Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s net worth surged to $749 billion on Friday, following a landmark ruling by the Delaware Supreme Court reinstating Tesla stock options valued at $139 billion that were voided last year, according to the Forbes Billionaires Index.
The decision restores Musk’s 2018 compensation package, initially valued at $56 billion before Tesla’s rapid market growth. A lower court had overturned the deal in 2024, calling it “unfathomable,” but the Supreme Court deemed that ruling improper and inequitable.
This marks a major legal and financial victory for Musk, overturning a two-year setback that had temporarily stripped him of one of the largest executive pay packages in history.
Earlier in the week, Musk had become the first individual ever to surpass $600 billion in net worth, fueled largely by reports of a potential SpaceX IPO. Analysts expect the public listing of the aerospace company to further expand his fortune, given SpaceX’s dominance in satellite launches and space technology.
In November, Tesla shareholders approved a $1 trillion compensation plan for Musk, the largest ever endorsed by investors, reflecting confidence in his vision to transform Tesla into a global leader in AI and robotics.
With the restored stock options included, Musk’s wealth now outstrips Google co-founder Larry Page by nearly $500 billion, solidifying his position as the world’s richest individual.
The ruling highlights Musk’s unparalleled influence on executive compensation, corporate strategy, and modern wealth accumulation, further cementing his legacy as a transformative figure in business history.
