Tesla Q3 earnings: Wall Street seeks robotaxi, AI, and SpaceX merger clues

Tesla is set to report third-quarter earnings after the closing bell, with investors focused on updates regarding its AI projects, robotaxi progress, and potential clues about a merger with SpaceX. Analysts are upbeat following the recent Roadster unveiling, though the vehicle is not expected to be a major sales driver. Wall Street is listening for details on capital expenditures as Tesla's spending shifts toward AI, alongside any news on the possible SpaceX tie-up, which gained momentum after Elon Musk mentioned a committee exploring the merger. Tesla recently beat delivery estimates with 486,532 vehicles sold, though that figure is down 2% year-over-year. Tesla shares traded around $373 on Tuesday, down 14% year-to-date and 22% below their all-time high from late 2025. Analysts at firms like Yorkville Ives & Co, Morningstar, RBC Capital Markets, and Cantor have issued positive ratings, with price targets ranging from $450 to $500, citing growth potential in autonomy and robotics.