Key Points

Amazon has a proven track record of creating shareholder value.
Amazon stock is much cheaper than SpaceX stock.
SpaceX fans believe in Elon Musk's long-term vision.
10 stocks we like better than Amazon ›

Following its record-breaking initial public offering last week, Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) stock reached a $2.4 trillion valuation. It briefly surpassed Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) as the fifth-most-valuable U.S. company before falling back to sixth place.

Which of these growth stocks offers the stronger opportunity?

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »

Image source: Amazon.

It looks like Amazon

By nearly every comparable measure, Amazon stands out as the clearer choice. The company is far larger, posting $717 billion in 2025 revenue against SpaceX's $18.7 billion, while still expanding at double-digit rates. SpaceX grows faster in percentage terms, yet the vast gap in scale reduces the impact of that edge.

Amazon also delivers strong profits, generating $80 billion in operating income last year, while SpaceX posted a $2.6 billion operating loss.

Amazon enjoys a broad market opportunity across e-commerce, cloud computing, and additional segments, leading in its primary areas. SpaceX leads in rocket launches and satellite broadband while advancing its artificial intelligence efforts. Much of SpaceX's stated addressable market lies in AI enterprise uses that could also apply to Amazon.

Amazon operates as a proven company with a history of building shareholder value. SpaceX remains untested amid significant hype, led by a CEO holding 85% ownership and complete voting control.

Finally, Amazon trades at a far lower valuation, with a price-to-sales ratio of 3.6 compared to 125 for SpaceX.

To me, Amazon stock represents the stronger growth investment at present.

Why is the market so excited about SpaceX?

If the case is so straightforward, why does the question persist? And why did the SpaceX IPO draw heavy oversubscription despite its record size?

One factor sets SpaceX apart: its perceived opportunity. Investors accept management's claim of identifying the largest actionable total addressable market in history. They place faith in Elon Musk's vision of multiplanetary life, including space travel and settlement on Mars.

Yet faith in that vision and committing capital during early phases remain distinct. SpaceX stock could decline sharply, and many objectives lie years ahead along with profitability. Investors have time to evaluate, and Amazon stock stands as the better option in the interim.

Should you buy stock in Amazon right now?

Before you buy stock in Amazon, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Amazon wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $417,305!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,293,148!*

Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 936% - a market-crushing outperformance compared to 209% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.

See the 10 stocks »

*Stock Advisor returns as of June 23, 2026.

Jennifer Saibil has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.