Understand market movements
Stay up to date on the latest market news with daily analysis of the investment landscape, delivered drink-style.
With Space
AST SpaceMobile shares have jumped more than 25% in the past five days, marking a strong turnaround after falling into the red following Trump’s presidential win. Since the satellite producer is a direct competitor to Musk’s (private) company SpaceX, investors feared that AST SpaceMobile would have a direct disadvantage under Trump given Musk’s role in shaping policy.
But analysts still see the upside for AST SpaceMobile, saying its technical prowess means it can compete in an all-out “David vs. Goliath” battle with Space X, according to Scotiabank stock analysts. “We believe that the superior technology provided by ASTS will prevail.”
The company’s shares are up 610% in the past 12 months.
Rocket Lab is another heavenly name that attracts the attention of analysts and investors. The company, which produces integrated space equipment and launch services, beat Wall Street expectations for third-quarter results earlier this week, sending shares soaring to a 12-month high on Wednesday.
Revenue increased 55% during the third quarter to $105 million thanks to a strong combination of more rocket launches than ever before and higher pricing for customers looking to take a ride into space.
A number of analysts, including Bank of America and Cantor Fitzgerald, raised their price targets on Rocket Lab following the earnings beat. Shares are up 30% over the past week and 301% over the past 12 months.
Intuitive Machines stock rose 7.12% this week after also beating third-quarter expectations. The company made headlines earlier this year when its Odysseus lander became the first of its kind to land on the moon. Despite the fact that shares are up about 236% over the past 12 months, analysts still expect an uptrend ahead. All six analysts covering the stock give it a “buy” rating.
Zoom out: Although space travel may seem like an adult version of Lego for reclusive billionaires, only the Bezos and Musks of the world see opportunity in the solar system.
Given the dramatic improvements in aerospace technology, coupled with the expected rise in defense spending under the Trump administration, we can expect space travel to become increasingly commercialized from now on.
So, even if you don’t dream of traveling to Mars, you can aim for the stars in your portfolio. —LB
