Elon Musk is weighing a proposal that would allocate up to 30% of SpaceX’s initial public offering to retail investors, according to people familiar with the deliberations who spoke on the condition of anonymity. If implemented, the retail portion would be at least three times larger than the typical allocations seen in most IPOs.
Those close to the proposed structure say the aim is to tap into Musk’s considerable base of followers and committed supporters - a cohort the plan’s backers believe could contribute to steadier trading in the immediate period after shares begin trading. The approach departs from usual Wall Street underwriting norms and reflects an effort to shape both who owns SpaceX shares and how those shares trade once public.
SpaceX’s chief financial officer Bret Johnsen has briefed Wall Street on the proposal, the people said. As part of the arrangements described to advisers, Musk has selected Bank of America to oversee the domestic distribution to retail investors.
Details about the precise mechanics, pricing or timing of any offering were not disclosed by the sources, who emphasized the confidential nature of the process. The people declined to be identified while deliberations continue.
Supporters of the plan portray the large retail allocation as a tool to broaden shareholder composition and provide a base of patient shareholders at the outset of public trading. Observers quoted in the discussion characterize the potential offering as likely to be among the most closely watched initial public offerings in recent years, in part because of the unorthodox allocation strategy.
At this stage, the proposal has been circulated among advisers and Wall Street contacts but remains subject to change as decisions are finalized. The parties involved have framed the move as a deliberate departure from customary practices surrounding IPO retail allocations, and have taken steps to ensure domestic retail distribution will be run by an established banking partner.
Summary of facts:
- Proposal under consideration would allocate up to 30% of SpaceX IPO to individual investors.
- The retail slice would be at least three times larger than typical IPO retail allocations.
- SpaceX CFO Bret Johnsen has communicated the plan to Wall Street, and Bank of America was chosen for domestic retail distribution.
- The process remains confidential and sources spoke anonymously.