Recently, Forbes made headlines claiming that Elon Musk has become the first person in history to amass a net worth of $500 billion. However, a closer examination of the numbers reveals inconsistencies in this assertion. This article breaks down the real figures behind Musk’s wealth and explores how media narratives may sometimes prioritize sensationalism over accuracy.
The Actual Figures Behind Musk’s Wealth
As of the close of the market on October 1st, 2025, various financial estimators reported Elon Musk’s net worth significantly lower than the $500 billion projection. CelebrityNetWorth estimated it at $460 billion, while Bloomberg placed it at $456 billion. Tesla’s recent stock performance has contributed to fluctuations in Musk’s wealth, yet the latest evaluation still suggests a net worth nowhere near the half-trillion mark.
On October 1st, Tesla’s stock rose by 3.31%, resulting in an increase of approximately $7 to $10 billion in Musk’s fortune. Generously estimating his current wealth at $470 billion still falls short of the $500 billion claim that has garnered attention in the media.
Assessing Valuations and Market Dynamics
The question arises: how does Forbes arrive at the elusive figure that crosses the $500 billion threshold? Much of this discrepancy hinges on the methods used to value Musk’s private ventures, including Tesla and SpaceX.
Tesla
Tesla’s market capitalization currently stands at about $1.53 trillion, with Musk owning roughly 12.5%, translating to around $190 billion. Additionally, Musk’s potential future holdings from a now-voided compensation package could add another $75 billion to his total, provided the legal issues surrounding it are resolved.
SpaceX
SpaceX, considered a major asset within Musk’s portfolio, was recently valued at approximately $400 billion, with Musk’s 42% stake estimated at $168 billion. However, the value can fluctuate based on the latest deals and funding rounds.
xAI Holdings
Finally, Musk’s newly formed xAI Holdings, a merger with his previous venture X (formerly Twitter), presents valuation challenges. While Forbes estimates the company at $113 billion, other assessments are more conservative. Based on Bloomberg’s data, his stake could be worth around $35 billion, markedly lower than Forbes’ valuation.
When summed, these calculations yield a total of approximately $468 billion, starkly contrasting with the celebrated $500 billion mark. The financial landscape is dynamic, and upward adjustments from companies like Bloomberg or CelebrityNetWorth may come, but they will unlikely surpass the half-trillion milestone Musk is rumored to have achieved.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
