Tesla, the electric vehicle giant once celebrated for its market-defying success, has hit a significant slump, becoming the worst-performing stock in the S&P 500 this year. The company’s shares have plummeted by 24 per cent in just over a month, a stark contrast to the index’s overall four per cent gain. This downturn has placed Tesla below other struggling entities such as Boeing and Etsy, marking a troubling phase for the tech behemoth.
Several factors contribute to Tesla’s current predicament. The company has been plagued by numerous recalls, raising questions about product reliability. Moreover, CEO Elon Musk’s controversial behavior and alleged drug use, reportedly concerning enough for intervention by board members, have cast a shadow over the company’s leadership. The increasing competition Tesla faces both domestically and internationally further exacerbates its challenges.
Despite these hurdles, Tesla’s reliance on Musk’s vision and leadership remains undeniable. The company acknowledges its dependence on Musk, who has been pivotal in driving shareholder value. However, his recent actions have contributed to erasing over US$200 billion in shareholder value, underscoring the volatile impact of executive behavior on company performance.
As Tesla navigates through these tumultuous times, the broader tech industry’s layoffs and challenges loom, reflecting a period of adjustment and recalibration.
Sources include: Quartz