SpaceX IPO Sparks Interest in Related Stocks and ETFs

As SpaceX approaches its anticipated IPO, interest in related stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is surging, with analysts predicting a volatile yet potentially lucrative market. The company, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, aims to raise approximately $750 billion and achieve a valuation of up to $2 trillion upon its public offering, which is expected to occur in June 2026.

Financial analysts have noted that the best time for related companies to realize profits is just before the institutional demand forecasting period, which for SpaceX is set for May 15, 2026. According to Kang Ki-hoon, a researcher at Shin Young Securities, holding shares of companies associated with SpaceX until this date could stabilize portfolio performance. He stated in a report titled "SpaceX IPO Beneficiary Stocks: Timing Performance Analysis" that liquidating positions prior to the demand forecast is likely to yield favorable results.

Earlier this month, SpaceX submitted a draft S-1 filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), marking a key step toward its public listing. As the IPO date approaches, domestic listed companies such as Mirae Asset Securities, Mirae Asset Venture Investment, and AJU IB Investment, which have invested in SpaceX, are gaining renewed attention in the market.

In analyzing the stock patterns of related companies since 2020, Kang identified five firms—Kakao Bank, Hive, Doosan Robotics, SK Bioscience, and LG Energy Solution—whose stocks performed best prior to their IPOs. Notably, the stock of Netmarble surged by 82.49% from the time of Hive's preliminary review application to its securities filing, and Doosan's stock rose by 40.93% before the demand forecast for Doosan Robotics. Conversely, once the public offering process commenced, stock prices tended to decline significantly, as seen with Doosan, which experienced a 22.87% drop during the demand forecast and public offering period.

Looking ahead, Kang predicts that the momentum for stocks related to SpaceX will peak around the May 15 demand forecast date, with a gradual decline expected as the public offering date of May 31 approaches. This pattern reflects historical trends observed in previous IPOs.

As the IPO date nears, the excitement surrounding SpaceX is also fostering a competitive environment for space-related ETFs in South Korea. On April 14, 2026, Mirae Asset Asset Management launched its "TIGER U.S. Space Tech" ETF, alongside Korea Investment Trust Management's "ACE U.S. Space Tech Active" ETF, both of which are expected to include SpaceX stocks once they become publicly available.

These ETFs are structured to capitalize on the anticipated influx of investment into the space industry, with the TIGER U.S. Space Tech ETF tracking the Acros U.S. Aerospace Tech Index and allowing for a maximum 25% allocation to SpaceX upon its listing. The ACE U.S. Space Tech Active ETF, on the other hand, targets companies involved in reusable launch vehicles and satellite data analysis, aiming for returns that exceed the index average.

The enthusiasm for SpaceX and related investments is not without caution. Some analysts warn of potential overheating in the market, as the space industry is still in its nascent stages, characterized by high volatility and uncertainty. The potential for substantial financial outflows from the domestic market to the U.S. during the IPO process has raised concerns among regulators about maintaining stability in the foreign exchange market.

Currently, there are no established methods for domestic investors to directly participate in SpaceX's public offering, leading Mirae Asset Securities to explore options for allocating a portion of the IPO shares to local individual investors. This would mark a historic first, as previous U.S. IPOs required investors to open accounts with U.S. brokerage firms, limiting access for South Korean investors.

As the financial authorities review the feasibility of this allocation, concerns about investor protection and the implications for the domestic stock market are prominent. The government has been actively promoting domestic venture capital and encouraging investment in local companies, which could be undermined by a large-scale public offering of a foreign company.

In the lead-up to the IPO, financial experts are also keeping a close eye on the performance of SpaceX itself. The company is not only a leader in rocket manufacturing but is also establishing a strong foothold in satellite communications through its Starlink project, which offers global internet services via a network of satellites.

With projections indicating that SpaceX could generate revenues in the low $200 billion range this year, and an EBITDA margin exceeding 50%, the company is well-positioned to attract substantial investor interest. Musk's push for an IPO is seen as a strategic move to heighten the company’s market valuation and secure additional funding for future projects.

As the IPO date approaches, the eyes of the investment community are firmly fixed on SpaceX. The upcoming offering has the potential to transform the company’s financial standing and to redefine the dynamics of the burgeoning space industry. With the success of SpaceX's IPO, analysts anticipate a ripple effect across the sector, potentially leading to increased valuations and investment in other space-related companies.

As interest in the space sector continues to grow, investors are urged to remain vigilant about the inherent risks associated with such a volatile market. The upcoming IPO of SpaceX is not just a financial event; it is a potential turning point for the entire space industry, setting the stage for future innovations and investments.

In a statement, Kang emphasized the significance of the May 15 demand forecast date, noting, "The momentum around SpaceX-related stocks is likely to peak around this time, and investors should be prepared for fluctuations as the public offering date approaches." The excitement surrounding SpaceX's IPO is expected to echo throughout the investment community, making it a key event to watch in the coming months.