Musk says SpaceX landed a $40 billion debt deal - and forecasts doom for some AI rivals

By Emily Bary SpaceX is rapidly growing an AI business that rents out access to advanced chips Elon Musk said on X that SpaceX's diversified business model and investment-grade credit rating allowed it to raise debt. Against a more cautious artificial-intelligence backdrop, Elon Musk said SpaceX was able to close a $40 billion debt deal. The deal, he said on X, will allow SpaceX (SPCX) to purchase graphics processing units, a type of AI chip. SpaceX has been rapidly growing its neocloud business, which means that it's renting out access to chips to companies in need of AI processing power. Musk said that SpaceX's investment-grade credit rating and its diversified business, which includes revenue from rockets and Starlink satellite technology, enabled it to land the deal. See also: SpaceX's massive AI targets will test the limits of reality In a separate post, Musk noted that this is "primarily callable debt for GPU purchases that will arrive in Q1 and Q2" and that the arrangement won't be a "major factor" during the ongoing quarter. SpaceX didn't immediately reply to a request for comment on the debt deal. In recent weeks, investors have grown more anxious about the AI debt landscape, particularly as it relates to neocloud companies like CoreWeave that have relied on borrowed money to fuel their growth. The pressure on CoreWeave's bonds has sparked jitters across the technology landscape in part due to the tight relationships that big companies have with one another. CoreWeave didn't immediately respond to a MarketWatch request for comment on Musk's remarks. "As of the past few weeks, debt markets have almost entirely shut off access to money for any company that doesn't have substantial revenue independent of AI data centers," Musk said in his Sunday X post. He also predicted that "200+ neoclouds are going to see guppy-level death and consolidation." "Some will make it through, but not many," he added. Musk further suggested that his company wouldn't be part of any future industry consolidation, writing: "SpaceX is not buying any neoclouds. Pointless." Don't miss: CoreWeave's selloff is a lesson in 'Finance 101' - and Wall Street says the stock can recover -Emily Bary This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. (END) Dow Jones Newswires 10-25-26 2150ET Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. The articles, information, and content displayed on this webpage may include materials prepared and provided by third parties. Such third-party content is offered for informational purposes only and is not endorsed, reviewed, or verified by Morningstar. Morningstar makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any third-party content displayed on this site. The views and opinions expressed in third-party content are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Morningstar, its affiliates, or employees. Morningstar is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or delays in this content, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Users are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent financial advice before making any decisions based on such content. The third-party providers of this content are not affiliated with Morningstar, and their inclusion on this site does not imply any form of partnership, agency, or endorsement. Plus, a deep dive on SpaceX’s bid to challenge US telecoms. David Sekera, CFA and Sarah Hansen Oct 19, 2026 Defense spending and booming data center demand could provide powerful tailwinds for these 4-star stocks. David Sekera, CFA, Sarah Hansen, and Jess Bebel Oct 23, 2026 Vanguard Total International Stock is appealing for several reasons. Zachary Evens Oct 21, 2026 Despite a looming patent cliff, a strong drug pipeline and 4.1% yield give investors reasons for optimism. Karen Andersen, CFA Oct 22, 2026 Artificial intelligence stocks continue to attract investors, thanks to industry momentum and appealing valuations. Tori Brovet Oct 20, 2026