Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc, has witnessed a significant surge in his net worth in 2026. Unlike previous years, where the jump was attributed to a rally in Tesla’s stock, this time the boost comes from the merger of two of his own companies: SpaceX and xAI.
Merger Impact on Net Worth
The merger of SpaceX and xAI has propelled Musk’s net worth to unprecedented heights. With a combined valuation of $1.25 trillion for the two companies, Musk’s wealth has increased by $84 billion, reaching a staggering $852 billion. Prior to the merger, Musk held approximately 42% of SpaceX, valued at $336 billion, and around 49% of xAI, valued at $122 billion.
Breakdown of Musk’s Net Worth
Musk now owns around 43% of the combined company, with $542 billion of his net worth attributed to the SpaceX/xAI merger. Additionally, his 12% stake in Tesla contributes $178 billion to his wealth, while Tesla stock options valued at $124 billion are also factored into his net worth calculations.
Comparison to Other Billionaires
According to estimates, Larry Page, co-founder of Google, is the second richest person with a net worth of $281 billion. Musk’s wealth surpasses Page’s by a record $578 billion.
Future Prospects for Musk’s Net Worth
Musk’s net worth has consistently broken records, surpassing $500 billion, $600 billion, $700 billion, and now $800 billion, all within the past year. With his new pay package, which could award him up to nearly $1 trillion in additional Tesla shares if certain milestones are met, Musk may become the world’s first trillionaire in 2026.
Potential for Further Growth
The merger of SpaceX and xAI, combined with Musk’s potential compensation from Tesla, may continue to drive his net worth upwards. Additionally, a potential SpaceX IPO in 2026 could see the company valued at $1.5 trillion or higher, further increasing Musk’s wealth. As the world’s richest person, Musk’s net worth is expected to continue climbing, making him a likely candidate to become the first trillionaire.