Key Points
Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) was an IPO of superlatives. From its unparalleled $75 billion raise to its enormous day-one trading volume, it broke so many records that it probably even broke the record for breaking the most records. With a heady mix of space travel, artificial intelligence (AI), and proposals to take tourists to the moon, it’s natural to wonder if SpaceX has a place in your portfolio.
The trouble is that it is hard to justify a valuation of over $2 trillion for a firm that reported a net loss of $4.9 billion last year and had total 2025 revenue of $18.7 billion. Plus, many of the claims in its prospectus — including the potential total addressable market of $28.5 trillion — don’t stand up to scrutiny. If you’re thinking of buying SpaceX today, here are three things to know.
1. You may already own it
Several major indexes fast-tracked SpaceX’s entry, causing index funds to automatically add the stock. The Russell 1000 added SpaceX on June 27, and the Nasdaq-100 followed on July 7, so investors who hold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that mirror those indexes, such as the iShares Russell 1000 ETF or the Invesco QQQ Trust, already own a small stake in SpaceX.
Other technology- and space-themed ETFs also give exposure to SpaceX. These include Ark Space & Defense Innovation ETF and iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF. Think about what percentage of your portfolio you want to allocate to SpaceX and what you’ll get through your existing investments.
2. SpaceX is burning through a lot of cash
Last year, SpaceX’s capital expenditure (capex) totaled $21 billion for its space, connectivity, and AI segments. This year, it is spending money even faster: It burned through over $10 billion in Q1 alone. SpaceX is different from the AI hyperscalers racing for dominance because big tech firms like Alphabet have pretty solid financial cushions and are generating significant revenue to justify some of the costs.
In fairness, SpaceX has already landed three major AI deals, and its Starlink internet arm does generate cash. Even so, it is borrowing heavily to fund its expansion into two high-risk areas — space and AI — and it isn’t clear when they will start to pay off. In fact, some of its forays into unproven technologies may never generate revenue.
3. Elon Musk is part of SpaceX’s DNA
SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk is part of why the company’s IPO broke so many records. Some invested in SpaceX purely because they believed Musk could deliver, regardless of the risks. But his reputation is not the only reason Musk and SpaceX are tied; the firm is structured around his leadership.
Musk’s Class B shares have 10 times the voting power of the Class A shares investors bought in its IPO, giving him control of around 80% of SpaceX’s votes. Among other things, if shareholders lose faith in his leadership, they can’t force his dismissal. That raises some interesting governance questions that will likely play out in the coming years.
It also raises a practical issue because Musk has other commitments, and any distractions could delay SpaceX’s ambitious timelines. Moreover, without a clear succession plan, SpaceX may not survive if ill health or other issues remove Musk from the helm.
The period after high-profile IPOs is always volatile. Throw in the high risks, heavy spending, debt, and structural challenges, and it makes sense for long-term investors to wait and reevaluate SpaceX once the frenzy has passed.
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Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
