If You'd Invested $5,000 in Tesla 5 Years Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today
Key Points
Long-time Tesla shareholders have been rewarded with outsized returns.
The valuation looks excessive today and is based on the business looking much different in the future.
- These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires ›
The auto industry before might have seemed boring and slow-changing, but Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has added excitement to the mix. It disrupted the market by bringing mass appeal to electric vehicles (EVs). And its success has resulted in a valuation of around $1.3 trillion.
Shareholders have captured huge returns along the way. If you invested $5,000 in this top EV stock five years ago, here's how much you'd have today.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »
Image source: Tesla.
Tesla shares have accelerated gains for investors
Tesla has been a monster winner. The stock has surged 186% higher in the past five years (as of Oct. 10), turning that $5,000 starting sum into $14,290 today. While the result is magnificent, it hasn't been a smooth ride. Tesla shares tend to be extremely volatile. They were down almost 50% at one point just this year, before recovering over the past six months.
Musk's grand vision continues to drive the narrative
Any reasonable analysis of the stock will surely conclude that the valuation isn't based on reality. Shares trade at a nosebleed price-to-earnings ratio of 250. The market continues to focus less on weak EV demand and profitability.
Instead, investors keep buying into founder and CEO Elon Musk's grand vision. The belief is that at some point in the not-too-distant future, the company will collect robust profits from robotaxis and humanoid robots, which makes the current valuation not matter much. Time will tell.
Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity
Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this.
On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves:
- Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $499,446!*
- Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $48,282!*
- Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $663,905!*
Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, available when you join Stock Advisor, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.
See the 3 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of October 7, 2025
Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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