Tesla Inc’s board member, Joe Gebbia, recently made a significant insider stock purchase, acquiring over $1 million worth of Tesla stock. However, this development has been overshadowed by the planned stock sale of Chairwoman Robyn Denholm. Denholm has filed a new Form 144, which could lead to the exercise of Tesla options and the sale of common shares, generating millions of dollars in the process.
Recent Filing and Transaction
The recent filing indicates that Denholm is planning to sell 112,390 Tesla shares, with expected proceeds of around $32 million. This transaction is part of a Rule 10b5-1, meaning that Denholm may have predetermined the timing and share amounts, and the decision is not based on any insider information. The latest transaction comes after Denholm exercised Tesla options acquired on June 18, 2018.
Denholm’s Selling Pattern
Denholm has a history of selling Tesla shares, with sales totaling $43.2 million and $33.7 million in February and March, respectively. She has also sold shares in March, May, July, November, and December of 2024. Denholm has received over $600 million in stock compensation since joining the Tesla Board of Directors in 2014 and has sold over $500 million in Tesla stock during that time.
Current Stake and Ownership
After the latest transaction, Denholm owns 85,000 Tesla shares and 300,440 options. While some investors have expressed concerns about Denholm’s frequent selling of shares, Tesla influencer “Tesla Larry” has highlighted that Denholm often exercises options and keeps a portion of the shares, which can increase her stake in the company.
Importance and Impact
Denholm’s sales have been a topic of discussion among Tesla investors, with some expressing dissatisfaction with her hands-off role as Chairwoman and her frequent selling of shares. The latest filing may overshadow the insider purchase made by Gebbia, which marked the first insider purchase in years and could signal increased confidence in Tesla ahead of upcoming catalysts such as robotaxis, FSD, and new vehicle models.
Price Action and Market Performance
Tesla stock was down 5.1% to $277.14 on Wednesday, compared to a 52-week trading range of $167.41 to $488.54. Year-to-date in 2025, Tesla stock is down 26.8%, while shares have increased over 50% in the last year.
Related News and Updates
For more information on Tesla’s recent performance and upcoming developments, readers can refer to the following articles:
- Tesla Q1 misses estimates as tariff pressures weigh on outlook, lower-cost EVs still on track
- Other relevant news and updates on Tesla and the electric vehicle industry.