Wall Street Analyst Alleges Stock Manipulation in Tesla (TSLA)
Renowned Wall Street analyst Gordon Johnson of GLJ Research recently reignited his claims that Tesla’s stock price may be subject to active manipulation. In a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), Johnson accused market players of artificially supporting Tesla’s (NASDAQ: TSLA) value through activity in the options market.
The Core of the Claims: Options Market Activity
Drawing attention to Tesla’s fluctuating put-to-call ratio, Johnson highlighted a notable drop from 0.85x on August 28 to just 0.67x the following morning. This shift, which measures bearish put contracts compared to bullish call contracts, implies an overwhelming sentiment for upward movement among traders. Such speculative trading, according to Johnson, may be propping up Tesla’s stock price despite ongoing challenges.
Challenges Underneath the Numbers
Although Tesla has generally maintained its stock value above $300 in 2025, the company is facing significant hurdles. From intensified competition and declining sales to public backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s political stances, Tesla’s operational performance has raised eyebrows.
Consider these key metrics:
- A 13.5% year-over-year drop in vehicle deliveries in Q2, totaling 384,122 units.
- Profits plummeting by 71% during the same period.
- European sales experienced a 40% year-over-year decline in July, marking seven consecutive months of market share losses to rivals like BYD.
Despite these setbacks, the stock is stabilizing, which Johnson attributes to aggressive call buying. He remarked, “TSLA isn’t trading on fundamentals—it’s being actively manipulated through the options market.”
Divergent Analyst Opinions
Tesla’s future trajectory appears highly polarizing. While GLJ Research maintains a bearish stance with a target price of $19.05, Morgan Stanley remains optimistic, reiterating a Buy rating and setting a target of $410. The divide among analysts demonstrates the uncertainty surrounding Tesla’s valuation.
What This Means for Investors
For retail investors, understanding the dynamics of stock manipulation and speculative market behavior is critical. While Tesla remains a high-interest stock, relying solely on its price movements without considering external factors like the options market could lead to misinformed decisions.
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Final Thoughts
The debate over Tesla’s stock manipulation underscores the importance of analyzing market trends beyond traditional business fundamentals. Investors should weigh key metrics and external forces before making decisions. Whether Tesla’s current market support is legitimate or “engineered,” the unpredictability highlights the value of strategic investment tools and informed analysis.