What Elon Musk’s Estate Plan Means for Tesla and SpaceX Shares

Elon Musk is one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet. As of December 2024, Musk’s net worth surpassed $400 billion. He has reportedly stated that he plans to pass on the shares of his companies, not to his family, but to those interested in running the companies and ensuring their continued operation.

This should be good news for retail investors interested in Musk’s companies. It demonstrates his commitment to their future success, whether he is directly involved or not.

Key Takeaways

• Musk has reportedly stated that he will not automatically pass his company shares to his family but to individuals committed to managing his businesses’ futures.
• This approach is encouraging for retail investors, as it signals Musk’s dedication to his companies’ long-term success.
• But some have concerns he may be spreading himself too thin to maximize value in his companies

What Are Musk’s Plans?

Musk has 11 children and bought property in Texas for them and the mothers of his children. Beyond that, little is known about Elon Musk’s estate plans, as they are private to Musk, his family, and possibly his financial advisors. What is believed and passed around media outlets is that Musk plans to pass on controlling shares of his companies to people who have demonstrated an interest in the longevity and success of his companies and their missions. As of January 2025, no names have been publicized, but he will likely pass on control to people he trusts who have been involved for some time.

What Does This Mean for Retail Investors?

Ryan Burton, the founder of Masonboro Advisors, says this should be exciting news for interested investors. “If I were a retail investor in one of Elon’s companies, I would be thrilled to hear this because it would demonstrate to me that Elon is putting the needs of the company ahead of the needs of his immediate family,” he said.

Burton argues that investors generally want the most qualified leaders running the companies they invest in. “The idea that wealthy business owners aren’t automatically passing shares on to potentially unqualified family members is a good thing.”

Additionally, Musk’s growing net worth, which is closely tied to his businesses, suggests that investors in his companies will continue to benefit as his wealth increases.

Musk Might Be Planning Something Else

However, Burton also provides another angle to consider. He notes that while family members may not always be the best candidates to run a business, this doesn’t mean Musk wouldn’t want to ensure they benefit from his wealth.

“Both goals can be accomplished by having a buy-sell agreement in place. The agreement would specify how and when the owner’s heirs would be paid for their shares. Sometimes, life insurance policies are put in place to give the company or successor the liquidity to pay the family for their shares,” Burton said.

With that in mind, it might be that Musk has plans to do something similar with his shares while ensuring his family maintains the level of living they are accustomed to.

One Last Concern

Burton also raises a final point for investors to consider: “What he has done with Tesla and SpaceX alone is awe-inspiring. With that said, if I were a retail investor, I would be a little concerned with him potentially spreading himself too thin. With the demands of running Tesla, SpaceX, Boring, X, and now his vast responsibilities with the Department of Government Efficiency, I would be a little concerned that his primary focus might not be on maximizing shareholder value.”

The Bottom Line

Elon Musk’s publicly traded companies have generated vast wealth for his businesses, investors, and family. There have been reports of his intentions regarding his wealth. Still, nothing is certain because he maintains some privacy regarding them.

Based on past statements and his apparent commitment to his company’s missions, investors should be encouraged by what can be deduced from his actions. As Musk’s responsibilities grow, it’s also worth considering whether his ability to manage so many ventures at once could impact his focus on shareholder value.