SpaceX Q3 revenue jumps 161% to $14.6 billion

Space Exploration Technologies reported third-quarter revenue of $14.6 billion, a 161% year-over-year increase, after the market closed on Oct. 20, 2026. The announcement sent shares of SpaceX (SPCX) up 5.15% to $155.40 in early after-hours trading, reversing a 0.11% decline during regular hours when the stock closed at $147.79.

The earnings report highlighted a significant shift in the company's financial structure, particularly within its Super Intelligence division. This segment generated $7.6 billion in sales during the quarter, up from $813 million in the same period last year. The division also recorded operating income of $431 million, marking a turnaround from a $1.3 billion loss in the second quarter and a $1.7 billion operating loss in 2025. SpaceX has identified this area as its largest market opportunity, estimating the potential at $27 trillion.

Operationally, the company noted its first revenue-generating Starship mission in the third quarter. Additionally, SpaceX completed a classified national-security launch for the U.S. Space Force last week, a move that underscores continued government demand for its launch capabilities. These developments support the valuation of its launch business alongside the expanding AI operations.

In the broader market, the S&P 500 (^GSPC) closed at 7,713, up 0.28%, while the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) finished at 26,425, down 0.02%. SpaceX trading volume reached 89.4 million shares, slightly below its three-month average of 94.5 million shares. Since its 2026 initial public offering, SpaceX stock has declined by 8%. Among aerospace and defense peers, Rocket Lab (RKLB) closed at $50.90, down 0.90%, and AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) ended at $41.13, down 1.77%.