Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) fourth-quarter earnings for 2019 saw the electric car maker post $7.38 billion in revenue, exceeding estimates from Wall Street. The results, which were discussed at length in an Update Letter, were released after the closing bell on Wednesday, January 29. Tesla entered and ended the fourth quarter on a high note. Propelled by a surprise profit in the third quarter, TSLA shares experienced a radical rise that has continued until today. The company also delivered 112,000 vehicles over Q4 2019, while producing 104,000, setting new records once more. The following are the key points in Tesla’s Q4 2019 and Full Year Update Letter.
REVENUE
Tesla reported revenue of $7.38 billion for the fourth quarter. In contrast, Wall St. expected Tesla to report revenue of $7.047 billion. Estimize expected Tesla to report revenue of $7.158 billion.
EARNINGS
Tesla shareholders saw earnings per share of $2.14 in the fourth quarter, beating Wall St’s estimates. In comparison, Wall Street expected Tesla to report a gain of $1.62 per share for Q4 2019. Estimize, a crowdsourcing platform that aggregates estimates from Wall Street analysts, buy-side analysts, company executives, academics, fund managers, among others, expected gains of $1.79 per share.
FREE CASH FLOW
Tesla notes that 2019 was a huge turning point for the company. Thanks to consistent, strong demand for the Model 3, Tesla returned to GAAP profitability in the second half of the year, generating $1.1 billion of free cash flow for the year. The company also credits cost control across the board for its strong cash generation.
DEMAND SUSTAINABILITY
Over the course of 2019, Tesla notes that most of the orders for its vehicles were from new buyers who did not hold a previous reservation with the company. This showed that the company’s reach is growing, and it was able to do so without spending on advertising.
TSLA STOCK SO FAR
Tesla shareholders have received the electric car maker’s results positively. As of writing, Tesla shares are trading +6.64% at $619.57 per share during after-hours trading. Tesla’s Q4 2019 and Full Year Update Letter could be accessed below.
Other Tesla Q4 and Full Year 2019 Highlights
- LIVE BLOG: Tesla (TSLA) Q4 2019 earnings call updates
- Tesla confirms timeframe for first Model Y deliveries
- Tesla nearly doubles Mobile Service fleet to improve customer service
- Tesla Model Y will have 315-mile EPA rated range
- Tesla launches Model Y Performance Überturbine 21″ wheels
Disclosure: I have no ownership in shares of TSLA and have no plans to initiate any positions within 72 hours.
