Gary Zhou 
- 💸 Tesla short-sellers faced a staggering blow in 2023, with estimated losses reaching a colossal $12.2 billion.
- 📉 Despite a triumphant 2022, Tesla short-sellers witnessed their bets against the electric carmaker unravel as the stock more than doubled in value over the course of 2023.
- 📊 Short-sellers collectively experienced a challenging 2023, with estimated losses of $194.8 billion, and Tesla’s blow against them stood out prominently.
- 📈 Tesla’s impact on short-sellers surpassed the combined losses incurred by major tech companies like Microsoft and Meta during the same period.
- 💔 Despite a profitable 2022 for short-sellers with a $15.9 billion gain amid Tesla’s stock decline, data from S3 Partners reveals substantial long-term losses for Tesla shorts.
- 💰 Since Tesla’s IPO in 2010, short-sellers have faced a cumulative net loss of $61.8 billion, indicating a persistent struggle against the upward trajectory of Tesla stock.
- 🐻 Tesla continues to attract a dedicated group of short-sellers each year, often anticipating a collapse in Tesla’s shares, while bullish analysts see it as a disruptive technology company.
- 🗣️ Analyst Dan Ives notes the annual emergence of bears predicting Tesla’s downfall, emphasizing the divergence in views on whether Tesla is primarily an automobile or a disruptive tech company.
- 🧑💼 Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has expressed his disdain for short-sellers, both directly on social media and through humorous means such as creating “short shorts” merchandise in the official Tesla Shop.
- 🌐 Despite market leadership in electric vehicles, Tesla remains a battleground for opposing views, with short-sellers facing persistent challenges against the company’s valuation and growth.
In the intricate world of stock markets, few companies attract as much attention and controversy as Tesla. The electric car giant has not only been a focal point for investors and enthusiasts but has also been a battleground for short-sellers. In 2023, Tesla short-sellers faced a formidable blow, with estimated losses soaring to an astonishing $12.2 billion.
The Rise and Fall: A Tale of Triumph and Turmoil
A Victorious 2022
The year 2022 was triumphant for Tesla, as its stock value surged, doubling the joy for long investors. However, short-sellers, those who bet against Tesla’s success, were gearing up for a challenging journey ahead.
Unraveling Bets in 2023
Despite their victories in the previous year, Tesla short-sellers watched their bets crumble in 2023. The electric carmaker’s stock, which had more than doubled in value, left short-sellers grappling with losses amounting to an estimated $12.2 billion.
Tesla’s Impact on Short-Sellers: A Standout Performance
Collective Challenges in 2023
Short-sellers, as a collective, faced a tough year in 2023, with an overall estimated loss of $194.8 billion across various stocks. However, it was Tesla’s blow against short-sellers that stood out prominently, surpassing the combined losses of major tech players like Microsoft and Meta during the same period.
Long-Term Struggles
While short-sellers reaped profits of $15.9 billion during Tesla’s stock decline in 2022, data from S3 Partners indicates that Tesla shorts have suffered significant long-term losses. Since Tesla’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2010, short-sellers have encountered a cumulative net loss of $61.8 billion.
Tesla: A Battleground for Bears and Bulls
Annual Bear Predictions
Analysts note that Tesla has consistently attracted a dedicated group of short-sellers each year. The bears, as they are colloquially known, emerge from their metaphorical hibernation annually, predicting the downfall of Tesla’s shares. Despite their critical stance, Tesla has continued to defy these predictions.
Divergent Views
The divergence in views on Tesla’s nature is striking. Bears often perceive Tesla as a traditional automobile company, valuing it based on metrics comparable to giants like GM or Toyota. On the contrary, bullish analysts, like Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities, view Tesla as a disruptive technology company.
Elon Musk’s Disdain and Humorous Retorts
A Vocal CEO
Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has been vocal about his disdain for short-sellers. Musk has taken to social media, notably Twitter (or X, as it was once known), to express his sentiments directly. In a more light-hearted approach, Tesla even released “short shorts” merchandise in its official shop.
The Tesla Paradox: Market Leadership Amidst Controversy
Despite being a market leader in electric vehicles and experiencing consistent growth, Tesla remains a subject of controversy. Short-sellers persistently challenge the company’s valuation, while bullish investors see it as a trailblazer in disruptive technology.
In conclusion, Tesla’s impact on short-sellers is a testament to the volatility and unpredictability of the stock market. As the electric carmaker continues to innovate and dominate the EV space, it remains a captivating and contentious entity in the world of finance.
