Aug 18 - Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) is offering leasing companies in the U.K. discounts up to 40% as the EV maker fights a sales slump. The Times reported the move, saying unsold cars and limited storage forced Tesla to cut leasing prices, which partners pass to drivers as lower monthly payments.

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show U.K. Tesla deliveries fell about 60% in July to 987 units. Competition from Chinese automakers, especially BYD (BYDDF), has eroded Tesla's market share, with BYD's registrations rising while Tesla's slipped to 0.7%.

Discounted leases let consumers access Teslas without lowering sticker prices. Some partners now list a Model 3 lease at roughly 252 a month on a 36-month plan, compared with about 600700 a year earlier. Tesla also offers zero-interest retail finance and other incentives; estimates suggest the company may absorb several thousand dollars per vehicle to clear stock.

Tesla runs regional promotions to boost demand, in Canada it has offered unlimited lifetime Supercharging on select Model 3 inventory, while it recalibrates pricing and inventory strategy to counter stiff competition.

Based on the one year price targets offered by 45 analysts, the average target price for Tesla Inc is $299.35 with a high estimate of $500.00 and a low estimate of $19.05. The average target implies a downside of -9.44% from the current price of $330.56.

Based on GuruFocus estimates, the estimated GF Value for Tesla Inc in one year is $261.46, suggesting a downside of -20.90% from the current price of $330.56. Gf value is Gurufocus' estimate of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on the historical multiples the stock has traded at previously, as well as past business growth and the future estimates of the business' performance. For deeper insights, visit the forecast page.