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US space stocks rise after SpaceX merges with xAI at $1.25 trillion valuation

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U.S. space-related stocks climbed after SpaceX announced a merger with xAI, valuing the combined entity at $1.25 trillion. The deal, unveiled by Elon Musk, signals a major push to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure beyond Earth and into orbit, a vision that has energized investors across the emerging space sector.

Shares of listed space companies rallied following the announcement. Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, AST SpaceMobile, Intuitive Machines and Redwire all posted gains, reflecting growing optimism that space-based infrastructure could play a central role in the next phase of AI development. Musk has said that within two to three years, generating AI computing power in space could become more cost-effective than on Earth, thanks to near-constant solar energy and reduced cooling constraints.

The merger brings together rocket launches, satellite networks, AI software and communications platforms under one umbrella, forming what Musk described as a vertically integrated innovation powerhouse. Analysts said the move strengthens SpaceX’s positioning ahead of a potential public offering later this year, which could value the company above $1.5 trillion. The announcement has also fueled expectations of increased investment in space technology, driven by both government defense spending and private-sector demand for AI-related infrastructure.

Western Digital expands buyback by $4 billion as AI drives chip demand

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Data storage maker Western Digital said its board has approved an additional $4 billion for share repurchases, citing strong demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence servers. The announcement pushed shares up about 5% in premarket trading, extending a rally that has already lifted the stock sharply over the past year.

The company said the new authorization adds to an existing buyback program, under which roughly $484 million remained available as of earlier this week. Western Digital shares have surged on expectations that AI-driven data center investment will continue to boost demand for storage products, including hard drives and flash memory.

A global shortage of memory chips has intensified competition for supply, particularly from AI developers and consumer electronics makers. Limited manufacturing capacity and longer lead times have driven prices higher, benefiting suppliers positioned to serve the fast-growing AI server market.

Western Digital recently forecast fiscal third-quarter revenue and profit above Wall Street expectations, pointing to strong sales of storage solutions for AI workloads. Management said the buyback expansion reflects confidence in cash generation and long-term demand trends tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure.

SpaceX acquires xAI in record-setting deal as Musk unifies AI and space ambitions

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SpaceX has acquired xAI in a record-setting transaction, consolidating Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence and space businesses into a single platform. The deal, first reported by Reuters, values SpaceX at about $1 trillion and xAI at roughly $250 billion, according to people familiar with the matter, making it the largest merger and acquisition transaction on record.

Under the terms, xAI investors will receive 0.1433 SpaceX shares for each xAI share, with some executives able to opt for cash at $75.46 per share. The combined entity is expected to price shares near $527. The tie-up brings together SpaceX’s launch and satellite capabilities, including Starlink, with xAI’s Grok chatbot and AI development, potentially strengthening plans for data centers and AI services delivered from orbit.

The move further integrates Musk’s businesses as he competes with rivals such as Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI. Analysts say the deal could enhance SpaceX’s narrative ahead of a potential public offering later this year, while also raising governance and regulatory questions given SpaceX’s extensive U.S. government contracts.