SpaceX is public: Everything you need to know post-IPO

SpaceX has long been a focal point for media and investors alike, driven by its innovative reusable rocket technology, the expansion of its Starlink satellite network, and the high-profile persona of its founder, Elon Musk. However, nothing has drawn attention quite like the company's recent initial public offering (IPO), which has set a new benchmark in the financial world. The aerospace company launched its IPO with 555.6 million shares priced at $135 each, successfully raising an astounding $75 billion. This monumental offering not only represents the largest IPO in history but also catapults Musk into the status of the world’s first trillionaire. On its inaugural trading day, SpaceX shares soared, opening at $150 on the Nasdaq exchange—a remarkable 11% increase. By midday, the stock had climbed 30%, eventually closing at $160.95, reflecting a 19% gain. The volume of trading was unprecedented, with platforms like Robinhood reporting record traffic post-IPO. In a June 12 interview with CNBC, SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell suggested that a merger between SpaceX and Tesla could simplify operations for Musk, a comment likely to resonate with Tesla shareholders. Meanwhile, investment banks including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley have profited significantly from the IPO, raking in approximately $500 million in fees. Musk expressed gratitude towards SpaceX employees via X, celebrating the rise in stock value and sharing a photo featuring insiders wearing green shoes, a playful nod to the 'green shoe option' that allows underwriters to sell additional shares based on demand. For those interested in the financial intricacies of this historic IPO, Senior Reporter Sean O’Kane and AI Editor Russell Brandom discussed the implications in a special episode of the Equity podcast. The Nasdaq listing of SpaceX can be monitored for live updates on share price. Despite the excitement, SpaceX's financials reveal a more complex narrative. The company reported a loss of $4.9 billion on revenue exceeding $18 billion in 2025, contributing to over $37 billion in cumulative losses since its inception. Musk holds around 85.1% of the company’s voting power, ensuring substantial control over its future direction. The IPO has opened the door for approximately 4,400 employees who might become millionaires as a result of the stock's performance. With the new financial landscape, speculations abound regarding how Musk's enhanced power will influence both SpaceX and Tesla. As the dust settles on this landmark IPO, the effects on the aerospace sector and beyond remain to be seen.