the transaction price and record a sales return reserve against revenue for
estimated variable consideration related to future product returns. Such return rate estimates are based on historical experience and
are immaterial in all periods presented. In addition, any fees that are paid or payable by us to a customer’s lender when we arrange
the financing are recognized as an offset against automotive sales revenue.
Costs to obtain a contract mainly relate to commissions paid to our sales personnel for the sale of vehicles. Commissions are
not paid on other obligations such as access to our Supercharger network, internet connectivity, FSD features and over-the-air
software updates. As our contract costs related to automotive sales are typically fulfilled within one year, the costs to obtain a
contract are expensed as incurred. Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are classified as automotive sales
revenue, and we have elected to recognize the cost for freight and shipping when control over vehicles, parts, or accessories have
transferred to the customer as an expense in cost of automotive sales revenue. Our policy is to exclude taxes collected from a
customer from the transaction price of automotive contracts.
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With the exception of the Vehicle Sales to Leasing Partners with a Resale Value Guarantee and a Buyback Option program
discussed within the Automotive Leasing section below, we recognize revenue when control transfers upon delivery to customers
in accordance with ASC 606 as a sale with a right of return as we do not believe the customer has a significant economic incentive
to exercise the resale value guarantee provided to them at contract inception. The process to determine whether there is a
significant economic incentive includes a comparison of a vehicle’s estimated market value at the time the option is exercisable
with the guaranteed resale value to determine the customer’s economic incentive to exercise. The performance obligations and the
pattern of recognizing automotive sales with resale value guarantees are consistent with automotive sales without resale value
guarantees with the exception of our estimate for sales return reserve. Sales return reserves for automotive sales with resale value
guarantees are estimated based on historical experience plus consideration for expected future market values. On a quarterly basis,
we assess the estimated market values of vehicles under our buyback options program to determine whether there have been
changes to the likelihood of future product returns. As we accumulate more data related to the buyback values of our vehicles or as
market conditions change, there may be material changes to their estimated values. Due to price adjustments we made to our
vehicle offerings during 2020, we estimated that there is a greater likelihood that customers will exercise their buyback options that
were provided prior to such adjustments. As a result, along with the estimated variable consideration related to normal future
product returns for vehicles sold under the buyback options program, we adjusted our sales return reserve on vehicles previously
sold under our buyback options program resulting in a reduction of automotive sales revenues of $72 million for the year ended
December 31, 2020. If customers elect to exercise the buyback option, we expect to be able to subsequently resell the returned
vehicles, which resulted in a corresponding reduction in cost of automotive sales of $42 million for the year ended December 31,
2020. The net impact was $30 million reduction in gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2020. The total sales return
reserve on vehicles previously sold under our buyback options program was $703 million and $639 million as of December 31,
2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, of which $202 million and $93 million was short term, respectively.
Deferred revenue activity related to the access to our Supercharger network, internet connectivity, FSD features and over-
the-air software updates on automotive sales with and without resale value guarantee consisted of the following (in millions):
Deferred revenue is equivalent to the total transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied, or
partially unsatisfied, as of December 31, 2020. From the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2019, revenue recognized
during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $283 million. From the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2018, revenue
recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $220 million. Of the total deferred revenue on automotive sales with
and without resale value guarantees as of December 31, 2020, we expect to recognize $1.13 billion of revenue in the next
12 months. The remaining balance will be recognized over the performance period as discussed above in Automotive Sales
without Resale Value Guarantee.
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Payments for automotive regulatory credits are typically received at the point control transfers to the customer, or in accordance
with payment terms customary to the business. We recognize revenue on the sale of automotive regulatory credits at the time control
of the regulatory credits is transferred to the purchasing party as automotive sales revenue in the consolidated statements of
operations. Revenue from the sale of automotive regulatory credits totaled $1.58 billion, $594 million and $419 million for the years
ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Deferred revenue related to sales of automotive regulatory credits was $21
million and $140 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We expect to recognize the majority of the deferred
revenue as of December 31, 2020 in the next 12 months.
Our policy is to exclude taxes collected from a customer from the transaction price of automotive contracts.
Vehicle Sales to Leasing Partners with a Resale Value Guarantee and a Buyback Option
We offered buyback options in connection with automotive sales with resale value guarantees with certain leasing partner
sales in the U.S. and where we expected the customer had a significant economic incentive to exercise the resale value guarantee
provided to them at contract inception, we continued to recognize these transactions as operating leases. These transactions
entailed a transfer of leases, which we had originated with an end-customer, to our leasing partner. As control of the vehicles had
not been transferred in accordance with ASC 606, these transactions were accounted for as interest-bearing collateralized
borrowings in accordance with ASC 840, Leases, prior to January 1, 2019. Under this program, cash was received for the full price
of the vehicle and the collateralized borrowing value was generally recorded within resale value guarantees and the customer
upfront down payment was recorded within deferred revenue. We amortize the deferred revenue amount to automotive leasing
revenue on a straight-line basis over the option period and accrue interest expense based on our borrowing rate. The option period
expires at the earlier of the end of the contractual option period or the pay-off of the initial loan. We capitalized vehicles under this
program to operating lease vehicles, net, on the consolidated balance sheets, and we record depreciation from these vehicles to cost
of automotive leasing revenue during the period the vehicle is under a lease arrangement. Cash received for these vehicles, net of
revenue recognized during the period, is classified as collateralized lease (repayments) borrowings within cash flows from
financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Following the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, all new
agreements under this program are accounted for as operating leases and there was no material change in the timing and amount of
revenue recognized over the term. Consequently, any cash flows for new agreements are classified as operating cash activities on
the consolidated statements of cash flows.
At the end of the lease term, we settle our liability in cash by either purchasing the vehicle from the leasing partner for the
buyback option amount or paying a shortfall to the option amount the leasing partner may realize on the sale of the vehicle. Any
remaining balances within deferred revenue and resale value guarantee will be settled to automotive leasing revenue. The end
customer can extend the lease for a period of up to 6 months. In cases where the leasing partner retains ownership of the vehicle
after the end of our option period, we expense the net value of the leased vehicle to cost of automotive leasing revenue. The
maximum amount we could be required to pay under this program, should we decide to repurchase all vehicles, was $42 million
and $214 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, including $23 million within a 12-month period from December
31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had $42 million and $238 million, respectively, of such borrowings recorded in
accrued liabilities and other and other long-term liabilities and $11 million and $29 million, respectively, recorded in deferred
revenue liability. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recognized $77 million, $186 million and $332
million, respectively, of leasing revenue related to this program. The net carrying amount of operating lease vehicles under this
program was $43 million and $190 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
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Revenues related to repair and maintenance services are recognized over time as services are provided and extended service
plans are recognized over the performance period of the service contract as the obligation represents a stand-ready obligation to the
customer. We sell used vehicles, services, service plans, vehicle components and merchandise separately and thus use standalone
selling prices as the basis for revenue allocation to the extent that these items are sold in transactions with other performance
obligations. Payment for used vehicles, services, and merchandise are typically received at the point when control transfers to the
customer or in accordance with payment terms customary to the business. Payments received for prepaid plans are refundable upon
customer cancellation of the related contracts and are included within customer deposits on the consolidated balance sheets.
Deferred revenue related to services and other revenue was immaterial as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
For large commercial and utility grade solar energy system and energy storage system sales which consist of the engineering,
design, and installation of the system, customers make milestone payments that are consistent with contract-specific phases of a
project. Revenue from such contracts is recognized over time using the percentage of completion method based on cost incurred as
a percentage of total estimated contract costs for energy storage system sales and as a percentage of total estimated labor hours for
solar energy system sales. Certain large-scale commercial and utility grade solar energy system and energy storage system sales
also include operations and maintenance service which are negotiated with the design and installation contracts and are thus
considered to be a combined contract with the design and installation service. For certain large commercial and utility grade solar
energy systems and energy storage systems where the percentage of completion method does not apply, revenue is recognized
when control transfers, which is when the product has been delivered to the customer and commissioned for energy storage
systems and when the project has received permission to operate from the utility for solar energy systems. Operations and
maintenance service revenue is recognized ratably over the respective contract term for solar energy system sales and upon
delivery of the service for energy storage system sales. Customer payments for such services are usually paid annually or quarterly
in advance.
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In instances where there are multiple performance obligations in a single contract, we allocate the consideration to the
various obligations in the contract based on the relative standalone selling price method. Standalone selling prices are estimated
based on estimated costs plus margin or using market data for comparable products. Costs incurred on the sale of residential
installations before the solar energy systems are completed are included as work in process within inventory in the consolidated
balance sheets. Any fees that are paid or payable by us to a solar loan lender would be recognized as an offset against revenue.
Costs to obtain a contract relate mainly to commissions paid to our sales personnel related to the sale of solar energy systems and
energy storage systems. As our contract costs related to solar energy system and energy storage system sales are typically fulfilled
within one year, the costs to obtain a contract are expensed as incurred.
As part of our solar energy system and energy storage system contracts, we may provide the customer with performance
guarantees that warrant that the underlying system will meet or exceed the minimum energy generation or energy performance
requirements specified in the contract. In certain instances, we may receive a bonus payment if the system performs above a
specified level. Conversely, if a solar energy system or energy storage system does not meet the performance guarantee
requirements, we may be required to pay liquidated damages. Other forms of variable consideration related to our large
commercial and utility grade solar energy system and energy storage system contracts include variable customer payments that will
be made based on our energy market participation activities. Such guarantees and variable customer payments represent a form of
variable consideration and are estimated at contract inception at their most likely amount and updated at the end of each reporting
period as additional performance data becomes available. Such estimates are included in the transaction price only to the extent
that it is probable a significant reversal of revenue will not occur.
We record as deferred revenue any non-refundable amounts that are collected from customers related to fees charged for
prepayments and remote monitoring service and operations and maintenance service, which is recognized as revenue ratably over
the respective customer contract term. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, deferred revenue related to such customer payments
amounted to $187 million and $156 million, respectively. Revenue recognized from the deferred revenue balance as of
December 31, 2019 was $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Revenue recognized from the deferred revenue
balance as of December 31, 2018 was $41 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. We have elected the practical expedient
to omit disclosure of the amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations for energy generation and
storage sales with an original expected contract length of one year or less and the amount that we have the right to invoice when
that amount corresponds directly with the value of the performance to date. As of December 31, 2020, total transaction price
allocated to performance obligations that were unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied for contracts with an original expected length of
more than one year was $100 million. Of this amount, we expect to recognize $6 million in the next 12 months and the remaining
over a period up to 27 years.
For solar energy systems where customers purchase electricity from us under PPAs prior to January 1, 2019, we have
determined that these agreements should be accounted for as operating leases pursuant to ASC 840. Revenue is recognized based
on the amount of electricity delivered at rates specified under the contracts, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met.
We record as deferred revenue any amounts that are collected from customers, including lease prepayments, in excess of
revenue recognized and operations and maintenance service fees, which is recognized as revenue ratably over the respective
customer contract term. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, deferred revenue related to such customer payments amounted to
$206 million and $226 million, respectively. Deferred revenue also includes the portion of rebates and incentives received from
utility companies and various local and state government agencies, which is recognized as revenue over the lease term. As of
December 31, 2020 and 2019, deferred revenue from rebates and incentives amounted to $29 million and $36 million, respectively.
We capitalize initial direct costs from the execution of agreements for solar energy systems and PPAs, which include the referral
fees and sales commissions, as an element of solar energy systems, net, and subsequently amortize these costs over the term of the
related agreements.
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Cost of Revenues
Automotive Segment
Automotive Sales
Cost of automotive sales revenue includes direct parts, material and labor costs, manufacturing overhead, including
depreciation costs of tooling and machinery, shipping and logistic costs, vehicle connectivity costs, allocations of electricity and
infrastructure costs related to our Supercharger network, and reserves for estimated warranty expenses. Cost of automotive sales
revenues also includes adjustments to warranty expense and charges to write down the carrying value of our inventory when it
exceeds its estimated net realizable value and to provide for obsolete and on-hand inventory in excess of forecasted demand.
Automotive Leasing
Cost of automotive leasing revenue includes the amortization of operating lease vehicles over the lease term, cost of goods
sold associated with direct sales-type leases, as well as warranty expenses related to leased vehicles. Cost of automotive leasing
revenue also includes vehicle connectivity costs and allocations of electricity and infrastructure costs related to our Supercharger
network for vehicles under our leasing programs.
Leases
We adopted ASC 842, Leases, as of January 1, 2019 using the cumulative effect adjustment approach (“adoption of the new
lease standard”). In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new
standard, which allowed us to carry forward the historical determination of contracts as leases, lease classification and not reassess
initial direct costs for historical lease arrangements. Accordingly, previously reported financial statements, including footnote
disclosures, have not been recast to reflect the application of the new standard to all comparative periods presented. The finance lease
classification under ASC 842 includes leases previously classified as capital leases under ASC 840.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in
effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when
necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
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We record liabilities related to uncertain tax positions when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are supportable,
we believe that it is more likely than not that those positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities. Accrued
interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax expense.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”)
earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. Under GAAP, we can make an accounting policy election to either treat taxes due on the
GILTI inclusion as a current period expense or factor such amounts into our measurement of deferred taxes. We elected the
deferred method, under which we recorded the corresponding deferred tax assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets,
currently subject to valuation allowance.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize compensation expense for costs related to all share-based payments, including stock options, restricted stock
units (“RSUs”) and our employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP”). The fair value of stock option awards with only service and/or
performance conditions is estimated on the grant or offering date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of
RSUs is measured on the grant date based on the closing fair market value of our common stock. Stock-based compensation
expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, net of actual forfeitures in the period.
For performance-based awards, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the expected performance
achievement period of individual performance milestones when the achievement of each individual performance milestone
becomes probable. For performance-based awards with a vesting schedule based entirely on the attainment of both performance
and market conditions, stock-based compensation expense associated with each tranche is recognized over the longer of (i) the
expected achievement period for the operational milestone for such tranche and (ii) the expected achievement period for the related
market capitalization milestone determined on the grant date, beginning at the point in time when the relevant operational
milestone is considered probable of being achieved. If such operational milestone becomes probable any time after the grant date,
we will recognize a cumulative catch-up expense from the grant date to that point in time. If the related market capitalization
milestone is achieved earlier than its expected achievement period and the achievement of the related operational milestone, then
the stock-based compensation expense will be recognized over the expected achievement period for the operational milestone,
which may accelerate the rate at which such expense is recognized. The fair value of such awards is estimated on the grant date
using Monte Carlo simulations (see Note 14, Equity Incentive Plans).
As we accumulate additional employee stock-based awards data over time and as we incorporate market data related to our
common stock, we may calculate significantly different volatilities and expected lives, which could materially impact the valuation
of our stock-based awards and the stock-based compensation expense that we will recognize in future periods. Stock-based
compensation expense is recorded in cost of revenues, research and development expense and selling, general and administrative
expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
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Net Income (Loss) per Share of Common Stock Attributable to Common Stockholders
Basic net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to common stockholders is calculated by dividing net income
(loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding for the period. During the
year ended December 31, 2020, we decreased net income attributable to common stockholders by $31 million to arrive at the
numerator used to calculate net income per share. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we increased net loss attributable to
common stockholders by $8 million to arrive at the numerator used to calculate net loss per share. These adjustments represent the
difference between the cash we paid to the financing fund investors for their noncontrolling interest in our subsidiaries and the
carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest on our consolidated balance sheets, in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings per
Share. Potentially dilutive shares, which are based on the weighted-average shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock-
based awards, warrants and convertible senior notes using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable, are
included when calculating diluted net income (loss) per share of common stock attributable to common stockholders when their
effect is dilutive. Since we intend to settle or have settled in cash the principal outstanding under our 0.25% Convertible Senior
Notes due in 2019 (“2019 Notes”), 1.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2021 (“2021 Notes”), 2.375% Convertible Senior Notes
due in 2022 (“2022 Notes”), 2024 Notes and our subsidiary’s 5.50% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2022, we use the treasury
stock method applied using our average share price during the period when calculating their potential dilutive effect, if any.
Furthermore, in connection with the offerings of our convertible senior notes, we entered into convertible note hedges and warrants
(see Note 12, Debt). However, our convertible note hedges are not included when calculating potentially dilutive shares since their
effect is always anti-dilutive. Warrants which have a strike price above our average share price during the period were out of the
money and were not included in the tables below. Warrants will be included in the weighted-average shares used in computing
basic net income (loss) per share of common stock in the period(s) they are settled.
The following table presents the reconciliation of basic to diluted weighted average shares used in computing net income
(loss) per share of common stock attributable to common stockholders, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split (in millions):
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The following table presents the potentially dilutive shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income
(loss) per share of common stock attributable to common stockholders, because their effect was anti-dilutive (in millions):
Business Combinations
We account for business acquisitions under ASC 805, Business Combinations. The total purchase consideration for an
acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities assumed at the acquisition
date. Costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets (including intangible assets),
liabilities assumed (including contingent liabilities) and noncontrolling interests in an acquisition are measured initially at their fair
values at the acquisition date. We recognize goodwill if the fair value of the total purchase consideration and any noncontrolling
interests is in excess of the net fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. We recognize a bargain
purchase gain within other income (expense), net, on the consolidated statement of operations if the net fair value of the
identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is in excess of the fair value of the total purchase consideration and any
noncontrolling interests. We include the results of operations of the acquired business in the consolidated financial statements
beginning on the acquisition date.
Restricted Cash
We maintain certain cash balances restricted as to withdrawal or use. Our restricted cash is comprised primarily of cash as
collateral for our sales to lease partners with a resale value guarantee, letters of credit, real estate leases, insurance policies, credit
card borrowing facilities and certain operating leases. In addition, restricted cash includes cash received from certain fund
investors that have not been released for use by us and cash held to service certain payments under various secured debt facilities.
We record restricted cash as other assets in the consolidated balance sheets and determine current or non-current classification
based on the expected duration of the restriction.
Our total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows, was as
follows (in millions):
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Depending on the day of the week on which the end of a fiscal quarter falls, our accounts receivable balance may fluctuate as
we are waiting for certain customer payments to clear through our banking institutions and receipts of payments from our
financing partners, which can take up to approximately two weeks based on the contractual payment terms with such partners. Our
accounts receivable balances associated with our sales of regulatory credits, which are typically transferred to other manufacturers
during the last few days of the quarter, is dependent on contractual payment terms. Additionally, government rebates can take up to
a year or more to be collected depending on the customary processing timelines of the specific jurisdictions issuing them. These
various factors may have a significant impact on our accounts receivable balance from period to period.
Concentration of Risk
Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents, restricted
cash, accounts receivable, convertible note hedges, and interest rate swaps. Our cash balances are primarily invested in money
market funds or on deposit at high credit quality financial institutions in the U.S. These deposits are typically in excess of insured
limits. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, no entity represented 10% or more of our total accounts receivable balance. The risk of
concentration for our convertible note hedges and interest rate swaps is mitigated by transacting with several highly-rated
multinational banks.
Supply Risk
We are dependent on our suppliers, the majority of which are single source suppliers, and the inability of these suppliers to
deliver necessary components of our products in a timely manner at prices, quality levels and volumes acceptable to us, or our
inability to efficiently manage these components from these suppliers, could have a material adverse effect on our business,
prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Although all of our manufacturing facilities are operational, and we continue to increase our output and add additional
capacity and are working with each of our suppliers and government agencies on meeting, ramping and sustaining our production,
our ability to sustain this trajectory depends, among other things, on the readiness and solvency of our suppliers and vendors
through any macroeconomic factors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inventory Valuation
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is computed using standard cost for vehicles and
energy storage products, which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis. In addition, cost for solar energy systems is
recorded using actual cost. We record inventory write-downs for excess or obsolete inventories based upon assumptions about
current and future demand forecasts. If our inventory on-hand is in excess of our future demand forecast, the excess amounts are
written-off.
We also review our inventory to determine whether its carrying value exceeds the net amount realizable upon the ultimate
sale of the inventory. This requires us to determine the estimated selling price of our vehicles less the estimated cost to convert the
inventory on-hand into a finished product. Once inventory is written-down, a new, lower cost basis for that inventory is established
and subsequent changes in facts and circumstances do not result in the restoration or increase in that newly established cost basis.
Should our estimates of future selling prices or production costs change, additional and potentially material increases to this
reserve may be required. A small change in our estimates may result in a material charge to our reported financial results.
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Depreciation and amortization is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective
assets, as follows:
Solar energy systems pending interconnection will be depreciated as solar energy systems in service when they have been
interconnected and placed in-service. Solar energy systems under construction represents systems that are under installation, which
will be depreciated as solar energy systems in service when they are completed, interconnected and placed in service. Initial direct
costs related to customer solar energy system agreement acquisition costs are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related
customer agreements.
Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms
of the related leases.
Upon the retirement or sale of our property, plant and equipment, the cost and associated accumulated depreciation are
removed from the consolidated balance sheet, and the resulting gain or loss is reflected on the consolidated statement of
operations. Maintenance and repair expenditures are expensed as incurred while major improvements that increase the
functionality, output or expected life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated ratably over the identified useful life.
Interest expense on outstanding debt is capitalized during the period of significant capital asset construction. Capitalized
interest on construction-in-progress is included within property, plant and equipment, net and is amortized over the life of the
related assets.
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Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from
one to thirty years.
Goodwill
We assess goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances
indicate that it might be impaired, by comparing its carrying value to the reporting unit’s fair value. For the years ended
December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, we had not recognized any impairment of goodwill.
Foreign Currency
We determine the functional and reporting currency of each of our international subsidiaries and their operating divisions
based on the primary currency in which they operate. In cases where the functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, we recognize a
cumulative translation adjustment created by the different rates we apply to current period income or loss and the balance sheet.
For each subsidiary, we apply the monthly average functional exchange rate to its monthly income or loss and the month-end
functional currency rate to translate the balance sheet.
Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are a result of the effect of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated
in currencies other than the functional currency. Transaction gains and losses are recognized in other (expense) income, net, in the
consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded net foreign currency
transaction losses of $114 million, gains of $48 million and gains of $2 million, respectively.
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Warranties
We provide a manufacturer’s warranty on all new and used vehicles and a warranty on the installation and components of the
energy generation and storage systems we sell for periods typically between 10 to 25 years. We accrue a warranty reserve for the
products sold by us, which includes our best estimate of the projected costs to repair or replace items under warranties and recalls
when identified. These estimates are based on actual claims incurred to date and an estimate of the nature, frequency and costs of
future claims. These estimates are inherently uncertain given our relatively short history of sales, and changes to our historical or
projected warranty experience may cause material changes to the warranty reserve in the future. The warranty reserve does not
include projected warranty costs associated with our vehicles subject to operating lease accounting and our solar energy systems
under lease contracts or PPAs, as the costs to repair these warranty claims are expensed as incurred. The portion of the warranty
reserve expected to be incurred within the next 12 months is included within accrued liabilities and other, while the remaining
balance is included within other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Warranty expense is recorded as a
component of cost of revenues in the consolidated statements of operations. Due to the magnitude of our automotive business,
accrued warranty balance was primarily related to our automotive segment. Accrued warranty activity consisted of the following
(in millions):
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In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial
Reporting (Topic 848). The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to transactions affected by
reference rate (e.g., LIBOR) reform if certain criteria are met, for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in
accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. The ASU is effective as of March 12,
2020 through December 31, 2022. We will evaluate transactions or contract modifications occurring as a result of reference rate
reform and determine whether to apply the optional guidance on an ongoing basis. The ASU is currently not expected to have a
material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own
Equity. The ASU simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by removing certain separation models in ASC 470- 20,
Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options, for convertible instruments. The ASU updates the guidance on certain embedded
conversion features that are not required to be accounted for as derivatives under Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or that do
not result in substantial premiums accounted for as paid-in capital, such that those features are no longer required to be separated
from the host contract. The convertible debt instruments will be accounted for as a single liability measured at amortized cost. This
will also result in the interest expense recognized for convertible debt instruments to be typically closer to the coupon interest rate
when applying the guidance in Topic 835, Interest. Further, the ASU made amendments to the EPS guidance in Topic 260 for
convertible instruments, the most significant impact of which is requiring the use of the if-converted method for diluted EPS
calculation, and no longer allowing the net share settlement method. The ASU also made revisions to Topic 815-40, which
provides guidance on how an entity must determine whether a contract qualifies for a scope exception from derivative accounting.
The amendments to Topic 815-40 change the scope of contracts that are recognized as assets or liabilities. The ASU is effective for
interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted for periods beginning after
December 15, 2020. Adoption of the ASU can either be on a modified retrospective or full retrospective basis.
We will adopt the ASU on January 1, 2021 on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption is expected to reduce additional
paid in capital and convertible senior notes (mezzanine equity) by approximately $475 million and $50 million, respectively for the
recombination of the equity conversion component of our convertible debt remaining outstanding, which was initially separated
and recorded in equity, remove the remaining debt discounts recorded for this previous separation for approximately $269 million
and reduce property, plant and equipment for previously capitalized interest by approximately $45 million, as a result. The net
effect of these adjustments will be recorded as a reduction in the balance of our opening accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2021.
We currently expect the adoption of the ASU will result in the reduction of non-cash interest expense for the year ending
December 31, 2021 and until the affected notes have been settled, before the impact of reduction of our interest capitalization,
which is not expected to be material. The reduction of depreciation expense through cost of goods sold is not expected to be
material for the year ending December 31, 2021. These reduced expenses will increase the income attributable to common
stockholders for both basic and diluted earnings per share. The required use of the if converted method is not expected to have a
significant impact on the calculation of common share equivalents included in the measure of our diluted earnings per share for our
2021 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2024 Notes and our subsidiary’s 5.50% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2022. The amendments to the
derivative accounting guidance are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The adoption
will have no impact on the consolidated statement of cash flows.
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In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, to simplify the test for
goodwill impairment by removing Step 2. An entity will, therefore, perform the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair
value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying
amount exceeds the fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. An entity still has the
option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. We adopted the ASU
prospectively on January 1, 2020. The ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud
Computing Arrangement that Is a Service Contract. The ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs
incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to
develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). We adopted the
ASU prospectively on January 1, 2020. The ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Maxwell Acquisition
On May 16, 2019 (the “Acquisition Date”), we completed our strategic acquisition of Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
(“Maxwell”), an energy storage and power delivery products company, for its complementary technology and workforce. Pursuant
to the related Agreement and Plan of Merger, each issued and outstanding share of Maxwell common stock was converted into
0.0965 (the “Exchange Ratio”) shares of our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. In addition, Maxwell’s
stock option awards and restricted stock unit awards were assumed by us and converted into corresponding equity awards in
respect of our common stock based on the Exchange Ratio, with the awards retaining the same vesting and other terms and
conditions as in effect immediately prior to the acquisition.
Fair value estimates are based on a complex series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on
estimates and assumptions. The judgments used to determine the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and
liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives and the expected future cash flows and related discount rates, can materially impact our
consolidated financial statements. Significant inputs used for the model included the amount of cash flows, the expected period of
the cash flows and the discount rates.
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The allocation of the purchase price was based on management’s estimate of the Acquisition Date fair values of the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed, as follows (in millions):
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 32
Accounts receivable 24
Inventory 32
Property, plant and equipment, net 27
Operating lease right-of-use assets 10
Intangible assets 105
Prepaid expenses and other assets, current and non-current 3
Total assets acquired 233
Liabilities and equity assumed:
Accounts payable (10)
Accrued liabilities and other (28)
Debt and finance leases, current and non-current (44)
Deferred revenue, current (1)
Other long-term liabilities (14)
Additional paid-in capital (8)
Total liabilities and equity assumed (105)
Net assets acquired 128
Goodwill 79
Total purchase price $ 207
Goodwill represented the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired and was primarily
attributable to the expected synergies from integrating Maxwell’s technology into our automotive segment as well as the acquired
talent. Goodwill is not deductible for U.S. income tax purposes and is not amortized.
Useful Life
Fair Value (in years)
Developed technology $ 102 9
Customer relations 2 9
Trade name 1 10
Total intangible assets $ 105
Maxwell’s results of operations since the Acquisition Date have been included within the automotive segment. Standalone
and pro forma results of operations have not been presented because they were not material to the consolidated financial
statements.
Standalone and pro forma results of operations have not been presented because they were not material to the consolidated
financial statements, either individually or in aggregate.
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Information regarding our intangible assets including assets recognized from our acquisitions was as follows (in millions):
Amortization expense during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $51 million, $44 million and $66
million, respectively.
Total future amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was estimated as follows (in millions):
2021 $ 51
2022 50
2023 44
2024 29
2025 29
Thereafter 95
Total $ 298
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All of our money market funds were classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they were valued using
quoted prices in active markets. Our interest rate swaps were classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy because they
were valued using alternative pricing sources or models that utilized market observable inputs, including current and forward
interest rates.
We estimate the fair value of the Convertible Senior Notes and the 2025 Notes using commonly accepted valuation
methodologies and market-based risk measurements that are indirectly observable, such as credit risk (Level II). In addition, we
estimate the fair values of our solar asset-backed notes and solar loan-backed notes based on rates currently offered for instruments
with similar maturities and terms (Level III). The following table presents the estimated fair values and the carrying values (in
millions):
Note 6 – Inventory
Our inventory consisted of the following (in millions):
(1) Finished goods inventory includes vehicles in transit to fulfill customer orders, new vehicles available for sale, used vehicles,
energy storage products and Solar Roof products available for sale.
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For solar energy systems, we commence transferring component parts from inventory to construction in progress, a
component of solar energy systems, once a lease or PPA contract with a customer has been executed and installation has been
initiated. Additional costs incurred on the leased solar energy systems, including labor and overhead, are recorded within solar
energy systems under construction.
We write-down inventory for any excess or obsolete inventories or when we believe that the net realizable value of
inventories is less than the carrying value. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we recorded write-downs
of $145 million, $138 million and $78 million, respectively, in cost of revenues.
Construction in progress is primarily comprised of construction of Gigafactory Berlin and Gigafactory Texas, expansion of
Gigafactory Shanghai and equipment and tooling related to the manufacturing of our products. We are currently constructing
Gigafactory Berlin under conditional permits. Completed assets are transferred to their respective asset classes, and depreciation
begins when an asset is ready for its intended use. Interest on outstanding debt is capitalized during periods of significant capital
asset construction and amortized over the useful lives of the related assets. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019,
we capitalized $48 million and $31 million, respectively, of interest.
Depreciation expense during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $1.57 billion, $1.37 billion and $1.11
billion, respectively. Gross property, plant and equipment under finance leases as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was
$2.28 billion and $2.08 billion, respectively, with accumulated depreciation of $816 million and $483 million, respectively.
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Panasonic has partnered with us on Gigafactory Nevada with investments in the production equipment that it uses to
manufacture and supply us with battery cells. Under our arrangement with Panasonic, we plan to purchase the full output from
their production equipment at negotiated prices. As the terms of the arrangement convey a finance lease under ASC 842, Leases,
we account for their production equipment as leased assets when production commences. We account for each lease and any non-
lease components associated with that lease as a single lease component for all asset classes, except production equipment classes
embedded in supply agreements. This results in us recording the cost of their production equipment within property, plant and
equipment, net, on the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding liability recorded to debt and finance leases. Depreciation
on Panasonic production equipment is computed using the units-of-production method whereby capitalized costs are amortized
over the total estimated productive life of the respective assets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had cumulatively
capitalized costs of $1.77 billion and $1.73 billion, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets in relation to the production
equipment under our Panasonic arrangement.
In 2019, the Shanghai government agreed to provide $85 million of certain incentives in connection with us making certain
manufacturing equipment investments at Gigafactory Shanghai, of which $46 million was received in cash and the remaining
$39 million was in the form of assets and services contributed by the government. In 2020, the Shanghai government agreed to
provide an additional $122 million of such incentives. Of the total incentives provided between both years, $123 million was
received in cash in 2020. Proceeds from the grant must be spent on qualified capital investments at Gigafactory Shanghai as
stipulated in the agreement. These incentives were taken as a reduction to property, plant and equipment, net, on the consolidated
balance sheets and cash receipts are reflected as investing cash inflows on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
(1) Accrued purchases primarily reflects receipts of goods and services that we had not been invoiced yet. As we are invoiced
for these goods and services, this balance will reduce and accounts payable will increase.
(2) Taxes payable includes value added tax, sales tax, property tax, use tax and income tax payables.
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Note 12 – Debt
The following is a summary of our debt and finance leases as of December 31, 2020 (in millions):
Unpaid Unused
Net Carrying Value Principal Committed Contractual Contractual
Current Long-Term Balance Amount (1) Interest Rates Maturity Date
Recourse debt:
2021 Notes $ 419 — 422 — 1.25 % March 2021
2022 Notes 115 366 503 — 2.375 % March 2022
2024 Notes 171 856 1,282 — 2.00 % May 2024
2025 Notes — 1,785 1,800 — 5.30 % August 2025
Credit Agreement — 1,895 1,895 278 3.3 % July 2023
Solar Bonds and other Loans 4 49 55 — 3.6%-5.8 % January 2021 - January 2031
Total recourse debt 709 4,951 5,957 278
Non-recourse debt:
Automotive Asset-backed Notes 777 921 1,705 — 0.6%-7.9 % August 2021-August 2024
Solar Asset-backed Notes 39 1,076 1,141 — 3.0%-7.7 % September 2024-February 2048
China Loan Agreements — 616 616 1,372 4.0 % June 2021-December 2024
Cash Equity Debt 18 408 439 — 5.3%-5.8 % July 2033-January 2035
Solar Loan-backed Notes 13 133 152 — 4.8%-7.5 % September 2048-September 2049
Warehouse Agreements 37 257 294 806 1.7%-1.8 % September 2022
Solar Term Loan 151 — 151 — 3.7 % January 2021
Automotive Lease-backed Credit Facilities 14 19 33 153 1.9%-5.9 % September 2022-November 2022
Solar Revolving Credit Facility and
other Loans — 81 81 23 2.7%-5.1 % June 2022-February 2033
Total non-recourse debt 1,049 3,511 4,612 2,354
Total debt 1,758 8,462 $ 10,569 $ 2,632
Finance leases 374 1,094
Total debt and finance leases
$ 2,132 $ 9,556
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The following is a summary of our debt and finance leases as of December 31, 2019 (in millions):
Unpaid Unused
Net Carrying Value Principal Committed Contractual Contractual
Current Long-Term Balance Amount (1) Interest Rates Maturity Date
Recourse debt:
2021 Notes $ — $ 1,304 $ 1,380 $ — 1.25 % March 2021
2022 Notes — 902 978 — 2.375 % March 2022
2024 Notes — 1,383 1,840 — 2.00 % May 2024
2025 Notes — 1,782 1,800 — 5.3 % August 2025
Credit Agreement 141 1,586 1,727 499 2.7%-4.8 % June 2020-July 2023
Zero-Coupon Convertible Senior Notes due in
2020 97 — 103 — 0.0 % December 2020
Solar Bonds and other Loans 15 53 70 — 3.6%-5.8 % March 2020-January 2031
Total recourse debt 253 7,010 7,898 499
Non-recourse debt:
Automotive Asset-backed Notes 573 997 1,577 — 2.0%-7.9 % February 2020- May 2023
Solar Asset-backed Notes 32 1,123 1,183 — 4.0%-7.7 % September 2024-February 2048
China Loan Agreements 444 297 741 1,542 3.7%-4.0 % September 2020-December 2024
Cash Equity Debt 10 430 454 — 5.3%-5.8 % July 2033-January 2035
Solar Loan-backed Notes 11 164 182 — 4.8%-7.5 % September 2048-September 2049
Warehouse Agreements 21 146 167 933 3.1%-3.6 % September 2021
Solar Term Loans 8 152 161 — 5.4 % January 2021
Automotive Lease-backed Credit Facility 24 16 40 — 4.2%-5.9 % November 2022
Solar Revolving Credit Facility and
other Loans 23 67 89 6 4.5%-7.4 % March 2020-June 2022
Total non-recourse debt 1,146 3,392 4,594 2,481
Total debt 1,399 10,402 $ 12,492 $ 2,980
Finance leases 386 1,232
Total debt and finance leases $ 1,785 $ 11,634
(1) There are no restrictions on draw-down or use for general corporate purposes with respect to any available committed funds
under our credit facilities and financing funds, except certain specified conditions prior to draw-down, including pledging to
our lenders sufficient amounts of qualified receivables, inventories, leased vehicles and our interests in those leases, solar
energy systems and the associated customer contracts, our interests in financing funds or various other assets and as may be
further described below.
Recourse debt refers to debt that is recourse to our general assets. Non-recourse debt refers to debt that is recourse to only
assets of our subsidiaries. The differences between the unpaid principal balances and the net carrying values are due to convertible
senior note conversion features, debt discounts or deferred financing costs. As of December 31, 2020, we were in material
compliance with all financial debt covenants, which include minimum liquidity and expense-coverage balances and ratios.
As adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split, each $1,000 of principal of these notes is now convertible into 13.8940 shares of
our common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of $71.97 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of
specified events. Holders of these notes have been able to elect to convert on or after December 1, 2020. The settlement of such an
election to convert the outstanding notes would be in cash for the principal amount and, if applicable, cash and/or shares of our
common stock for any conversion premium at our election. As of December 1, 2020, holders of these notes have the option to
convert. Such holders also had the option to convert prior to December 1, 2020 under the circumstances further described
below. Upon the early conversion of the 2021 Notes, we will pay cash for the principal amount and deliver shares of our
common stock based on a daily conversion value. If a fundamental change occurs prior to the applicable maturity date, holders of
these notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal
amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if specific corporate events occur prior to the applicable maturity date,
we would increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert their notes in connection with such an event in certain
circumstances.
In accordance with GAAP relating to embedded conversion features, we initially valued and bifurcated the conversion
features associated with these notes. We recorded to stockholders’ equity $369 million for the conversion feature. The resulting
debt discount is being amortized to interest expense at an effective interest rate of 5.96%.
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In connection with the offering of these notes in March and April 2014, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions
whereby we had the option to purchase 19.2 million shares of our common stock at a price of $71.97 per share, as adjusted to give
effect to the Stock Split. The total cost of the convertible note hedge transactions was $398 million. In addition, we sold warrants
whereby the holders of the warrants have the option to purchase 19.2 million shares of our common stock at a price of $112.13 per
share, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. We received $257 million in total cash proceeds from the sales of these
warrants. Taken together, the purchases of the convertible note hedges and the sales of the warrants are intended to reduce potential
dilution and/or cash payments from the conversion of these notes and to effectively increase the overall conversion from $71.97 to
$112.13 per share, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. As these transactions meet certain accounting criteria, the
convertible note hedges and warrants are recorded in stockholders’ equity and are not accounted for as derivatives. The net cost
incurred in connection with the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions was recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in
capital on the consolidated balance sheet.
During each of the quarters of 2020, the closing price of our common stock exceeded 130% of the applicable conversion
price of the 2021 Notes on at least 20 of the last 30 consecutive trading days of the quarter, causing the 2021 Notes to be
convertible by their holders during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2020. As the settlement of conversion of the 2021 Notes
is in cash for the principal amount and, if applicable, cash and/or shares of our common stock for any conversion premium at our
election, we reclassified $3 million, representing the difference between the aggregate principal of our 2021 Notes and the carrying
value as of December 31, 2020, as mezzanine equity from permanent equity on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31,
2020. The debt discounts recorded on the 2021 Notes are recognized as interest expense through March 2021 and early
conversions have resulted in the acceleration of such recognition through December 31, 2020, including the losses on
extinguishment of debt appearing in the Interest Expense table below.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, $958 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes were converted for
$958 million in cash and 11.1 million shares of our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. As a result, we
recorded a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $6 million. The note hedges we entered into in connection with the issuance of
the 2021 Notes were automatically settled with the respective conversions of the notes, resulting in the receipt of 11.1 million
shares of our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. The related warrants will settle under their terms after
the maturity or settlement of the related convertible debt. The remaining notes outstanding are expected to convert in the first
quarter of fiscal year 2021. As of December 31, 2020, the if-converted value of the 2021 Notes exceeds the outstanding principal
amount by $3.71 billion.
As adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split, each $1,000 of principal of the 2022 Notes is convertible into 15.2670 shares of
our common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of $65.50 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of
specified events. Holders of the 2022 Notes may convert, at their option, on or after December 15, 2021. Further, holders of the
2022 Notes may convert, at their option, prior to December 15, 2021 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any
quarter beginning after June 30, 2017, if the closing price of our common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not
consecutive) during the last 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the
conversion price; (2) during the five-business day period following any five-consecutive trading day period in which the trading
price of the 2022 Notes is less than 98% of the product of the closing price of our common stock and the applicable conversion
rate for each day during such five-consecutive trading day period or (3) if we make specified distributions to holders of our
common stock or if specified corporate transactions occur. Upon a conversion, the 2022 Notes will be settled in cash, shares of our
common stock or a combination thereof, at our election. If a fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date, holders of the
2022 Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their 2022 Notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the
principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if specific corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, we
would increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its 2022 Notes in connection with such an event in certain
circumstances.
In accordance with GAAP relating to embedded conversion features, we initially valued and bifurcated the conversion
feature associated with the 2022 Notes. We recorded to stockholders’ equity $146 million for the conversion feature. The resulting
debt discount is being amortized to interest expense at an effective interest rate of 6.00%.
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In connection with the offering of the 2022 Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions whereby we had the
option to purchase 14.9 million shares of our common stock at a price of $65.50 per share as adjusted to give effect to the Stock
Split. The cost of the convertible note hedge transactions was $204 million. In addition, we sold warrants whereby the holders of
the warrants have the option to purchase 14.9 million shares of our common stock at a price of $131.00 per share. We received
$53 million in cash proceeds from the sale of these warrants. Taken together, the purchase of the convertible note hedges and the
sale of the warrants are intended to reduce potential dilution from the conversion of the 2022 Notes and to effectively increase the
overall conversion price from $65.50 to $131.00 per share, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. As these transactions meet
certain accounting criteria, the convertible note hedges and warrants are recorded in stockholders’ equity and are not accounted for
as derivatives. The net cost incurred in connection with the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions was recorded as a
reduction to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet.
During each of the quarters of 2020, the closing price of our common stock exceeded 130% of the applicable conversion
price of the 2022 Notes on at least 20 of the last 30 consecutive trading days of the quarter, causing the 2022 Notes to be
convertible by their holders during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. As we now expect to
settle a portion of the 2022 Notes in the first quarter of 2021, we reclassified $115 million of the carrying value of the 2022 Notes
from debt and finance leases, net of current portion to current portion of debt and finance leases on our consolidated balance sheet
as of December 31, 2020. Additionally, we reclassified $5 million, representing the difference between the current portion of
aggregate principal of our 2022 Notes and the current portion of the carrying value as of December 31, 2020, as mezzanine equity
from permanent equity on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020. As the settlement of conversion of the
remainder of the 2022 Notes would be in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof is at our election, the
remaining liability is classified as non-current. The debt discounts recorded on the 2022 Notes are recognized as interest expense
through March 2022 and early conversions have resulted in the acceleration of such recognition through December 31, 2020,
including the losses on extinguishment of debt appearing in the Interest Expense table below.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, $474 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes were converted for
$474 million in cash and 6.2 million shares of our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. As a result, we
recorded a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $5 million. The note hedges we entered into in connection with the issuance of
the 2022 Notes were automatically settled with the respective conversions of the 2022 Notes, resulting in the receipt of 6.2 million
shares of our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. The related warrants will settle under their terms after the
maturity or settlement of the 2022 Notes. As of December 31, 2020, the if-converted value of the notes exceeds the outstanding
principal amount by $4.92 billion.
As adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split, each $1,000 of principal of the 2024 Notes is convertible into 16.1380 shares of
our common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of $61.97 per share, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of
specified events. Holders of the 2024 Notes may convert, at their option, on or after February 15, 2024. Further, holders of the
2024 Notes may convert, at their option, prior to February 15, 2024 only under the following circumstances: (1) during any
calendar quarter commencing after September 30, 2019 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of
our common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending
on the last trading day of immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each
trading day; (2) during the five-business day period after any five-consecutive trading day period in which the trading price per
$1,000 principal amount of the 2024 Notes for each trading day of such period is less than 98% of the product of the last reported
sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day, or (3) if specified corporate events occur. Upon
conversion, the 2024 Notes will be settled in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof, at our election. If a
fundamental change occurs prior to the maturity date, holders of the 2024 Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of
their 2024 Notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In
addition, if specific corporate events occur prior to the maturity date, we would increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects
to convert its 2024 Notes in connection with such an event in certain circumstances.
In accordance with GAAP relating to embedded conversion features, we initially valued and bifurcated the conversion
feature associated with the 2024 Notes. We recorded to stockholders’ equity $491 million for the conversion feature. The resulting
debt discount is being amortized to interest expense at an effective interest rate of 8.68%.
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In connection with the offering of the 2024 Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions whereby we had the
option to purchase 29.7 million shares of our common stock at a price of $61.97 per share as adjusted to give effect to the Stock
Split. The cost of the convertible note hedge transactions was $476 million. In addition, we sold warrants whereby the holders of
the warrants have the option to purchase 29.7 million shares of our common stock at a price of $121.50 per share, as adjusted to
give effect to the Stock Split. We received $174 million in cash proceeds from the sale of these warrants. Taken together, the
purchase of the convertible note hedges and the sale of the warrants are intended to reduce potential dilution from the conversion
of the 2024 Notes and to effectively increase the overall conversion price from $61.97 to $121.50 per share. As these transactions
meet certain accounting criteria, the convertible note hedges and warrants are recorded in stockholders’ equity and are not
accounted for as derivatives. The net cost incurred in connection with the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions was
recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet.
During each of the quarters of 2020, the closing price of our common stock exceeded 130% of the applicable conversion
price of the 2024 Notes on at least 20 of the last 30 consecutive trading days of the quarter, causing the 2024 Notes to be
convertible by their holders during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. As we now expect to
settle a portion of the 2024 Notes in the first quarter of 2021, we reclassified $171 million, of the carrying value of the 2024 Notes
from debt and finance leases, net of current portion to current portion of debt and finance leases on our consolidated balance sheet
as of December 31, 2020. Additionally, we reclassified $43 million, representing the difference between the current portion of
aggregate principal of our 2024 Notes and the current portion of the carrying value as of December 31, 2020, as mezzanine equity
from permanent equity on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2020. As the settlement of conversion of the
remainder of the 2024 Notes would be in cash, shares of our common stock or a combination thereof is at our election, the
remaining liability is classified as non-current. The debt discounts recorded on the 2024 Notes are recognized as interest expense
through May 2024 and early conversions have resulted in the acceleration of such recognition through December 31, 2020,
including the losses on extinguishment of debt appearing in the Interest Expense table below.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, $558 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes were converted for
$558 million in cash and 8.0 million shares of our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. As a result, we
recorded a decrease to additional paid-in capital of $31 million. The note hedges we entered into in connection with the issuance of
the 2024 Notes were automatically settled with the respective conversions of the 2024 Notes, resulting in the receipt of 8.0 million
shares of our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. The related warrants will settle under their terms after the
maturity or settlement of the 2024 Notes. As of December 31, 2020, the if-converted value of the notes exceeds the outstanding
principal amount by $13.32 billion.
2025 Notes
In August 2017, we issued $1.80 billion in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes pursuant to Rule 144A and
Regulation S under the Securities Act. The net proceeds from the issuance, after deducting transaction costs, were $1.77 billion.
Credit Agreement
In June 2015, we entered into a senior asset-based revolving credit agreement (as amended from time to time, the “Credit
Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks. Borrowed funds bear interest, at our option, at an annual rate of (a) 1% plus LIBOR or (b)
the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) the lenders’ “prime rate” or (iii) 1% plus LIBOR. The fee for undrawn
amounts is 0.25% per annum. The Credit Agreement is secured by certain of our accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.
Availability under the Credit Agreement is based on the value of such assets, as reduced by certain reserves.
In March 2020, we upsized the Credit Agreement by $100 million, which matures July 2023, to $2.525 billion. In June 2020,
$197 million of commitment under the Credit Agreement expired in accordance with its terms and the total commitment decreased
to $2.328 billion .
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As adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split, each $1,000 of principal of these notes was convertible into 16.6665 shares of
our common stock, which is equivalent to a conversion price of $60.00 per share (subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of
specified events related to dividends, tender offers or exchange offers). The maximum conversion rate is capped at 21.1538 shares
for each $1,000 of principal of these notes, which is equivalent to a minimum conversion price of $47.27 per share. The
convertible senior notes do not have a cash conversion option. The holders of these notes were able to require us to repurchase
their notes for cash only under certain defined fundamental changes. On or after June 30, 2017, these notes are redeemable by us in
the event that the closing price of our common stock exceeds 200% of the conversion price for 45 consecutive trading days ending
within three trading days of such redemption notice at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus any accrued
and unpaid interest.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, $103 million in aggregate principal amount of these notes were converted for
1.7 million shares of our common stock, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. As a result, we recorded an increase to
additional paid-in capital of $101 million.
In August 2020, we transferred beneficial interests related to certain leased vehicles into an SPE and issued $709 million in
aggregate principal amount of Automotive Asset-backed Notes, with terms similar to our other Automotive Asset-backed Notes.
The proceeds from the issuance, net of discounts and fees, were $706 million.
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In December 2019, one of our subsidiaries entered into loan agreements with a syndicate of lenders in China for: (i) a
secured term loan facility of up to RMB 9.0 billion or the equivalent amount drawn in U.S. dollars (the “Fixed Asset Facility”) and
(ii) an unsecured revolving loan facility of up to RMB 2.25 billion or the equivalent amount drawn in U.S. dollars (the “Working
Capital Facility”), in each case to be used in connection with our construction of and production at our Gigafactory Shanghai.
Outstanding borrowings pursuant to the Fixed Asset Facility accrue interest at a rate equal to: (i) for RMB-denominated loans, the
market quoted interest rate published by the People’s Bank of China minus 0.7625%, and (ii) for U.S. dollar-denominated loans,
the sum of one-year LIBOR plus 1.3%. Outstanding borrowings pursuant to the Working Capital Facility incurred interest at a rate
equal to the market quoted interest rate published by the People’s Bank of China minus 0.4525 %. The Fixed Asset Facility is
secured by certain real property relating to Gigafactory Shanghai and both facilities are non-recourse to our other assets. In
December 2020, the Working Capital Facility matured.
In May 2020, one of our subsidiaries entered into an additional Working Capital Loan Contract (the “2020 China Working
Capital Facility”) with a lender in China for an unsecured revolving facility of up to RMB 4.00 billion (or the equivalent amount
drawn in U.S. dollars), to be used for expenditures related to production at our Gigafactory Shanghai. Borrowed funds bear interest
at an annual rate of: (i) for RMB-denominated loans, the market quoted interest rate published by an authority designated by the
People’s Bank of China minus 0.35%, (ii) for U.S. dollar-denominated loans, the sum of one-year LIBOR plus 0.8%. The 2020
China Working Capital Facility is non-recourse to our assets and is scheduled to mature in June 2021, the first anniversary of the
first borrowing under the loan.
Warehouse Agreements
In August 2016, our subsidiaries entered into a loan and security agreement (as amended from time to time, the “2016
Warehouse Agreement”) for borrowings secured by the future cash flows arising from certain leases and the associated leased
vehicles. On August 17, 2017, the 2016 Warehouse Agreement was amended to modify the interest rates and extend the
availability period and the maturity date, and our subsidiaries entered into another loan and security agreement (the “2017
Warehouse Agreement”) with substantially the same terms as and that shared the same committed amount with the 2016
Warehouse Agreement. On August 16, 2018, the 2016 Warehouse Agreement and 2017 Warehouse Agreement were amended to
extend the availability periods thereunder from August 17, 2018 to August 16, 2019 and extend the maturity dates from September
2019 to September 2020. On December 28, 2018, our subsidiaries terminated the 2017 Warehouse Agreement after having fully
repaid all obligations thereunder, and entered into a third loan and security agreement with substantially the same terms as and that
shared the same committed amount with the 2016 Warehouse Agreement (the “2018 Warehouse Agreement”). We refer to these
agreements together as the “Warehouse Agreements”. Amounts drawn under the Warehouse Agreements generally bear or bore
interest at a fixed margin above (i) LIBOR or (ii) the commercial paper rate. The Warehouse Agreements are or were non-recourse
to our other assets.
In August 2020, one of our subsidiaries terminated the 2018 Warehouse Agreement after having fully repaid all obligations
thereunder, leaving the 2016 Warehouse Agreement as the only remaining Warehouse Agreement. In August 2020, we further
amended and restated the 2016 Warehouse Agreement to extend the maturity date to September 2022. The 2016 Warehouse
Agreement currently has an aggregate lender commitment of $1.10 billion, the same amount as the aggregate lender commitment
previously shared with the 2018 Warehouse Agreement prior to the termination of the latter.
Pursuant to the Warehouse Agreements, an undivided beneficial interest in the future cash flows arising from certain leases
and the related leased vehicles has been sold for legal purposes but continues to be reported in the consolidated financial
statements. The interest in the future cash flows arising from these leases and the related vehicles is not available to pay the claims
of our creditors other than pursuant to obligations to the lenders under the Warehouse Agreements. Any excess cash flows not
required to pay obligations under the Warehouse Agreements are or were available for distributions.
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In September 2020, an SPE entered into a revolving credit facility with a bank for borrowings secured by the beneficial
interests related to certain leased vehicles that we transferred to the SPE. Amounts drawn under this facility bear interest at 1.85%
plus LIBOR and are non-recourse to our other assets.
Interest Expense
The following table presents the interest expense related to the contractual interest coupon, the amortization of debt issuance
costs, the amortization of debt discounts and losses on extinguishment of debt on our convertible senior notes with cash conversion
features, which include the 1.50% Convertible Senior Notes due in 2018 (matured in June 2018), the 2019 Notes (matured in
March 2019), the 2021 Notes, the 2022 Notes and the 2024 Notes (in millions):
Pledged Assets
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had pledged or restricted $6.04 billion and $5.72 billion of our assets (consisting
principally of restricted cash, receivables, inventory, SRECs, solar energy systems, operating lease vehicles, land use rights,
property and equipment, and equity interests in certain SPEs) as collateral for our outstanding debt.
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Note 13 – Leases
We have entered into various operating and finance lease agreements for certain of our offices, manufacturing and warehouse
facilities, retail and service locations, equipment, vehicles, and solar energy systems, worldwide. We determine if an arrangement
is a lease, or contains a lease, at inception and record the leases in our financial statements upon lease commencement, which is the
date when the underlying asset is made available for use by the lessor.
We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, and have elected to utilize the practical expedient to
account for lease and non-lease components together as a single combined lease component, from both a lessee and lessor
perspective with the exception of direct sales-type leases and production equipment classes embedded in supply agreements. From
a lessor perspective, the timing and pattern of transfer are the same for the non-lease components and associated lease component
and, the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease.
We have elected not to present short-term leases on the consolidated balance sheet as these leases have a lease term of 12
months or less at lease inception and do not contain purchase options or renewal terms that we are reasonably certain to exercise.
All other lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term at
commencement date. Because most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, we used our incremental borrowing rate
based on the information available at lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.
Our leases, where we are the lessee, often include options to extend the lease term for up to 10 years. Some of our leases also
include options to terminate the lease prior to the end of the agreed upon lease term. For purposes of calculating lease liabilities,
lease terms include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise such options.
Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as cost of revenues or operating
expenses depending on the nature of the leased asset. Certain operating leases provide for annual increases to lease payments based
on an index or rate. We calculate the present value of future lease payments based on the index or rate at the lease commencement
date for new leases commencing after January 1, 2019. For historical leases, we used the index or rate as of January 1, 2019.
Differences between the calculated lease payment and actual payment are expensed as incurred. Amortization of finance lease
assets is recognized over the lease term as cost of revenues or operating expenses depending on the nature of the leased asset.
Interest expense on finance lease liabilities is recognized over the lease term in interest expense.
The balances for the operating and finance leases where we are the lessee are presented as follows (in millions) within our
consolidated balance sheet:
Finance leases:
Solar energy systems, net $ 29 $ 30
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,465 1,600
Total finance lease assets $ 1,494 $ 1,630
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The components of lease expense are as follows (in millions) within our consolidated statements of operations:
Year Ended
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Operating lease expense:
Operating lease expense (1) $ 451 $ 426
(1) Includes short-term leases and variable lease costs, which are immaterial.
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases where we are the lessee is as follows (in millions):
Year Ended
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 456 $ 396
Operating cash outflows from finance leases (interest payments) $ 100 $ 104
Financing cash outflows from finance leases $ 338 $ 321
Leased assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities $ 188 $ 616
Leased assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $ 553 $ 202
As of December 31, 2020, the maturities of our operating and finance lease liabilities (excluding short-term leases) are as
follows (in millions):
Operating Finance
Leases Leases
2021 $ 366 $ 462
2022 327 446
2023 279 412
2024 245 299
2025 204 9
Thereafter 425 7
Total minimum lease payments 1,846 1,635
Less: Interest 306 167
Present value of lease obligations 1,540 1,468
Less: Current portion 286 374
Long-term portion of lease obligations $ 1,254 $ 1,094
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Operating Sales-type
Leases Leases
2021 $ 774 $ 21
2022 594 21
2023 351 21
2024 206 30
2025 191 5
Thereafter 2,102 4
Gross lease receivables $ 4,218 $ 102
The above table does not include vehicle sales to customers or leasing partners with a resale value guarantee as the cash
payments were received upfront. For our solar PPA arrangements, customers are charged solely based on actual power produced
by the installed solar energy system at a predefined rate per kilowatt-hour of power produced. The future payments from such
arrangements are not included in the above table as they are a function of the power generated by the related solar energy systems
in the future.
December 31,
2020
Gross lease receivables $ 102
Unearned interest income (11)
Net investment in sales-type leases $ 91
Reported as:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 17
Other assets 74
Net investment in sales-type leases $ 91
As of December 31, 2020, 49.0 million shares were reserved and available for issuance under the 2019 Plan, as adjusted to
give effect to the Stock Split.
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The following table summarizes our stock option and RSU activity:
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. See Note 1, Overview, for details.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSUs in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $300.51,
$56.55 and $63.29, respectively, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. The aggregate release date fair value of RSUs in the
years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $3.25 billion, $502 million and $546 million, respectively.
The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $1.55 billion,
$237 million and $293 million, respectively.
ESPP
Our employees are eligible to purchase our common stock through payroll deductions of up to 15% of their eligible
compensation, subject to any plan limitations. The purchase price would be 85% of the lower of the fair market value on the first
and last trading days of each six-month offering period. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we issued 1.8
million, 2.5 million and 2.0 million shares under the ESPP, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. There were 34.3 million
shares available for issuance under the ESPP as of December 31, 2020.
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split. See Note 1, Overview, for details.
The fair value of RSUs with service or service and performance conditions is measured on the grant date based on the
closing fair market value of our common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield for zero-coupon U.S.
Treasury notes with maturities approximating each grant’s expected life. We use our historical data in estimating the expected term
of our employee grants. The expected volatility is based on the average of the implied volatility of publicly traded options for our
common stock and the historical volatility of our common stock.
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The achievement status of the operational milestones as of December 31, 2020 was as follows:
Stock-based compensation under the 2018 CEO Performance Award represents a non-cash expense and is recorded as a
selling, general, and administrative operating expense in our consolidated statement of operations. In each quarter since the grant
of the 2018 CEO Performance Award, we have recognized expense, generally on a pro-rated basis, for only the number of tranches
(up to the maximum of 12 tranches) that corresponds to the number of operational milestones that have been achieved or have been
determined probable of being achieved in the future, in accordance with the following principles.
On the grant date, a Monte Carlo simulation was used to determine for each tranche (i) a fixed amount of expense for such
tranche and (ii) the future time when the market capitalization milestone for such tranche was expected to be achieved, or its
“expected market capitalization milestone achievement time.” Separately, based on a subjective assessment of our future financial
performance, each quarter we determine whether it is probable that we will achieve each operational milestone that has not
previously been achieved or deemed probable of achievement and if so, the future time when we expect to achieve that operational
milestone, or its “expected operational milestone achievement time.” When we first determine that an operational milestone has
become probable of being achieved, we allocate the entire expense for the related tranche over the number of quarters between the
grant date and the then-applicable “expected vesting time.” The “expected vesting time” at any given time is the later of (i) the
expected operational milestone achievement time (if the related operational milestone has not yet been achieved) and (ii) the
expected market capitalization milestone achievement time (if the related market capitalization milestone has not yet been
achieved). We immediately recognize a catch-up expense for all accumulated expense for the quarters from the grant date through
the quarter in which the operational milestone was first deemed probable of being achieved. Each quarter thereafter, we recognize
the prorated portion of the then-remaining expense for the tranche based on the number of quarters between such quarter and the
then-applicable expected vesting time, except that upon vesting of a tranche, all remaining expense for that tranche is immediately
recognized.
As a result, we have experienced, and may experience in the future, significant catch-up expenses in quarters when one or
more operational milestones are first determined to be probable of being achieved. Additionally, the expected market capitalization
achievement times are generally later than the related expected operational milestone achievement times. Therefore, if market
capitalization milestones are achieved earlier than originally forecasted, for example due to periods of rapid stock price
appreciation, this has resulted, and may result in the future, in higher catch-up expenses and the remaining expenses being
recognized over shorter periods of time at a higher per-quarter rate.
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During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the first tranche of the 2018 CEO Performance Award vested upon
certification by the Board of Directors that the market capitalization milestone of $100.0 billion and the operational milestone of
$20.0 billion annualized revenue had been achieved. Therefore, the remaining unamortized expense of $22 million for that tranche,
which was previously expected to be recognized ratably in future quarters as determined on the grant date, was accelerated into the
second quarter of 2020. Additionally, the operational milestone of annualized Adjusted EBITDA of $4.5 billion became probable
of being achieved during the second quarter of 2020 and consequently, we recognized a catch-up expense of $79 million in that
quarter.
During the three months ended September 30, 2020, the second and third tranches of the 2018 CEO Performance Award
vested upon certification by the Board of Directors that the market capitalization milestones of $150.0 billion and $200.0 billion
and the operational milestones of annualized Adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 billion and annualized Adjusted EBITDA of $3.0 billion
had been achieved. Therefore, the remaining unamortized expense of $95 million and $118 million associated with the second and
third tranches, respectively, which were previously expected to be recognized ratably in future quarters as determined on the grant
date were accelerated into the third quarter of 2020. Additionally, the operational milestone of annualized Adjusted EBITDA of
$6.0 billion became probable of being achieved during the third quarter of 2020 and consequently, we recognized a catch-up
expense of $77 million in that quarter.
During the three months ended December 31, 2020, the fourth tranche of the 2018 CEO Performance Award vested upon
certification by the Board of Directors that the market capitalization milestone of $250.0 billion and the operational milestone of
annualized Adjusted EBITDA of $4.5 billion had been achieved. Therefore, the remaining unamortized expense of $122 million
for that tranche, which was previously expected to be recognized ratably in future quarters through the third quarter of 2023 as
determined on the grant date, was accelerated into the fourth quarter of 2020. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2020, the
operational milestone of annualized Adjusted EBITDA of $8.0 billion became probable of being achieved and consequently, we
recognized a catch-up expense of $75 million in that quarter.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $264 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for the
operational milestones that were considered either probable of achievement or achieved but not yet certified, which will be
recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.6 years. As of December 31, 2020, we had unrecognized stock-based
compensation expense of $712 million for the operational milestones that were considered not probable of achievement. For the
years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 we recorded stock-based compensation expense of $838 million, $296 million and
$175 million related to the 2018 CEO Performance Award.
As of December 31, 2020, the following performance milestones had been achieved:
• Completion of the first Model X production vehicle;
• Completion of the first Model 3 production vehicle; and
• Aggregate production of 100,000 vehicles in a trailing 12-month period.
We begin recognizing stock-based compensation expense as each performance milestone becomes probable of achievement.
As of December 31, 2020, we had unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $4 million for the performance milestone
that was considered not probable of achievement. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we did not record any
additional stock-based compensation related to the 2014 Performance-Based Stock Option Awards.
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We begin recognizing stock-based compensation expense as each milestone becomes probable of achievement. As of
December 31, 2020, we had unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of $6 million for the performance milestone that was
considered not probable of achievement. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we did not record any additional stock-
based compensation expense related to the 2012 CEO Performance Award. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the stock-based
compensation we recorded related to this award was immaterial.
Our income tax benefits recognized from stock-based compensation arrangements in each of the periods presented were
immaterial due to cumulative losses and valuation allowances. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, stock-
based compensation expense capitalized to our consolidated balance sheets was $89 million, $52 million and $18 million,
respectively. As of December 31, 2020, we had $3.51 billion of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to
non-performance awards, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.
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The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 consisted of the
following (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Current:
Federal $ — $ — $ (1)
State 4 5 3
Foreign 248 86 24
Total current 252 91 26
Deferred:
Federal — (4) —
State — — —
Foreign 40 23 32
Total deferred 40 19 32
Total provision for income taxes $ 292 $ 110 $ 58
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following (in millions):
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As of December 31, 2020, we recorded a valuation allowance of $2.93 billion for the portion of the deferred tax asset that we
do not expect to be realized. The valuation allowance on our net deferred taxes increased by $974 million, increased by $150
million, and decreased by $38 million during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The changes in
valuation allowance are primarily due to additional U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities incurred in the respective year. We have
net $260 million of deferred tax assets in foreign jurisdictions, which management believes are more-likely-than-not to be fully
realized given the expectation of future earnings in these jurisdictions. We did not have material release of valuation allowance for
the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. We continue to monitor the realizability of the U.S. deferred tax assets taking
into account multiple factors, including the results of operations and magnitude of excess tax deductions for stock-based
compensation. We intend to continue maintaining a full valuation allowance on our U.S. deferred tax assets until there is sufficient
evidence to support the reversal of all or some portion of these allowances. Given the improvement in our operating results and
depending on the amount of stock-based compensation tax deduction available in the future, we may release the valuation
allowance associated with the U.S. deferred tax assets in the next few years. Release of all, or a portion, of the valuation allowance
would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and a decrease to income tax expense for the period the release is
recorded.
The reconciliation of taxes at the federal statutory rate to our provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31,
2020, 2019 and 2018 was as follows (in millions):
As of December 31, 2020, we had $9.65 billion of federal and $6.60 billion of state net operating loss carry-forwards
available to offset future taxable income, which will not begin to significantly expire until 2024 for federal and 2031 for state
purposes. A portion of these losses were generated by SolarCity and some of the companies we acquired, and therefore are subject
to change of control provisions, which limit the amount of acquired tax attributes that can be utilized in a given tax year. We do not
expect these change of control limitations to significantly impact our ability to utilize these attributes.
As of December 31, 2020, we had research and development tax credits of $417 million and $373 million for federal and
state income tax purposes, respectively. If not utilized, the federal research and development tax credits will expire in various
amounts beginning in 2024. However, the state of California research and development tax credits can be carried forward
indefinitely. In addition, we have other general business tax credits of $167 million for federal income tax purposes, which will not
begin to significantly expire until 2033.
Federal and state laws can impose substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards
in the event of an “ownership change,” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. We have determined that no
significant limitation would be placed on the utilization of our net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards due to prior
ownership changes.
The local government of Shanghai granted a beneficial corporate income tax rate of 15% to certain eligible enterprises,
compared to the 25% statutory corporate income tax rate in China. Our Gigafactory Shanghai subsidiary was granted this
beneficial income tax rate of 15% for 2019 through 2023.
No deferred tax liabilities for foreign withholding taxes have been recorded relating to the earnings of our foreign
subsidiaries since all such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested. The amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability
associated with these earnings is immaterial.
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As of December 31, 2020, accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax
expense and were immaterial. Unrecognized tax benefits of $353 million, if recognized, would not affect our effective tax rate
since the tax benefits would increase a deferred tax asset that is currently fully offset by a full valuation allowance.
We file income tax returns in the U.S., California and various state and foreign jurisdictions. We are currently under
examination by the IRS for the years 2015 to 2018. Additional tax years within the period 2004 to 2014 and 2019 remain subject to
examination for federal income tax purposes, and tax years 2004 to 2019 remain subject to examination for California income tax
purposes. All net operating losses and tax credits generated to date are subject to adjustment for U.S. federal and California income
tax purposes. Tax years 2008 to 2019 remain subject to examination in other U.S. state and foreign jurisdictions.
The potential outcome of the current examination could result in a change to unrecognized tax benefits within the next
twelve months. However, we cannot reasonably estimate possible adjustments at this time.
The U.S. Tax Court issued a decision in Altera Corp v. Commissioner related to the treatment of stock-based compensation
expense in a cost-sharing arrangement. On June 7, 2019, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (Ninth Circuit) reversed the Tax Court
decision and upheld the validity of Treas. Reg. Section 1.482-7A(d)(2), requiring stock-based compensation costs be included in
the costs shared under a cost sharing agreement. On June 22, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court denied to review the Ninth Circuit
decision. Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial, Tesla has already included stock-based compensation in cost sharing allocation
agreement and hence retains its position.
Under this agreement, we are obligated to, among other things, meet employment targets as well as specified minimum
numbers of personnel in the State of New York and in Buffalo, New York and spend or incur $5.00 billion in combined capital,
operational expenses, costs of goods sold and other costs in the State of New York during the 10-year period beginning April 30,
2018. On an annual basis during the initial lease term, as measured on each anniversary of such date, if we fail to meet these
specified investment and job creation requirements, then we would be obligated to pay a $41 million “program payment” to the
SUNY Foundation for each year that we fail to meet these requirements. Furthermore, if the arrangement is terminated due to a
material breach by us, then additional amounts may become payable by us.
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As we temporarily suspended most of our manufacturing operations at Gigafactory New York pursuant to a New York State
executive order issued in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were granted a one-year deferral of our
obligation to be compliant with our applicable targets under such agreement on April 30, 2020, which was memorialized in an
amendment to our agreement with the SUNY Foundation in July 2020. Moreover, we had exceeded our investment and
employment obligations under this agreement prior to such mandated reduction of operations. We do not currently expect any
issues meeting all applicable future obligations under this agreement. However, if our expectations as to the costs and timelines of
our investment and operations at Buffalo or our production ramp of the Solar Roof prove incorrect, we may incur additional
expenses or substantial payments to the SUNY Foundation.
Legal Proceedings
Securities Litigation Relating to the SolarCity Acquisition
Between September 1, 2016 and October 5, 2016, seven lawsuits were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery by purported
stockholders of Tesla challenging our acquisition of SolarCity Corporation (“SolarCity”). Following consolidation, the lawsuit names
as defendants the members of Tesla’s board of directors as then constituted and alleges, among other things, that board members
breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the acquisition. The complaint asserts both derivative claims and direct claims on
behalf of a purported class and seeks, among other relief, unspecified monetary damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs. On January 27,
2017, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the operative complaint. Rather than respond to the defendants’ motion, the plaintiffs filed
an amended complaint. On March 17, 2017, defendants filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint. On December 13, 2017, the
Court heard oral argument on the motion. On March 28, 2018, the Court denied defendants’ motion to dismiss. Defendants filed a
request for interlocutory appeal, and the Delaware Supreme Court denied that request without ruling on the merits but electing not to
hear an appeal at this early stage of the case. Defendants filed their answer on May 18, 2018, and mediations were held on June 10,
2019. Plaintiffs and defendants filed respective motions for summary judgment on August 25, 2019, and further mediations were
held on October 3, 2019. The Court held a hearing on the motions for summary judgment on November 4, 2019. On January 22,
2020, all of the director defendants except Elon Musk reached a settlement to resolve the lawsuit against them for an amount that
would be paid entirely under the applicable insurance policy. The settlement, which does not involve an admission of any
wrongdoing by any party, was approved by the Court on August 17, 2020. Tesla received payment of approximately $43 million
on September 16, 2020, which has been recognized in our consolidated statement of operations as a reduction to selling, general
and administrative operating expenses for costs previously incurred in the securities litigation related to the acquisition of
SolarCity. On February 4, 2020, the Court issued a ruling that denied plaintiffs’ previously-filed motion and granted in part and
denied in part defendants’ previously-filed motion. Fact and expert discovery is complete, and the case was set for trial in March
2020 until it was postponed by the Court due to safety precautions concerning COVID-19. The current tentative dates for the trial
are from July 12 to July 23, 2021, subject to change based on any further safety measures implemented by the Court.
These plaintiffs and others filed parallel actions in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware on or about April 21,
2017. They include claims for violations of the federal securities laws and breach of fiduciary duties by Tesla’s board of directors.
Those actions have been consolidated and stayed pending the above-referenced Chancery Court litigation.
We believe that claims challenging the SolarCity acquisition are without merit and intend to defend against them vigorously.
We are unable to estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, associated with these claims.
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On October 26, 2018, in a similar action, a purported stockholder class action was filed in the Superior Court of California in
Santa Clara County against Tesla, Elon Musk, and seven initial purchasers in an offering of debt securities by Tesla in August
2017. The complaint alleges misrepresentations made by Tesla regarding the number of Model 3 vehicles Tesla expected to
produce by the end of 2017 in connection with such offering and seeks unspecified compensatory damages and other relief on
behalf of a purported class of purchasers of Tesla securities in such offering. Tesla thereafter removed the case to federal court. On
January 22, 2019, plaintiff abandoned its effort to proceed in state court, instead filing an amended complaint against Tesla, Elon
Musk and seven initial purchasers in the debt offering before the same judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
California who is hearing the above-referenced earlier filed federal case. On February 5, 2019, the Court stayed this new case
pending a ruling on the motion to dismiss the complaint in such earlier filed federal case. After such earlier filed federal case was
dismissed, defendants filed a motion on July 2, 2019 to dismiss this case as well. This case is now stayed pending a ruling from the
Ninth Circuit on the earlier filed federal case with an agreement that if defendants prevail on appeal in such case, this case will be
dismissed. We believe that the claims are without merit and intend to defend against this lawsuit vigorously. We are unable to
estimate the possible loss or range of loss, if any, associated with this lawsuit.
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Between October 17, 2018 and November 9, 2018, five derivative lawsuits were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery
against Mr. Musk and the members of Tesla’s board of directors as then constituted in relation to statements made and actions
connected to a potential going private transaction. In addition to these cases, on October 25, 2018, another derivative lawsuit was
filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Mr. Musk and the members of the Tesla board of directors as
then constituted. The Courts in both the Delaware federal court and Delaware Court of Chancery actions have consolidated their
respective actions and stayed each consolidated action pending resolution of the above-referenced consolidated purported
stockholder class action. We believe that the claims have no merit and intend to defend against them vigorously. We are unable to
estimate the potential loss or range of loss, if any, associated with these lawsuits.
Beginning on March 7, 2019, various stockholders filed derivative suits in the Delaware Court of Chancery, purportedly on
behalf of Tesla, naming Mr. Musk and Tesla’s board of directors as then constituted, also related to Mr. Musk’s August 7, 2018
Twitter post that is the basis of the above-referenced consolidated purported stockholder class action, as well as to Mr. Musk’s
February 19, 2019 Twitter post regarding Tesla’s vehicle production. The suit asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty and seeks
declaratory and injunctive relief, unspecified damages, and other relief. Plaintiffs agreed to a stipulation that these derivative cases
would be stayed pending the outcome of the above-referenced consolidated purported stockholder class action. In March 2019,
plaintiffs in one of these derivative suits moved to lift the stay and for an expedited trial. Briefs were filed on March 13, 2019, and
the hearing was held on March 18, 2019. Defendants prevailed, with the Court denying the plaintiffs’ request for an expedited trial
and granting defendants’ request to continue to stay this suit pending the outcome of the above-referenced consolidated purported
stockholder class action. On May 4, 2020, the same plaintiffs again filed a motion requesting to lift the stay and for an expedited
trial. Briefs were filed on May 13, 2020 and May 15, 2020 and a hearing was held on May 19, 2020. Defendants again prevailed,
with the Court denying plaintiffs’ request to lift the stay and for an expedited trial. The plaintiffs also sought leave to file an
amended complaint, which was granted. The Court entered an order implementing its ruling on May 21, 2020. The amended
complaint asserts additional allegations of breach of fiduciary duty related to two additional Twitter posts by Mr. Musk, dated July
29, 2019 and May 1, 2020, and seeks unspecified damages and declaratory and injunctive relief. We believe that the claims have
no merit and intend to defend against them vigorously. We are unable to estimate the potential loss or range of loss, if any,
associated with these lawsuits.
In particular, the SEC had issued subpoenas to Tesla in connection with (a) Elon Musk’s prior statement that he was
considering taking Tesla private and (b) certain projections that we made for Model 3 production rates during 2017 and other
public statements relating to Model 3 production. The take-private investigation was resolved and closed with a settlement entered
into with the SEC in September 2018 and as further clarified in April 2019 in an amendment. On December 4, 2019, the SEC (i)
closed the investigation into the projections and other public statements regarding Model 3 production rates and (ii) issued a
subpoena seeking information concerning certain financial data and contracts including Tesla’s regular financing arrangements.
Separately, the DOJ had also asked us to voluntarily provide it with information about the above matters related to taking Tesla
private and Model 3 production rates.
Aside from the settlement, as amended, with the SEC relating to Mr. Musk’s statement that he was considering taking Tesla
private, there have not been any developments in these matters that we deem to be material, and to our knowledge no government
agency in any ongoing investigation has concluded that any wrongdoing occurred. As is our normal practice, we have been
cooperating and will continue to cooperate with government authorities. We cannot predict the outcome or impact of any ongoing
matters. Should the government decide to pursue an enforcement action, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on
our business, results of operation, prospects, cash flows, and financial position.
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We are also subject to various other legal proceedings and claims that arise from the normal course of business activities. If
an unfavorable ruling or development were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business,
results of operations, prospects, cash flows, financial position, and brand.
The maximum potential future payments that we could have to make under this obligation would depend on the difference
between the fair values of the solar energy systems sold or transferred to the funds as determined by us and the values that the IRS
would determine as the fair value for the systems for purposes of claiming ITCs. We claim ITCs based on guidelines provided by
the U.S. Treasury department and the statutory regulations from the IRS. We use fair values determined with the assistance of
independent third-party appraisals commissioned by us as the basis for determining the ITCs that are passed-through to and
claimed by the fund investors. Since we cannot determine exactly how the IRS will evaluate system values used in claiming ITCs,
we are unable to reliably estimate the maximum potential future payments that it could have to make under this obligation as of
each balance sheet date.
We are eligible to receive certain state and local incentives that are associated with renewable energy generation. The amount
of incentives that can be claimed is based on the projected or actual solar energy system size and/or the amount of solar energy
produced. We also currently participate in one state’s incentive program that is based on either the fair market value or the tax basis
of solar energy systems placed in service. State and local incentives received are allocated between us and fund investors in
accordance with the contractual provisions of each fund. We are not contractually obligated to indemnify any fund investor for any
losses they may incur due to a shortfall in the amount of state or local incentives actually received.
Letters of Credit
As of December 31, 2020, we had $233 million of unused letters of credit outstanding.
As the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, we consolidate in the financial statements the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows of these VIEs, and all intercompany balances and transactions between us and these VIEs are eliminated
in the consolidated financial statements. Cash distributions of income and other receipts by a fund, net of agreed upon expenses,
estimated expenses, tax benefits and detriments of income and loss and tax credits, are allocated to the fund investor and our
subsidiary as specified in the agreements.
Generally, our subsidiary has the option to acquire the fund investor’s interest in the fund for an amount based on the market
value of the fund or the formula specified in the agreements.
Upon the sale or liquidation of a fund, distributions would occur in the order and priority specified in the agreements.
Pursuant to management services, maintenance and warranty arrangements, we have been contracted to provide services to
the funds, such as operations and maintenance support, accounting, lease servicing and performance reporting. In some instances,
we have guaranteed payments to the fund investors as specified in the agreements. A fund’s creditors have no recourse to our
general credit or to that of other funds. None of the assets of the funds had been pledged as collateral for their obligations.
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The aggregate carrying values of the VIEs’ assets and liabilities, after elimination of any intercompany transactions and
balances, in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in millions):
The cost of the solar energy systems under lease pass-through fund arrangements as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was
$1.05 billion. The accumulated depreciation on these assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $137 million and $101 million,
respectively. The total lease pass-through financing obligation as of December 31, 2020 was $68 million, of which $41 million is
classified as a current liability. The total lease pass-through financing obligation as of December 31, 2019 was $94 million, of
which $57 million was classified as a current liability. Lease pass-through financing obligation is included in accrued liabilities and
other for the current portion and other long-term liabilities for the long-term portion on the consolidated balance sheets.
Under a lease pass-through fund arrangement, the investor makes a large upfront payment to the lessor, which is one of our
subsidiaries, and in some cases, subsequent periodic payments. We allocate a portion of the aggregate investor payments to the fair
value of the assigned ITCs, which is estimated by discounting the projected cash flow impact of the ITCs using a market interest
rate and is accounted for separately. We account for the remainder of the investor payments as a borrowing by recording the
proceeds received as a lease pass-through financing obligation, which is repaid from the future customer lease payments and any
incentive rebates. A portion of the amounts received by the investor is allocated to interest expense using the effective interest rate
method.
The lease pass-through financing obligation is non-recourse once the associated solar energy systems have been placed in-
service and the associated customer arrangements have been assigned to the investors. In addition, we are responsible for any
warranties, performance guarantees, accounting and performance reporting. Furthermore, we continue to account for the customer
arrangements and any incentive rebates in the consolidated financial statements, regardless of whether the cash is received by us or
directly by the investors.
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As of December 31, 2020, the future minimum master lease payments to be received from investors, for each of the next
five years and thereafter, were as follows (in millions):
2021 $ 41
2022 33
2023 26
2024 18
2025 27
Thereafter 423
Total $ 568
For two of the lease pass-through fund arrangements, our subsidiaries have pledged its assets to the investors as security for
its obligations under the contractual agreements.
Each lease pass-through fund arrangement has a one-time master lease prepayment adjustment mechanism that occurs when
the capacity and the placed-in-service dates of the associated solar energy systems are finalized or on an agreed-upon date. As part
of this mechanism, the master lease prepayment amount is updated, and we may be obligated to refund a portion of a master lease
prepayment or entitled to receive an additional master lease prepayment. Any additional master lease prepayments are recorded as
an additional lease pass-through financing obligation while any master lease prepayment refunds would reduce the lease pass-
through financing obligation.
In May 2019, our CEO purchased from us 514,400 shares of our common stock in a public offering at the public offering
price for an aggregate $25 million, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split.
In February 2020, our CEO and a member of our Board of Directors purchased from us 65,185 and 6,250 shares,
respectively, of our common stock in a public offering at the public offering price for an aggregate $10 million and $1 million,
respectively, as adjusted to give effect to the Stock Split.
In June 2020, our CEO entered into an indemnification agreement with us for an interim term of 90 days. During the interim
term, we resumed our annual evaluation of all available options for providing directors’ and officers’ indemnity coverage, which
we had suspended during the height of shelter-in-place requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of such process,
we obtained a binding market quote for a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy with an aggregate coverage limit of
$100 million.
Pursuant to the indemnification agreement, our CEO provided, from his personal funds, directors’ and officers’ indemnity
coverage to us during the interim term in the event such coverage is not indemnifiable by us, up to a total of $100 million. In
return, we paid our CEO a total of $3 million, which represents the market-based premium for the market quote described above as
prorated for 90 days and further discounted by 50%. Following the lapse of the 90-day period, we did not extend the term of the
indemnification agreement with our CEO and instead bound a customary directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy with
third-party carriers.
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The following table presents revenues by geographic area based on the sales location of our products (in millions):
The revenues in certain geographic areas were impacted by the price adjustments we made to our vehicle offerings during
the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019. Refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for details.
The following table presents long-lived assets by geographic area (in millions):
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we carried-out certain restructuring actions in order to reduce costs and improve
efficiency and recognized $37 million of employee termination expenses and estimated losses from sub-leasing a certain facility.
The employee termination cash expenses of $27 million were substantially paid by the end of 2018, while the remaining amounts
were non-cash. Also included within restructuring and other activities was $55 million of expenses (materially all of which were
non-cash) from restructuring the energy generation and storage segment, which comprised of disposals of certain tangible assets,
the shortening of the useful life of a trade name intangible asset and a contract termination penalty. In addition, we concluded that a
small portion of the IPR&D asset is not commercially feasible. Consequently, we recognized an impairment loss of $13 million.
We recognized settlement and legal expenses of $30 million in the year ended December 31, 2018 for the settlement with the SEC
relating to a take-private proposal for Tesla. These expenses were substantially paid by the end of 2018.
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Investments
In January 2021, we updated our investment policy to provide us with more flexibility to further diversify and maximize
returns on our cash that is not required to maintain adequate operating liquidity. As part of the policy, we may invest a portion of
such cash in certain specified alternative reserve assets. Thereafter, we invested an aggregate $1.50 billion in bitcoin under this
policy. Moreover, we expect to begin accepting bitcoin as a form of payment for our products in the near future, subject to
applicable laws and initially on a limited basis, which we may or may not liquidate upon receipt.
We will account for digital assets as indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles–Goodwill
and Other. The digital assets are initially recorded at cost and are subsequently remeasured on the consolidated balance sheet at
cost, net of any impairment losses incurred since acquisition. We will perform an analysis each quarter to identify impairment. If
the carrying value of the digital asset exceeds the fair value based on the lowest price quoted in the active exchanges during the
period, we will recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference in the consolidated statement of operations.
The cost basis of the digital assets will not be adjusted upward for any subsequent increases in their quoted prices on the
active exchanges. Gains (if any) will not be recorded until realized upon sale.
(1) Prior period results have been adjusted to reflect the Stock Split. See Note 1, Overview, for details.
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Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31,
2020, our disclosure controls and procedures were designed at a reasonable assurance level and were effective to provide
reasonable assurance that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules
and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer
and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on criteria
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as
of December 31, 2020.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has audited the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, as stated in their report which is included herein.
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PART III
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item 12 of Form 10-K will be included in our 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated
herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item 13 of Form 10-K will be included in our 2021 Proxy Statement and is incorporated
herein by reference.
PART IV
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Incorporated by Reference Filed
Number Exhibit Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date Herewith
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of 10-K 001-34756 3.1 March 1, 2017
Incorporation of the Registrant.
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to the Amended 10-K 001-34756 3.2 March 1, 2017
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
the Registrant.
3.3 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the 8-K 001-34756 3.2 February 1, 2017
Registrant.
4.1 Specimen common stock certificate of the 10-K 001-34756 4.1 March 1, 2017
Registrant.
4.2 Fifth Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights S-1 333-164593 4.2 January 29, 2010
Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2009,
between Registrant and certain holders of the
Registrant’s capital stock named therein.
4.3 Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated S-1/A 333-164593 4.2A May 27, 2010
Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated as of May
20, 2010, between Registrant and certain
holders of the Registrant’s capital stock named
therein.
4.4 Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated S-1/A 333-164593 4.2B May 27, 2010
Investors’ Rights Agreement between
Registrant, Toyota Motor Corporation and
certain holders of the Registrant’s capital
stock named therein.
4.5 Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated S-1/A 333-164593 4.2C June 15, 2010
Investor’s Rights Agreement, dated as of June
14, 2010, between Registrant and certain
holders of the Registrant’s capital stock named
therein.
4.6 Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated 8-K 001-34756 4.1 November 4,
Investor’s Rights Agreement, dated as of 2010
November 2, 2010, between Registrant and
certain holders of the Registrant’s capital
stock named therein.
4.7 Waiver to Fifth Amended and Restated S-1/A 333-174466 4.2E June 2, 2011
Investor’s Rights Agreement, dated as of May
22, 2011, between Registrant and certain
holders of the Registrant’s capital stock named
therein.
4.8 Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated 8-K 001-34756 4.1 June 1, 2011
Investor’s Rights Agreement, dated as of May
30, 2011, between Registrant and certain
holders of the Registrant’s capital stock named
therein.
4.9 Sixth Amendment to Fifth Amended and 8-K 001-34756 4.1 May 20, 2013
Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated
as of May 15, 2013 among the Registrant, the
Elon Musk Revocable Trust dated July 22,
2003 and certain other holders of the capital
stock of the Registrant named therein.
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* Furnished herewith
** Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
† Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this exhibit
†† Portions of this exhibit have been redacted in compliance with Regulation S-K Item 601(b)(10).
(1) Indicates a filing of SolarCity
(2) Indicates a filing of Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Tesla, Inc.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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