Key Points
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) might be one of the most polarizing businesses on the face of the planet. However, it has done a terrific job taking care of its early investors, who have accumulated sizable returns.
If you’d invested $10,000 in this “Magnificent Seven” stock 10 years ago, here’s how much you’d have today.
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In the past decade, Tesla shares have skyrocketed 2,570%, even though they trade 24% off their peak. A $10,000 starting sum would be worth $267,000 right now, representing a gain that crushes that of most other investments. At a market capitalization of $1.2 trillion, this is one of the world’s most valuable companies.
The Elon Musk–led business bolted onto the scene as a major disruptor to the traditional automotive industry. Integrating innovative features with sleek designs, Tesla popularized electric vehicles. The company’s expansive Supercharger network also helped to reduce consumers’ anxiety about running out of battery power.
Revenue totaled $1.3 billion in the second quarter of 2016. In Q2 of this year (ended June 30), that figure exploded almost 22-fold to $28.2 billion. While growth has stabilized in recent years, the company’s ascent in the past 10 years has been impressive.
These days, Tesla is fully focused on self-driving technology and robotics. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 346, showcasing the market’s extreme optimism.
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 $585,136!*
- Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $65,062!*
- Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $383,680!*
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.
*Stock Advisor returns as of September 28, 2026.
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.
