SpaceX Q3 results: AI revenue, funding needs, and Tesla merger rumors in focus

SpaceX is set to report third-quarter earnings on Tuesday, with investors focused on whether its rapidly growing artificial intelligence business can generate enough revenue to justify massive infrastructure costs, as the company is expected to post a profit of 13 cents per share versus a nine-cent loss last quarter. Revenue is projected to reach $12.8 billion, a 64% increase year-over-year, with AI income nearly tripling to about $6 billion from signed customer contracts worth $54.5 billion annually. However, capital expenditures reached $19 billion last quarter, raising concerns about the company's need for additional debt financing, including a reported $40 billion loan target for Nvidia chips. Investors will also watch Starlink's 66% revenue growth to $4.3 billion and listen for updates on the Starship rocket, while speculation grows about a potential SpaceX-Tesla merger following the Roadster unveiling at a SpaceX facility and Tesla's upcoming shareholder meeting on December 3.