Analyst Dan Ives thinks Tesla inventory may soar from present ranges because of a possible $1 trillion catalyst.
Over the previous couple of months, shares of Tesla (TSLA -4.68%) have been on fairly a experience. Following President Donald Trump’s election victory on Nov. 5, shares of Tesla soared by as a lot as 91%. Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk’s shut relationship with the president has largely been seen as an asset — particularly because it pertains to probably extra pleasant rules for the electrical automobile (EV) firm’s ambitions round autonomous driving.
Nonetheless, for the reason that begin of the 12 months, shares of Tesla have given again a few of their election-driven positive factors. Up to now in 2025, the inventory is down about 10% as I write this.
Let’s take a look at a few of the elements influencing Tesla inventory of late and I am going to make the case for why now’s a terrific alternative to purchase the dip hand over fist.
What’s driving Tesla inventory astray?
A mix of issues have weighed on Tesla inventory over the past a number of weeks. For starters, the corporate’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 monetary outcomes had been lower than stellar. Whereas the corporate’s power storage and companies enterprise shined, the core EV operation floundered. Gross sales from EVs declined by 6% 12 months over 12 months, main some buyers to extend pessimism concerning the power of the economic system in addition to Tesla’s place relative to competitors each domestically and abroad, significantly in China.
On prime of that, Trump has already made good on one marketing campaign promise: imposing tariffs. And he is threatened extra. One of many international locations going through new tariff insurance policies is China, which is a serious marketplace for Tesla. Given how new these insurance policies are, there are numerous unknowns revolving round how totally different international locations will reply and the way commerce might be impacted. That is all to say that Tesla may theoretically be negatively impacted by new tariff discussions.
Lastly, Musk has been spending fairly a little bit of time in Washington as he leads Trump’s cost-saving “Division of Authorities Effectivity” initiative. His time spent in Washington has led some buyers to fret that he could also be too distracted and focusing much less on Tesla.
I am going to admit that each one three of the factors maintain some benefit. However earlier than hitting the panic button, let’s regroup and take into account another matters.
Picture supply: Getty Photographs.
Maintain the long-term agenda in focus
Regardless of a lackluster earnings report, Musk did his traditional on the decision and managed to get buyers enthusiastic about Tesla’s future. He spent nearly all of the decision speaking about synthetic intelligence (AI), and the way Tesla is utilizing the know-how to hone its self-driving automotive software program in addition to construct a fleet of humanoid robots referred to as Optimus. These areas are the place Wall Road appears to be focusing.
Dan Ives leads know-how analysis at Wedbush Securities, and on Feb. 12, Ives printed a brief analysis notice by which he acknowledged the dangers I described above however finally made the case for why he is sticking to a bullish narrative for Tesla.
Ives stated a “deregulatory panorama” below the Trump administration will unlock $1 trillion of worth for Tesla’s autonomous driving undertaking. With a 12-month value goal of $550, Ives is suggesting that Tesla inventory may soar 52% from its present ranges.
I are likely to agree with Ives on this one. In my eyes, the period of time Musk spends in Washington is unbiased of any current tasks at Tesla. For instance, Tesla is planning to launch unsupervised full self driving (FSD) companies in Austin come June. Until there may be an unexpected product snag, I do not see this timeline altering simply because Musk is spending numerous time away from Tesla’s bodily headquarters.
To me, the long-term narrative for Tesla’s future — specifically, its aim to change into an AI powerhouse — hasn’t modified in any respect. The one factor that has modified, nevertheless, is the notion surrounding Tesla given Musk’s newest ardour undertaking in D.C.
I nonetheless see Tesla as compelling alternative to purchase and maintain for long-term buyers, and I’d take into account scooping up shares throughout the ongoing sell-off.
