GLJ Research analyst Gordon Johnson is sounding the alarm on Tesla once again. In a new note to investors, Johnson urges an “aggressive short” on the stock through the second quarter of 2025. His warning centers on what he says is a record-breaking gap between Wall Street’s delivery expectations and what he believes Tesla will actually achieve.
Johnson estimates Tesla will deliver around 342,700 vehicles in Q2, nearly 96,000 units fewer than current consensus estimates. He calls this the largest forecast discrepancy he’s ever seen, suggesting the stock is set for a serious correction once expectations are revised downward.
GLJ Research maintains a Sell rating on Tesla and a strikingly bearish price target of $24.86, far below Tesla’s recent share price of $242 (as of writing). Johnson argues that falling deliveries, intense global competition, and declining brand loyalty put pressure on the company. He also says the full impact of CEO Elon Musk’s damaged public image won’t be fully felt until this quarter.
Musk’s Politics Becoming a Stock Risk
Analysts are growing concerned about Elon Musk’s increasing political involvement, which some believe is becoming a business liability. In February, Stifel analyst Stephen Gengaro cut his Tesla price target from $492 to $474 and cited Musk’s political activity as a key reason. Gengaro noted that Tesla’s net favorability rating fell to just 3%, near an all-time low, and that purchase interest has dropped, especially in key U.S. and European markets.
Musk’s strong support for former President Trump, combined with controversial public comments, has led to consumer backlash, with some former fans now calling for boycotts. While some analysts remain optimistic about Tesla’s long-term tech potential, more are now watching how closely the company’s brand and stock are tied to its outspoken CEO.
Is Tesla a Buy, Sell, or a Hold?
Tesla stock continues to fluctuate and is considered a Hold, based on 39 analysts’ ratings. The average price target for TSLA stock is $298.38, suggesting a 23.18% upside potential.
