This story uses the word 'collapse' in their framing of what Chanos is doing. That is not correct.
Additionally the story does not mention the Solar City bail-out by Tesla which, though a jury said was not fraudulent (and an appeals court upheld) still stinks to high heaven.
From Teslarati, November 19:
Elon Musk responds to Tesla (TSLA) short seller fund’s collapse
Elon Musk has responded to the news of an aggressive Tesla short seller’s decision to close his prolific fund. In a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Musk noted that he had warned short-sellers that betting against Tesla was a very risky affair.
As per recent reports, famed short-seller Jim Chanos, who has made a name for himself by betting against Enron, would be closing his fund. In a letter to investors of his fund, Kynikos Associates, Chanos noted that the bulk of the fund would be returned to investors by the end of the year.
“It is no secret that the long/short equity business model has come under pressure and interest in fundamental stock pickers has waned. While I am as passionate as ever about research and investing, I feel compelled to pursue these passions in a different construct,” Chanos wrote in his letter, which was viewed by the Financial Times.
Chanos took a well-publicized short position against Tesla. In the past, he has argued that the electric vehicle maker was a circus, and that the company was worthless. About two months ago, Chanos noted in an interview that his fund was still short Tesla, as he believed that the company was “ridiculously overvalued.” Needless to say, Chanos’ overall bet against Tesla was unsuccessful....
....MORE
On the other hand, except for a handful of tactical trades we have had a 'don't short Tesla mantra' since the 2010 IPO including a "Don't be this guy" riff. (seriously, don't be this guy).
If interested in the Solar City deal, we have on offer:
Chanos Says He's Still Shorting SolarCity ‘Not a Technology Company’ (SCTY)Chanos On Tesla: Not Impressed (TSLA; SCTY)
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
SolarCity's CEO is an ahistorical idot.
I mean we're all idots from time to time but most of us at least try to conceal our idot-hood from the freakin' media!
Reuters Exclusive - "Tesla to close a dozen solar facilities in nine states: documents" (TSLA)
Jim Chanos weeps at what might have been.*
And dozens more including a lot of links in So, How Was Tesla's Purchase Of SolarCity Not a Fraud? (TSLA; SCTY)
And ENE? Mr. Chanos did all right.
