Do you know the top Tesla shareholders don’t only encompass Elon Musk; there are several other significant investors who play crucial roles in shaping the company’s trajectory?
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) has revolutionized the electric vehicle (EV) industry, making EVs a mainstream choice in the global energy transition. Despite a significant drop in market capitalization from its peak of $1.23 trillion in November 2021 to $565 billion in June 2024, Tesla remains the world’s largest EV manufacturer. As a publicly traded company, Tesla’s ownership is divided among various individual and institutional shareholders.
At the heart of Tesla is its enigmatic CEO, Elon Musk, who is not only the face of the company but also its largest shareholder. However, Tesla’s ownership extends beyond Musk, encompassing a range of individual and institutional investors who play pivotal roles in its ongoing saga. In this article, we explore the top Tesla shareholders in 2024, highlighting both individual and institutional stakes.
Major Individual Tesla shareholders
1. Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO and founder of Tesla, is the largest individual shareholder, owning 715.022 million shares, which represent 20.6% of the company’s 3.169 billion outstanding shares as of March 2023. Musk’s influence over Tesla is profound, given his substantial ownership and leadership role. He has been a board member since 2004 and CEO since 2008. Apart from Tesla, Musk’s portfolio includes SpaceX, Neuralink, and X (formerly Twitter). His ambitions to eventually hold 25% of Tesla indicate his long-term commitment to the company’s success.
2. Zachary Kirkhorn
Former CFO Zachary Kirkhorn was Tesla’s second-largest individual shareholder, holding 2.68 million shares, or 0.08% of the company, according to the 2022 Annual Report. However, Kirkhorn’s unexpected resignation in August 2023 has cast uncertainty on his current stake. Despite his departure, his contributions to Tesla during his tenure were significant, particularly in financial strategy and operations.
3. Kimbal Musk
Elon Musk’s younger brother, Kimbal Musk, owns 1.7 million shares of Tesla, down from 2.05 million at the end of March 2023. This accounts for about 0.05% of the company’s outstanding shares. Kimbal is a serial entrepreneur involved in various industries, from technology to agriculture. His roles include director positions at Tesla and SpaceX and founder of urban farming ventures like Square Roots and BigGreen.
4. Ira Ehrenpreis
Independent director Ira Ehrenpreis holds 1.68 million shares, approximately 0.05% of Tesla’s outstanding stock. Ehrenpreis is a notable venture capitalist and managing partner of DBL Partners, a firm investing in sustainable and innovative technologies. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in steering Tesla towards sustainable growth.
5. Robyn Denholm
Robyn Denholm, Tesla’s independent chair since 2014, owns 1.67 million shares. With a background in technology and automotive industries, Denholm’s strategic oversight has been crucial in Tesla’s governance and operations. Her experience with companies like Telstra and Toyota Motor Australia brings valuable insights to Tesla’s board.
Top Institutional Tesla shareholders
The institutional Tesla shareholders play a significant role in the company’s stock market presence. These investment management firms hold substantial stakes, contributing to Tesla’s financial stability and investor confidence.
1. The Vanguard Group
Vanguard is Tesla’s largest institutional shareholder, owning 225.94 million shares, nearly 7% of Tesla’s stock as of September 30, 2023. Known for its diversified investment approach, Vanguard manages $7.2 trillion in assets as of May 2024. The firm’s ownership structure, where investors in Vanguard funds effectively own the company, underscores its broad investor base.
2. BlackRock
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management firm, holds 186.65 million Tesla shares, accounting for 5.8% of the company’s outstanding shares. With $9.1 trillion in assets under management, BlackRock’s investment strategies significantly influence global markets. Its stake in Tesla reflects confidence in the company’s long-term growth prospects.
3. State Street Corporation
State Street Corporation owns 104.86 million Tesla shares, representing 3.3% of the outstanding stock. As a leading asset manager with $3.7 trillion in assets under management, State Street’s investment in Tesla highlights the importance of EVs in future economic growth and sustainability.
4. Geode Capital Management
Geode Capital Management holds 53.87 million Tesla shares, which is about 1.7% of the company’s outstanding stock. With $1.1 trillion in assets under management, Geode’s investment approach is data-driven, focusing on systematic strategies to maximize returns. Its stake in Tesla underscores the company’s appeal to quantitative and systematic investors.
5. Capital World Investors
Capital World Investors owns 41.1 million Tesla shares, accounting for 1.29% of the outstanding stock. As one of the world’s oldest investment management firms, with $2.2 trillion in assets under management, Capital World’s investment in Tesla is a testament to the company’s enduring appeal and growth potential.
Final Thoughts
Elon Musk remains the most influential Tesla shareholder, owning around 20.5% of the company’s total outstanding stock as of May 2024. In contrast, institutional investors like Vanguard and BlackRock hold significant but smaller stakes, reflecting their confidence in Tesla’s future.
The combined ownership of individual and institutional Tesla shareholders ensures a balanced governance structure, supporting Tesla’s strategic objectives and financial health. As Tesla continues to lead the EV market and expand its technological horizons, these major Tesla shareholders will play crucial roles in shaping the company’s trajectory.
Also read: How To Buy Tesla Shares UK – Complete Guide