ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (CHPT) recently released their earnings report, which actually turned out better than expected. Management seems pretty confident that they’ll be able to reduce losses and improve profitability by the end of FY24. That’s definitely some positive news.

Now, while ChargePoint is a leader in AC charging infrastructure, they’re facing some challenges in the DC fast-charging market. The recent partnership between Ford and Tesla in the fast-charging space could potentially impact ChargePoint’s position. Ford owners will have access to Tesla’s Supercharger network starting in 2024, which is a pretty big deal. It highlights the effectiveness and superiority of Tesla’s network.

However, ChargePoint’s management doesn’t seem too concerned about the impact of this partnership. They’ve stated that it’s already factored into their numbers and business model. They’re also exploring ways to address potential needs, like adding direct Tesla cables. So, they’re not backing down just yet.

That being said, it’s still a bit early to determine how other EV makers might react to this development. If they follow Ford’s lead, it could pose some challenges for ChargePoint in the DC market. But for now, ChargePoint believes they can manage and resolve these issues as they arise.

Overall, ChargePoint’s leadership in the AC market is strong, but they’ll need to focus on building momentum in the DC market. The addressable market for DC charging is expected to be larger, so it’s crucial for them to capitalize on that opportunity. However, it’s worth noting that ChargePoint is still projected to have negative free cash flow until the end of FY25.

From a stock perspective, CHPT is currently in a medium-term downtrend. Last week’s surge likely saw dip buyers taking profits, so the momentum is still with the sellers. Seeking Alpha Quant gives CHPT a “D+” valuation grade, indicating that its valuation isn’t attractive. With the evolving competitive landscape and the current valuation, ChargePoint remains a “show-me” story.

So, if you’re considering ChargePoint as an investment, it might be best to approach with caution. While the long-term growth potential in the EV market is there, there are some challenges that ChargePoint needs to navigate and prove themselves in.