Musk keeps Tesla SpaceX merger talk after earnings call

Speculation about a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX intensified after Elon Musk addressed the topic during Tesla's second-quarter earnings call on July 22, 2026. While not confirming any plans, Musk declined to dismiss the possibility, citing growing operational overlap between the two companies he leads.

During the call, Musk was asked about potential synergies from combining the electric vehicle maker and the aerospace firm. He pointed to extensive existing collaborations, stating there is "more and more overlap," particularly on the joint semiconductor manufacturing project known as Terafab. Musk then deferred, saying, "We can't talk about combining companies and that kind of thing on an earnings call. It's got to be done with the appropriate process." Tesla General Counsel Brandon Ehrhart followed, describing SpaceX as a "great partner" with whom Tesla has "numerous beneficial transactions."

The discussion underscores the deepening ties between Musk's corporate empire. Tesla already supplies batteries and manufacturing technology to SpaceX, and the two are partnered on Terafab, a facility designed to produce AI chips. Musk also detailed other integrations,...