Tesla (TSLA) Short Interest Surges Amid Stock Decline and Competition Woes

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Mar 29, 2025
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Summary:

  • Tesla's short interest surges as stock declines amidst industry challenges.
  • Analysts predict a mixed forecast with an average price target suggesting potential upside.
  • GuruFocus estimates indicate a moderate valuation increase for Tesla in the coming year.

Tesla Inc. (TSLA, Financial) has been a focal point for investors in 2023, as the company's short interest has spiked to 81 million shares. Short-sellers have profited handsomely, gaining approximately $10 billion year-to-date, as per data from S3 Partners. This trend correlates with Tesla's stock plummeting by 34.7% over the same period. The decline has been attributed to escalating competition and criticism directed toward CEO Elon Musk, particularly regarding his political engagements. With the upcoming announcement of the company's Q1 deliveries, expectations are subdued; analysts predict an 8.5% dip to 377,000 vehicles compared to the previous year.

Wall Street Analysts' Forecast and Insights

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The outlook from Wall Street analysts reveals a mixed sentiment. Based on the price targets submitted by 44 analysts, the consensus sets an average target price for Tesla Inc. (TSLA, Financial) at $324.12. This ranges from a high of $550.00 to a low of $24.86, implying a potential upside of 22.98% from the current stock price of $263.55. For more detailed projections, visit the Tesla Inc (TSLA) Forecast page.

Furthermore, the consensus recommendation from 54 brokerage firms rates Tesla Inc. (TSLA, Financial) as a 2.6 on their scale, reflecting a "Hold" status. The scale categorizes ratings from 1 to 5, where 1 is a Strong Buy and 5 indicates a Sell, highlighting the cautious stance of analysts.

Assessing Tesla's Valuation with GuruFocus Metrics

The estimated GF Value for Tesla Inc. (TSLA, Financial) one year from now is projected at $291.93, signaling a potential upside of 10.77% from the current trading price of $263.55. GF Value is determined using GuruFocus' proprietary formula that factors in historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates. Investors seeking a deeper dive into Tesla's financials and valuations can explore the Tesla Inc (TSLA) Summary page.

As the automotive giant navigates through these turbulent times, stakeholders remain keenly observant of its strategic maneuvers and market response, particularly in light of its forthcoming quarterly results and the larger economic landscape.

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.