Elon Musk is considering a bold merger between his two major companies, SpaceX and Tesla, combining their diverse operations in electric vehicles, aerospace, satellites, and artificial intelligence. During SpaceX’s third-quarter earnings call, Musk noted the potential benefits of uniting both firms and confirmed that special committees from their boards are actively exploring the possibility. Although Musk is not directly involved in the discussions due to conflict-of-interest concerns, he highlighted significant synergies in software and chip development that could emerge from the consolidation.

SpaceX reported a strong financial quarter, exceeding expectations with $14.58 billion in revenue and $4.4 billion in net income, while adjusted earnings per share of 45 cents beat forecasts comfortably. CFO Bret Johnsen projected that first-quarter 2027 revenues could reach between $33 billion and $37 billion, vastly surpassing analyst estimates, which signals robust growth prospects for the company. This financial strength bodes well for both SpaceX's ambitions and any future joint venture with Tesla.

Musk also played a controversial role in military applications of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite service, as reports emerged that he ordered a reduction in Starlink’s military-grade bandwidth, affecting Ukrainian drones’ operational capabilities. This decision sparked debate regarding Musk’s influence on geopolitical conflicts, with reported discussions between Musk and former President Donald Trump about the move. Musk stated that ultimate control rested with the U.S. military and government officials, while Trump maintained ambiguity about the directive’s origin.

In other notable developments, Netflix surpassed earnings forecasts but faced a share selloff due to a cautious outlook on advertising revenue and lower-than-expected fourth-quarter guidance. Meanwhile, legal challenges continue around tariffs implemented during the Trump administration, with the Liberty Justice Center suing to overturn 50% tariffs on Canadian imports under a Depression-era law. Boeing, meanwhile, scored regulatory approval for the 737 Max 10 after a prolonged certification process, marking a significant milestone for the aircraft manufacturer.