Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) 2024 Annual Stockholders Meeting, also known as the 2024 Cyber Roundup, is here. There’s a notable degree of excitement surrounding the event, thanks in no small part to Elon Musk’s post on X stating that TSLA shareholders are strongly on track to approve the ratification of his 2018 CEO Performance Award and the proposed redomestication of Tesla from Delaware to Texas.
Tesla has posted a link to the official livestream of the 2024 Cyber Roundup on social media platform X. Images posted by Tesla investors who are at Giga Texas show that the event hall where the meeting will be held is now filling up. Based on videos and photos that have been shared of the 2024 Cyber Roundup so far, it would appear that TSLA stockholders are currently in good spirits.
Starts at 3:30pm CT https://t.co/M4j55lEht1— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
Tesla’s 2024 Cyber Roundup is expected to begin with stockholders voting on a number of key proposals. Following this, a Q&A session with CEO Elon Musk and a number of other executives is expected.
The following are live updates from Tesla’s 2024 Cyber Roundup. I will be updating this article in real-time, so please keep refreshing the page every minute or two to view the latest updates on this story.
17:53 CT – And that ends Tesla’s 2024 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting! Elon Musk thanks the company’s shareholders for their support before exiting the stage.
17:50 CT – A Tesla investor asked about lithium refining and if the company would need to expand past Texas. Musk noted that there’s enough lithium if China is included, but if there’s a geopolitical conflict, then lithium might be a limiting factor.
17:47 CT – An investor asked about Tesla without Elon. Musk noted that while he is a helpful accelerant to Tesla’s future, he believes that the company will be fine after him. But as things stand today, his biggest contribution to Tesla is the fact that he accelerates the company’s innovations. “What matters is if we can be faster than everybody else,” Musk noted.
17:41 CT – A shareholder asked if Optimus would have some sort of personality that could be set by the user. Musk noted that this would indeed be the case. “You would be able to customize the personality, customize its voice. It will kind of just understand you,” Musk said.
17:35 CT – Musk noted that the Cybertruck Foundation Series will be ending soon, with non-Foundation Series Cybertrucks being made available next quarter.
For a chance to attend future events & to stay up to date, sign up for our Shareholder Platform → https://t.co/0f9RsEEwYB— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
17:32 CT – A shareholder asked about the international reception for the Cybertruck. Musk noted that the Cybertruck is designed for North America, but Tesla may be able to get the vehicle certified for other markets next year.
Such a thing, however, requires complexity, and thus, it probably should not be done until the Cybertruck achieves volume production. At that point, the cost grind and other efforts to make the Cybertruck compliant to other markets would begin.
17:28 CT – A Tesla stockholder credited the efforts of the TSLA retail community for their work in encouraging investors to vote for the 2024 Cyber Roundup’s proposals. Musk agreed.
Another shareholder asked about Tesla’s 4680 project and how it could help vehicles’ affordability. Musk noted that cell suppliers have drastically lowered the prices of their batteries. He also noted that making a car affordable is like playing Game of Thrones but with pennies. Thus, battery cells are only one part of the equation.
Tesla is seeing a path to cost parity with its battery efforts this year, Musk noted.
17:24 CT – A TSLA stockholder asked about Donald Trump admitted that he loves Tesla and Musk’s work. Musk joked that he could be persuasive, but he did talk to Trump after the presidential candidate called him. Musk also noted that a lot of Trump’s friends drive Teslas, and the candidate is a fan of the Cybertruck.
Another shareholder asked about the robotaxi’s steering wheel-less design and how Tesla would handle interventions in such a vehicle. Musk noted that such vehicles will be extremely cautious so the probability of the car hurting a pedestrian would be incredibly low. But in cases when an intervention is needed, Musk noted that Tesla could probably control its driverless cars remotely.
17:20 CT – A shareholder asked if Tesla is still working on an HVAC system. Musk acknowledged the question, stating that Tesla has a lot of innovations that can be used to make a good system. It is, however, not super high on Tesla’s things to do.
Another stockholder stated that the Tesla Cybertruck is really a hit with kids. The shareholder asked Musk if Tesla would eventually allow kids to tour the company’s factories. Musk stated that something like kid-friendly factory tours would indeed be rolled out.
This is a bit disturbing ?? pic.twitter.com/P0sY4yW4br— @spotted_model (@spotted_model) June 13, 2024
17:18 CT – A Tesla shareholder makes the case for more constant FSD transfers. Musk stated that it is tough since the company should have some revenue. He did note that FSD transfers would be active for one more quarter. The audience applauds.
Another stockholder noted that Musk should take care of himself for the sake of Tesla and its shareholders. Musk admitted that he probably needs to work out and not get assassinated or something. He joked that he’s probably on the list of some homicidal maniacs because his name is heard by a lot of people. Musk did admit that he is becoming a bit more cautious.
17:15 CT – A TSLA stockholder asked when Musk thinks Tesla could be the world’s most valuable company. Musk noted that it’s worth looking at ARK Invest’s analysis as their estimates are the most accurate. Musk noted that a five-year timeline might be feasible.
Another shareholder asked about Tesla’s referral program, and when the company could do a passenger van. Musk noted that the van would be added to his list. He also noted that Tesla will reexamine the referral program next quarter. Musk stated that the referral program increases the price of the car, but Tesla will look into it. “I think some kind of referral program makes sense,” Musk said.
The CEO also noted that the cost remains a limiter for demand. He noted that if the Model Y costs below $20,000, it would probably sell 5 million units per year. “We have to make it affordable. That’s essential,” he said.
17:09 CT – The Q&A sessions begin! The first shareholder thanked Elon Musk for his work in keeping the first amendment. Musk thanked the investor, stating that it’s pertinent for the future of civilization to have free speech.
Another TSLA stockholder, who worked at Tesla’s sales department, asked if FSD could be bundled with other services to make it more attractive to consumers. Musk noted that FSD free trials should help. “I think we can keep offering people free trials of FSD every time we make a significant improvement,” Musk said.
A TSLA shareholder mentioned Musk’s 2018 CEO Performance Award. Musk stated that it’s important to note that his compensation plan is actually in the form of stock that he would not be able to sell for years. When asked about FSD’s safety, Musk noted that as long as the system is making roads safer, then the company is doing the right thing.
We're on track to complete a record number of energy storage deployments & expect deployments to grow at least 75% this year pic.twitter.com/hbITu6kohZ— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
17:00 CT – Musk noted that Tesla is no longer compute-constrained. He noted that interventions are so rare nowadays that Tesla’s professional drivers get bored on the job.
Musk discusses the progress of Optimus, which has seen incredible progress over the years. He reiterated Tesla’s target for limited production next year, and that there might be thousands of Optimus robots working at the electric vehicle maker next year. “My prediction is we’ll have over 1,000, maybe a few thousand Optimus robots working at our factories next year.,” Musk said.
He teases some key improvements to Optimus, such as its upcoming update that would give the humanoid robot hands with 22 degrees of freedom. As per Musk, Optimus should be able to play the piano with such hands, and that even the most optimistic outlook on Optimus would be conservative. “I think Optimus is a $25 trillion dollar market cap situation; It’s an immense amount of work to get there, but we’re moving very fast down that road,” he said.
We've built @Tesla_Optimus from the ground up – and it's already being tested in our factories pic.twitter.com/TDWZXeM74W— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
No longer compute-constrained ?
A massive ramp in training compute accelerates AI development & enables our ambitious product road map pic.twitter.com/7DAvF4cl0F— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
16:50 CT – Elon Musk noted that Tesla has completed the design of its Hardware 5 computer, which the company is calling “AI 5.” He noted that so far, everything that consumers are seeing right now is just Tesla’s Hardware 3, which is not even maxed out yet. “We still have a long way to go to reach the limits of Hardware 3,” Musk said.
He noted that Hardware 4 is 3 times to 8 times better than Hardware 3, and Hardware 5 will be 10 times better than Hardware 4. Hardware 5 is expected to be rolled out in about 18 months. Musk shared some exciting updates for Hardware 4. “Later this year we will release a Hardware 4 specific model trained at Gigafactory Texas,” he said.
“AI Hardware 5 will be able to go up to 700 or 800 watts at peak load,” Musk stated.
Hardware 5 will be 10X better than HW4
Elon Musk pic.twitter.com/Hri6ynO2mW— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) June 13, 2024
16:45 CT – Musk noted that Tesla Energy is tracking for 200-300% growth. “We’re tracking for a 200-300% YoY growth for energy storage deployment in 2024,” Musk said. He noted that the Tesla Powerwall 3 is a game-changing product, and Megapack 3, which will be coming in a couple of years, will be the same. Musk noted that Megapack 3 would be optimized for easy and seamless installation.
He highlighted that Tesla is definitely more than a car company. “We do a lot of software at Tesla,” Musk said. “Car companies are not software companies,” Musk noted, adding that Tesla is actually ahead on real-world AI than any other company.
16:40 CT – Musk mentioned some of Tesla’s future products. He noted that while some of these projects may seem underwhelming at first, they would be game-changing in the long run.
He also highlighted that Tesla’s Supercharger Network is still growing, though the company will be more careful about where it places its charging stations. “Rumors of the death of the Supercharger Network are greatly exaggerated,” Musk said, reiterating that Tesla will be spending half a billion into the expansion of the Supercharger Network this year.
“We will be deploying more Superchargers this year than the rest of the industry combined,” Musk said.
The CEO noted that Tesla is making good progress in its 4680 battery cell program. As per Musk, every Cybertruck on the road is equipped with 4680 cells. He did, however, also admit that the 4680 program has been very challenging.
Semi proves that electric trucks *can* replace diesel trucks.
We broke ground on the Semi factory in Reno, with production beginning in 2025 & bulk of ramp in 2026 pic.twitter.com/VlREnsPL3g— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
16:35 CT – Elon Musk noted that Tesla Cybertruck production has reached a record of 1,300 per week, with a target to hit 2,500 per week by the end of 2024. He also noted that while the Cybertruck is divisive, it is a vehicle that resonates with people, even kids. Musk noted that if you would like to get an honest opinion about something, kids will definitely give it. And so far, kids love the Cybertruck. 16:50 CT –
The CEO also gave some praise to the reengineered Model 3, which is a “great, great car.” He reiterated the Model Y’s accomplishment of becoming the world’s best-selling car. Musk predicted that the Model Y will be 2024’s best-selling car by volume again.
He also noted that last week, he approved the plans for the volume production of the Tesla Semi. Musk stated that the Tesla Semi will eventually just make sense for businesses because it saves operators so much money.
We produced the most EVs globally in 2023 & produced our 6 millionth vehicle earlier this year. Also broke our yearly production record at Fremont! pic.twitter.com/RU21POBfEu— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
16:30 CT – Musk noted that he would be starting his presentation. He also joked that Tesla may need to place a word limit on TSLA shareholder proposals, to much applause from the audience.
He highlighted that Tesla’s impact is accelerating. He noted that Tesla’s factories are beautiful. “People are smiling at the factories. People are smiling and happy. It’s nice,” Musk noted. “We actually do care a lot about doing the right thing. We’re not perfect, but we care a lot about doing the right thing,” Musk said.
Musk also mentioned how Tesla’s batteries are lasting longer, and the company’s vehicles are getting more affordable. He noted that Tesla is still number one in EVs last year. He also personally thanked Tesla’s Fremont team.
Summarizing @elonmusk's presentation under this post https://t.co/J05gGKxs44— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
We're focused on building our products as sustainably as possible – our goal is for each factory to be more efficient than the last pic.twitter.com/DfMrAeO4nM— Tesla (@Tesla) June 13, 2024
16:25 CT – The CEO discusses the potential of Optimus, which he noted will probably be something that everyone would like to have. “Who doesn’t want a C3PO?” Musk joked, referencing the iconic Star Wars character.
Musk noted that Tesla could make Optimus at scale for $10,000. At $20,000 a unit, Tesla could make a trillion dollars in profit per year. That’s an incredible valuation based on Optimus alone. “When I say we’re starting a new book, it’s gonna be the best book. It’s next level — next, next level,” Musk said.
16:20 CT – Musk discusses Tesla’s robotaxi model. He noted that some vehicles in the fleet will be owned by Tesla while others will be owned by customers. This should give Tesla owners completely control over when their vehicles will be used as part of the robotaxi network.
Musk admits that he tends to be overly optimistic. “If I’m not optimistic, this factory would not exist,” Musk joked. “I’ve been pathologically optimistic from birth. But this is the reason why every one of these is happening. But, I do deliver in the end. That’s what’s important,” Musk said.
Musk also advised that Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest has the most accurate take on Tesla’s potential in the future.
Elon on Robotaxi’s: “It’s simply a matter of time. Admittedly I’m a little optimistic sometimes. I don’t have a complete lack of self awareness. But if I wasn’t optimistic, this wouldn’t exist. This factory wouldn’t exist.” pic.twitter.com/UlXtpOVQcP— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 13, 2024
16:15 CT – Elon Musk enters the stage to much applause from the attending Tesla shareholders. The CEO seems to be in high spirits, as he quite literally jumped for joy as he took the stage. Musk seems very pleased with the current results of the shareholders’ vote.
“I just want to say, ‘Hot damn, I love you guys!’ We have the most shareholder base of any public company. It’s incredible,” Musk said.
He also highlighted that Tesla is about to see some incredible changes. “We’re not just opening a new chapter for Tesla. We’re starting a new book.”
Elon Musk dance is ?. Tesla shareholders have spoken. pic.twitter.com/GiLWOtt8ZI— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) June 13, 2024
16:12 CT – The meeting has now closed. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is taking the stage. He enters with a video highlighting how Tesla effectively made the impossible possible. This is quite unique.
Tesla is taking a victory lap — which the company, its executives, and its shareholders have completely earned.
16:10 CT – The Tesla 2024 Annual Stockholders Meeting voting has commenced. For context, here are the proposals that TSLA investors are voting on this year, as well as the results of the shareholders’ vote.
Following are the results of TSLA shareholders’ vote.
TESLA PROPOSALS
- A Tesla proposal to elect two Class II directors to serve for a term of three years, or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified (“Proposal One”). – Board Recommendation: “FOR” – Vote Results: “FOR”
- A Tesla proposal to approve executive compensation on a non-binding advisory basis (“Proposal Two”). – Board Recommendation: “FOR” – Vote Results: “FOR”
- A Tesla proposal to approve the redomestication of Tesla from Delaware to Texas by conversion (“Proposal Three”). – Board Recommendation: “FOR” – Vote Results: “FOR”
- A Tesla proposal to ratify the 100% performance-based stock option award to Elon Musk that was proposed to and approved by our stockholders in 2018 (“Proposal Four”). – Board Recommendation: “FOR” – Vote Results: “FOR”
- A Tesla proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Tesla’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 (“Proposal Five”). – Board Recommendation: “FOR” – Vote Results: “FOR”
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
- A stockholder proposal regarding the reduction of director terms to one year, if properly presented (“Proposal Six”). – Board Recommendation: “AGAINST” – Vote Results: “FOR”
- A stockholder proposal regarding simple majority voting provisions in our governing documents, if properly presented (“Proposal Seven”). – Board Recommendation: “AGAINST” – Vote Results: “FOR”
- A stockholder proposal regarding annual reporting on anti-harassment and discrimination efforts, if properly presented (“Proposal Eight”). – Board Recommendation: “AGAINST” – Vote Results: “AGAINST”
- A stockholder proposal regarding the adoption of a freedom of association and collective bargaining policy, if properly presented (“Proposal Nine”). – Board Recommendation: “AGAINST” – Vote Results: “AGAINST”
- A stockholder proposal regarding reporting on effects and risks associated with electromagnetic radiation and wireless technologies, if properly presented (“Proposal Ten”). – Board Recommendation: “AGAINST” – Vote Results: “AGAINST”
- A stockholder proposal regarding adopting targets and reporting on metrics to assess the feasibility of integrating sustainability metrics into senior executive compensation plans, if properly presented (“Proposal Eleven”). – Board Recommendation: “AGAINST” – Vote Results: “AGAINST”
- A stockholder proposal regarding committing to a moratorium on sourcing minerals from deep sea mining, if properly presented (“Proposal Twelve”). – Board Recommendation: “AGAINST” – Vote Results: “AGAINST”
Standing ovation for the ratification of Elon Musk’s compensation plan from 2018. Let’s go.
Thankful for @elonmusk and all his hard work. pic.twitter.com/M3ywzodIPo— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) June 13, 2024
15:40 CT – Denholm welcomes Tesla shareholders to the company’s home in Texas. “No other company in the world has as diverse, engaged, and supportive shareholders as Tesla,” Denholm said.
She also mentions a number of highlights from Tesla’s past year, such as the Model Y becoming the world’s best-selling car, the first deliveries of the Cybertruck, and the rapid growth of Tesla Energy. She also mentions the launch of FSD (Supervised), as well as the company’s efforts on its next-generation projects.
The Board Chair further highlighted that Tesla is focused on operating as sustainably as possible. “We are working to build a battery recycling material ecosystem, both internally and with others,” Denholm said, adding that Tesla supported the recovery of enough battery materials to produce thousands of Model Y RWD units.
Denholm also emphasized that the Tesla Board is listening to shareholders and that the company’s leadership sets higher standards for itself. “You don’t see the day to day work of directors, but I can assure you, this is a highly-engaged Board,” she said.
15:32 CT – Tesla’s livestream for the 2024 Cyber Roundup has gone live! Introductions are underway. Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm is giving the opening remarks, to much applause.
15:23 CT – Tesla Chair of the Board Robyn Denholm could be seen giving a hug to Tesla retail shareholder Alexandra Merz, who played a huge part in organizing a successful grassroots effort to encourage thousands of TSLA investors to vote on the ratification of Elon Musk’s 2018 CEO Performance Award and the proposed redomestication of Tesla from Delaware to Texas.
BREAKING @cyberbulls1 exclusive
The Chair of the Board of @Tesla, @robyndenholm thanking @TeslaBoomerMama for her tremendous effort getting the vote out. pic.twitter.com/sN0SjU4SOm— Xander Sky (@R6Alex) June 13, 2024
15:20 CT – Tesla’s displays at Giga Texas during these events are always great. Standouts of this year include the Tesla Model S Plaid that took on the Nürburgring and a Tesla Model Y with front and rear megacasts. Oh, and the banner that retail shareholders brought and signed is very interesting as well.
Inside the meeting room. Last call for tours announced. pic.twitter.com/J3VfyjQvAx— S.E. Robinson, Jr. (@SERobinsonJr) June 13, 2024
15:15 CT – We are the heels of what could possibly be the most high-stakes Tesla shareholder meeting to date. In the weeks leading up to today, there were serious doubts that TSLA investors would not vote to ratify Elon Musk’s 2018 CEO Performance Award and Tesla’s proposed redomestication in Texas. These doubts seem to have completely disappeared.
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Investor's Corner
New drone video shows Tesla’s Optimus Factory reaching a turning point
New drone footage shows Tesla’s dedicated Optimus factory steel frame nearing completion at Giga Texas.
Tesla’s dedicated Optimus factory at Gigafactory Texas is closing in on a finished steel frame, according to drone footage posted Thursday afternoon by longtime site observer Joe Tegtmeyer. In the video, Tegtmeyer said structural steel assembly is now about five column grids away from reaching the building’s north perimeter beam, putting the primary skeleton in its final stretch roughly six months after Tesla broke ground on the North Campus site in late March.
The Giga Texas Optimus Factory latest update … construction keeps moving fast!
Steel assembly is now only about 5 column grids from the north perimeter beam. Concrete is going in on the three upper floors, rebar is still being laid for more pours, and footing / grade-beam work… pic.twitter.com/qvFPvwnYzW
— Joe Tegtmeyer 🚀 🤠🛸😎 (@JoeTegtmeyer) September 17, 2026
Tegtmeyer’s footage shows concrete already going in on three upper floors while crews continue laying rebar and pouring grade beam footings at ground level. That kind of parallel work, steel rising at one end of the site while concrete sets at the other, is a scheduling approach Tesla used at the original Giga Texas building and appears to be repeating here to save time before the plant’s targeted 2027 production start.
Teslarati has tracked the building’s progress since Tesla confirmed construction was officially underway in May, when the first steel structure went up on what was then bare, reclaimed land. The facility is part of a more than 5.2 million square foot expansion of Giga Texas’s North Campus that Tesla has said will eventually run nearly the length of the existing vehicle factory, over 4,000 feet, while sitting somewhat narrower. Musk has pegged the long term output target at 10 million Optimus units a year once the line is running at full capacity, a volume that would dwarf the one million unit pilot line Tesla is standing up separately at its Fremont, California factory.
Tesla Giga Texas to feature massive Optimus V4 production line
The Texas facility sits alongside another major buildout on the same campus. Terafab, the joint Tesla and SpaceX chip fabrication plant that will eventually supply the silicon running Optimus units in the field. Housing robot assembly and chip production on the same grounds is a deliberate supply chain decision, cutting down on the shipping and lead time that would otherwise sit between the two.
Tesla has not given an updated timeline beyond its previously stated goal of bringing high volume Optimus production online at the site in the summer of 2027. Fremont’s smaller pilot line began mass producing the current Gen 3 robot in January, with that plant expected to build tens of thousands of units this year primarily to generate the real world data Tesla needs to refine the robot’s software before Giga Texas ramps up. Six months of visible construction progress, tracked almost entirely through Tegtmeyer’s recurring drone flights, gives the clearest outside look yet at how seriously Tesla is treating that 2027 deadline.
Investor's Corner
Tesla and SpaceX take “Terafab” Trademark fight to Federal Court
Tesla and SpaceX sue a small Illinois firm after cease and desist letters over Terafab.
Tesla and SpaceX are asking a federal judge to rule that their planned Terafab chip factory does not infringe a small Illinois company’s trademark, a request that arrives only after months of quiet negotiation broke down this summer.
The dispute traces to May 18, when Tesla filed three U.S. trademark applications for “Terafab” and “Tesla Terafab,” covering semiconductor chips and related chip making services. TERA-print LLC, a nanotechnology company that has held a federal trademark for “Tera-Fab” since 2021, responded five days later with a cease and desist letter. According to the lawsuit, first reported by Reuters, TERA-print argued that Tesla and SpaceX’s use of “Terafab” would confuse consumers familiar with its own trademark, which covers a desktop photolithography printer sold to researchers for sensor and bioengineering work.
What stands out in the filing is the timing of TERA-print’s own paperwork. One day before sending that cease and desist letter, on May 22, TERA-print applied to expand its existing registration to cover semiconductor materials, silicon chips, nanoelectronic devices and AI design services, categories it had not previously claimed. Tesla and SpaceX call that filing opportunistic in their complaint, noting it arrived two months after Tesla’s public Terafab announcement and just days after Tesla’s own trademark applications went in.
Elon Musk launches TERAFAB: The $25B Tesla-SpaceXAI chip factory that will rewire the AI industry
By June 10, TERA-print was threatening to sue for federal trademark infringement, false designation of origin and unfair competition, the complaint states. Rather than wait to be sued, Tesla, SpaceX and SpaceXAI met with TERA-print six separate times between June and August trying to resolve the dispute directly. Those talks collapsed, and the companies filed for declaratory judgment this week in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, asking a judge to find that “Terafab” does not infringe TERA-print’s mark before TERA-print can file a claim of its own.
TERA-print isn’t backing down. The company told PCMag it discussed a settlement with Tesla as recently as September 2 and feels misled by what it called Tesla’s professed interest in settling. Its CTO, Andrey Ivankin, said TERA-print holds a Defense Department contract to fabricate semiconductors and partially owns Mattiq Inc., an AI company built on TERA-print’s products, and that the company will vigorously defend its rights.
Tesla and SpaceX argue the overlap is superficial. Terafab is planned as a $16.8 billion complex spanning roughly 100 million square feet at the Grimes County site SpaceX confirmed last month, built to produce chips for Optimus robots, Tesla’s AI computing needs and SpaceX’s orbital data center ambitions, a scale and purpose the companies say no reasonable consumer would confuse with a tabletop lab printer. TERA-print’s product line has stayed focused on lithography tools for biological and sensor research since it registered its mark in 2021.
The trademark fight is the second legal dispute tied to the Terafab project in the past week, following a separate SpaceX suit aimed at keeping company records about the facility out of public view, as KBTX reported. Whether construction proceeds under the Terafab name now depends on a federal judge in Austin.
Investor's Corner
Tesla uber bull Ron Baron says ‘the time to buy the stock is now’
In a new interview on Wednesday, Tesla uber bull Ron Baron said that anyone looking to buy the company’s stock should do so as soon as they can.
Baron, founder and CEO of Baron Capital and one of Tesla’s most persistent institutional bulls, used a CNBC Squawk Box appearance on Wednesday to deliver a familiar message with fresh urgency: In his opinion, Tesla stock is a buy:
“The time to buy the stock is now. FSD is catching on, and it’s going to be bigger and bigger. 55% of new buyers are buying it (Teslas) with FSD. It’s going to be everywhere. It’s safer.”
The Baron Capital frontman’s case is built around Full Self-Driving. Tesla reported 1.48 million active FSD subscriptions in the second quarter, up 56 percent year over year, and company officials have said roughly 55 percent of new North American deliveries left with a subscription enabled.
Baron framed that attach rate as proof the product is moving from enthusiast extra to default expectation, and as a reason software, not just vehicle volume, should drive the next phase of value.
His conviction on Tesla shares is not theoretical, as Baron Capital made its first Tesla investment in 2014, after years of meetings that began around the 2010 IPO roadshow. The firm later built a large SpaceX position starting in 2017.
Ron Baron today in new interview on Tesla:
“The time to buy the stock is now. FSD is catching on, and it’s going to be bigger and bigger. 55% of new buyers are buying it (Teslas) with FSD. It’s going to be everywhere. It’s safer.” pic.twitter.com/Rv5PB0bVZ2
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) September 16, 2026
Baron said those Musk-led bets have generated about $30 billion of the $71 billion in profits Baron Capital has produced for clients. He put the firm’s current exposure at roughly $25 billion in SpaceX and $5 billion in Tesla. Personally, he described SpaceX as his largest holding, at about $5 billion, with about $1.5 billion in Tesla and additional Tesla exposure through the firm’s funds.
That concentration is also a statement of loyalty. Asked about talk of a SpaceX-Tesla combination, Baron said he had already walked Elon Musk through arguments for and against a deal, then declined to repeat them on air. His public position was simpler: “Whatever you decide is better is what I’m going to support,” he said to Musk.
Baron also said that he picked up the farewell edition of the Model S after Tesla decided to sunset the vehicle earlier this year, calling it his favorite car he’s ever driven.