Tesla lowers its annual capital expenditure (capex) forecast while reporting positive free cash flow in the third quarter, following investments that are smaller than some expectations for its AI and robotics push. The reduction in planned spending is framed by BNN Bloomberg as occurring even as Elon Musk continues to bet on AI and robots, with attention also turning to a potential SpaceX-related deal.
Japan Times and NDTV both connect the spending gap to uncertainty about how quickly Tesla can reorient its operations toward future-focused business lines. Japan Times links the need for “heavy” spending and the slower pace of AI and robotics investment to a clouded outlook, while also discussing the idea that such a shift could underpin a merger narrative involving SpaceX. NDTV similarly highlights doubt around Tesla’s AI and robotics goals, pointing to a recent $4.73 billion outlay in the third quarter as part of the context for why the lowered target raises questions.
