TSLA 2024 Year in Review: Ross Gerber’s Take on Tesla’s Wild Year

Ross Gerber, a seasoned investor and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management, has been no stranger to controversy in the Tesla (TSLA) world this year. Throughout 2024, his mixed opinions on the electric vehicle giant sparked heated debates among investors and Tesla enthusiasts alike. Despite Tesla’s extraordinary stock rally towards the end of the year, Gerber remains skeptical about the company’s valuation and future challenges.

The Highlights and Controversies

Gerber’s most notable concerns revolve around Tesla’s lofty valuation and its positioning in the competitive EV market. He’s also voiced apprehension about Elon Musk’s focus as the company navigates a new era under the political backdrop of Musk’s alleged ties with president-elect Donald Trump.

On Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, Gerber foresees increased competition in the autonomous vehicle space, with Waymo, Cruise, and other industry players making strides. These comments have further polarized opinions about his stance, particularly among Tesla’s passionate fan base.

Community Reactions: Praise, Criticism, and Everything in Between

The Schwab Network’s recent video featuring Gerber’s year-end review generated a whirlwind of reactions online. Here’s a snapshot of the sentiments:

• Criticism of Gerber’s Views:
  Many viewers questioned Gerber’s decision-making, pointing out his sale of Tesla shares earlier in the year. Some comments accused him of being overly critical and disconnected from Tesla’s achievements.
  • “Ross looks very uncomfortable. He should have never sold his Tesla shares.”
  • “Why does Ross keep saying Elon was elected president? Sounds like a sore loser.”
• Defenders of Gerber’s Skepticism:
  Others supported Gerber’s cautious outlook, emphasizing the risks of overvaluation and potential roadblocks in Tesla’s growth story.
  • “Tesla Stans in their feelings, Ross didn’t say anything wrong. Pretty base opinion.”
• Humorous Takes:
  A significant portion of comments were lighthearted or outright dismissive.
  • “Ross is just mad he shorted ‘President Musk.’”
  • “Hates Tesla, but owns a Cybertruck.”

Tesla’s 2024 Performance: A Meteoric Rise

Despite Gerber’s reservations, Tesla’s stock had a stellar run in 2024, closing the year with significant gains. Key drivers included:

1. FSD v13 Advancements:
   Tesla rolled out FSD v13, a major update that improved decision-making algorithms and real-world maneuvering capabilities.
2. Global Expansion:
   Tesla’s growth in emerging markets, including India and Southeast Asia, contributed to its rising revenues.
3. Energy Solutions:
   Tesla’s push into battery storage and solar energy solutions gained momentum, bolstering investor confidence.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

Looking to 2025, Tesla faces both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, its relentless pace of innovation gives it a strong competitive edge. However, as Gerber points out, the road is far from smooth. Factors such as macroeconomic uncertainties, regulatory scrutiny, and intensifying competition could test Tesla’s resilience.