Coverage and analysis of electric vehicle maker Tesla's fourth-quarter financial results, Q&A call, and the stock's reaction.

Tesla is set to report fourth-quarter earnings after the bell Wednesday, with analysts mostly optimistic the electric vehicle maker could benefit from CEO Elon Musk's ties to President Donald Trump.

Tesla's fourth-quarter earnings and revenue fell short of analysts' estimates, sending shares down by 4% in extended trading on Wednesday. Automotive revenue sank 8%. The company attributed the decline in revenue to lower average selling prices for its Model 3,

Tesla stock opened up 5.5% at $410.50 before slipping. The initial rise was a surprise for two reasons. For starters, earnings were relatively weak and guidance was “vague,” according to Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas.

Tesla shares climbed 4% in after-hours trading Wednesday as enthusiasm for self-driving advancements overshadowed weaker-than-expected Q4 earnings. CEO Elon Musk said Tesla’s full self-driving software is making progress.