SpaceX Projects 13 Billion Dollars in Q3 Revenue as AI Expands

SpaceX is preparing to report third-quarter financial results on October 20, 2026, with analysts expecting revenue of approximately $13 billion as artificial intelligence and computing services become increasingly important to the company's business. Projections also point to a return to profitability, although substantial operating costs and planned investments could affect its financial performance.

According to Seeking Alpha, AI-related operations are expected to contribute $6.47 billion in revenue during the quarter. The company is also projected to post earnings per share of $0.13, marking an anticipated return to positive earnings as its AI computing business expands.

The earnings announcement is scheduled for after the market closes on October 20. Yahoo Finance reported on October 19 that the timing surprised Wall Street because companies typically disclose earnings dates several weeks in advance.

One potential explanation for the accelerated schedule is SpaceX's financing plans, alongside upcoming restrictions on the sale of certain shares being lifted. Evercore ISI analyst Kutgun Maral outlined several possible reasons for the timing, including financing arrangements and operational or strategic disclosures.

Maral said, "Possible explanations include a desire to put updated financials on record ahead of further financing arrangements or share time-sensitive operational/strategic updates — either before counterparties do or to give the market time to digest the implications ahead of the sizeable lock-up releases (1.30 billion shares two days after earnings, 329 million on 10/24, and the remaining 857 million tranche of the 180-day group thereafter). Or the explanation could be as mundane as scheduling — it's just hard to know," according to Yahoo Finance.

The analyst's assessment comes as SpaceX pursues a major financing package to support its artificial intelligence ambitions. Reuters recently reported that the company is seeking to raise $40 billion to purchase advanced AI chips manufactured by Nvidia.

The proposed financing would consist of approximately $10 billion in bank loans and $30 billion in investment-grade debt. Apollo Global Management is expected to help lead the transaction, with PIMCO among the potential participants, according to Yahoo Finance.

The proposed funding would support Elon Musk's effort to establish SpaceX as a significant player in AI computing. Acquiring advanced chips and expanding computing capacity would require substantial capital, making the relationship between revenue growth, investment spending and profitability an important part of the company's financial outlook.

SpaceX's anticipated earnings report also comes ahead of several scheduled share lockup expirations. Yahoo Finance reported that 1.30 billion shares could become eligible for release two days after the earnings announcement, followed by another 329 million shares on October 24 and a remaining tranche of 857 million shares from the 180-day group thereafter.

Although the projected revenue and earnings figures indicate improving financial performance, the estimates do not establish SpaceX's final reported results. The company's third-quarter earnings announcement, scheduled for after the market close on October 20, is expected to provide updated financial information as investors assess its AI expansion and financing requirements.