Tesla, the electric vehicle company led by Elon Musk, has published better-than-expected sales figures, sending its stock up 4.85% in a generally positive session for U.S. equities, driven by positive developments on the energy front. Musk’s other company, SpaceX, is also performing well, with a similar percentage gain.

The third quarter was therefore positive: the company delivered 486,532 vehicles, compared with analyst estimates of 463,761 vehicles, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. These are interesting figures after the group experienced a relative crisis—partly exaggerated by newspapers for political reasons—following the major Chinese boom in the sector.

Down from the record quarter

The figures appeal to everyone because, as the wise man said, numbers can be hammered into proving anything. Some headlines point out that the group nevertheless reduced sales compared with the same quarter of 2025, when it delivered 497,099 vehicles. Few, however, remember that quarter was positively affected by the suspension of federal incentives in the United States, which was due to come shortly thereafter. The suspension of incentives prompted many people to bring forward their orders.

For Tesla, which has been discussed less and less since the other Musk company entered the stock market, these are important figures that also affect broader forecasts for the automotive sector, which will probably be revised upward.

It should also be remembered that Tesla is active in the energy business as well, although its figures will be reviewed when the next complete quarterly results are published.

Markets respond positively

The markets responded positively, with the stock approaching +5% two hours after the opening of the final trading session of the week in New York. SpaceX is moving in step with it—or rather, outperforming its sister company by gaining +5.8% and reaching $156.7.

Musk therefore has reason to be satisfied, having moved increasingly far away from an active role in politics and returned more consistently to leading his companies.

A renewed appetite for risk is also a factor, with the Nasdaq-100 gaining more than 1% at the time of writing this brief analysis. The performances of SPCX and TSLA nevertheless remain… unattainable.

The next date to watch is October 21, when the group will publish its complete quarterly results.