HOUSTON, Oct. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR) ("Intuitive Machines," and together with its subsidiaries, the "Company"), a leading space technology, infrastructure, and services company, today announced the appointment of Dr. Christopher Scolese to its Board of Directors, effective October 22, 2026, and the resignation of Mr. Michael Blitzer, effective October 21, 2026.
Dr. Scolese brings decades of executive leadership across the nation's civil and national security space programs, including service as Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and in senior leadership positions at NASA. His experience developing and operating complex space systems will help shape the expansion of Intuitive Machines' space infrastructure for commercial, civil, and national security customers.
“Chris brings an exceptional understanding of the nation's space priorities and what it takes to deliver,” said Kam Ghaffarian, Chairman of the Board of Intuitive Machines. “His leadership across civil and national security space programs will help guide Intuitive Machines' growth as we scale our space infrastructure for commercial, civil, and national security customers.”
“Intuitive Machines recognizes Mr. Blitzer's significant contributions to the Company,” continued Ghaffarian. “Since helping take Intuitive Machines public in 2023, he has been a steadfast advocate and trusted supporter, demonstrating continued confidence in the Company's vision through subsequent capital raises, strategic acquisitions, and key milestones. The Company is grateful for his leadership, counsel, and unwavering support.”
Dr. Scolese currently leads the Vanderbilt Institute for Innovations Beyond Earth and holds a distinguished faculty appointment in Vanderbilt University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. From 2019 to 2026, he served as Director of the NRO, overseeing the design, development, launch, and operation of the nation's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites supporting the Department of Defense and intelligence community.
Previously, Dr. Scolese held numerous senior leadership positions at NASA, including Director of Goddard Space Flight Center from 2012 to 2019, Associate Administrator, Acting Administrator, and Chief Engineer. In these roles, he oversaw major scientific and engineering programs, spacecraft development, and the implementation of the nation's civil space program.
Dr. Scolese began his government career as a U.S. Naval Officer supporting naval nuclear propulsion programs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and master's and doctoral degrees in engineering from George Washington University.
About Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines is a next-generation space infrastructure company delivering integrated capabilities that build mission-critical spacecraft and systems, connect networks, and operate space infrastructure across Earth orbit, cislunar space, and deep space. Serving commercial, civil, and national security customers, the company enables resilient, scalable infrastructure that supports sustained exploration, communications, security, and commerce beyond Earth.
Rocket Lab (RKLB -6.17%), a developer of orbital rockets, shed over a fifth of its value in the week ending on Oct. 16, marking its worst weekly drop since its public debut in 2021. That decline was mainly caused by its decision to delay the first launch of its larger Neutron rocket, which was aimed at competing against SpaceX's (SPCX -8.55%) Falcon 9, to 2027. The Neutron's arrival would have diversified Rocket Lab's launch services segment beyond its Electron rockets, which carry much smaller payloads, and HASTE testbed launch vehicles.
Another challenge that exacerbated the sell-off was Ligado Networks' request for the FCC to probe Rocket Lab's planned takeover of the satellite network operator Iridium (IRDM -2.19%). Ligado claims the acquisition would be anti-competitive, since Iridium previously tried to block its partnership with AST SpaceMobile (ASTS -6.99%).
Image source: Getty Images.
Rocket Lab has plenty of irons in the fire, but it was priced for perfection. Even after its latest decline, it still trades at nearly 34 times this year's sales. So instead of rushing to buy Rocket Lab, I'd rather buy a much cheaper space stock: Intuitive Machines (LUNR -6.60%).
What does Intuitive Machines do? Intuitive Machines develops lunar landers, lunar exploration vehicles, and satellite buses for NASA. It's launched two lunar landers for NASA so far: IM-1 in 2024 and IM-2 in 2025.
Neither mission was flawless -- since both landers eventually tipped over after transmitting data back to Earth -- but IM-1 marked NASA's first successful moon landing since 1972. It plans to launch IM-3 and IM-4 in 2027, followed by its larger IM-5 lander by 2030.
In addition to those five lunar missions, Intuitive is producing two satellite buses (IM 300 and IM 500) for NASA's orbital science missions. It plans to launch IM 300 in 2025 and IM 500 in 2030, then use them as nodes to sell near-space network service (NSNS) data back to NASA.
Over the past year, Intuitive acquired Lanteris, which develops satellites and other spacecraft, and Goonhilly Earth Station, a satellite and deep-space communications facility. Those acquisitions should further diversify its business and boost its near-term revenue.
LUNR Intuitive Machines$10.19-$0.72 (-6.60%)
NASDAQ · As of 2:16 PM ET 10/22/26
Why does Intuitive Machines look more attractive than Rocket Lab? Unlike Rocket Lab and many other smaller space companies, Intuitive Machines doesn't directly compete against SpaceX's rocket-building and satellite internet businesses. Instead, it's carving out a comfortable niche and tethering itself tightly to NASA's future lunar and orbital projects.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Intuitive Machines' revenue to grow at an 84% CAGR. They also expect its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to turn positive in 2026 and grow at a 403% CAGR over the following two years.
Yet with a market cap of $1.9 billion, Intuitive Machines trades at just two times this year's sales. Nearly 28% of its float was also being shorted at the end of September. Therefore, any positive news could spark a short squeeze and drive its stock a lot higher.
By comparison, analysts expect Rocket Lab's revenue to grow at a 43% CAGR from 2025 to 2028. They expect its adjusted EBITDA to turn positive in 2027 and grow 31% in 2028. That outlook is also impressive -- but compared to Intuitive Machines, it's growing more slowly, trading at higher valuations, and has a narrower moat.
Both of these space stocks are speculative and could struggle to attract new investors as long as interest rates and Treasury yields remain elevated. But once those investors look beyond SpaceX and start scooping up the hidden gems in the nascent space industry, Intuitive Machines could soar a lot higher than Rocket Lab and many other spacecraft makers.
A blockbuster SpaceX earnings report sent shockwaves through the space sector, but whether the rally lifts smaller players like Intuitive Machines and Redwire for more than a single session depends on forces well beyond one night's results.
SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX | SPCX Price Prediction) is giving a lift to the space sector after its third-quarter 2026 revenue and earnings beat analyst estimates following the prior session’s close. Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR) stock is up 5% to $11.08, a move that puts it at the front of the group’s rebound.
Meanwhile, Redwire (NYSE:RDW) stock is up 4% to $8.63, a gain that trails Intuitive Machines stock by a wide margin. Planet Labs (NYSE:PL) stock is up 4% to $13.90, matching Redwire stock and lagging the lead gain even though it carries company-specific news of its own.
The Procure Space ETF (NASDAQ:UFO) is up 3% to $40.71, confirming that the buying reaches across the whole group. However, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) is practically unchanged at $769.22. That split marks this as a sector rally, with money flowing toward space names while the broad market sits still.
SpaceX Beat Sparks a Space Sector Rally SpaceX turned to net income in Q3 2026 as revenue topped consensus estimates, with Starlink subscriber growth and higher per-user spending driving its connectivity business while the Cursor acquisition and Grok adoption fueled its superintelligence segment. Starship also reached orbit for the first time on its latest flight and deployed operational Starlink V3 satellites, a milestone management described as a major technical step. On the call, SpaceX founder Elon Musk set the tone, stating, “We are in an inflection moment for SpaceX across launch, connectivity, and superintelligence.”
Contract wins in SpaceX’s space segment also reached into the corners where smaller players operate, including new National Security Space Launch missions, more crewed Dragon flights, a Starlink communications contract for NASA’s Artemis III mission and a deal to deliver payload to the lunar surface with Starship. That mix of launch, lunar and defense work overlaps with the markets Intuitive Machines, Redwire and Planet Labs serve, and space stocks are rising together in the session that followed. Management did flag one caution, guiding for fourth-quarter 2026 gross margins closer to Q2 2026 levels because one-time benefits and customer mix flattered the latest period.
Planet Labs Has News, Intuitive Machines Has Momentum Intuitive Machines builds lunar landers and space infrastructure largely for NASA, with work tied to the agency’s Artemis program. Redwire makes spacecraft components and orbital hardware, while Planet Labs sells Earth imagery and data from its own satellite fleet. Only Planet Labs has fresh company news.
NASA awarded Planet Labs’ federal subsidiary an evaluation task order under its Commercial Satellite Data Acquisition program, and the agency will assess output from the company’s Tanager hyperspectral satellites for Earth science research. That award follows the launch of the company’s second Tanager satellite earlier this month. Yet, Intuitive Machines stock is rising faster on the sector’s momentum alone, with no new company announcement attached to its gain.
SpaceX, Planet Labs, Intuitive Machines and Redwire all sit among the Procure Space ETF’s holdings, which spreads the rally across launch, imagery, infrastructure and satellite names. That breadth means the fund’s gain reflects the group’s move rather than a single stock’s news.
Space Rally Faces a Staying Power Test What matters now for Intuitive Machines stock is whether the space rally holds beyond the session that followed the SpaceX results. Starship’s upcoming flight may show whether SpaceX’s launch momentum holds, and management expects it next month, with plans to catch both the booster and the ship. SpaceX’s own margin caution is a reminder that one strong quarter does not guarantee the next.
For Intuitive Machines and Redwire, the bull case rests on record backlogs and expanding defense work. The bear case is that both still report losses and lean heavily on government customers, so delayed contracts or smaller NASA budgets could quickly erase a rally triggered by another company’s results. Anyone sizing their exposure should adjust their holdings carefully, given how sharply space stocks can swing on sector news.
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As the space economy moves from theory to reality, choosing between AST SpaceMobile (ASTS +4.33%) and Intuitive Machines (LUNR -1.21%) requires balancing massive addressable markets against the technical and financial risks of orbital hardware ventures.
These companies occupy different niches within the final frontier. AST SpaceMobile focuses on providing cellular broadband directly from space to standard smartphones. Meanwhile, Intuitive Machines builds the infrastructure needed for lunar delivery and data transmission. Both represent high-risk, high-reward plays for investors interested in the long-term expansion of the aerospace sector.
The case for AST SpaceMobileAST SpaceMobile operates in the communications sector by developing a satellite network that connects directly to everyday mobile devices. In its latest annual report, filed for 2025, the company highlighted its focus on serving subscribers through AT&T, Verizon, and Vodafone. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business.
In 2025, revenue reached nearly $71 million, reflecting a massive increase of roughly 1,505% over the previous year. This growth came alongside a net loss of approximately $342 million. The company continues to invest heavily in the launch of its BlueBird satellite constellation to achieve global coverage.
As of its June 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 1.2x. This ratio measures total debt relative to shareholders' equity, with a higher ratio indicating greater reliance on borrowing. The current ratio, which measures the ability to cover short-term obligations with liquid assets, stands at nearly 13x, while trailing free cash flow was negative $1.6 billion.
The case for Intuitive MachinesIntuitive Machines provides lunar delivery and data services for civil and national security clients. Its primary business involves lunar delivery and data infrastructure for NASA and the Department of Defense. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business.
In 2025, the company reported revenue of close to $210 million. This represented a slight decrease of nearly 7.9% compared to the prior fiscal period, as it moved through different stages of its lunar mission cycles. The company recorded a net loss of approximately $84 million for the year.
As of its June 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately -1.5x. This negative value indicates that total liabilities exceed shareholder equity. The current ratio is roughly 1.7x, while free cash flow for the year was negative $188 million.
Risk profile comparisonAST SpaceMobile faces intense competition from established providers and emerging players. The business model remains highly capital-intensive, resulting in ongoing losses and reliance on external financing. Furthermore, the company is involved in multiple securities class action lawsuits and is heavily dependent on its founder, Abel Avellan.
Intuitive Machines relies heavily on government contracts from NASA and the Department of Defense. These contracts are subject to funding volatility and potential termination risks. The company also faces integration challenges from its acquisition of Lanteris and remains subject to investigations regarding cybersecurity compliance.
Valuation comparisonIntuitive Machines appears to be the more conservatively priced option based on its Forward P/E and P/S ratio comparison.
MetricAST SpaceMobileIntuitive MachinesForward P/E228.4x121.2xP/S ration/a4.3xValuation metrics include those sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from those of other data providers.
Intuitive Machines is the stock I would buy right now. AST SpaceMobile stock trades at a higher forward P/E multiple. Both companies are building their businesses around earning recurring revenue streams from the burgeoning space economy, which could be worth trillions, according to some estimates. But the market may be undervaluing Intuitive Machines' prospects more than it is AST's.
AST's valuation reflects its potential to capture a huge market for direct-to-device connectivity. But its success is not guaranteed, as well-funded competitors with substantial advantages in resources and infrastructure are pursuing the same opportunity.
Intuitive Machines is operating in a less crowded field for what it is building. There are not many commercial companies with a heritage of providing specialized access to the lunar surface. If a space station ultimately gets built on the moon, this company could be worth a lot more than where it's trading right now.
Both stocks are high-risk, high-reward propositions for investors, so I would buy the one operating in a less crowded field and trading at a lower sales multiple.
Key Takeaways LUNR is building a scalable satellite business through repeatable, higher-volume spacecraft production.LUNR's IM 300 supports varied payloads and missions with a modular spacecraft design.LUNR has built 13 spacecraft with SiriusXM, highlighting potential for repeat commercial business. Intuitive Machines, Inc. (LUNR - Free Report) is increasingly building a satellite manufacturing business that could provide a more scalable source of growth. Its recent commercial satellite activity suggests that LUNR is developing the production capabilities needed to move from project-based spacecraft development to repeatable, higher-volume manufacturing.
The company’s satellite portfolio includes platforms designed to serve different mission requirements. The IM 300, in particular, uses a modular architecture that allows the same core spacecraft bus to accommodate substantially different payloads and mission profiles. Its standardized interfaces can support commercial, civil and national security payloads, while configurable propulsion and optical and radio-frequency crosslinks provide additional mission flexibility.
In September 2026, LUNR announced an order for two IM 300 platforms from a new, undisclosed customer. The contract expands the customer base for the platform and demonstrates its ability to support a heavier, higher-power payload class. Importantly, LUNR produces the spacecraft at its high-volume satellite production facility in Palo Alto, CA, which was purpose-built for serial spacecraft manufacturing rather than one-off builds.
LUNR has also demonstrated its ability to deliver operational commercial satellites. The company recently completed in-orbit commissioning and handed over SiriusXM’s SXM-11 satellite after successful testing. Built on the IM 1300 platform, SXM-11 became fully operational following its June launch. LUNR has now built 13 spacecraft with SiriusXM, highlighting the potential for repeat business from established commercial customers.
If LUNR can continue increasing spacecraft production while maintaining quality and delivery schedules, satellite manufacturing could become an increasingly important part of its long-term growth strategy.
Companies Expanding in Satellite ManufacturingSeveral space companies are also building businesses around spacecraft manufacturing and satellite systems, as discussed below:
Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB - Free Report) has expanded beyond launch services into spacecraft, satellite components and space systems, creating multiple revenue opportunities across commercial and government markets.
Redwire Corporation (RDW - Free Report) is another space infrastructure company with exposure to satellite manufacturing and space systems, positioning itself across multiple parts of the growing space economy.
LUNR Stock’s Earnings EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share (EPS) implies a decrease of 59.52% year over year, while that for 2027 EPS suggests an increase of 54.53%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LUNR Stock Trades at a PremiumIn terms of valuation, LUNR’s forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) is 2.97X, a premium to the industry’s average of 2.11X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LUNR Stock’s Price PerformanceIn the past three months, the company’s shares have lost 11.5% compared with the industry’s 13.2% decline.
The race to commercialize space is accelerating, leaving investors to choose between specialized lunar services and broad-market hardware. Should you back Intuitive Machines (LUNR +5.39%) or Redwire (RDW +1.82%) for your portfolio?
Intuitive Machines focuses on lunar delivery and data relay, positioning itself as a core contractor for future Moon missions. Redwire provides a wider range of components and autonomous systems for national security and commercial labs. Both companies represent high-stakes bets on the growth of the emerging space economy.
The case for Intuitive MachinesIntuitive Machines provides lunar infrastructure, including spacecraft, data transmission networks, and delivery services. As a player among defense stocks, the company maintains significant contracts such as the Near Space Network and the Lunar Terrain Vehicle development. It services major customers like NASA and EchoStar Holding Corp. (ECHO +1.83%). Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business, as a high percentage of revenue comes from government agencies.
In its latest annual report, filed for FY 2025, the company reported revenue of approximately $210 million. This represented a revenue growth decline of about 8% compared to the previous fiscal year. The company reported a net loss of nearly $83.3 million during this period. This resulted in a net margin of approximately negative 40% as the company continues to invest in lunar exploration technology.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was negative 0.5x. This value indicates that total liabilities currently exceed shareholder equity. Its current ratio of 5.0x measures short-term liquidity by comparing current assets to current liabilities, suggesting the company has ample liquid assets. Free cash flow, which is cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was negative $56 million for the year.
The case for RedwireRedwire operates as an integrated space technology company focused on infrastructure, autonomous systems, and multi-domain operations. Its customer base includes national security agencies like the U.S. Space Force and commercial pharmaceutical giants. The company recently expanded its robotics reach through a partnership with the space division of Honda Motor Co (HMC +0.09%). This diversification helps mitigate the risks typically associated with specialized aerospace contractors.
In its latest annual report, filed for FY 2025, revenue totaled about $335.4 million. This reflected revenue growth of approximately 10.3% year over year. However, the company also reported a net loss of nearly $226.6 million for the fiscal year. This resulted in a net margin of approximately negative 67.6%, reflecting higher operating costs during its expansion phase.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was nearly 0.2x. This ratio shows that total debt is low compared to the value of shareholder equity. Its current ratio of 1.6x indicates the company has more current assets than current liabilities to meet short-term obligations. Free cash flow was negative $190.8 million for the fiscal year as the company invested in manufacturing and acquisitions.
Risk profile comparisonIntuitive Machines faces significant revenue concentration, with one major customer accounting for roughly 78% of 2025 revenue. It competes against massive aerospace incumbents like Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT +0.69%) and Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC +1.47%). Operational risks are also high, as mission failures or launch delays could severely impact its reputation. The integration of the Lanteris acquisition also presents potential challenges regarding increased indebtedness.
Redwire deals with its own concentration risks, as its two largest customers accounted for approximately 39% of 2025 revenue. The company is working through internal control deficiencies, specifically material weaknesses in financial reporting and IT controls. Competition remains fierce from both mid-tier contractors and giants like Boeing Co. (BA -1.50%) or Airbus. Additionally, the company faces potential goodwill impairment risks related to its aggressive acquisition strategy.
Valuation comparisonIntuitive Machines carries a lower sales multiple than Redwire, though its triple-digit earnings multiple reflects high expectations for future growth.
MetricIntuitive MachinesRedwireForward P/E135.2xn/aP/S ratio4.8x6.1xValuation metrics include sourcing from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Both companies have exciting prospects being part of the growing space infrastructure space.
Intuitive Machines started fiscal 2026 with its strongest quarter in history, delivering record revenue of $187 million. Management says they have an order backlog of $1.1 billion, including $400 million in early 2026 bookings. NASA is moving toward a steady access to space flights and deliveries, too, which bodes well for the company's longer-term sales. Revenue for fiscal 2026 is expected to more than quadruple to $952 million, with a narrower net loss of $66 million. Analysts expect the business to turn a profit for the first time in 2028.
This past April, Redwire was selected as one of 14 vendors (out of a total of 32 bids) on the Space Systems Command $1.8 billion 10-year Andromeda Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity, or IDIQ contract. That's a project to replace aging GPS satellites and upgrade the U.S. space infrastructure to counter emerging threats.
The IDIQ win is something management feels moves Redwire 'up the food chain' with the Department of Defense. It could mean significantly more revenue, since U.S. Space Systems Command provided a notice of its intent to raise the total shared ceiling for the Andromeda IDIQ to more than $6 billion to meet increased demand.
In the near term, Redwire expects fiscal 2026 revenue to come in at around $475 million, representing about 40% growth over the prior year. In addition, the business has an order backlog of $498 million. The business is still expected to post net losses for the foreseeable future, but they are trending in the right direction.
So which is the better buy? Go with one of the simplest barometers to decide here: price-to-sales. Intuitive Machines is more reasonable at 4.8x P/S compared to the 6.1x P/S for Redwire. The expectations of profits next year for Intuitive Machines is a plus too.
Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) shares are climbing Tuesday after reports that NASA is close to announcing a bulk purchase of rocket launches for its planned moon base. Here’s what you should know.
Intuitive Machines shares are climbing with conviction. What’s behind LUNR gains? Intuitive Machines Gains as NASA Nears a Bulk Launch PurchaseNASA is gearing up to place a bulk order for rocket launches that would support its $30 billion plan for a permanent moon base, Bloomberg reported. Demand for rockets is booming and supply is tight. NASA hopes to stay ahead of the squeeze by lining up several kinds now.
Carlos García-Galán, NASA’s moon base program manager, said the agency will “probably announce the first set of these bulk buys” soon. NASA could buy four or five different rockets at once and match each to a commercial lander. García-Galán did not say which rockets NASA is weighing.
Bloomberg’s report never names Intuitive Machines. Still, NASA’s effort to line up more routes to the lunar surface could benefit companies that sell services in cislunar space, where Intuitive Machines operates.
The news lands during World Space Week, which began October 4 with events in 100 nations. Events this year center on the theme “Rocket Revolution.” World Space Week Association President Dennis Stone said falling launch costs and easier access to orbit have opened the door to new space applications.
Intuitive Machines Builds Space Infrastructure and ServicesFor context, Intuitive Machines builds and runs space systems to support lasting human activity beyond Earth. The company develops spacecraft and space-based network connectivity. It sells infrastructure as a service in low Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, cislunar space and deep space, serving commercial, civil and national security customers.
LUNR Shares Are RisingLUNR Price Action: Intuitive Machines shares were up 4.41% at $14.92 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro.
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Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR – Get Free Report) and Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR – Get Free Report) are both mid-cap industrials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, risk and valuation.
Valuation & Earnings This table compares Intuitive Machines and Archer Aviation”s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Intuitive Machines $210.06 million 16.03 -$83.29 million ($0.95) -15.48 Archer Aviation $300,000.00 12,487.16 -$618.20 million ($1.08) -4.50 Intuitive Machines has higher revenue and earnings than Archer Aviation. Intuitive Machines is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Archer Aviation, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Intuitive Machines and Archer Aviation’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Intuitive Machines -26.64% N/A -5.00% Archer Aviation N/A -40.74% -35.93% Institutional & Insider Ownership 72.2% of Intuitive Machines shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 59.3% of Archer Aviation shares are held by institutional investors. 54.1% of Intuitive Machines shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 5.6% of Archer Aviation shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.
Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Intuitive Machines and Archer Aviation, as provided by MarketBeat.
Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Intuitive Machines 2 1 7 0 2.50 Archer Aviation 1 3 5 0 2.44 Intuitive Machines currently has a consensus target price of $30.50, suggesting a potential upside of 107.34%. Archer Aviation has a consensus target price of $11.50, suggesting a potential upside of 136.38%. Given Archer Aviation’s higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Archer Aviation is more favorable than Intuitive Machines.
Volatility and Risk Intuitive Machines has a beta of 1.86, indicating that its share price is 86% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Archer Aviation has a beta of 3.27, indicating that its share price is 227% more volatile than the S&P 500.
Summary Intuitive Machines beats Archer Aviation on 9 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.
(Get Free Report)
Intuitive Machines, Inc. designs, manufactures, and operates space products and services in the United States. Its space systems and space infrastructure enable scientific and human exploration and utilization of lunar resources to support sustainable human presence on the moon. The company offers lunar access services, such µNova, lunar surface rover services, fixed lunar surface services, lunar orbit delivery services, rideshare delivery services to lunar orbit, as well as content sales and marketing sponsorships; and orbital services, including satellite delivery and rideshare, satellite servicing and refueling, space station servicing, satellite repositioning, and orbital debris removal. It also provides lunar data services, comprising Lunar data network, lunar south pole and far-side coverage, lunar positioning services, data relay, and data storage/caching. In addition, the company offers propulsion systems and navigation systems; engineering services contracts; lunar mobility vehicles, such as rovers and drones; power infrastructure that includes fission surface power; and human habitation systems. It serves its products to the U.S. government, commercial, and international customers. Intuitive Machines, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
About Archer Aviation (Get Free Report)
Archer Aviation Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in designs, develops, and operates electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for use in urban air mobility. The company was formerly known as Atlas Crest Investment Corp. and changed its name to Archer Aviation Inc. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
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Wrap Technologies (NASDAQ:WRAP – Get Free Report) and Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR – Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends and risk.
Insider & Institutional Ownership 8.8% of Wrap Technologies shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.2% of Intuitive Machines shares are owned by institutional investors. 33.3% of Wrap Technologies shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 54.1% of Intuitive Machines shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.
Volatility and Risk Wrap Technologies has a beta of 1.27, meaning that its stock price is 27% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Intuitive Machines has a beta of 1.86, meaning that its stock price is 86% more volatile than the S&P 500.
Profitability This table compares Wrap Technologies and Intuitive Machines’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wrap Technologies -205.10% -101.24% -82.26% Intuitive Machines -26.64% N/A -5.00% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings for Wrap Technologies and Intuitive Machines, as reported by MarketBeat.com.
Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Wrap Technologies 1 0 0 0 1.00 Intuitive Machines 2 1 7 0 2.50 Intuitive Machines has a consensus target price of $30.50, indicating a potential upside of 107.34%. Given Intuitive Machines’ stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Intuitive Machines is more favorable than Wrap Technologies.
Earnings and Valuation This table compares Wrap Technologies and Intuitive Machines”s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Wrap Technologies $4.67 million 17.63 -$10.34 million ($0.27) -5.44 Intuitive Machines $210.06 million 16.03 -$83.29 million ($0.95) -15.48 Wrap Technologies has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Intuitive Machines. Intuitive Machines is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Wrap Technologies, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Summary Intuitive Machines beats Wrap Technologies on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.
(Get Free Report)
Wrap Technologies, Inc., a public safety technology and services company, develops policing solutions to law enforcement and security personnel. The company's flagship product is BolaWrap 150, a handheld remote restraint device that discharges a seven and a half-foot Kevlar tether, entangling an individual from a range of 10-25 feet. It also offers virtual reality training system, a law enforcement 3D training system employing immersive computer graphics VR with proprietary software-enabled content. It operates in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Tempe, Arizona.
About Intuitive Machines (Get Free Report)
Intuitive Machines, Inc. designs, manufactures, and operates space products and services in the United States. Its space systems and space infrastructure enable scientific and human exploration and utilization of lunar resources to support sustainable human presence on the moon. The company offers lunar access services, such µNova, lunar surface rover services, fixed lunar surface services, lunar orbit delivery services, rideshare delivery services to lunar orbit, as well as content sales and marketing sponsorships; and orbital services, including satellite delivery and rideshare, satellite servicing and refueling, space station servicing, satellite repositioning, and orbital debris removal. It also provides lunar data services, comprising Lunar data network, lunar south pole and far-side coverage, lunar positioning services, data relay, and data storage/caching. In addition, the company offers propulsion systems and navigation systems; engineering services contracts; lunar mobility vehicles, such as rovers and drones; power infrastructure that includes fission surface power; and human habitation systems. It serves its products to the U.S. government, commercial, and international customers. Intuitive Machines, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
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Most investors following the new space race are focused on one question: Who gets to the Moon first?
But veteran trader Jonathan Rose of Masters in Trading LIVE is asking what happens the day after they arrive.
Both the U.S. and China are working toward a permanent presence near the lunar south pole. But planting a flag is one thing. Keeping people alive and productive 240,000 miles from Earth will require power, communications, navigation, transportation, supplies, and an entire infrastructure network that doesn’t exist today – and governments won’t build all of it themselves.
In today’s Digest, Jonathan looks beyond the headline-grabbing rockets to three publicly traded companies already competing for pieces of this emerging lunar supply chain. Each plays a different role, comes with a different risk profile, and gives investors a different way to approach the same long-term trend.
But Jonathan also makes an important distinction: A compelling investment theme doesn’t automatically make for a good trade today. That’s why he watches contracts, valuations, price action, and unusual trading activity before putting money to work.
You can watch Jonathan apply that same process across the market every weekday at 11 a.m. Eastern on Masters in Trading LIVE – it’s completely free on YouTube. You can sign up here to get the daily link.
Bottom line: Creating a base on the Moon will make history, but keeping a base running there could make your portfolio.
Here’s Jonathan with more…
Have a good weekend,
Jeff Remsburg
Hey, guys.
Imagine building a house where there are no roads, no hardware stores, and no power lines.
Now imagine that every gallon of fuel, every part needed to build that house or replace a part of the house, has to travel nearly 1,000 miles across one of the most hostile landscapes on Earth.
That’s the problem engineers spent decades solving at the South Pole.
The U.S. Navy built the first American research station at the South Pole in 1956. Scientists moved in. And over the next several years, windblown snow just started burying it.
They had to build a replacement — a geodesic dome in 1975 — and eventually the snow started covering the entrances to that one too.
Today’s Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station stands on columns. The shape channels wind beneath it, sweeping the snow away.
Source: U.S. National Science Foundation
It took 10 years to build and more than 900 flights to haul materials from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole.
And to keep it running today, overland crews drive 990 miles from McMurdo Station, hauling fuel and cargo across Antarctica. More than a century after the first expedition reached the South Pole, people are still solving the practical problems of working there.
Now I want you to consider the Moon.
One of the biggest infrastructure buildouts of the next decade will happen 240,000 miles away. And this isn’t the 1960s. The first Space Race was the USA versus the USSR. Space Race 2.0 is the USA versus China.
And the winner of this race will be whoever builds a working research station there first.
China is publicly targeting a crewed lunar landing before 2030 and a base by 2035. NASA’s Artemis program is targeting its first crewed surface landing for 2028.
Both of them are zeroing in on the same tiny patch of the Moon — the lunar south pole — because that’s where the water ice is.
Water isn’t just water up there. Break it into hydrogen and oxygen, and you’ve got life support and rocket propellant. The Moon stops looking like a destination and starts looking like a supply chain.
Here’s what I find interesting as a trader. NASA can’t do everything itself. It’s the anchor, with private companies building the launch systems, communications, power, logistics, and more.
NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program already has 17 planned deliveries carrying more than 60 payloads. Earlier this month, NASA put out proposals for surface power, oxygen extraction, and lunar construction materials.
So the question I’m asking isn’t “Who builds the rocket?” That answer is pretty easy: SpaceX, Blue Origin, and a few other big players.
The better question is “Who builds and operates everything a Moon base needs once someone’s actually living there?”
In this piece, I’ll try to answer that question by showing you three publicly held companies – all trading on the stock market – that are competing to be the one of the answers to that question.
Three Companies Building What Comes After the Landing The Utility Company for the Moon: Most people know the first stock I want to show you as a lunar lander company. I’m more interested in what it’s trying to become — the utility company for the Moon. In March, NASA awarded Intuitive Machines Inc. (LUNR) a $180.4 million mission to deliver payloads to the lunar south pole region. This Houston-based company has a $1.8 billion backlog and $367 million in cash. A lander gets you to the destination. A company that can also handle communications and navigation once you’re there takes on a role that doesn’t end after a single landing. That’s the story I’m watching develop.
The Repeatable Delivery Play: The second stock I want to show you already landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the Moon in March. And in June, Firefly Aerospace Inc. (FLY) announced a $144 million NASA contract for another mission targeted for 2028 — bringing it to six contracted lunar missions total. Landing once is an accomplishment. Building a dependable service around it is a business. I’m watching the less glamorous stuff: production capacity, schedules, what they learn from each flight. The stock pulled back hard after the initial SpaceX enthusiasm wave. Sometimes the market just hands you a better entry. You wait for it.
The Sleep-at-Night Space Stock: My third space stock today is the different animal in this group. It’s a much larger company, less directly tied to the young lunar delivery business. But L3Harris Technologies Inc. (LHX) has delivered the four RS-25 engines for NASA’s planned 2027 Artemis III mission. That makes it the firm selling the engines and the avionics — and that company wins regardless of which rocket startup succeeds. If you want exposure to the lunar buildout with less volatility than the smaller names, LHX is how you get there. Don’t expect it to move like LUNR or FLY when the narrative heats up. But don’t ignore it either.
Three different jobs behind the same buildout. Three different risk profiles.
Now here’s the part I want to be straight with you about.
A Good Story Still Needs a Good Trade When I went through these names on my Masters in Trading LIVE show last week (sign up for that free here), I noted that LUNR, FLY, and couple other small space stocks had all made sharp moves together when SpaceX was in the news, and then pulled back together. That correlation tells me investors are trading the industry story, not the individual companies.
That’s fine. Industries move together all the time. But it means you have to be careful about what you’re actually buying and when.
I watch contract awards. I watch how these stocks move relative to each other. And I look for unusual trading activity — big, concentrated trades that tell me whether serious money is starting to build positions before the broader market figures out why. When I see that kind of footprint in names like these, that’s when I start paying real attention.
But that activity is a clue, not an instruction. I still have to look at the company, the setup, and how much I’m willing to lose before I’d put a trade on.
The timing matters in a specific way here too. A Moon base is a project measured in years. The trades I do have expiration dates. I can be completely convinced the infrastructure story is real and still wait for a better moment to trade it.
Nothing is cheap or expensive on its own. LUNR at $12 is not automatically cheap because it was at $20. It’s cheap or expensive relative to the backlog, the contract pipeline, the competition, and what comparable companies have traded at in similar situations. That’s the work.
LUNR, FLY, and other small space stocks all move together — when one goes, they all go. So you’re not really picking the winner of the Moon race. You’re buying the industry. That’s actually fine with me. I’d rather own a basket of names tied to a real structural trend than try to pick the one company that survives the shakeout in a new industry where execution risk is genuinely high.
Now let’s go back to where we started.
The Antarctic South Pole story ends like this: More than a century after the first expedition arrived, keeping that research station running still takes a full supply chain. Overland crews are still driving 990 miles across Antarctica.
Getting to the South Pole was the achievement. Keeping a research station operating there is still a job: crews drive roughly 990 miles from McMurdo hauling fuel and cargo across Antarctica.
A lunar base will need its own supply chain. And if people intend to keep working there, that work continues long after the first landing.
That’s the industry I’m watching. The trading question is when the market gives us a sensible way in.
I go live every day the market is open — 11 a.m. Eastern, for free, on YouTube. At Masters in Trading LIVE, we take on different topics each day, look at what’s moving, and work through the questions together. If this kind of thinking is useful to you, come join us.
Jonathan Rose
Founder, Masters in Trading
P.S. Those South Pole station details are exactly the kind of thing Jonathan notices that most folks walk right past. He finds the unglamorous version of a big story, and then asks whether the market is actually offering a trade on it. That’s what he does every morning at 11 a.m. Eastern on MIT Live, free on YouTube. Get that here.
Jonathan is also doing a free live event later in October — the $10K to $100K Challenge — where he’ll walk through the exact signals he uses to find trades and how he sizes his risk. It’s free. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details soon.
Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
Editor’s Note: A space essay that starts in Antarctica is a strange pitch, I know. Stay with it – because buried under the snow is one of the cleaner investing frameworks I’ve come across this year: headlines are one-time events, but operations are annuities. A historic landing gets the coverage. Keeping the base running is what signs the checks – for decades.
Jonathan Rose brought me this one, along with three stocks attached to it. He’s earned the consideration: nearly three decades on trading floors from the CME to the CBOE, a bond futures desk he helped grow from six people to 150, and a live YouTube session every morning at 11 a.m. Eastern – Masters in Trading LIVE – where he works through what’s moving and why.
He’s also hosting a free live event later in October – the $10K to $100K Challenge – where he’ll walk through the exact signals he uses to find trades and how he thinks about risk. We’ll have more details on that event real soon.
In the meantime, here’s Jonathan.
Imagine building a house where there are no roads, no hardware stores, and no power lines.
Now imagine that every gallon of fuel, every part needed to build that house or replace a part of the house, has to travel nearly 1,000 miles across one of the most hostile landscapes on Earth.
That’s the problem engineers spent decades solving at the South Pole.
The U.S. Navy built the first American research station at the South Pole in 1956. Scientists moved in. And over the next several years, windblown snow just started burying it.
They had to build a replacement – a geodesic dome in 1975 – and eventually the snow started covering the entrances to that one too.
Today’s Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station stands on columns. The shape channels wind beneath it, sweeping the snow away.
It took 10 years to build and more than 900 flights to haul materials from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole.
And to keep it running today, overland crews drive 990 miles from McMurdo Station, hauling fuel and cargo across Antarctica. More than a century after the first expedition reached the South Pole, people are still solving the practical problems of working there.
Now I want you to consider the Moon.
One of the biggest infrastructure buildouts of the next decade will happen 240,000 miles away. And this isn’t the 1960s. The first Space Race was the USA versus the USSR. Space Race 2.0 is the USA versus China.
And the winner of this race will be whoever builds a working research station there first.
China is publicly targeting a crewed lunar landing before 2030 and a base by 2035. NASA’s Artemis program is targeting its first crewed surface landing for 2028.
Both of them are zeroing in on the same tiny patch of the Moon – the lunar south pole – because that’s where the water ice is.
Water isn’t just water up there. Break it into hydrogen and oxygen, and you’ve got life support and rocket propellant. The Moon stops looking like a destination and starts looking like a supply chain.
Here’s what I find interesting as a trader. NASA can’t do everything itself. It’s the anchor, with private companies building the launch systems, communications, power, logistics, and more.
NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program already has 17 planned deliveries carrying more than 60 payloads. Earlier this month, NASA put out proposals for surface power, oxygen extraction, and lunar construction materials.
So the question I’m asking isn’t “Who builds the rocket?” That answer is pretty easy: SpaceX, Blue Origin, and a few other big players.
The better question is “Who builds and operates everything a Moon base needs once someone’s actually living there?”
In this piece, I’ll try to answer that question by showing you three publicly held companies – all trading on the stock market – that are competing to be the one of the answers to that question.
Three Companies Building What Comes After the Landing The Utility Company for the Moon: Most people know the first stock I want to show you as a lunar lander company. I’m more interested in what it’s trying to become – the utility company for the Moon. In March, NASA awarded Intuitive Machines Inc. (LUNR) a $180.4 million mission to deliver payloads to the lunar south pole region. This Houston-based company has a $1.8 billion backlog and $367 million in cash. A lander gets you to the destination. A company that can also handle communications and navigation once you’re there takes on a role that doesn’t end after a single landing. That’s the story I’m watching develop.
The Repeatable Delivery Play: The second stock I want to show you already landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the Moon in March. And in June, Firefly Aerospace Inc. (FLY) announced a $144 million NASA contract for another mission targeted for 2028 – bringing it to six contracted lunar missions total. Landing once is an accomplishment. Building a dependable service around it is a business. I’m watching the less glamorous stuff: production capacity, schedules, what they learn from each flight. The stock pulled back hard after the initial SpaceX enthusiasm wave. Sometimes the market just hands you a better entry. You wait for it.
The Sleep-at-Night Space Stock: My third space stock today is the different animal in this group. It’s a much larger company, less directly tied to the young lunar delivery business. But L3Harris Technologies Inc. (LHX) has delivered the four RS-25 engines for NASA’s planned 2027 Artemis III mission. That makes it the firm selling the engines and the avionics – and that company wins regardless of which rocket startup succeeds. If you want exposure to the lunar buildout with less volatility than the smaller names, LHX is how you get there. Don’t expect it to move like LUNR or FLY when the narrative heats up. But don’t ignore it either.
Three different jobs behind the same buildout. Three different risk profiles.
Now here’s the part I want to be straight with you about.
A Good Story Still Needs a Good Trade When I went through these names on my Masters in Trading LIVE show last week (sign up for that free here), I noted that LUNR, FLY, and a couple other small space stocks had all made sharp moves together when SpaceX was in the news, and then pulled back together. That correlation tells me investors are trading the industry story, not the individual companies.
That’s fine. Industries move together all the time. But it means you have to be careful about what you’re actually buying and when.
I watch contract awards. I watch how these stocks move relative to each other. And I look for unusual trading activity – big, concentrated trades that tell me whether serious money is starting to build positions before the broader market figures out why. When I see that kind of footprint in names like these, that’s when I start paying real attention.
But that activity is a clue, not an instruction. I still have to look at the company, the setup, and how much I’m willing to lose before I’d put a trade on.
The timing matters in a specific way here too. A Moon base is a project measured in years. The trades I do have expiration dates. I can be completely convinced the infrastructure story is real and still wait for a better moment to trade it.
Nothing is cheap or expensive on its own. LUNR at $12 is not automatically cheap because it was at $20. It’s cheap or expensive relative to the backlog, the contract pipeline, the competition, and what comparable companies have traded at in similar situations. That’s the work.
LUNR, FLY, and other small space stocks all move together – when one goes, they all go. So you’re not really picking the winner of the Moon race. You’re buying the industry. That’s actually fine with me. I’d rather own a basket of names tied to a real structural trend than try to pick the one company that survives the shakeout in a new industry where execution risk is genuinely high.
Now let’s go back to where we started.
The Antarctic South Pole story ends like this: More than a century after the first expedition arrived, keeping that research station running still takes a full supply chain. Overland crews are still driving 990 miles across Antarctica.
Getting to the South Pole was the achievement. Keeping a research station operating there is still a job: crews drive roughly 990 miles from McMurdo hauling fuel and cargo across Antarctica.
A lunar base will need its own supply chain. And if people intend to keep working there, that work continues long after the first landing.
That’s the industry I’m watching. The trading question is when the market gives us a sensible way in.
I go live every day the market is open – 11 a.m. Eastern, for free, on YouTube. At Masters in Trading LIVE, we take on different topics each day, look at what’s moving, and work through the questions together. If this kind of thinking is useful to you, come join us.
Key Takeaways Intuitive Machines is expanding across lunar, satellite and space infrastructure programs.Virgin Galactic's sold-out $750,000 bookings are expected to add over $50M in future revenues.SPCE outperformed LUNR over six months, while LUNR carries the stronger expected 2026 sales growth. Growing investments in space exploration, increasing government support and rising interest in commercial space activities continue to drive opportunities across the space industry. NASA programs and the expansion of commercial space missions have also increased investor attention toward companies such as Intuitive Machines (LUNR - Free Report) and Virgin Galactic Holdings (SPCE - Free Report) .
Intuitive Machines focuses on lunar exploration and space infrastructure, developing lunar landers, spacecraft and related technologies for NASA and commercial missions. In contrast, Virgin Galactic specializes in commercial human spaceflight, developing and operating spaceflight systems designed to provide suborbital experiences for private and research customers.
As the space industry advances through new technologies, government programs and commercial applications, both LUNR and SPCE remain closely watched by investors. This raises an important question: which stock currently offers the better investment opportunity?
Tailwinds for LUNRIntuitive Machines is benefiting from growing demand for space infrastructure, satellite services and lunar exploration, supported by rising investments from commercial and government customers. The company’s expanding role across satellite and space technology markets is creating new opportunities for growth.
In September 2026, Intuitive Machines completed the handover of the SXM-11 satellite to SiriusXM following successful in-orbit testing. The geostationary communications satellite became fully operational after being successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 28, 2026. The milestone highlights Intuitive Machines’ growing capabilities in satellite infrastructure and space services.
The company is also expanding its platform business. In September 2026, Intuitive Machines received a contract to build two IM-300 series platforms for a new, undisclosed customer. The award further strengthens the company’s commercial space portfolio and demonstrates demand for its space infrastructure solutions.
With continued progress across satellite, space infrastructure and lunar-related programs, Intuitive Machines remains positioned to benefit from increasing activity and investment across the broader space industry.
Tailwinds for SPCEVirgin Galactic is benefiting from strong demand for commercial spaceflight, with growing customer interest supporting its future revenue potential. Recent bookings and progress toward commercial operations provide important tailwinds as the company prepares to expand its spaceflight services.
In August 2026, Virgin Galactic announced that its latest tranche of spaceflight expeditions, priced at $750,000, was oversubscribed and sold out ahead of schedule. The bookings are expected to add more than $50 million to future spaceflight revenues. The company also plans to release another tranche at higher price points this fall, signaling continued demand for its commercial spaceflight offerings.
Virgin Galactic is also advancing its next-generation spacecraft program. The company expects to begin flight testing with a captive carry flight in October 2026, while rocket production is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter. Its first commercial spaceflight is now expected in February 2027, with a second spaceship planned to join the fleet in March 2027.
With strong customer demand, upcoming flight-test milestones and an expanding fleet, Virgin Galactic is working to scale commercial operations and achieve positive quarterly cash flow in 2027.
How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for LUNR & SPCE?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LUNR’s 2026 sales implies a year-over-year improvement of 338.9%, while that for EPS suggests a 59.5% decline. The stock’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have moved south over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SPCE’s 2026 EPS implies a year-over-year improvement of 60.3%, while that for sales suggests a 24% decline. The stock’s 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have moved north over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stock Price Performance: LUNR vs. SPCEIn the past six months, SPCE has outperformed LUNR. While SPCE’s shares surged 47%, LUNR lost 4.5%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
SPCE’s Valuation More Attractive Than LUNRLUNR is trading at a premium, with its forward 12-month price/sales of 3.26X being more than SPCE’s forward price/sales of 2.25X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Final CallBoth Intuitive Machines and Virgin Galactic are benefiting from growing opportunities in the space industry. LUNR is expanding its lunar, satellite and space infrastructure businesses, while SPCE is advancing toward commercial spaceflight and seeing strong customer demand.
However, SPCE has outperformed LUNR in recent months, while its EPS estimates have improved and its valuation remains more attractive. LUNR offers stronger expected sales growth, but declining EPS estimates and a higher price-to-sales multiple weigh on its near-term appeal. Considering these factors, Virgin Galactic appears better positioned at present.
At present, SPCE carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), while LUNR carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) shares are edging lower Wednesday. The stock consolidates near a tight cluster of converging moving averages following a much larger move earlier this year. Here’s what you should know.
Intuitive Machines stock is showing downward bias. What should traders watch with LUNR? Intuitive Machines’ Moving Averages Have Converged Into a Tight ClusterThe stock’s 20-day, 50-day and 200-day moving averages have all converged into a narrow band between roughly $14 and $16, right where shares currently trade. That kind of tight convergence usually shows up once a big trend has run its course. It often signals a stock settling into equilibrium rather than building a strong new trend.
That convergence follows a much bigger move than any recent chart shows. Shares ran from around $13 in December to a peak near $45 to $46 by early June, a roughly 3.5-times increase over six months. The swings investors have watched more recently, including an August spike toward $21, look more like smaller echoes riding along the bottom of that broader pullback.
One part of that cluster stands out, though. The 200-day moving average never stopped climbing, even through the stock’s decline from its spring peak. It currently sits around $19 to $20 and keeps trending upward. That means the longer-term trend technically remains positive, even though shares trade below that level today. Reclaiming the 200-day average would mark a more meaningful shift than anything in the stock’s recent range-bound trading alone.
A Three-Touch Ceiling Has Capped the Stock Since AugustThe stock has run into resistance in the $16 to $17 zone three times since August, peaking near $17 on August 10, $16.25 on September 9, and $16.59 on September 23. Those touches span six weeks and bracket the stock’s spike to $21 in mid-August, meaning the level has held both on the way up to that spike and twice on the way back down from it.
A level tested that consistently across different market conditions tends to carry more weight than one confirmed only once, making a clean move above $17 the more meaningful signal to watch for, rather than a smaller break above $16.50.
LUNR Shares Are Edging LowerLUNR Price Action: Intuitive Machines shares were down 0.69% at $14.46 at the time of publication on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro.
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Key Takeaways LUNR is building space infrastructure across spacecraft, communications and operational data services.Intuitive Machines won a $600M-plus GEO satellite contract and NASA's sixth CLPS mission, CS-8.LUNR added ground-station capacity and lunar imaging operations through acquisitions and NASA awards. Intuitive Machines, Inc. (LUNR - Free Report) has traditionally been associated with lunar landers and Moon missions. However, the company is increasingly positioning itself to provide multiple layers of space infrastructure rather than focusing on a single spacecraft or mission. Its strategy is built around three integrated pillars — build, connect and operate space infrastructure.
The first pillar, build, focuses on spacecraft and physical space infrastructure. During the second quarter, Intuitive Machines signed a contract worth more than $600 million for three commercial GEO satellites, while continuing production across national security and lunar programs. The company also received NASA's sixth CLPS mission, CS-8, extending its lunar delivery cadence into 2030.
The second pillar, connect, is aimed at creating communications infrastructure that can support missions across different orbital environments. Intuitive Machines completed the acquisition of Goonhilly Earth Station and COMSAT, adding global ground-station capacity to its network. Per management, the combined infrastructure is designed to support communications across LEO, MEO, GEO, cislunar space and deep space.
The third pillar, operate, moves the company further into managing the data and services generated by space infrastructure. Intuitive Machines has been contracted by NASA for two prime lunar reconnaissance awards involving LROC and ShadowCam. Under these programs, the company expects to lead lunar imaging operations, data storage, processing, and analytics supporting Artemis, Moonbase initiatives and commercial lunar missions.
If Intuitive Machines continues to execute across these three pillars, the company could increasingly participate in the broader space infrastructure ecosystem rather than being viewed primarily as a lunar lander provider.
Companies Building Integrated Space InfrastructureSeveral other space companies are also expanding beyond a single space-related product or service:
Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB - Free Report) has expanded from launch services into spacecraft manufacturing, satellite components, and broader space systems, giving it exposure across several stages of the space value chain.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS - Free Report) operates across defense systems, unmanned platforms, satellite communications, and space-related technologies, providing another example of a company combining multiple capabilities within the aerospace and defense ecosystem.
LUNR Stock’s Earnings EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share (EPS) implies a decrease of 59.52% year over year, while that for 2027 EPS suggests an increase of 54.53%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LUNR Stock Trades at a PremiumIn terms of valuation, LUNR’s forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) is 3.04X, a premium to the industry’s average of 2.19X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LUNR Stock’s Price PerformanceIn the past month, the company’s shares have lost 4.9% compared with the industry’s 7.7% decline.
When identifying potential growth stock candidates, investors often look for companies with a competitive moat—some advantage in technology, product offerings, efficiency, or similar that gives them a likely edge over their rivals. It can also help to look at smaller, specialized industries, where the competitive landscape may be different and it might be easier to find a profitable niche.
The firms below—Upstart Holdings Inc. NASDAQ: UPST, Sezzle Inc. NASDAQ: SEZL, and Intuitive Machines Inc. NASDAQ: LUNR—all demonstrate some combination of potential for revenue and earnings growth, a compelling addressable market, and appealing growth vectors while also operating in more specialized industries.
Get Upstart alerts:
Upstart's Return to Profitability May Justify Optimism, Despite High Short InterestUpstart's AI-fueled lending tools connect borrowers with banks and automate credit underwriting. As lenders look to become more efficient with AI tools, Upstart has positioned itself advantageously: more than 91% of all loans on its platform were fully automated last year.
Upstart Today
$23.81 0.00 (0.00%)
As of 09/25/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
$23.72▼
$57.9548.59
$43.75
Personal loans have become an increasingly important part of Upstart's business as consumers have been squeezed by higher prices—core personal loan originations climbed by 27% on a sequential basis last quarter, while unsecured contribution margin climbed by 6% to 62%.
Overall, for the latest quarter, originations were up substantially (about 50% relative to the prior-year quarter), and revenue scaling has actually outpaced underlying loan volume.
The company has also returned to profitability after challenges earlier in the 2020s, and it enjoys a strong outlook for the full year.
Perhaps most importantly, Upstart's market share is significant and growing. Cumulatively, it has originated more than $61 billion in loans, and it has more than 100 bank partners and 6 million originations. As it continues to explore auto, home, and other types of lending, this is likely to keep growing, despite challenges in the real estate market.
An investment in Upstart is certainly a risk at a time of uncertainty in the credit cycle and with interest rates fluctuating. This may explain the stock's high level of short interest at about 33.8% of the float. Elevated short interest, while concerning, could be advantageous to investors who agree, along with Wall Street, that shares have massive upside potential.
Sezzle's Business Is Booming, But Risks RemainDifficult economic conditions for consumers have led to a massive increase in the use of buy-now-pay-later products and loans, which has been critical to Sezzle's recent success.
Sezzle Today
$111.38 0.00 (0.00%)
As of 09/25/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
$49.50▼
$195.7124.21
$146.50
Gross merchandise volume (GMV) climbed by 38% year over year (YOY) for Q2 2026 to a record $1.3 billion. Revenue climbed by an even wider margin of 52% over the same period.
The company is now anticipating 35% YOY revenue growth for the full year, an increase over prior predictions.
Driving Sezzle's growth is its active subscriber base, which climbed by more than 76% YOY to 854,000 last quarter.
Customers are not only becoming more plentiful, but they're also purchasing items using Sezzle more often as well, up to an average of 7.2 times per quarter. On top of this, the company continues to expand its offerings beyond point-of-sale settings.
One thing for investors to watch out for is the company's valuation. Even after a volatile year, shares are up about two-thirds year to date and trade at roughly 24x trailing earnings, above the typical lender, though closer to 21x the company's 2026 earnings guidance. Some analysts downgraded the stock this summer, citing its elevated valuation. Beyond price, concerns about regulation, competition, and potential credit losses may also be worth considering.
Intuitive Machines Is Spending Lots of Cash to Do Exciting ThingsIntuitive Machines is a niche space company with a mission-critical service: helping to support payload protection, landers, telemetry, and other technologies vital to moon-based missions. The firm has close ties with the government via NASA's Artemis mission, among others.
Intuitive Machines Today
LUNR
Intuitive Machines
$15.61 0.00 (0.00%)
As of 09/25/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
$7.78▼
$46.75$30.50
Although Intuitive reported lower-than-expected revenue for the most recent quarter, it still demonstrated record growth.
Q2 revenue was $206 million, which was more than four times the size of this figure just a year earlier.
At the same time, backlog improved significantly to $1.8 billion, while bookings came in at $1.7 billion for the first half of 2026.
Intuitive is seeing demand increase across civil and commercial clients on top of its existing government and national security operations. This may stay the case as the company looks to expand its satellite program.
Of course, all of this requires substantial cash, and investors may balk at operating cash flow of negative $60 million last quarter, on top of $84 million in deployed capital. At-the-market equity programs have helped build a cash reserve but have also diluted shareholders' positions. That hasn't been enough of a concern across Wall Street to stop analysts from assigning a Moderate Buy rating overall, alongside 91% in predicted upside for LUNR shares.
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Can the commercial space race produce a clear winner for your portfolio? Comparing Firefly Aerospace (FLY +5.50%) and Intuitive Machines (LUNR -0.57%) reveals two distinct paths into the final frontier.
Firefly focuses on end-to-end launch and landing services, while Intuitive Machines specializes in lunar infrastructure and data transmission. Both are scaling rapidly to meet government and commercial demand, making them key players in the growing space economy as private sector participation in orbit increases.
The case for Firefly AerospaceFirefly Aerospace serves national security, government, and commercial customers with an approximate $1.4 billion backlog as of its latest annual report filed for FY 2025. Key partners include Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT -0.79%) and Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC +0.30%), though NASA and the U.S. Space Force remain central to its operations. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business, especially as the company expands its launch infrastructure to Wallops Island and the Esrange Space Center in Sweden.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $160 million, representing a roughly 160% increase over the revenue generated in the previous fiscal year. Despite this rapid top-line growth, the company reported a net loss of approximately $298 million for the period. The net margin, which shows the percentage of revenue remaining after all expenses, was close to negative 187%.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the current ratio is approximately 4.5x, indicating the company has sufficient current assets to cover its immediate liabilities. The debt-to-equity ratio is close to 0.3x, showing that total debt is a small fraction of shareholder equity. Free cash flow was nearly negative $238 million, representing the cash remaining after paying for operations and capital equipment, indicating the company is still in a heavy investment phase.
The case for Intuitive MachinesIntuitive Machines provides lunar delivery and data services, recently expanding its reach through the acquisition of Lanteris as noted in its latest annual report for FY 2025. It provides solutions for NASA and major defense stocks like the Missile Defense Agency, while also supporting international telecommunications customers. Customer concentration among these government entities is a notable factor for investors to monitor as the company provides end-to-end mission solutions.
In FY 2025, revenue reached approximately $210 million, which was a decrease of roughly 8% compared to the prior year. The company reported a net loss of nearly $83.3 million for the same period. Its net margin was approximately negative 40%, representing a significant improvement from the much deeper loss margins seen in the preceding fiscal year.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the current ratio is approximately 5.0x. The company reported a debt-to-equity ratio of nearly negative 0.5x, which means that its total liabilities exceed its shareholder equity. Free cash flow was close to negative $56 million, representing the actual cash used by the business after accounting for capital investments, which helps investors understand the rate at which the company is consuming cash.
Risk profile comparisonFirefly faces significant operational risks, as spaceflight is inherently dangerous and any launch failure can cause hardware loss or reputational harm. The company is also heavily dependent on U.S. government contracts, leaving it vulnerable to budget delays or shifts in federal priorities. Competition from other launch providers creates pricing pressure and a need to scale production very efficiently, while inflationary pressures could further increase operational costs.
Intuitive Machines deals with integration complexities following its rapid expansion through acquisitions like Lanteris and KinetX. Its reliance on a few major customers makes it sensitive to contract defaults, while it also competes with players like Rocket Lab USA(RKLB +0.46%) and Boeing Co (BA +0.65%). Technical failures or mission anomalies could lead to significant financial harm or data security breaches that might damage its relationship with civil and national security partners.
Valuation comparisonIntuitive Machines carries a significantly lower P/S ratio, which measures market cap divided by sales over the past twelve months. Meanwhile, Firefly offers a more modest Forward P/E, which compares the stock price to future earnings estimates.
MetricFirefly AerospaceIntuitive MachinesForward P/E24.2x144.2xP/S ratio14.0x5.1xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Firefly went public in an initial public offering a little more than a year ago at $45 a share. Shares have spent much of the past year below that mark, reflecting typical post-IPO volatility.
More important is the company's recent business success. Firefly Aerospace is the only private company to achieve a successful lunar landing, doing so in March 2025 with its Blue Ghost Mission I. The success of that effort has ingratiated Firefly with NASA, which sent 10 payloads to the Moon with last year's mission. The company now plans annual missions to the Moon to deliver payloads for NASA as part of the agency's goal of constructing a permanent lunar base. Exciting stuff, and considering the attention the SpaceX IPO has been bringing to space businesses, that can only be another positive for Firefly.
While future projections are inherently speculative, Wall Street analysts expect Firefly to top $440 million this year and reach $1 billion in annual revenue in its fiscal 2028.
Intuitive Machines started fiscal 2026 with its strongest quarter in history, delivering record revenue of $187 million. Management says they have an order backlog of $1.1 billion, including $400 million in early 2026 bookings. NASA is moving toward a steady access to space flights and deliveries, too, which bodes well for the company's longer-term sales. Revenue for fiscal 2026 is expected to more than quadruple to $952 million, with a narrower net loss of $66 million. Analysts expect the business to turn a profit for the first time in 2028.
To choose between these two, look at the ratios. While Intuitive Machines does have a much higher price-to-earnings, its P/S ratio is 5.1x, almost a third of the multiple Firefly claims, making it much more of an attractive entry point for long-term investors.
The space economy is rapidly expanding as AST SpaceMobile (ASTS +1.80%) and Intuitive Machines (LUNR +3.02%) race to build critical communication and logistics infrastructure beyond Earth for a new generation of users.
AST SpaceMobile focuses on satellite-to-phone connectivity through wholesale partnerships with global mobile carriers. Intuitive Machines provides lunar exploration services, including spacecraft delivery and data transmission for government and commercial clients. These two companies represent different but equally ambitious segments of the burgeoning commercial space market.
The case for AST SpaceMobileAST SpaceMobile operates a unique business model by providing cellular broadband directly to standard smartphones via its BlueBird satellite constellation. The company has secured definitive commercial agreements with major telecom players including AT&T Inc (T +0.59%), Verizon Communications (VZ +1.72%), Vodafone (VOD +0.86%), and Saudi Telecom Company. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business, though it currently supports a potential reach of nearly three billion subscribers through various network operator agreements.
In FY 2025, revenue reached about $70.9 million, representing a staggering revenue growth rate of approximately 1,500% over the previous year. Despite this top-line surge, the company reported a net loss of nearly $342 million for the period. This resulted in a net margin of negative 482%, highlighting the significant costs involved in launching and maintaining a global satellite network.
According to its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 1.2x, which measures total debt relative to shareholders' equity. The so-called urrent ratio is nearly 16.4x, indicating the company has ample short-term assets to cover its short-term liabilities. Free cash flow, which is cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was approximately negative $1.1 billion as the company continues to fund its capital-intensive satellite deployment.
The case for Intuitive MachinesIntuitive Machines is a standout among industrial stocks that focus on the specialized niche of extraterrestrial logistics and lunar infrastructure. The company serves civil and national security markets, with NASA acting as a primary customer for lunar cargo delivery and data relay services. This high level of customer concentration with a single government agency adds a layer of risk to the business model if federal funding priorities shift.
In FY 2025, the company reported revenue of roughly $210 million, which was a revenue decrease of nearly 8% compared to the prior year. The company recorded a net loss of approximately $84 million for the fiscal period. This performance resulted in a net margin of negative 40%, which is considerably narrower than its peers in the pre-revenue or early-revenue space technology sector.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is around negative 0.5x, meaning total liabilities exceed shareholder equity. The current ratio is roughly 5.0x, indicating a healthy ability to meet short-term financial obligations. Free cash flow for the period was close to negative $56 million, reflecting the ongoing investments required for spacecraft development and mission operations.
Risk profile comparisonAST SpaceMobile faces significant risks due to the capital-intensive nature of its SpaceMobile Service, which is subject to delays and cost overruns. The company is currently navigating intensified scrutiny from ongoing securities class action litigation regarding its capital disclosures. Furthermore, it faces increasing competitive threats in the direct-to-cellular market from established players such as SpaceX, as Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX -0.22%) is known, which could affect its long-term market share.
Intuitive Machines is highly dependent on U.S. government contracts, which are subject to budgetary constraints and potential termination. The complexity of lunar missions involves high operational risks, including potential launch failures or mission anomalies that could damage its reputation. Additionally, the company faces stiff competition from established aerospace incumbents such as Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT -0.19%) and Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC -1.06%), which may put downward pressure on its pricing and margins.
Valuation comparisonIntuitive Machines appears significantly more affordable on a price-to-sales basis. It carries a high multiple of future earnings estimates while AST Spacemobile does not, since the latter is not expected to turn a profit in its coming fiscal year.
MetricAST SpaceMobileIntuitive MachinesForward P/En/a3,333xP/S ratio149x1.3xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
The Forward P/E compares the current stock price to future earnings estimates, while the P/S ratio measures the market value against sales over the past twelve months.
Intuitive Machines started fiscal 2026 with its strongest quarter in history, delivering record revenue of $187 million. Management says they have an order backlog of $1.1 billion, including $400 million in early 2026 bookings. NASA is moving toward a steady access to space flights and deliveries, too, which bodes well for the company's longer-term sales. Revenue for fiscal 2026 is expected to more than quadruple to $952 million, with a narrower net loss of $66 million. Analysts expect the business to turn a profit for the first time in 2028.
AST SpaceMobile, meanwhile, expects its space-based network to give it a significant business in a few years. Essentially, AST SpaceMobile is a direct-to-device play to provide full mobile phone compatibility for major carriers without the need for specialized equipment. Many of its potential clients are also equity holders in the company, including AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Alphabet Inc (GOOG +1.20%), American Tower (AMT -2.06%), Bell Canada, Telus (TU +0.23%), and Rakuten in Japan.
By the end of the year, the company should have 45 satellites, which will allow it to fully service the U.S., and that should start to supercharge revenue growth. For fiscal 2026, Wall Street sees $149 million in sales, jumping to $725 million the following year, when the company is projected to turn its first modest profit. Free cash flow looks to be much more manageable, with analysts expecting positive free cash flow in 2029.
Both AST Spacemobile and Intuitive Machines are exciting young businesses in a thrilling new market sector: space infrastructure. With both a year or two away from profitability, price-to-sales is the best metric to get a promising stock at a good price. That means Intuitive Machines, with its bargain basement forward P/S ratio of 1.3x, gets the nod for 2026.
Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR – Get Free Report) SVP Timothy Crain, II sold 100,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.98, for a total value of $1,398,000.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 351,279 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $4,910,880.42. This represents a 22.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan.
Timothy Price Crain II also recently made the following trade(s):
On Monday, September 21st, Timothy Crain, II sold 50,000 shares of Intuitive Machines stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.05, for a total value of $752,500.00. Intuitive Machines Price Performance NASDAQ LUNR opened at $16.24 on Wednesday. Intuitive Machines, Inc. has a 1-year low of $7.78 and a 1-year high of $46.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.72 billion, a P/E ratio of -17.09 and a beta of 1.85. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $15.15 and its 200-day simple moving average is $21.52.
Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 13th. The company reported ($0.29) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.09) by ($0.20). The company had revenue of $206.17 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $212.32 million. On average, equities research analysts expect that Intuitive Machines, Inc. will post -0.6 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth LUNR has been the topic of a number of research reports. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Intuitive Machines from $11.00 to $13.00 and gave the company an “underperform” rating in a research note on Monday, August 31st. Roth Capital set a $30.00 price target on Intuitive Machines in a report on Thursday, August 13th. Stifel Nicolaus raised Intuitive Machines from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and cut their price objective for the company from $32.00 to $26.00 in a research report on Friday, August 14th. Zacks Research upgraded Intuitive Machines from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 14th. Finally, B. Riley Financial decreased their target price on Intuitive Machines from $45.00 to $43.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 14th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, Intuitive Machines has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $30.50.
Read Our Latest Report on LUNR
Institutional Trading of Intuitive Machines Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in LUNR. Tidal Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Intuitive Machines in the second quarter valued at approximately $64,452,000. WINTON GROUP Ltd grew its holdings in Intuitive Machines by 538.9% in the 2nd quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 171,857 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,676,000 after buying an additional 144,957 shares in the last quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP acquired a new stake in Intuitive Machines in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,732,000. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC acquired a new stake in Intuitive Machines in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $88,000. Finally, Connective Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Intuitive Machines during the 2nd quarter valued at $393,000. Institutional investors own 72.21% of the company’s stock.
(Get Free Report)
Intuitive Machines, Inc is a space exploration and infrastructure company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company develops and delivers lunar missions, spacecraft, and related services for government and commercial customers, with a focus on supporting a sustainable presence on the Moon.
Its activities include lunar payload delivery, spacecraft and lander development, lunar communications and navigation services, and the collection and transmission of data from the lunar surface. Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander is designed to transport scientific instruments, technology demonstrations, and other payloads to the Moon.
Founded in 2013 by Stephen Altemus, who serves as president and chief executive officer, Intuitive Machines has supported NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
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Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ: LUNR - Get Free Report) SVP Timothy Crain, II sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, September 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.05, for a total transaction of $752,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 351,279 shares
Intuitive Machines Inc (LUNR) Shares Surge 3.3% -- What GF Score of 64 Tells Investors On September 22, 2026, Intuitive Machines Inc LUNR shares rose 3.3% to $16.24, amidst a 52-week range of $7.78 to $46.75. This recent uptick follows a week of impressive gains, with the stock increasing by 17.1% over the past week, despite a 1-month decline of 11.3%.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price of $16.24 vs GF Value of $13.66, indicating the stock is 18.9% overvalued. GF Score™: 64/100, categorizing it as Above Average. Most notable signal: Insider activity shows net selling of $259.4M over the past 12 months. Is LUNR Overvalued or Undervalued? Intuitive Machines Inc is currently trading at $16.24, which is significantly above the GF Value™ estimate of $13.66. This suggests that the stock may be overvalued by approximately 18.9%. The GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary estimate of a stock's intrinsic value, derived from historical trading multiples, company growth, and future performance projections. In this case, the valuation indicates that there is a lack of margin of safety for potential investors, as the price exceeds what might be justified based on fundamental analysis.
The GF Valuation label categorizes the stock as Modestly Overvalued, which reflects the risks associated with buying at such elevated levels. Given that Intuitive Machines Inc is unprofitable and cash-flow negative, relying on earnings-based valuation metrics like the P/E ratio is not applicable. Therefore, it is essential to focus on alternative metrics, such as Price-to-Sales (P/S), to assess the valuation context more accurately.
How Does LUNR's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) N/A 4.2x Forward P/E 5770.4x N/A Since Intuitive Machines Inc currently has no applicable P/E ratio due to its unprofitability, the analysis largely focuses on its forward P/E of 5770.4x compared to the 5-year median P/E of 4.2x. This stark contrast indicates that the stock is trading significantly above its historical valuation metrics, aligning with the overvaluation indicated by the GF Value™ verdict. Thus, the P/E analysis further confirms the notion of LUNR being overvalued in the current market context.
What Does LUNR's GF Score™ Tell Us? GF Score™ measures a company's financial health and growth potential based on various factors. Intuitive Machines Inc boasts a score of 64/100, which is regarded as Above Average. However, it has notable strengths and weaknesses across different categories.
Metric Rating GF Score™ 64/100 Financial Strength 4/10 Profitability 2/10 Growth 5/10 Valuation 6/10 Momentum 8/10 The strongest area for Intuitive Machines Inc lies in its momentum rank of 8/10, indicating recent price strength. Conversely, the weakest sub-rank is profitability at 2/10, reflecting the ongoing operational challenges faced by the company. This combination of scores suggests that while the stock may have momentum, the underlying financial health requires significant attention.
What Are Gurus and Insiders Doing with LUNR? Currently, 6 investment gurus hold shares in Intuitive Machines Inc, with 3 adding to their positions and 3 trimming their holdings in recent quarters. This mixed signal from gurus highlights a divided sentiment on the stock's prospects.
Moreover, insider activity has been notably negative, with insiders selling $261.6M worth of shares over the past 12 months while only purchasing $2.2M. This net selling of $259.4M raises questions about the confidence of insiders in the company's future performance, which could be a red flag for potential investors.
What This Means for Investors Based on the analysis, Intuitive Machines Inc appears overvalued at its current price of $16.24, especially when juxtaposed with the GF Value™ estimate of $13.66. Given the company's unprofitability and negative cash flow, investors should approach with caution, considering the high valuations and the concerning insider selling trends. For more in-depth information about Intuitive Machines Inc LUNR, visit the Intuitive Machines Inc (LUNR) stock page.
Frequently Asked Questions What is LUNR's GF Score™?
LUNR has a GF Score™ of 64/100, indicating that it is rated as Above Average in terms of financial health and growth potential.
Is LUNR overvalued or undervalued?
LUNR is currently considered overvalued, with a GF Value™ estimate of $13.66 compared to the current trading price of $16.24.
What is LUNR's P/E ratio?
LUNR does not have an applicable P/E ratio due to its current unprofitability; however, its forward P/E stands at an extraordinarily high 5770.4x.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Disclosures I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.
Intuitive Machines (LUNR +12.93%) stock soared more than 12% in late morning trading. With just half an hour till markets close, the stock is holding onto this gain.
And you can thank investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald for that.
Image source: Getty Images.
Cantor Fitzgerald loves Intuitive Machines stock Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Andres Sheppard doubled down on his overweight rating and $32 price target on Intuitive Machines stock in a note covered on StreetInsider.com this morning.
The company recently delivered its latest IM-1300 series satellite -- SXM-11 -- to SiriusXM (SIRI +0.48%), says Sheppard. Actually, it was Lanteris that built these satellites -- as it's been doing for Sirius for the past two decades. But Intuitive bought Lanteris early this year in an $800 million transaction first announced last November.
That makes Intuitive Machines Sirius's largest satellite supplier.
Premium Feature
Moneyball Superscore
63/100
Today's Change
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12.93
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1.80
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15.72
What's next for Intuitive Machines And not just Sirius's. Going forward, says Sheppard, "we expect LUNR to be better positioned as a Space Prime and to have the ability to design, manufacture, deliver, and operate missions from Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond."
Intuitive recently landed a separate contract to build missile defense satellites for L3Harris (LHX -0.15%) as a subcontractor under that company's contract with the U.S. Space Force, and more similar contracts are in the offing.
With an implied market capitalization of $3.2 billion, according to the latest data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, Intuitive Machines is not yet profitable and continues to burn cash. Analysts anticipate the company might begin generating positive free cash flow next year, however, and with $917 million in revenue expected this year, the stock is once again back in the 2-4x sales range where space stocks begin to look buyable.
It's not yet a screaming buy -- but it's worth a look.
Rich Smith has positions in Intuitive Machines. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Machines and L3Harris Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) shares are soaring Monday. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an Overweight rating and $32 price target on the stock, implying significant upside from current levels. Here’s what you should know.
Intuitive Machines stock is showing exceptional strength. What’s behind LUNR gains? Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Overweight Rating On Intuitive MachinesCantor Fitzgerald held firm on its Overweight call and $32 price target for Intuitive Machines. Analysts at the firm highlighted the company’s recent handoff of the IM-1300 series SXM-11 satellite to SiriusXM, according to Investing.com. The event followed a June launch, pointing out that the two companies have collaborated on 13 spacecraft to date through the Lanteris acquisition and are already working on SiriusXM’s next satellite project.
Cantor believes that acquisition of Lanteris Space Systems, a spacecraft manufacturer, sets Intuitive Machines up to function as a true “Space Prime,” meaning it can handle everything from initial design through manufacturing, delivery and mission operations spanning from low Earth orbit out to lunar destinations and beyond.
Intuitive Machines Is Outperforming a Middling SectorBeyond the stock’s own chart, it’s also worth looking at how Intuitive Machines stacks up against its peers. The company falls under the Industrial sector umbrella, currently ranked sixth among the 11 S&P sectors even though that group is down a modest 0.17% today.
That sector has struggled lately, off 5.32% over the trailing month and nearly 4.87% across the past quarter, yet Intuitive Machines is running well ahead of its own sector today, beating it by close to 9.8 percentage points. The market’s strongest performers today skew toward growth, led by Communication Services, Technology and Consumer Discretionary, while Energy, Consumer Staples and Utilities are dragging behind, a split that suggests traders are favoring risk over safety in today’s session.
LUNR Shares Are JumpingLUNR Price Action: Intuitive Machines shares were up 11.49% at $15.52 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro.
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Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR – Get Free Report)’s stock price fell 5.9% on Friday . The company traded as low as $13.79 and last traded at $13.92. Approximately 14,847,946 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 22% from the average daily volume of 12,196,984 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.79.
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades LUNR has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Canaccord Genuity Group decreased their target price on Intuitive Machines from $41.00 to $39.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 18th. Zacks Research raised shares of Intuitive Machines from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, July 14th. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered their target price on shares of Intuitive Machines from $43.00 to $32.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 14th. Wall Street Zen raised Intuitive Machines from a “strong sell” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Sunday, May 24th. Finally, B. Riley Financial lowered their price target on Intuitive Machines from $45.00 to $43.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 14th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $30.50.
Check Out Our Latest Research Report on LUNR
The company has a market cap of $3.19 billion, a PE ratio of -14.65 and a beta of 1.85. The firm’s 50-day moving average is $15.11 and its 200-day moving average is $21.52. Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 13th. The company reported ($0.29) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.09) by ($0.20). The business had revenue of $206.17 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $212.32 million. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Intuitive Machines, Inc. will post -0.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Insider Activity at Intuitive Machines In other Intuitive Machines news, Director Kamal Ghaffarian sold 1,698 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.00, for a total transaction of $27,168.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 3,494,768 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $55,916,288. This trade represents a 0.05% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. Also, insider Steven Vontur sold 3,050 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.13, for a total transaction of $49,196.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 113,997 shares in the company, valued at $1,838,771.61. This represents a 2.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Insiders have sold 12,193,437 shares of company stock worth $159,377,936 over the last ninety days. 54.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.
Institutional Investors Weigh In On Intuitive Machines Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Tema ETFs LLC grew its holdings in Intuitive Machines by 139,768.2% in the second quarter. Tema ETFs LLC now owns 3,105,074 shares of the company’s stock worth $66,418,000 after purchasing an additional 3,102,854 shares during the period. Tidal Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Intuitive Machines during the second quarter valued at approximately $64,452,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new position in shares of Intuitive Machines during the first quarter valued at approximately $35,895,000. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of Intuitive Machines by 188.9% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,882,973 shares of the company’s stock worth $34,948,000 after purchasing an additional 1,231,188 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund boosted its position in shares of Intuitive Machines by 202.1% in the 1st quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 461,564 shares of the company’s stock worth $8,567,000 after purchasing an additional 308,755 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 72.21% of the company’s stock.
About Intuitive Machines (Get Free Report)
Intuitive Machines, Inc is a space exploration and infrastructure company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company develops and delivers lunar missions, spacecraft, and related services for government and commercial customers, with a focus on supporting a sustainable presence on the Moon.
Its activities include lunar payload delivery, spacecraft and lander development, lunar communications and navigation services, and the collection and transmission of data from the lunar surface. Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander is designed to transport scientific instruments, technology demonstrations, and other payloads to the Moon.
Founded in 2013 by Stephen Altemus, who serves as president and chief executive officer, Intuitive Machines has supported NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
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On September 18, 2026, Intuitive Machines Inc LUNR shares fell 5.9% to a current price of $13.94. The stock has experienced significant volatility, trading between a 52-week high of $46.75 and a low of $7.78 over the past year.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price is $13.94 vs GF Value of $13.38, indicating it is 4.1% overvalued.GF Score™ of 65/100 suggests the company is above average in terms of overall performance.Notable signal: Insider activity shows a net selling of $259.4M over the past 12 months.Is LUNR Overvalued or Undervalued?Given that Intuitive Machines Inc is currently unprofitable and cash-flow-negative, traditional earnings-based valuation metrics like the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio are not applicable for this analysis. Instead, a more relevant metric is the Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio, which is often used for companies that are not generating profits. The company’s historical median P/S ratio is approximately 2.7x, which serves as a comparison point for assessing its current valuation.
The GF Value™, which represents GuruFocus' proprietary intrinsic value estimate based on various factors, suggests the stock is fairly valued at $13.38. However, given the company's current operational challenges and the fact that it's trading at $13.94, this signals an overvaluation of approximately 4.1%. This slight margin of safety indicates the potential risks associated with investing in LUNR at this price point, especially as it struggles to achieve profitability.
How Does LUNR's Valuation Compare to Its History?MetricCurrentHistoricalP/E (TTM)N/A4.2xForward P/EN/A4951.4xDue to Intuitive Machines' unprofitability, the P/E ratio is not available, which confirms the need to rely on alternative valuation metrics such as the P/S ratio. The absence of reliable P/E data does not align with the GF Value™ verdict of being fairly valued, emphasizing the limitations of earnings-based assessments for this company.
What Does LUNR's GF Score™ Tell Us?The GF Score™ evaluates a company's overall financial health, including aspects like financial strength, profitability, growth potential, valuation, and market momentum. With a GF Score™ of 65/100, Intuitive Machines Inc ranks above average. Its strongest sub-rank is in momentum, while its weakest sub-rank is in profitability.
MetricRatingGF Score™65/100Financial Strength4/10Profitability2/10Growth5/10Valuation6/10Momentum10/10The GF Score™ indicates that while Intuitive Machines has strong momentum, it struggles in profitability and financial strength. This dichotomy highlights a company that may be gaining traction in the market but faces significant challenges in generating steady profits and maintaining financial health.
What Are Gurus and Insiders Doing with LUNR?Currently, 6 gurus hold shares of Intuitive Machines Inc, with 3 adding to their positions and 3 trimming them in recent quarters. This mixed activity among institutional investors suggests a level of uncertainty about the company's future performance. Additionally, insider activity reveals that over the past 12 months, insiders purchased $2.2M worth of shares but sold a staggering $261.6M, resulting in a net selling of $259.4M. This suggests a lack of confidence from insiders regarding the company's near-term prospects, which could be a critical factor for potential investors.
What This Means for InvestorsBased on the GF Value™ assessment and the Price-to-Sales analysis, Intuitive Machines Inc appears to be overvalued at its current price of $13.94. The company's unprofitability and significant insider selling further complicate the investment thesis. Investors should approach LUNR with caution, weighing the risks of overvaluation against the potential for future growth. For additional insights, visit the Intuitive Machines Inc LUNR stock page for detailed information.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is LUNR's GF Score™?
LUNR has a GF Score™ of 65/100, indicating it is above average in terms of overall performance and financial health.
Is LUNR overvalued or undervalued?
According to the GF Value™, LUNR is currently overvalued by approximately 4.1% based on its current price compared to its estimated fair value.
What is LUNR's P/E ratio?
Intuitive Machines currently has no available P/E ratio due to its unprofitability, while its 5-year median P/E is 4.2x, highlighting the limitations of earnings-based valuation metrics for this company.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Engineers Gate Manager LP acquired a new stake in shares of Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR – Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 80,950 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,732,000.
Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Tema ETFs LLC increased its stake in Intuitive Machines by 139,768.2% during the 2nd quarter. Tema ETFs LLC now owns 3,105,074 shares of the company’s stock valued at $66,418,000 after purchasing an additional 3,102,854 shares in the last quarter. Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania purchased a new stake in shares of Intuitive Machines during the fourth quarter valued at $52,689,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Intuitive Machines during the first quarter valued at $35,895,000. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in shares of Intuitive Machines by 188.9% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,882,973 shares of the company’s stock valued at $34,948,000 after acquiring an additional 1,231,188 shares during the period. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP raised its stake in Intuitive Machines by 28.8% in the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 657,318 shares of the company’s stock worth $12,200,000 after acquiring an additional 147,095 shares during the last quarter. 72.21% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have commented on LUNR shares. Stifel Nicolaus raised Intuitive Machines from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $32.00 to $26.00 in a research report on Friday, August 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a “buy” rating and issued a $34.00 price objective on shares of Intuitive Machines in a research note on Wednesday, May 20th. Roth Capital set a $30.00 target price on Intuitive Machines in a report on Thursday, August 13th. Cantor Fitzgerald dropped their target price on Intuitive Machines from $43.00 to $32.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 14th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Intuitive Machines from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 14th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $30.50.
View Our Latest Research Report on Intuitive Machines Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Steven Vontur sold 3,050 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.13, for a total transaction of $49,196.50. Following the sale, the insider owned 113,997 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,838,771.61. This trade represents a 2.61% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Also, Director Kamal Ghaffarian sold 1,698 shares of Intuitive Machines stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.00, for a total transaction of $27,168.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 3,494,768 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $55,916,288. This trade represents a 0.05% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 12,193,437 shares of company stock worth $159,377,936. Corporate insiders own 54.10% of the company’s stock.
Intuitive Machines Stock Performance Shares of LUNR opened at $13.87 on Thursday. The business’s 50-day moving average is $15.20 and its two-hundred day moving average is $21.59. The company has a market capitalization of $3.18 billion, a P/E ratio of -14.60 and a beta of 1.85. Intuitive Machines, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $7.78 and a fifty-two week high of $46.75.
Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 13th. The company reported ($0.29) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.09) by ($0.20). The firm had revenue of $206.17 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $212.32 million. Analysts forecast that Intuitive Machines, Inc. will post -0.6 EPS for the current year.
(Free Report)
Intuitive Machines, Inc is a space exploration and infrastructure company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company develops and delivers lunar missions, spacecraft, and related services for government and commercial customers, with a focus on supporting a sustainable presence on the Moon.
Its activities include lunar payload delivery, spacecraft and lander development, lunar communications and navigation services, and the collection and transmission of data from the lunar surface. Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander is designed to transport scientific instruments, technology demonstrations, and other payloads to the Moon.
Founded in 2013 by Stephen Altemus, who serves as president and chief executive officer, Intuitive Machines has supported NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.
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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in LUNR over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Choosing between Advance Auto Parts (AAP +1.17%) and Intuitive Machines (LUNR -0.22%) requires balancing the steady but challenged automotive retail sector against the high-stakes, high-growth arena of space infrastructure.
Advance Auto Parts operates as a massive retailer for vehicle maintenance, while Intuitive Machines focuses on lunar landers and orbital services. These two businesses represent very different risk-to-reward profiles for 2026 portfolios.
The case for Advance Auto PartsAdvance Auto Parts operates as an automotive aftermarket parts retailer, serving both everyday do-it-yourselfers and professional installers like garages or dealerships. In its latest annual report, filed for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2026, the company noted it operates over 4,000 stores across North America. As an established player among retail stocks, its strategy relies on balancing these two customer bases, with professional sales accounting for nearly 50% of its total revenue.
In FY 2025, revenue reached $8.6 billion, representing a revenue decline of roughly 5.4% compared to the previous year. Despite this decline, the company reported a net income of $44.0 million. This resulted in a thin net margin, a measure of how much profit a company keeps from its total sales, of about 0.5%.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was 2.4x. This ratio measures total debt against shareholder equity, with a higher number suggesting more reliance on borrowing. The so-called current ratio, which tracks the ability to pay short-term debts with short-term assets, was 1.7x. Free cash flow, defined as cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was negative $298.0 million for the year.
The case for Intuitive MachinesIntuitive Machines builds and operates the infrastructure necessary for lunar exploration and satellite communications. Its primary customers include NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, making it a unique player in the aerospace market. The company recently expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of Lanteris, which strengthened its position in the commercial geostationary communication satellite market.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $210 million, which was a revenue decrease of approximately 8%. The company reported a net loss of close to $83.3 million for the period, though the loss was much narrower compared to fiscal 2024's net loss. The 2025 loss led to a net margin of negative 40%, reflecting the high costs associated with developing complex space technologies.
Based on its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was negative 0.5x, which means total liabilities exceed shareholder equity. The current ratio was 5.0x, indicating a strong ability to cover near-term obligations with current assets. Free cash flow, calculated as cash flow from operations minus capital expenditures, was negative $56 million for the year.
Risk profile comparisonAdvance Auto Parts faces risks involving the execution of its 2024 restructuring plan and the management of its complex information technology systems. The company is also vulnerable to supply chain disruptions from international vendors and intense competition from mass merchandisers. Macroeconomic factors like inflation and fluctuating fuel costs could further reduce consumer demand for automotive parts.
Intuitive Machines carries significant risks due to its heavy dependency on government contracts, which are subject to funding volatility and termination. Space missions are inherently dangerous, involving potential launch failures or landing anomalies that could result in the loss of expensive payloads. The company must also compete against large, well-funded incumbents like Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT +0.92%), Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC +0.44%), and Rocket Lab USA Inc (RKLB +0.08%).
Valuation comparisonAdvance Auto Parts appears to be the more conservatively valued option based on its low P/S ratio and Forward P/E relative to Intuitive Machines.
MetricAdvance Auto PartsIntuitive MachinesForward P/E11.4x3,333xP/S ratio0.3x3.9xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Advance Auto Parts is in the midst of turning around the struggles it has experienced over the past few years, including sales growth, margins, and market share. The aftermarket auto parts business has been in a slump, largely due to a mix of factors: weak do-it-yourself demand, vehicle electrification, intense competition, and general pocketbook pressures on consumers.
Company management has been addressing the business's issues by rolling out a new multi-year turnaround program. That started in late 2024, including closing stores, optimizing store footprints, and overhauling its supply chain. To date, the program has largely been a success, especially in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with results much better than expected: revenue of $2.6 billion and net income of $25 million. Analysts see sales for the full year 2026 a little lower at $8.57 billion, but with improving net income, expected to come in at $167 million, roughly four times 2025.
Intuitive Machines started fiscal 2026 with its strongest quarter in history, delivering record revenue of $187 million. Management says they have an order backlog of $1.1 billion, including $400 million in recent bookings, that is, those orders that came in early 2026. NASA is moving toward a steady access to space flights and deliveries, too, which bodes well for the company's longer-term sales. Revenue for fiscal 2026 is expected to more than quadruple to $952 million, with a narrower net loss of $66 million. Analysts expect the business to turn a profit for the first time in 2028.
These are very different companies, but from an investment perspective we can simplify the decision. Wall Street is signaling a lot of skepticism about Advance Auto Parts with the P/S ratio of just 0.31 -- that means the belief Advance can generate much value out of its sales is very low. The historical average of U.S. stocks is a 1.8x P/S ratio, by comparison (and over 3x for S&P 500 stocks today).
Intuitive Machines's growth prospects and the expanding sector of space infrastructure seems better to capture growth than the highly competitive U.S. retail sector. Investors seekignlong term growth should go with LUNR.
Is your portfolio better suited for the literal moon or the data-heavy infrastructure of Earth? Deciding between Intuitive Machines Inc (LUNR -0.07%) and Vertiv Holdings LLC (VRT -1.17%) requires weighing long-term space exploration against immediate AI-driven growth.
Intuitive Machines builds the hardware for lunar landings and space communication, aiming for a permanent presence on the moon. Vertiv provides the cooling and power systems that keep massive data centers running. While both represent high-tech frontiers, they operate in wildly different environments and market cycles.
The case for Intuitive MachinesIntuitive Machines focuses on space infrastructure, offering lunar landers, satellite connectivity, and navigation services. It acts as a primary partner for NASA missions and serves commercial clients like Columbia Sportswear Co (COLM -2.05%) and Nokia Corp (NOK +1.97%). A substantial majority of revenue is derived from a limited number of customers, primarily NASA and the U.S. government. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business.
In FY 2025, revenue reached about $210 million, which represented a decrease of roughly 8% compared to the prior year. The company reported a net loss of approximately $83.3 million during this period, compared to an even larger net loss in FY 2024. These results reflect the high costs associated with developing complex spacecraft and navigating the emerging lunar market among defense stocks and aerospace leaders.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was negative 0.5x, meaning total liabilities exceed shareholder equity. The so-called current ratio, which measures the ability to pay short-term obligations with liquid assets, was a robust 5.0x. Free cash flow was negative $56 million for the year. This figure represents the cash remaining after the company pays for its operations and capital investments, such as equipment and development projects.
The case for VertivVertiv specializes in the critical digital infrastructure required for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. It provides cooling and power systems to tech giants such as Microsoft Corp (MSFT -1.64%) and Amazon.com Inc (AMZN -2.02%). With a global workforce of 34,000 employees, Vertiv is deeply embedded in the supply chains of major cloud providers and enterprise data centers. Its hardware is essential for preventing server overheating in dense, AI-optimized environments.
In FY 2025, revenue reached about $10.2 billion, indicating growth of roughly 28% over the previous year. The company reported net income of approximately $1.3 billion, with a net margin of approximately 13%. This growth reflects the surging demand for infrastructure as corporations race to build out their AI capabilities. Management has successfully captured this tailwind while improving bottom-line results compared to FY 2024.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, Vertiv carried a debt-to-equity ratio of nearly 0.9x. This ratio measures the company's total debt relative to the equity held by shareholders. The current ratio was close to 1.5x, suggesting the company can meet its near-term financial commitments. Free cash flow for the period was approximately $1.9 billion, representing a significant amount of cash generated from its core business operations after capital expenditures.
Risk profile comparisonIntuitive Machines faces operational risks associated with integrating its recent acquisition of Lanteris. The business depends heavily on a small number of government contracts, and any loss or default by NASA could materially harm its finances. Furthermore, the lunar market remains speculative and uncertain. Technical failures during launches or satellite deployments are constant threats that could disrupt its long-term strategy.
Vertiv is susceptible to shifts in macroeconomic spending, particularly if the current enthusiasm for AI infrastructure cools. The company faces stiff competition from large-scale players like Schneider Electric (SBGSF +3.96%) and Eaton Corporation (ETN -0.19%), which requires constant innovation to maintain its pricing power. Supply chain constraints and the cost of raw materials also pose risks to its manufacturing efficiency. Additionally, Vertiv must successfully manage a string of recent acquisitions to realize its intended cost savings.
Valuation comparisonVertiv appears more attractively valued on a profits basis, while Intuitive Machines carries a significantly higher multiple based on future earnings estimates for its specialized sector.
MetricIntuitive MachinesVertivForward P/E3,333x26.5xP/S ratio3.9x8.1xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Intuitive Machines started fiscal 2026 with its strongest quarter in history, delivering record revenue of $187 million. Management says they have an order backlog of $1.1 billion, including $400 million in recent bookings, that is, those orders that came in early 2026. NASA is moving toward a steady access to space flights and deliveries, too, which bodes well for the company's longer-term sales. Revenue for fiscal 2026 is expected to more than quadruple to $952 million, with a narrower net loss of $66 million. Analysts expect the business to turn a profit for the first time in 2028.
Vertiv has been a specialist in computer cooling systems since World War Two, and it also offers complementary products for mission-critical technological infrastructure, such as uninterruptible power supplies. The AI-driven data center boom presents a long-term opportunity for Vertiv, especially for its liquid cooling systems. Liquid cooling is better for quickly removing heat from high-powered chipsets. Vertiv believes one-third of the total addressable market for data center cooling will eventually use liquid solutions (technically, some air-cooling and heat-dissipation systems will always be needed to work in tandem with liquid systems).
For 2026, Vertiv revenue should rise 36% to $13.9 billion with a commensurate rise in net income as AI data center demand powers the business.
Both are growing businesses enjoying the talwinds of their respective sectors. But Vertiv's lower forward P/E ratio and its more predictable market (there will always be demand for computer cooling systems), gives it the nod for us.
HOUSTON, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR) ("Intuitive Machines," and together with its subsidiaries, the "Company"), a leading space technology, infrastructure, and services company, today announced it has completed the handover of the SXM-11 satellite to SiriusXM following successful in-orbit testing. The geostationary communications satellite is now fully operational following a successful launch by SpaceX on a Falcon 9 rocket on June 28, 2026.
SXM-11, SiriusXM’s newest satellite, is built on the IM 1300™ series platform.
“For more than two decades, SiriusXM and the Intuitive Machines team have worked together to design and deliver multiple generations of high-powered satellites,” said Sean Gibbons, Chief Product and Technology Officer at SiriusXM. “This latest satellite builds on the success of SXM-9 and SXM-10, and work is already underway on the next satellite in the series. That sustained partnership is strengthening the reach, reliability and resilience of our next-generation satellite network and helping us deliver the premium in-car experience our subscribers count on.”
“SXM-11 marks another milestone in our longstanding partnership with SiriusXM. Over the course of our relationship, we have built 13 spacecraft together,” said Chris Johnson, President, Intuitive Machines Space Systems. “This handover reflects our shared commitment to mission success and the confidence SiriusXM continues to place in our team to deliver high-performance, reliable space systems. We continue to demonstrate our ability to design, build, and deliver satellite systems that meet the demanding requirements of today’s commercial space market with robust, scalable high-power platforms.”
Having recently completed the acquisitions of KinetX, Lanteris Space Systems, and Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd. (“Goonhilly”) and COMSAT LLC, Intuitive Machines continues to strengthen its integrated Build-Connect-Operate framework as a space infrastructure prime. This unified structure allows the Company to deliver proven, domain-wide technology as a prime, engineering the foundation for the next century of opportunity in space.
About Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines is a next-generation space infrastructure company delivering integrated capabilities that build mission-critical spacecraft and systems, connect networks, and operate space infrastructure across Earth orbit, cislunar space, and deep space. Serving commercial, civil, and national security customers, the company enables resilient, scalable infrastructure that supports sustained exploration, communications, security, and commerce beyond Earth.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward looking. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would,” “strategy,” “outlook,” the negative of these words or other similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding: our expectations and plans relating to our lunar missions and satellites, including the expected timing of building our satellites and landers, launch and our progress in preparation thereof; our expectations with respect to, among other things, demand for our product portfolio, our submission of bids for contracts; our expectations regarding revenue for government and commercial contracts awarded to us; our operations, including our performance on future lunar missions, our financial performance and our industry; our business strategy, business plan, and plans to drive long-term sustainable shareholder value; information regarding our expectations on revenue generation and cash. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s predictions, projections, or expectations based upon currently available information and data. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following important factors and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release: our factors detailed under the section titled Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the section titled Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the section titled Part II. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in our subsequent filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Intuitive Machines (LUNR) is transitioning from a lunar mission contractor to a vertically integrated space infrastructure platform, targeting recurring infrastructure-style revenue. LUNR reported Q2 revenue of $206 million (4x YoY), with a record $1.8 billion backlog and growing exposure to national security and commercial GEO satellite contracts. Gross margins remain pressured and cash burn is high, but scaling satellite production and backlog conversion could drive margin expansion and operating leverage over time.
Key Takeaways Intuitive Machines rose 75.4% in a year, outpacing its industry and the sector.A record $1.8B backlog and $920M in quarterly awards support demand across key space markets.Profitability pressures, execution risks and a premium valuation could limit near-term upside. Intuitive Machines, Inc. (LUNR - Free Report) stock has gained 75.4% in the past year, outperforming both the Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry’s decline of 10.4% and the broader Zacks Aerospace sector’s decline of 8.7%. It also came above the S&P 500’s return of 16.9% in the same time frame.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Other industry players, such as Lockheed Martin (LMT - Free Report) and General Dynamics (GD - Free Report) , have also delivered a similar stellar performance in the past year. Shares of LMT and GD have risen 11.4% and 7%, respectively, in the said period.
LUNR’s recent gains may draw investor attention. However, before investing, it is important to evaluate whether the company’s fundamentals are strong enough to support sustained long-term growth or if the recent rally may be temporary. A closer look at LUNR’s growth stability can help investors make a more informed decision.
Tailwinds for LUNRIntuitive Machines is benefiting from growing demand for space infrastructure, satellite communications and Earth observation solutions, supported by increasing government and commercial investment in space. Recent contract wins and program awards highlight the company’s expanding customer base and growing capabilities across multiple space applications.
In September 2026, Intuitive Machines announced an order to build two IM 300 series platforms for a new, undisclosed customer. The award expands the customer base for its spacecraft platforms and highlights growing demand for rapidly produced, mission-configurable spacecraft.
In August 2026, the company was selected by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide the spacecraft platform, system-level integration and mission solutions for the EAGLE-VSWIR Earth observation mission. It also received authorization to begin work on a multi-satellite communications infrastructure program with an anticipated value of more than $600 million. These awards should broaden Intuitive Machines’ exposure beyond lunar missions and support growth across government and commercial space markets.
With a record $1.8 billion backlog at the end of the second quarter and $920 million of awards booked during the quarter, Intuitive Machines appears well-positioned to capitalize on rising demand for space infrastructure, communications and mission services.
Estimates for LUNR’s Sales and EarningsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for LUNR’s 2026 sales implies year-over-year growth of 338.9%. The consensus estimate for its 2026 earnings indicates a year-over-year decrease of 59.5%.
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The downward revision in its 2026 and 2027 earnings over the past 60 days suggests investors’ decreasing confidence in this stock’s earnings generation capabilities.
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LUNR’s ValuationIn terms of valuation, LUNR’s forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) is 3.16X, a premium to the industry average of 2.29X. This suggests that investors will be paying a higher price than the company's expected earnings growth compared with its industry average.
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Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics are trading at a discount in comparison with LUNR. LMT’s forward 12-month P/S is 1.45X, while GD’s forward 12-month P/S is 1.66X.
Liquidity Position of LUNRLUNR has a current ratio of 1.66. The ratio, being more than one, indicates that LUNR possesses sufficient capital to pay off its short-term debt obligations.
Headwinds for LUNRIntuitive Machines continues to face profitability challenges as investments in lunar missions, spacecraft technologies and space infrastructure weigh on near-term earnings. While these investments support long-term growth, they could continue to pressure margins and cash flow.
The company also operates in a highly competitive and capital-intensive industry, where rising development costs, mission delays and potential launch failures could affect financial performance. Supply-chain disruptions and labor shortages across the aerospace and space industries also remain potential challenges, potentially leading to higher costs and production delays. Larger aerospace and defense companies such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics continue to face similar supply-chain and workforce pressures, reflecting broader industry-wide challenges.
In addition, Intuitive Machines is exposed to changes in government contract funding, shifting budget priorities and delays in mission execution, which could weigh on future growth and profitability.
What Should an Investor Do Now?Intuitive Machines is benefiting from strong demand for space infrastructure, satellite communications and Earth observation solutions. Recent contract wins and a growing backlog support its long-term growth prospects. However, ongoing losses, high investment needs, execution risks and a valuation above the industry average could limit near-term upside.
Analysts have also lowered their 2026 and 2027 earnings estimates over the past two months, pointing to continued pressure on profitability.
LUNR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Existing shareholders may consider holding the stock, while investors looking to initiate a position may prefer to wait for a better entry point.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways Intuitive Machines is down 46.4% in three months despite an expanded platform, backlog and customer mix.LUNR exited Q2 2026 with a record $1.8B backlog after booking $920M of awards during the quarter.LUNR faces fixed-price lunar risk, negative adjusted EBITDA and a premium forward price-to-sales ratio. Intuitive Machines, Inc. (LUNR - Free Report) has fallen 46.4% over the past three months even as its operating platform, backlog and customer mix have expanded. The disconnect raises a straightforward question for investors.
The sell-off may look more attractive if contracted growth converts cleanly, but execution, profitability and valuation risks remain substantial. The opportunity therefore depends less on the size of the decline and more on whether operating leverage follows the company’s expanding scale.
Why LUNR’s Backlog Offers a CounterweightIntuitive Machines exited the second quarter of 2026 with a record $1.8 billion backlog after booking $920 million of awards during the quarter. Another $300 million of awards arrived in the third quarter through Aug. 13, adding to the contracted growth base.
The backlog also provides multi-year visibility. Management expects 25-30% of second-quarter backlog to convert to revenues in 2026, 35-40% in 2027 and the remainder thereafter. Its mix spans civil, commercial and national security customers, reducing reliance on a single end market.
Intuitive Machines is Scaling Satellite ProductionThe company now has more than 70 IM-300 spacecraft under contract. It delivered all 16 Space Development Agency Tranche 1 satellites and continues production on later tranches, while higher bus commonality and repeat platforms should help spread engineering and production costs across larger volumes.
The broader market is moving toward similar production scale. L3Harris Technologies (LHX - Free Report) received a U.S. Space Force award for 18 Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 satellites, while Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB - Free Report) has secured Space Force work to design and manufacture geostationary satellites. That competitive backdrop increases the importance of reliable throughput and cost control.
LUNR Still Faces Fixed-Price Lunar RiskThe lunar business remains a source of margin volatility. Second-quarter operating results included a $14.7 million estimate-at-completion adjustment on IM-4 to accommodate customer payload changes.
That charge shows how fixed-price missions can absorb the cost of engineering changes, integration requirements and schedule shifts. Even as satellite manufacturing improves the business mix, lander programs can still offset margin gains if mission requirements move after pricing has been set.
Valuation Could Limit LUNR’s ReboundLUNR has a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 3.15, above the Zacks sub-industry’s 2.38. That premium matters because the share-price decline has not reset valuation to a clear discount versus peers.
Investors are therefore paying for meaningful growth and better execution despite recent volatility. A rebound could require backlog conversion, margin improvement and progress toward profitability to validate the premium rather than simply a stabilization in sentiment.
LUNR’s Investor Signals Remain IncompleteThe operating picture remains balanced. Record backlog, a 17.4% second-quarter gross margin and rising satellite production support the case for better operating leverage. Negative adjusted EBITDA, fixed-price lunar exposure and a premium forward sales multiple still argue for caution.
LUNR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). It also has a Value Score of F, Growth Score of F, Momentum Score of D and VGM Score of F. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Style Scores are designed to complement the Zacks Rank, and weaker grades offer limited support from value, growth and momentum factors. The combination does not rule out upside if execution improves, but it favors patience rather than treating the 46.4% decline alone as a buying signal.
Key Takeaways Intuitive Machines' Q2 revenues surged to $206.2 million from $50.3 million a year earlier.LUNR ended Q2 with a record $1.8 billion backlog after booking $920 million of awards.LUNR trades above its sub-industry as losses, cash use and contract timing remain key risks. Intuitive Machines, Inc. (LUNR - Free Report) is growing far faster than a year ago as satellite production, lunar delivery, national security and communications broaden its revenue base. The expansion is improving visibility, but it has not eliminated execution risk.
The central question is whether record backlog and a more diversified platform justify paying a premium while losses, cash use and contract timing remain meaningful constraints.
LUNR’s Revenue Base is BroadeningSecond-quarter 2026 revenues reached $206.2 million, up from $50.3 million a year earlier. Civil customers contributed 38% of revenues, commercial customers 32% and national security customers 30%, compared with just 3% from national security in the prior-year quarter.
That balance makes Intuitive Machines less dependent on a single lunar program. Satellite manufacturing, lunar delivery, Near Space Network Services and other programs now contribute to the top line. L3Harris Technologies (LHX - Free Report) also has direct exposure to missile-defense satellite demand through its 18-satellite AMDT3 award, underscoring the scale of national security spending in this market.
Intuitive Machines Has Record Backlog VisibilityIntuitive Machines exited the quarter with a record $1.8 billion backlog after booking $920 million of awards in the period. Management expects 25-30% of that backlog to convert to revenues in 2026, 35-40% in 2027 and the balance later.
The awarded base supports a multi-year growth case, but conversion timing still matters. Management has said contract definitization and revenue timing will help determine where 2026 revenues land within its $900 million-$1 billion guidance range. Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB - Free Report) is also expanding its national-security space business, recently securing a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to develop, launch and operate multiple satellites for the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator program.
LUNR Trades Above Its Sub-IndustryLUNR trades at 3.15X forward 12-month price-to-sales, above the Zacks sub-industry’s 2.38X. That premium asks investors to price in substantial growth and improving execution before GAAP profitability is established.
The latest quarter also showed why valuation matters. Intuitive Machines posted an adjusted loss of 16 cents per share compared with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of seven cents. Revenues of $206.2 million missed the consensus mark of $219 million by 5.9%, even as they increased 309.8% year over year.
Cash and Margin Risks Still Matter for LUNRCash and cash equivalents stood at $367.4 million as of June 30, 2026, while operating activities used $59.8 million during the quarter. The liquidity cushion gives the company room to fund production and infrastructure investments, but sustained cash consumption would keep funding risk in focus.
Margins also remain exposed to fixed-price lunar work. The quarter included a $14.7 million estimate-at-completion adjustment tied to IM-4 payload changes, while acquisition-related transaction and integration costs totaled $7.9 million. Management expects positive adjusted EBITDA for 2026 but has not provided a GAAP profitability target.
LUNR’s Investment Case Stays BalancedThe bottom line is that LUNR’s growth case has improved, but the current setup does not clearly favor an aggressive entry. Diversification, backlog and production scale support longer-term revenue visibility, while valuation, margin variability, cash use and contract execution argue for patience.
LUNR’s Price PerformanceIn the past six months, shares of LUNR have lost 20.2% compared with the industry’s 17.2% decline.
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LUNR’s Zacks RankLUNR currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways LUNR ended Q2 with a record $1.8B backlog after booking $920M in awards across key markets.Intuitive Machines expects 25%-30% of Q2 backlog to convert to revenue in 2026.LUNR kept its $900M-$1B 2026 revenue outlook, with stronger second-half conversion central to results. Intuitive Machines, Inc. (LUNR - Free Report) exited the second quarter of 2026 with a record $1.8 billion backlog after a sharp increase in awarded work. The central question is how quickly that contracted base can become reported revenues.
That conversion matters because rapid top-line growth has not yet translated into consistent operating profitability. Contract timing, procurement activity and program execution will shape the balance of 2026.
LUNR’s Q2 Revenues Surged but Missed EstimatesSecond-quarter revenues jumped 309.8% year over year to $206.2 million. Even with that growth, revenues came in 5.9% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $219 million.
Gross margin improved to 17.4%, generating $35.9 million of gross profit. Still, operating loss widened to $47.1 million from $28.6 million a year earlier as selling, general and administrative expenses increased.
Intuitive Machines Booked $920 Million in AwardsIntuitive Machines booked $920 million of awards during the second quarter across commercial, civil and national security markets. The quarter included a contract worth more than $600 million for three commercial geostationary satellites, another lunar delivery award and national security spacecraft work.
Competition for scaled spacecraft production is also expanding. Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB - Free Report) is pursuing national security and geostationary satellite programs, while MDA Space Ltd. (MDA - Free Report) has expanded high-volume satellite manufacturing capacity and continues to execute constellation work.
LUNR’s Backlog Conversion Holds the 2026 KeyManagement expects 25-30% of second-quarter backlog to convert to revenues in 2026 and another 35-40% in 2027. That schedule gives LUNR substantial visibility, but backlog does not automatically translate into near-term sales.
Management indicated that contract definitization and procurement timing remain key variables. The company sees high visibility to the low end of its 2026 revenue range, while movement toward the middle depends partly on authority-to-proceed contracts becoming fully definitized.
IM-4 Costs Pressure LUNR’s Profit PathThe second quarter included a $14.7 million estimate-at-completion adjustment on the IM-4 lunar mission to accommodate customer payload changes. The charge illustrates the earnings sensitivity of fixed-price lunar programs when mission requirements shift.
Higher-margin contributions from the satellite business helped adjusted EBITDA improve year over year. Yet adjusted EBITDA remained negative $13.8 million, showing that better business mix can still be offset by lunar execution costs and elevated operating expenses.
Intuitive Machines Keeps Its 2026 Revenue RangeIntuitive Machines reaffirmed full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $900 million to $1 billion and continued to expect positive adjusted EBITDA. Through the first six months, revenues totaled $392.9 million.
Stronger second-half conversion is therefore central to the outlook. Management expects free cash flow to improve as investment levels stabilize and milestone receivables are collected, but the pace of revenue recognition remains tied to contract progress.
LUNR’s Signals Depend on ExecutionThe bottom line is that LUNR has more awarded work to execute, but the quality of 2026 results will depend on conversion, margins and cash generation. Further material program adjustments could dilute the operating leverage that a larger revenue base should provide.
LUNR’s Price PerformanceIn the past six months, shares of LUNR have lost 20.2% compared with the industry’s 17.2% decline.
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LUNR’s Zacks RankLUNR currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Intuitive Machines (LUNR +0.95%), a developer of lunar landers and exploration vehicles, doesn't usually get as much attention as bigger space stocks like SpaceX (SPCX -1.07%). But over the past two years, Intuitive's stock has nearly tripled.
Most of that rally was driven by the expansion of its partnership with NASA, which now includes seven lunar, orbital satellite, and science missions. Let's take a closer look at that manifest -- and see if its stock is still worth chasing after its astronomical gains.
Image source: Getty Images.
Why is Intuitive Machine's stock blasting off? Intuitive Machines' manifest for NASA includes five lunar surface delivery missions (IM-1 to IM-5) and the production of two satellite buses (IM 300 and IM 500) for orbital science missions.
It has launched two lunar lander missions for NASA so far: IM-1 in 2024 and IM-2 in 2025. Both landers tipped over after arriving on the moon, but they successfully transmitted some data back to NASA before their solar panels ran out of power. Though imperfect, IM-1 marked NASA's first successful moon landing since 1972, and it strengthened Intuitive's relationship with NASA.
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Intuitive plans to launch IM-3 in late 2026, IM-4 in 2027, and its larger IM-5 lander in 2030. It expects to launch its IM 300 satellite bus for NASA's geological and biological experiments in 2028, and its IM 500 satellite bus to study ice sheets, forests, and inland water in 2030.
Intuitive's orders from NASA, along with its commercial and defense contracts, boosted its backlog to $1.8 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2026. That's nearly double its projected 2026 revenue of $918 million. Its recent acquisitions of Lanteris, which develops satellites and other spacecraft, and Goonhilly Earth Station, a satellite and deep-space communications facility, should further diversify its business and fuel its long-term growth.
Is Intuitive's stock worth buying today? From 2026 to 2028, analysts expect Intuitive's revenue to grow at a 16% CAGR to $1.23 billion as its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) surges from less than $3 million to $79 million. With an enterprise value of $2.62 billion, it still looks reasonably valued at two times next year's sales and 47 times its adjusted EBITDA.
Therefore, Intuitive could attract more attention if it sticks to its scheduled launches and secures more contracts with NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial customers. Investors who accumulate it today could reap some big gains in the future.
HOUSTON, Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR) ("Intuitive Machines," and together with its subsidiaries, the "Company"), a leading space technology, infrastructure, and services company, announced today that it has been awarded a contract to build two IM 300™ series platforms for a new, undisclosed customer.
Rendering of the IM 300™ Platform
The award marks the addition of a new market segment of customers for the IM 300 base and reflects continued demand for spacecraft platforms that can be configured to a specific mission and delivered on compressed timelines.
“This contract demonstrates that the IM 300 can serve multiple missions with various customers. The modularity of the IM 300 enabled us to scale its capability to support a heavier, higher-power payload class," said Chris Johnson, President of Intuitive Machines Space Systems.
A platform built for mission flexibility
The IM 300 is the proliferated platform in the Company's satellite product line and is engineered around a modular architecture that allows the same core bus to support substantially different payloads and mission profiles.
Platform capabilities include:
Proliferated-architecture ready. Low unit mass allows multiple spacecraft to be manifested on a single launch, lowering the cost of deploying and replenishing a constellation.High power in a lightweight structure. The IM 300 is designed to carry a relatively heavy payload on a low-mass bus, with power capability at the top of its class.Scalable payload accommodation. Standardized interfaces support commercial, civil, and national security payloads across all mission sets.Optical and RF crosslinks. The platform supports both optical and radio frequency inter-satellite links, enabling operation as a networked constellation node rather than a standalone asset.Configurable propulsion. Customers can select chemical or electric propulsion depending on orbit, maneuvering requirements, and mission duration. Manufactured at rate
The IM 300 is produced at the Company's high-volume satellite production facility in Palo Alto, California, which was purpose-built for serial spacecraft manufacturing rather than one-off builds. That infrastructure, combined with a qualified supplier base, is what allows Intuitive Machines to accept new orders without disrupting existing customer schedules.
About Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines is a next-generation space infrastructure company delivering integrated capabilities across spacecraft manufacturing, communications, networks, mission operations, and ground infrastructure to build, connect, and operate systems across Earth orbit, cislunar space, and deep space. Serving commercial, civil, and national security customers, Intuitive Machines is focused on enabling resilient, scalable infrastructure for sustained operations in space.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward looking. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would,” “strategy,” “outlook,” the negative of these words or other similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding: our expectations and plans relating to our lunar missions and satellites, including the expected timing of building our satellites and landers, launch and our progress in preparation thereof; our expectations with respect to, among other things, demand for our product portfolio, our submission of bids for contracts; our expectations regarding revenue for government and commercial contracts awarded to us; our operations, including our performance on future lunar missions, our financial performance and our industry; our business strategy, business plan, and plans to drive long-term sustainable shareholder value; information regarding our expectations on revenue generation and cash. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s predictions, projections, or expectations based upon currently available information and data. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following important factors and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release: our factors detailed under the section titled Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the section titled Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the section titled Part II. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in our subsequent filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Key Takeaways Intuitive Machines posted record Q2 revenues of $206.2M as backlog surged to $1.8B.Commercial bookings and awards are accelerating, including a $600M-plus contract for three GEO satellites.National security revenues rose to 30% of Q2 revenues, with an 18-spacecraft award boosting growth prospects. Intuitive Machines, Inc. (LUNR - Free Report) is increasingly positioning itself as a broader space infrastructure company rather than a mere lunar-lander developer. The company generated record second-quarter revenues of $206.2 million, driven by spacecraft manufacturing, NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (“CLPS”), National Security Space and other space programs. Backlog reached $1.8 billion, up approximately $1.5 billion from year-end 2025, providing a substantial foundation for future revenue growth.
Commercial demand is becoming an important growth driver. Intuitive Machines signed a contract worth more than $600 million for three commercial GEO satellites, while second-quarter bookings totaled $920 million. The company also received an additional $300 million in awards in the third quarter to date, demonstrating continued momentum across commercial, civil, and national security customers.
National security is another increasingly important opportunity. National security revenues grew from just 3% of revenues in second-quarter 2025 to 30% in second-quarter 2026. The company expects further growth following an award for 18 spacecraft to support the AMDT3 Golden Dome constellation. Intuitive Machines also secured a U.S. Space Force Andromeda IDIQ contract with a $6.24 billion ceiling, expanding its potential addressable market.
LUNR is developing the capabilities needed to support a more persistent lunar economy, including lunar data relay and navigation services. Its broader strategy is to build an integrated space infrastructure platform that can serve NASA, defense customers and commercial operators. If these capabilities gain wider adoption, Intuitive Machines could generate more recurring and diversified revenues beyond individual lunar missions, potentially strengthening the long-term value of its growing backlog.
Companies Benefiting From the Space Infrastructure TrendThe broader space-infrastructure opportunity also benefits companies such as Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB - Free Report) and Redwire Corporation (RDW - Free Report) , each of which is positioned across different parts of the growing space ecosystem.
Rocket Lab provides launch services as well as satellites, spacecraft components and other space systems, giving it exposure to rising demand for both commercial and government missions. Redwire focuses on space infrastructure and technologies used for satellites, in-space manufacturing and national security applications.
LUNR Stock’s Earnings EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share (EPS) implies a decrease of 57.14% year over year, while that for 2027 EPS suggests an increase of 52.19%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LUNR Stock Trades at a PremiumIn terms of valuation, LUNR’s forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) is 4.14X, a premium to the industry’s average of 2.65X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LUNR Stock’s Price PerformanceIn the past six months, the company’s shares have risen 10% against the industry’s 6.3% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LUNR’s Zacks RankThe company currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
"Led" (in a bad way) by Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX +4.45%), the space titan built by Elon Musk and IPOed on June 12, shares of space stocks of all stripes have taken a beating over the past couple of months.
Take Rocket Lab (RKLB +2.28%) for example. The space company, often described as a mini-SpaceX, surged from below $5 in May 2024 to more than $140 in May 2026 -- a thirtyfold rise in just two years. Then it plunged more than 50% after the SpaceX IPO.
Or consider AST SpaceMobile (ASTS +0.23%), the satellite communications pioneer that proved the concept of cell phone-to-cell phone communications via satellite, with no towers in between. That one rose nearly twelvefold over the same two-year period -- then gave back 20% in the month following SpaceX's titanic IPO.
More targeted space plays such as Redwire Corporation (RDW -1.25%), which builds space infrastructure, and Intuitive Machines (LUNR +7.21%), focused on delivering cargo to the moon, gained fourfold in two years and nearly eightfold, respectively, before falling each falling roughly 70% in a month.
Can they bounce back?
Image source: Getty Images.
SpaceX leads; others follow Even SpaceX hasn't gone unscathed. After a first few frenzied days of trading that lifted Elon Musk's space empire past $211 a share, sellers arrived in force at SpaceX, driving the shares down nearly into the double digits.
The good news is that SpaceX appears to have found its footing again, closing at $140 Friday and once again above its IPO price. The better news is that many other space stocks are recovering, at least somewhat, alongside the leader.
The best news of all is that, with the U.S. government continuing to pour money into space exploration, there's reason to believe the momentum is sustainable.
NITE-STAR gazing Case in point: Late last month, the U.S. Space Force announced a $981 million award to be shared among more than a dozen separate space stocks working on the "National Space Test and Training Complex Innovative Technology and Engineering Space Test and Range Capability Development" -- dubbed "NITE-STAR."
(Someone clearly worked overtime trying to make those words fit that acronym.)
Space Force named the following 15 space companies -- 13 of which are publicly traded -- as winners of NITE-STAR, clearing them to bid on future task orders under the umbrella contract, which will span 10 years:
Amentum Holdings (AMTM -4.84%) BAE Systems (BAESY -1.37%) Boeing (BA -2.47%) CACI (CACI -3.16%) Firefly Aerospace (FLY +1.91%) L3Harris Technologies (LHX -4.61%) Lockheed Martin (LMT -2.45%) Northrop Grumman (NOC -2.67%) Pacific Crest Alliance Parsons Corporation (PSN -4.47%) Redwire Rocket Lab Sierra Space Corp. Viasat (VSAT -1.76%) York Space Systems (YSS -2.47%) It's not entirely clear what NITE-STAR will entail. The Space Force itself might not be 100% certain, describing the contract's goal vaguely as "advancement of the sophisticated systems and technologies required to keep [Space Force servicemen known as] Guardians ahead of the complexities of a contested space domain."
More importantly for investors, it's less than 100% certain anyone on the above list will book significant, needle-moving wins -- even on this nearly $1 billion contract.
What it means for space investors Consider that $981 million, spread over 10 years, works out to just $98.1 million per year. And if contracts are evenly distributed, each of the 15 companies might, on average, expect to book as little as $6.5 million per year under the contract.
It goes without saying that $6.5 million won't move the needle for giant space companies such as Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, or L3Harris. Smaller space-fry such as Firefly, Redwire, or York Space might notice the revenue influx more. But even at York, $6.5 million extra per year will only add about 1.5% to the company's $405 million-a-year revenue stream.
In short, big as this contract appears on the surface, it's not -- in and of itself -- going to be enough to turn things around and start a new bull market in space stocks. Many more contracts, and many much larger contracts, will be needed for that.
Meanwhile, a survey of 15 of the biggest space stocks that I follow shows an average price-to-sales ratio of 65.4. (Even throwing out triple-digit P/S outliers such as AST and Virgin Galactic (SPCE -5.72%) only brings the average P/S down to 19.8.) Valuations remain extreme in this sector.
Investors should be wary. Even after some pretty historic declines, space stocks as a whole aren't yet cheap enough to guarantee a bounce-back.
Rich Smith has positions in Intuitive Machines and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile, Amentum, Boeing, Firefly Aerospace, Intuitive Machines, L3Harris Technologies, Rocket Lab, and York Space Systems. The Motley Fool recommends BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
When an emerging space technology provider moves from speculative lunar missions to permanent defense infrastructure, smart money takes notice. On Aug. 17, 2026, Intuitive Machines NASDAQ: LUNR received an authorization to proceed on a multi-satellite communications infrastructure program valued at over $600 million across a 30-month execution window.
Intuitive Machines Today
LUNR
Intuitive Machines
$20.38 +1.37 (+7.21%)
As of 08/17/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
$7.78▼
$46.75$30.31
The announcement sent shares climbing over 8% in midday trading toward $20.70 on heavy volume, leaving commercial space peers like Rocket Lab NASDAQ: RKLB and Redwire NYSE: RDW behind. For investors tracking the evolution of cislunar economics, this milestone represents more than a short-term trading surge. It marks the transformation of Intuitive Machines from a periodic payload lander into an essential, high-margin satellite infrastructure and defense prime contractor.
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This strategic shift could change how Wall Street measures the firm's enterprise value, paving a clear runway toward recurring commercial profitability.
Intuitive Machines Expands Backlog to Record HeightsUnder the agreement, Intuitive Machines will deploy its proprietary IM 1300 satellite platform to design, manufacture, integrate, and support multiple spacecraft. Customer specifics remain confidential, yet the contract dramatically alters Intuitive Machines' long-term cash flow profile by locking in stable, long-duration operational revenue through 2028.
The award expands an order backlog closing in on $1.8 billion as of the second quarter of 2026. This order book reflects an intentional pivot across commercial, civil, and national security markets. During the second quarter, national security projects generated around 30% of total revenue, rising from roughly 3% in the prior-year period. Civil space contracts accounted for approximately 38%, while commercial projects accounted for the remaining 32%.
To support this constellation, Intuitive Machines finalized strategic acquisitions of Goonhilly Earth Station and COMSAT in August 2026. Integrating these ground stations creates a unified space-to-ground communications network. Paired with the planned deployment of the Altus lunar satellite constellation targeting early 2027, Intuitive Machines is establishing a high-margin recurring revenue stream powered by pay-by-the-minute positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data services.
Intuitive Machines Generates $206M in Quarterly RevenueAnalyzing the balance sheet reveals why institutional confidence is firming despite recent headline volatility. Intuitive Machines delivered second-quarter 2026 revenue of $206.17 million, representing a year-over-year (YOY) increase of more than four times compared to the $50.31 million recorded during the second quarter of 2025.
Although quarterly earnings per share loss of 29 cents fell short of consensus estimates of a 9-cent loss, understanding the underlying cause helps investors separate noise from fundamental strength. The bottom-line drag was driven by a $14.7 million estimated at completion (EAC) adjustment for the IM-4 mission to accommodate customer payload modifications, rather than by systemic cost overruns.
Sustained revenue expansion generated a positive gross profit of $35.9 million in the second quarter, with a gross margin near 17.4%. Executive leadership reaffirmed full-year 2026 revenue guidance ranging between $900 million and $1.0 billion, alongside expectations to achieve positive EBITDA on an adjusted basis by year-end.
Liquidity remains robust, with cash reserves reaching approximately $367.4 million at quarter-end. Financial runway was strengthened through a $235 million at-the-market equity offering. This capital directly finances long-lead inventory and manufacturing components for over 80 contracted spacecraft, providing substantial operational runway without near-term solvency concerns.
Elevated Short Float Meets Institutional Wall Street UpgradesIntuitive Machines Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$30.31
48.74% Upside
Moderate Buy
Based on 10 Analyst Ratings
Current Price$20.38High Forecast$43.00Average Forecast$30.31Low Forecast$9.50Intuitive Machines Stock Forecast Details
Landing a $600 million contract creates immediate technical and fundamental tension across the trading floor.
Short interest in Intuitive Machines remains high, with roughly 37.77 million shares sold short, accounting for approximately 35% of the public float. Given a days-to-cover ratio near four, squeeze pressure may be triggered as bearish traders rush to hedge their positions.
Equity research desks are actively upgrading their outlooks on LUNR to match this operational evolution. Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus upgraded the equity from Hold to Buy on Aug. 14, 2026, citing durable backlog and accelerating government satellite demand.
Among 11 covering Wall Street analysts, the consensus rating is Moderate Buy, with eight Buy, one Hold, and two Sell ratings. The average 12-month price target of $30.31 suggests nearly 46% upside from recent trading levels near $20.70.
Steering Clear of Space DebrisEven with substantial contract momentum, prudent investors must weigh the ongoing operational risks Intuitive Machines faces. Complex aerospace engineering programs remain vulnerable to supply chain delays and adjustments to integration schedules. Non-cash estimated-at-completion charges can occasionally compress quarterly margins when mission specifications evolve.
Insider transactions also merit observational tracking. Director Kamal Seyed Ghaffarian sold 267,448 shares on Aug. 13, 2026, following executive sales recorded in late July. While insider liquidations often reflect personal tax or estate planning, investors usually evaluate these transactions alongside broader institutional accumulation.
Growth-oriented investors seeking exposure to the expanding defense and commercial space ecosystem might consider adding Intuitive Machines to a watchlist to monitor manufacturing execution across the IM 1300 platform. Market participants seeking to manage entry pricing may prefer to wait for short-term consolidation before accumulating a position.
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HOUSTON, Aug. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR) ("Intuitive Machines," and together with its subsidiaries, the "Company"), a leading space technology, infrastructure, and services company, today announced that it has been selected by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California to provide the spacecraft platform, system-level integration, and mission solutions for EAGLE-VSWIR, an Earth observation mission under NASA's Earth Science Division.
Rendering of EAGLE-VSWIR on the IM 300TM spacecraft
EAGLE-VSWIR (Explorer for Artemis Geology, Lunar, and Earth – Visible to Shortwave Infrared) will fly on the IM 300TM spacecraft bus and is targeted for launch in 2028. The mission will be equipped with a hyperspectral visible to shortwave infrared (VSWIR) instrument designed to perform surface biology and geology observations from Earth orbit while demonstrating technologies that could support future lunar and Mars exploration missions.
The award marks the second NASA low Earth orbit science mission Intuitive Machines is supporting. As discussed on a previous earnings call, Intuitive Machines was selected to provide an IM 500 spacecraft bus and system-level integration for NASA's EDGE (Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer) mission, managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and led by Principal Investigator Dr. Helen Amanda Fricker of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego.
"NASA's science missions are being asked to deliver faster and inside tighter cost caps, and that is exactly the problem our platforms solve," said Anand Mahendra, Chief Growth Officer, Intuitive Machines. "Our Build, Connect, Operate model puts spacecraft manufacturing at scale behind Intuitive Machines' mission systems and integration expertise. Earth science is a natural extension of the same capability we bring to our commercial, civil, and national security customers."
Under the agreement, Intuitive Machines will deliver the IM 300 spacecraft platform, perform system-level integration of the VSWIR instrument developed at JPL in support of the EAGLE-VSWIR mission, as well as manage the Mission Operations and Ground Segment scope. The Company's spacecraft platforms and mission integration capabilities enable rapid, cost-effective delivery of science missions for civil, national security, and commercial customers. The IM 300 series platform has customers across national security and civil programs.
About Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines is a next-generation space infrastructure company delivering integrated capabilities across spacecraft manufacturing, communications, networks, mission operations, and ground infrastructure to build, connect, and operate systems across Earth orbit, cislunar space, and deep space. Serving commercial, civil, and national security customers, Intuitive Machines is focused on enabling resilient, scalable infrastructure for sustained operations in space.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward looking. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would,” “strategy,” “outlook,” the negative of these words or other similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding: our expectations and plans relating to our lunar missions and satellites, including the expected timing of building our satellites and landers, launch and our progress in preparation thereof; our expectations with respect to, among other things, demand for our product portfolio, our submission of bids for contracts; our expectations regarding revenue for government and commercial contracts awarded to us; our operations, including our performance on future lunar missions, our financial performance and our industry; our business strategy, business plan, and plans to drive long-term sustainable shareholder value; information regarding our expectations on revenue generation and cash. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s predictions, projections, or expectations based upon currently available information and data. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following important factors and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release: our factors detailed under the section titled Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the section titled Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the section titled Part II. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in our subsequent filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Space explorer Intuitive Machines (LUNR +7.21%) stock jumped 6.3% through 3:30 p.m. ET Monday after announcing that an "undisclosed customer" has hired it to build "a multi-satellite communications infrastructure" in space.
The total value of the contract: $600 million.
Image created by JesterAI.
Details, please To put that in context, $600 million is about 20% more money than Intuitive Machines raked in from all its customers over the last 12 months -- and this is coming from a single customer. As Intuitive explains, it will be building a constellation of satellites for its customer based on its IM 1300TM satellite platform.
How many satellites, exactly, and at what value per satellite, wasn't revealed -- only that it will be "multiple." Neither did Intuitive say who will launch its satellites. (Intuitive Machines is a satellite stock, not a rocket stock -- and owns no rockets of its own). Neither did Intuitive give much detail on its customer, noting that its client list includes "commercial, civil, and national security" buyers.
Among these customers, the most important is NASA itself, which in 2024 hired Intuitive to build and operate a Near Space Network satellite system handling communications traffic between Earth and the moon. That contract dwarfs even this one, being valued at up to $4.8 billion over 10 years.
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What this means for Intuitive Machines stock Still, $600 million is nothing to sneeze at. It's a significant sum for a company with as small a revenue stream (currently) as Intuitive has. What investors will want to keep an eye on in future quarters, as more details emerge, is how many years the $600 million project will span.
Only then will we be able to tell how much money Intuitive will make annually and better estimate what this will mean for Intuitive's profits.
Rich Smith has positions in Intuitive Machines. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Machines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) shares are trading higher Monday that it has received authorization to proceed on a multi-satellite communications infrastructure program with an anticipated value exceeding $600 million.
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Shares of Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR) are up 6% to $20.22 in early Monday trading after the company announced an authorization to proceed (ATP) on a multi-satellite communications program valued at more than $600 million. The move extends Friday’s 8% jump to $19.01.
Intuitive Machines stock was already up 17% year to date (YTD) at Friday’s close. The space-stock peers are quiet, with SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX | SPCX Price Prediction) and Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) both flat, framing today’s move as a single-name catalyst rather than a sector re-rating.
ATP on a $600M Satellite Program Fuels the Move The catalyst is a press release dated August 17, 2026, in which Intuitive Machines disclosed that an undisclosed customer issued an authorization to proceed on a multi-satellite communications infrastructure program with an anticipated value of more than $600 million. The company will use its IM 1300 satellite platform to design, build, integrate, and support the spacecraft.
Chris Johnson, President of Intuitive Machines Space Systems, stated the program “reflects the trust customers place in partners who can execute complex space missions with precision, reliability, and schedule discipline.” CEO Steve Altemus described it as “an important milestone” and stated Intuitive Machines is “executing programs across commercial, civil, and national security space markets.”
One nuance matters here. On the Q2 2026 call, the company had already flagged three geostationary communications satellites worth more than $600 million over the next 30 months. Today’s release doesn’t identify the customer or confirm whether this ATP covers that same award or adds new work, so investors can watch for firm-up details before treating it as incremental backlog for LUNR.
Peers Stay Flat as the Space Complex Shrugs The rest of the group is idle. SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX) stock is unchanged at $140 and Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) stock is unchanged at $80.60. Other space names including Virgin Galactic (NYSE:SPCE), AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS), and Planet Labs (NYSE:PL) are also trading quietly, and the Procure Space ETF (NASDAQ:UFO) is little changed, carrying meaningful concentration risk given its narrow basket of space names. The read: a $600 million-plus award at one operator is not lifting the group, so today’s move looks like a company-specific catalyst for Intuitive Machines.
The award sits on top of a strong backdrop. Intuitive Machines reported a record backlog of $1.8 billion with more than 80 spacecraft under contract and year-to-date bookings of $1.7 billion, including $1.2 billion in Q2. Management reaffirmed 2026 revenue guidance of $900 million to $1 billion and positive adjusted EBITDA for the year.
The ATP fits into a broader portfolio buildout. Intuitive Machines delivered all 16 satellites for the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 Tracking Layer, added 18 Tranche 3 Tracking Layer satellites and 18 AMDT3 satellites supporting the Golden Dome architecture, and now has more than 70 IM-300 spacecraft under contract. Furthermore, the company’s national security revenue grew from 3% to 30% of Q2 revenue year over year (YoY).
Analysts Trim Targets but Stay Bullish The sell-side response after Q2 has been constructive. B. Riley cut its Intuitive Machines stock price target to $43 from $45 while keeping a Buy rating, saying softer Q2 revenue was “overshadowed” by the expanded backlog and continued wins.
Meanwhile, Cantor Fitzgerald cut its Intuitive Machines stock price target to $32 from $43 while keeping an Overweight rating, pointing to record backlog, reaffirmed guidance, and NASA, Golden Dome, and defense awards, with “multiple lunar and contract catalysts ahead.”
What to Watch Investors can watch for whether the customer is identified and whether the award value is firmed up in coming filings. The backlog conversion pace is important, as well, with Intuitive Machines guiding 25% to 30% of Q2 backlog to revenue in 2026 and 35% to 40% in 2027.
Longer term, the CLPS 2.0 competition, an estimated $10 billion-plus multi-award contract, and the third lunar mission scheduled aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 between January and March 2027, sit as the next major catalysts. For now, whether Intuitive Machines shares hold Friday’s and Monday’s gains is the near-term tell.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
HOUSTON, Aug. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intuitive Machines, Inc. (Nasdaq: LUNR) ("Intuitive Machines," and together with its subsidiaries, the "Company"), a leading space technology, infrastructure, and services company, announced it has received an authorization to proceed from an undisclosed customer to begin work on a multi-satellite communications infrastructure program with an anticipated value of more than $600 million.
IM 1300TM rendering
Under the agreement, Intuitive Machines will leverage its satellite communications expertise and industry-leading IM 1300TM satellite platform to design, manufacture, integrate, and support multiple spacecraft for a critical communications infrastructure mission. Additional program details remain confidential at the customer's request.
"This program reflects the trust customers place in partners who can execute complex space missions with precision, reliability, and schedule discipline," said Chris Johnson, President of Intuitive Machines Space Systems. "Our team is committed to delivering high-performance spacecraft while working closely with our customer throughout every phase of the program — from design and manufacturing through mission delivery. We are proud to support a mission that advances critical communications infrastructure and delivers long-term value for our customer."
"Winning this multi-satellite procurement is an important milestone for Intuitive Machines and reflects the confidence our customers place in our ability to deliver high-performance spacecraft for a broad range of mission needs," said Steve Altemus, Chief Executive Officer of Intuitive Machines. "Today, Intuitive Machines is executing programs across commercial, civil, and national security space markets, and awards like this reinforce both the strength of our diversified business and the growing demand for our space infrastructure capabilities. Our strategy is to build, connect, and operate the critical infrastructure that enables the next generation of space operations. With decades of experience in spacecraft design, manufacturing, communications, and mission operations, we are delivering capabilities our customers need today while creating the foundation for the future space economy."
This award further demonstrates Intuitive Machines' ability to deliver complex spacecraft and infrastructure solutions for customers across commercial, civil, and national security space markets through its integrated build, connect, and operate strategy.
The Company builds mission-critical spacecraft, systems, and infrastructure; connects those assets through resilient communications and navigation networks; and operates them as long-duration services that create enduring value for customers. Increasingly, these are not separate businesses, but successive layers of a single infrastructure strategy—designing and manufacturing space systems, connecting them into resilient networks, and operating them as long-term services.
Each new mission strengthens this integrated approach, expanding Intuitive Machines' ability to support customers throughout the mission lifecycle while reinforcing its position as a trusted provider of commercial, civil, and national security space infrastructure. As demand for resilient space capabilities continues to grow, the Company remains focused on building the enduring infrastructure that will power the next generation of space exploration and the space economy.
About Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines is a leading space infrastructure company that builds spacecraft, connects networks, and operates infrastructure-as-a-service for commercial, civil, and national security customers. With a proven track record across the space domain, the Company, through organic growth and portfolio expansion, has built over 300 spacecraft, delivered over 260 kilograms of payload to the lunar surface, and provided precision navigation expertise that has guided spacecraft across our solar system.
These capabilities form an integrated Built-Connect-Operate infrastructure service company, enabling customers to achieve mission and campaign outcomes through a single prime solution. Intuitive Machines’ technology has been demonstrated across the space domain and is engineered to support the next century of opportunity in space.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward looking. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would,” “strategy,” “outlook,” the negative of these words or other similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding: our expectations and plans relating to our missions and satellites, including the expected timing of building our satellites, launch and our progress in preparation thereof; our expectations with respect to, among other things, demand for our product portfolio, our submission of bids for contracts; our expectations regarding revenue for ATP awards and contracts awarded to us; our operations, including our performance on future missions, our financial performance and our industry; our business strategy, business plan, and plans to drive long-term sustainable shareholder value; information regarding our expectations on revenue generation and cash. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s predictions, projections, or expectations based upon currently available information and data.
Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following important factors and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements in this press release: our factors detailed under the section titled Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the section titled Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the section titled Part II. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and in our subsequent filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Bank of America Corp DE raised its stake in Intuitive Machines, Inc. (NASDAQ: LUNR) by 188.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,882,973 shares of the company's stock after buying an additional 1,231,188 shares during the period. Bank of America
Intuitive Machines Inc. LUNR shares rallied sharply on Friday after multiple Wall Street analysts shifted their focus from the company's second-quarter earnings miss to its rapidly expanding order backlog, arguing that the long-term growth outlook remains intact. The stock climbed about 8.14% to $18.99 during Friday's session after Stifel upgraded the lunar exploration company to Buy from Hold, despite lowering its price target to $26 from $32.
Intuitive Machines (LUNR +7.94%) published its second-quarter results after the market closed yesterday, and its stock is seeing strong gains in Friday's trading. The company's share price was up 10.5%in the daily session as of 12:30 p.m. ET.
Intuitive Machines' Q2 sales and earnings actually came in below Wall Street's expectations, but there was some good news for investors. In addition to reaffirming its full-year sales forecast, the company provided new details about its lunar satellite constellation plans.
Image source: Getty Images.
Investors aren't worried that Intuitive Machines' Q2 results missed the mark
In the second quarter, Intuitive Machines recorded a net loss of $0.29 per share and revenue of roughly $206.2 million. The average Wall Street analyst estimate had only targeted a per-share loss of $0.10 in the quarter, and the average forecast called for sales in the period to be roughly $15 million higher. Despite the sales and earnings misses, other updates from the company has been enough to spur big gains for the stock today.
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Intuitive Machines reaffirmed its guidance and shared new tech plans
While the company's Q2 sales came in below expectations, Intuitive Machines still expects to post revenue between $900 million and $1 billion this year. The company also expects to record positive non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).
With the company's backlog increasing to $1.8 billion at the end of Q2 from roughly $300 million at the end of 2025, momentum appears strong in spite of sales missing Wall Street's forecast last quarter. Even better, the company says that it expects to have its full lunar satellite constellation network deployed in 2028 -- which would put tech foundations in place that could help supercharge the company's sales growth.
Keith Noonan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Machines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
