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.

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

Legendary share market investing expert, and owner of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett.
International Stock News

Warren Buffett, weeks before his retirement, has a warning for Wall Street. History says this may happen in 2026.

Buffett's actions are speaking louder than words.

Read more »

AI written in blue on a digital chip.
International Stock News

Prediction: This will be the world's largest company by year-end 2026 (Hint: It's not Nvidia)

Alphabet could become the world's valuable company by the end of 2026.

Read more »

Delighted adult man, working on a company slogan, on his laptop.
International Stock News

Here's why Nvidia still is a multimillionaire-maker

The company plays a key role in the AI boom.

Read more »

Woman on her laptop thinking to herself.
International Stock News

Amazon is expanding its AI chip ambitions. Should Nvidia investors be worried?

Amazon says customers can save 30% to 40% by using its AI chips over Nvidia's GPUs.

Read more »

Happy man working on his laptop.
International Stock News

1 compelling reason to buy Meta hand over fist right now

Meta offers investors a combination of safety and growth potential.

Read more »

A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.
International Stock News

Michael Burry just sent a warning to artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. Should Nvidia investors be worried?

Michael Burry of "The Big Short" fame is bearish on artificial intelligence (AI) stocks.

Read more »

Legendary share market investing expert, and owner of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett.
International Stock News

Is Warren Buffett sending a quiet warning to investors? Here's what you need to know.

Berkshire Hathaway's cash stockpile just reached record heights. Is that a warning sign for investors?

Read more »

Robot hand and human hand touching the same space on a digital screen, symbolising artificial intelligence.
International Stock News

Better $3 trillion AI stock to buy now: Microsoft or Alphabet

Alphabet's stock has surged in recent weeks.

Read more »