[blang]

Isn't the parent's point that they are not profitable?

[tpolischuk]

Sure, maybe for Tesla, (and other similar growth at all cost technology companies) it it's not immediately profitable. Let's check back in 10 years and see if this makes Tesla and their investors any money.

[ckastner]

By that logic, any company not yet bankrupt could be called profitable.

Profit is a reflection of past performance, not future potential.

[jblow]

By this metric just about every single new business is a failure, including 100% of YC startups. At that point is it a useful distinction to draw?

[ckastner]

Your conclusion is wrong.

A profit is a realized financial gain. In a given period, income surpassed expenses.

A business failure is a business that has failed, it has ended.

A lack of profit can lead to failure, but in no way implies it.

[mhermher]

That doesn't jive with your original argument. So GM made the Bolt because Tesla proved (??) that they "would be profitable in 10 years"? That is what your argument amounts to.