Why Tesla shares were rising today

A recent analyst note may have sent the EV stock higher.

| More on:
Blue Model Y Tesla vehicle

Image source: Tesla

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

What happened 

Tesla's (NASDAQ: TSLA) stock was moving higher today, likely as investors processed an analyst's recent upgrade for the electric vehicle stock and after Cathie Wood-led Ark Investment Management added more Tesla shares to its portfolio yesterday. 

The EV stock was up by 2.5% as of 2:55 p.m. ET Tuesday. 

So what 

Yesterday, RBC Capital analyst Joseph Spak upgraded Tesla's stock to outperform from sector perform and put a price target on the company's shares of $1,100.  

Spak thinks that Tesla has a competitive advantage over its peers because of its supply chain and vertical integration. He said in the investor note that "The company's early focus on vertical integration (not just batteries/raw materials but also motors, semis, software) is likely to pay off." 

Spak also thinks that Tesla's automotive margins could be higher than 30% in the second half of the year as the average selling price for its vehicles increases and the company's Shanghai, Berlin, and Texas plants boost vehicle production. 

In addition to the analyst's positive comments, investors may be reacting to the fact that Ark Investment once again bought up more shares of Tesla. Ark Invest bought 2,800 Tesla shares yesterday, worth about $1.8 million, which marked the fifth time this month that the fund has added more Tesla shares to its portfolio.

Now what 

Investors are worried about rising inflation, supply chain issues, and the potential for an economic slowdown in the U.S., all of which has sent Tesla's share price on a wild ride over the past year. 

But today's gains show that despite all of the volatility in the market, many investors still have a long-term perspective on the EV maker. 

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 6 March 2025

Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on International Stock News

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
International Stock News

UBS Wealth revises year-end target for S&P 500

Investment firms around the globe are slashing US market forecasts.

Read more »

A man in a business suit and tie places three wooden blocks with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 on them on top of each other on a table. representing the most traded ASX 200 shares by volume today
International Stock News

3 reasons to buy Nvidia stock like there's no tomorrow

Let's look at three reasons why investors should buy the stock like there is no tomorrow.

Read more »

A person holding an animated diagram regarding the tech sector in his hand.
International Stock News

Which Magnificent 7 stock is most impacted by Trump's tariffs?

This big tech company is likely to be hit the hardest.

Read more »

Amazon boxes stacked up on a doorstep.
International Stock News

Where will Amazon stock be in 5 years?

Has the company reached its peak, or is the growth party still set to continue?

Read more »

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
International Stock News

Tesla's deliveries are down sharply. Is it time to worry?

Protests and boycotts have driven many EV buyers to look elsewhere. Has Tesla's growth story stalled?

Read more »

A corporate team or board stands together and looks out the window.
Technology Shares

How are the 'Magnificent Seven' reacting to Trump's tarrifs in aftermarket trade?

It goes without saying that these companies tend to set the agenda for the entire US stock market.

Read more »

Teen standing in a city street smiling and throwing sparkling gold glitter into the air.
International Stock News

Meet the hard asset that's bigger than Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft combined. One Wall Street strategist thinks it could hit a $40 trillion market cap.

As massive as these three names are, they pale in comparison to a hard asset that has done quite well…

Read more »

A man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
International Stock News

3 reasons to buy Amazon stock like there's no tomorrow

There are three reasons it's a no-brainer buy for a long-term investor right now.

Read more »