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SpaceX's $1.77T IPO Could Make Musk a Trillionaire

New York Times Business •
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SpaceX's blockbuster IPO launches Friday with shares priced at $135, instantly shooting its valuation to $1.77 trillion—the largest ever. The deal, led by Goldman Sachs, reflects investor faith in Elon Musk’s vision, though the company remains unprofitable. Shares will trade under SPCX on Nasdaq, with bankers working to stabilize the price amid high demand. If the stock rises, Musk could become the first trillionaire, as his 50% stake alone would top $860 billion. This isn’t just a tech debut; it’s a cultural moment for A.I. startups like Anthropic and OpenAI, which are also eyeing massive IPOs.

Musk’s $75 billion haul from the offering underscores his dominance in Silicon Valley. Yet SpaceX’s finances tell a mixed story: it lost $4.9 billion last year despite $18.7 billion in revenue. The company’s focus on A.I. and Starlink has driven costs up, raising questions about sustainability. While the IPO is a win for Musk, investors face uncertainty. The stock’s first-day performance will depend on market equilibrium—bankers aim to avoid a crash by balancing buyers and sellers. Earlier this year, Cerebras’ IPO saw a 68% surge, setting a precedent for tech valuations. SpaceX’s listing could trigger a wave of A.I. deals, but its profitability remains a wildcard.

The IPO’s success hinges on practical execution. Trading starts later Friday, but delays are common for large deals. Analysts note that even a slight price dip below $135 could unsettle investors. Meanwhile, Musk’s broader empire—including Tesla and xAI—adds complexity. xAI’s acquisition highlights his bets on A.I., though SpaceX’s losses contrast with its hype. For investors, the lesson is clear: this is a high-risk, high-reward bet. The market will watch closely as SPCX makes its debut, potentially reshaping the landscape for trillion-dollar tech companies.