Why Nikola (NKLA) Stock is Dropping Today

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Oct 31, 2024
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Nikola (NKLA, Financial) shares saw a decline of over 7% in the latest trading session, following the release of its third-quarter financial results. This move comes as investors reacted to the company's report of higher-than-expected losses and lower-than-anticipated revenue figures.

During the quarter, Nikola reported an adjusted loss of $2.75 per share, which exceeded market expectations of a $2.35 loss. Revenue generation was also below expectations, coming in at $25.2 million versus the projected $37.2 million. Despite these setbacks, Nikola has achieved a record sale of 88 hydrogen fuel cell trucks, and maintains its projections to deliver between 300 to 350 units by the end of the fiscal year.

On the stock valuation front, Nikola (NKLA, Financial) is currently priced at $3.92, reflecting concerns regarding its financial health, given its 'Distressed' stock classification. The company's GF Value assessment suggests that it cannot be evaluated with current data, pointing to significant volatility and risk in this investment. More detailed analyses can be found on the GF Value page.

In terms of financial metrics, Nikola's market capitalization stands at approximately $198.34 million, with a price-to-book ratio of 0.36, indicating that the stock is trading below its book value. The company's financial strength is under pressure, highlighted by an Altman Z-Score of -6.16, suggesting potential distress.

Nikola continues to face high costs as it expands its hydrogen transportation infrastructure, which currently burdens its financial results. However, the company's strategic investment in the HYLA energy brand has led to a significant increase in hydrogen dispensing volume, up by nearly 350%. This move is expected to enhance Nikola's capability to meet the hydrogen fueling needs of its customers as operations scale.

Moreover, the company's enterprise value is reported at $243.39 million, reflecting the challenging financial environment and ongoing struggles to achieve profitability. Amidst these hurdles, Nikola is working to improve its operations and maintain investor confidence.

Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.