Musk May Take Tesla Private
Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk says he may take the electric car company private at $420 per share—and claims he has the funding to do so.
#economics
Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk says he may take the electric car company private at $420 per share—and claims he has the funding to do so.
His initial nine-word tweet this morning offered no other details. In follow-up tweets, Musk said taking Tesla private would be “less disruptive” and end “negative propaganda” by short-sellers who have been sharply critical of the company’s performance.
Musk’s unexpected announcement came shortly after London’s Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia has acquired about 5% of the company in a stock purchase worth roughly $2.9 billion. It isn’t clear whether the investment and Musk’s tweet are connected.
Tesla’s stock price peaked at $383 last summer. Shares opened today at $343 but quickly zoomed above $370 on news of Musk’s cryptic announcement. Trading was suspended at $367 per share this afternoon.
The price continued to climb when trading resumed, peaking at $381 shortly before closing today at $379. Shares rose to $380 in after-hour trading.
RELATED CONTENT
-
China and U.S. OEMs
When Ford announced its 3rd quarter earning on October 24, the official announcement said, in part, “Company revenue was up 3 percent year over year, with net income and company adjusted EBIT both down year over year, primarily driven by continued challenges in China.” The previous day, perhaps as a preemptive move to answer the question “If things are going poorly in China, what are you doing about it?, Ford announced that it was establishing Ford China as a stand-alone business unit.
-
Mazda, CARB and PSA North America: Car Talk
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars, an annual event, was held last week in Traverse City, Michigan.
-
On Headlights, Tesla's Autopilot, VW's Electric Activities and More
Seeing better when driving at night, understanding the limits of “Autopilot,” Volkswagen’s electric activities, and more.