Traditional business metrics are outdated! Tesla is a case in point.

Elon Musk is having a moment. Tesla just delivered its first Model 3, the affordable model that he envisioned in his "secret" strategy some 11 years ago. He wanted to build a sports car, then build a more affordable car with zero emissions. He's basically already there. The Model 3 has mostly rave reviews and a multiyear waiting list, which is quite a feat, even for an industry leader like Musk. And yet confusion still abounds regarding Tesla. There are roughly the same number of buy, hold, and sell ratings on the company, which means Wall Street has no idea what's going on. Tesla's recent announcement to raise $1.5 billion in debt was largely met with a yawn by stockholders, as shares moved down a slight 0.5%. Tesla's ability to surprise has analysts wondering if it is wise to ever bet against Elon Musk. At the core of the confusion over a company like Tesla is that traditional business metrics are outdated and can create overconfidence or underestimation. More here.

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