If Tesla Went Up For Sale Today Would Apple Have The Inside Track?

No. Apple is a software company with some very slick devices, with outsourced manufacturing, to run their software. The main device, the iPhone is in a maturing market and they are moving toward applications like healthcare where their size has the ability to make something happen. Autonomous auto's are an application where they can make a difference, but better to be a supplier to multiple high volume auto companies, and not get into the manufacturing of the vehicle. Tesla's albatross is they chose to make vehicles and batteries which are whole different businesses and ones that aren't high margin.

No, back in 2013 the landscape was much different and EVs with autonoumous systems looked to be the future. Six years later, the demand for EVs has not lived up to expectations and automonous driving still has a long way to go to be successful, not to mention the legal hurdles. If Apple did decide to acquire Tesla it would be for far less than the current share price.

While Musk can orchestrate private conversations leading to a sale, Tesla as a public company has a fiduciary responsibility to maximize shareholder value. The best way to maximize value on a sale is to have an investment company conduct an auction. However with Musk holding 38.6 million shares plus grants and options and considering its his company (sic) he would likely only sell to a party and on terms satisfactory to him personally.

Good post. Tesla's debt may force Elon's hand.

Vette71: Thumbs up on your post

Apply buying Tesla would be moronic.

If Tesla’s current situation happened 3 or 4 years ago, the previous administration would have funded a deal with Marchionne for Tesla to become part of FCA.

Because socialists love propping up failing companies instead of letting them experience the natural consequences of their actions.

Even 3-4 years ago - the economy had recovered enough that public financed things like this were no longer needed. However - its does POINT to the idea that the predictions of huge sales of EVs were WAY WAY too high. I note that just as soon as the Model 3 sales kicked off - the Sales of the X and S became an afterthought. Now - Tesla needs to update the styling - bring out new models - does not have the cash to do it. Frankly - although I always thought Tesla would run into a wall - I NEVER expected it to be quite this quick. Does not bode well for sales for other manufacturers.

Pugproud - Certainly Elan has a NEED to get as much for HIS shares as possible - not just the rest.But in this case - the auction price would have to be awfully high - WHO would be involved? I don't see Apple looking to Gen 1 architecture for a lot of money. There are only so many companies that MIGHT be involved - why would they pay for an auction company fee in addition to all the others. It might be a case where Toyota -who is way behind in EVs - catches up somewhat. However - Tesla without ELAN is not worth as much as well.

Tesla without Elon is the only hope for this company. Elon is the stinking turd of a problem that has destroyed them. Tesla without Elon is something worth buying.

What do you base this fallacy on? Both Clinton and Obama had superior economic policies and results that the last tow republican presidents. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-01-28/trump-economy-lags-clinton-s-obama-s-reagan-s-and-even-carter-s
DumbDonny inderited an economy that had been growing for seven years after Obama rescued it from the failed republican policies. (see Kansas republican economy for further reference).
trump came in as a pinch runner on third base and believes he hit a triple. Sad.