Tesla's Q3 Net Income Drops 43% Amid Investment in Optimus Robots and Cybercab Rollout

Tesla's third-quarter net income fell 43% to $787 million on flat revenue of $28.05 billion, driven by a 69% rise in research spending to $2.76 billion and capital expenditures more than doubling to $4.73 billion. The company began producing Optimus humanoid robots in Fremont, California, targeting 20,000 units weekly with outside deliveries around the end of 2027. Tesla aims to deliver Cybercabs by the end of 2026, while awaiting a federal safety audit with sworn answers due October 30. Operating profit fell 56% to $718 million, despite delivering about 2% fewer cars.