Here are the most important things to look for in Tesla's third-quarter earnings
- Analysts expect a big loss as the automaker ramps up production of its Model 3.
- Revenue should improve over Q2 and Q3 2016.
- Big questions will swirl around Model 3, a capital raise, 2017 deliveries, and Autopilot.
Tesla will report third-quarter earnings after the markets close on Wednesday, and they will be closely watched.
After an epic run-up in the carmaker's stock price during the first half of 2017, when shares threatened $400 and Tesla's market cap eclipsed Ford, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and briefly even General Motors, investors have reversed course.
Tesla is still up 50% year-to-date, but since last week shares have slipped 8% and are now trading around $320.
Expectations vary, but analysts anticipate that Tesla will lose $2.30-$2.45 per share. A positive result would be stunning, but a narrower loss is certainly possible. On the revenue side, the estimates are around $3 billion, continuing an upward trend from the second quarter and the third-quarter of 2016.
So what else will investors be looking for?