Investors squabble over the true value of Tesla

The Wall Street Journal divided Tesla shareholders into two “warring camps” that are responsible for sending trading volumes skyward. 

Share prices are up 22% in the first few weeks of 2020 alone, and the company’s market value is now north of $90B — more than GM and Ford combined. But not everyone is sold:

• Tesla’s supporters believe the futuristic automaker could upend an entire industry
• Its detractors think the company’s prospects are overrated, since it’s never posted an annual profit

One investor’s take: Bob Browne, chief investment officer for Northern Trust Asset Management, told the Journal that he decided not to dive into the fray.

“Investors are diametrically opposed when it comes to Tesla,” he said. “You have to be careful before jumping into that gunfight.”

Here’s something else you should be careful of…

Allegations that Tesla vehicles may suddenly accelerate on their own. CNBC reported last week that federal regulators were looking into such complaints.

The investor who flagged the problem is currently shorting Tesla’s stock. Tesla called the investor’s petition “completely false.”