Record Insider Buy Marks Musk’s First Since 2020
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has acquired approximately
$1 billion worth of Tesla stock, the largest insider purchase in the company’s history and his first open-market buy in over five years. According to a recent SEC filing, Musk purchased about 2.57 million shares on September 12, 2025, at prices between $372 and $396 per share, with an average close to $389.
This transaction was made via the Elon Musk Revocable Trust, where Musk serves as trustee, and signals his renewed commitment to Tesla amid high-stakes decisions for the company’s future[1][2][3].
Tesla Shares Rally on the News
News of Musk’s buy sparked a strong rally in Tesla’s stock price:
- Tesla shares climbed 6–7% on September 15, 2025, reaching $422.25 in the morning and $426.40 in pre-market trading the same day[1][2][3].
- The surge propelled Tesla stock into positive territory for 2025, erasing year-to-date losses and reflecting renewed investor confidence[1][3].
- Trading volume reached its highest levels of the year, while the early gains alone more than covered Musk’s investment outlay[1].
A Strategic Move Ahead of Major Shareholder Decisions
The timing of Musk’s purchase comes just as Tesla’s board proposes an unprecedented executive compensation package that could be worth up to $975 billion. Coming on the eve of a critical November shareholder vote, the buy is seen as reinforcing Musk's influence and bet on Tesla’s prospects. The performance milestones tied to the pay package are ambitious, including:
- Increasing Tesla’s market capitalization from $1.3 trillion to $8.5 trillion
- Deploying one million autonomous taxis
- Producing one million humanoid robots
- Increasing profits by more than 24-fold
Should these objectives be met, it would signal an unprecedented era of growth for the company[1].
Musk’s Stake and Control Strengthened
With this purchase, Musk’s stake in Tesla rises by nearly 0.6%, bringing him closer to his long-held goal of 25% voting control of the company[2]. This consolidation of influence is especially significant after Musk’s previous role as a net seller of Tesla shares, when he divested over $20 billion in stock to fund his 2022 acquisition of Twitter (now X)[1].
Analyst Reactions and Remaining Headwinds
While analysts are mixed, the prevailing sentiment has grown cautiously optimistic:
- About half of the 64 analysts surveyed now recommend “Buy” or “Strong Buy” for Tesla, citing breakthroughs in clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and upcoming model launches[1].
- Challenges remain, including global sales slowdowns, the expiration of U.S. EV tax credits at the end of September, and reputational setbacks stemming from Musk’s political activities and recent legal battles[1].
Market Implications
Musk's unprecedented $1 billion buy is seen by traders as a powerful “vote of confidence” in Tesla’s leadership and long-term strategy[3]. As one of the world’s wealthiest individuals—with a net worth exceeding $419 billion—Musk’s renewed commitment could help steady Tesla’s course as it navigates market volatility, regulatory scrutiny, and transformative technological ambitions[1][3].
About half of the 64 analysts surveyed now recommend “Buy” or “Strong Buy” for Tesla, citing breakthroughs in clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and upcoming model launches[1].
About half of the 64 analysts surveyed now recommend “Buy” or “Strong Buy” for Tesla, citing breakthroughs in clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), and upcoming model launches[1].
