Investing.com — Tesla (NASDAQ:) is set to report its third-quarter results on Wednesday, October 23, amid rising investor anticipation for a positive catalyst that could revive the stock following a post-Robotaxi Day slump.
For Q3, analysts estimate the electric vehicle giant will post earnings per share (EPS) of $0.60 on revenue of $25.4 billion.
Meanwhile, Barclays sees the potential for improvements in operating expenses and margins, driven by higher volumes and better raw material costs.
The bank expects the 3Q “results to serve as a positive near-term catalyst.”
So, as the earnings release approaches, Investing.com is asking in a poll:
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Barclays believes that Tesla’s focus has shifted back to fundamentals, with investors looking for clues about margin recovery and volume stability.
“Margins have troughed and are set to improve,” the analysts wrote. While full self-driving (FSD) and regulatory credit revenue remain potential wildcards, Barclays says stabilized estimates and recent cost-saving measures suggest a favorable outlook.
Looking further ahead, the bank believes Tesla’s ability to sustain momentum may depend on future developments.
Barclays pointed out that volumes are likely to remain flat year-over-year in 2024 and emphasized the importance of Tesla’s next major product launch.
“The larger focus for Tesla into 2025 is now likely on the introduction of ‘Model 2.5,’ Tesla’s low-cost model,” Barclays explained, adding that uncertainties remain around how the new model will impact sales and margins.
While the upcoming results may provide a short-term boost, Barclays expressed some caution about the long-term outlook.
“Beyond 3Q EPS, the outlook is somewhat more uncertain,” the note stated. The potential success of Tesla’s AV/AI strategy also remains a mixed bag, with Barclays highlighting the lengthy timeline required to achieve scale and profitability in autonomous technologies.
The bank maintains an Equal Weight rating and a $220 price target on the stock.
