# Tesla Reports Lower Third-Quarter Profit as Capital Spending Rises

Tesla’s October 21 results show nearly unchanged revenue and a decline in free cash flow.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-10-27T05:02:37.953Z
Updated: 2026-10-27T05:02:37.953Z
Section: Business
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/tesla-third-quarter-2026-profit-capital-spending

Launch Catch-Up — October 21, 2026 Results

Tesla reported lower third-quarter profit in its October 21 financial update while increasing investment spending.

The company’s quarterly report shows net income attributable to common shareholders of $787 million for the three months ended September 30, compared with $1.373 billion a year earlier. Diluted earnings fell to 22 cents a share from 39 cents.

Revenue was $28.046 billion, down $49 million from the comparable 2025 quarter. That left sales broadly unchanged despite the sharper decline in earnings.

Tesla’s results presentation reported $6.263 billion in operating cash flow and $4.732 billion in capital expenditure. Free cash flow, calculated by subtracting capital expenditure from operating cash flow, was $1.531 billion, compared with $3.990 billion a year earlier.

In its SEC report, Tesla said heavy investment in research and development would weigh on profitability during this phase of its expansion. The figures describe the completed quarter; they do not establish future investment returns or earnings.

Sources:
Tesla — October 21 results presentation: https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000162828026066738/tsla-20261021-gen.pdf
Tesla — September 30 quarterly SEC report: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000162828026066775/tsla-20260930.htm

## Sources
- Tesla — October 21 results presentation: https://ir.tesla.com/_flysystem/s3/sec/000162828026066738/tsla-20261021-gen.pdf
- Tesla — third-quarter SEC report: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000162828026066775/tsla-20260930.htm