By Connor Hart

Tesla is expected to report first-quarter results after the market closes Tuesday. Here is what you need to know.

PROFIT: The electric-vehicle maker is expected to post a profit of $1.44 billion, or 33 cents a share, according to analysts polled by FactSet. In the same quarter last year, Tesla reported a profit of $1.54 billion, or 34 cents a share.

EARNINGS: Stripping out certain one-time items, Tesla is projected to notch adjusted earnings of 41 cents a share, compared with 45 cents a share last year.

SALES: Revenue is modeled to edge higher to $21.34 billion, from $21.30 billion a year earlier, according to analysts.

The stock has lost nearly half its value in the past three months and was recently trading at $223.06.

WHAT TO WATCH

--Tesla's stock has struggled as the company faces slower sales and a damaged brand, hurt by growing criticism surrounding Chief Executive Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration. Investors will be looking for Musk to address his role in the administration, which Wedbush analysts said in a research note will likely alter the company's position moving forward. If Musk steps back from politics, he can focus on improving Tesla, and the company's long-term story won't be altered, the analysts said. Staying involved in the administration, however, could result in a "code red situation" for Tesla.

--Worried investors will be looking to hear how Tesla plans to pivot and turn to growth in 2025 after a rocky few months, the Wedbush analysts said. This means they will want concrete timelines and plans regarding the company's self-driving car model and robotaxi services, as well as its expanded business into robotics and artificial intelligence.

--Tesla, with two carmaking facilities in the U.S., is widely believed to be better positioned to deal with tariffs than other carmakers. However, that is not to say that the EV maker is immune to the levies, which Musk himself has criticized. Investors will be looking to see how Tesla is dealing with tariffs, as well as any insight to how inflation-weary customers would respond to higher prices.

Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 21, 2025 14:23 ET (18:23 GMT)

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