Redwire Corporation

Space stocks could be about to lift off. Fueled by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and ever-rising compute power, these companies could be potent wealth escalators in the decades ahead.
Yet while everyone fixates on SpaceX's latest launch or dreams of Mars colonies, the real money is being made in less glamorous corners of the space economy -- from satellite communications that connect smartphones in the Amazon to space-based drug manufacturing that could cure cancer. The companies profiting from this opportunity that some see hitting $944 billion by 2033 aren't just building rockets. They're creating the infrastructure for humanity's next economic frontier.
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Here are seven space stocks I'd buy without batting an eye right now.
1. AST SpaceMobile brings cellular to the cosmos
AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) is solving a problem that affects 5 billion people: cellular dead zones. The company's direct-to-smartphone satellite technology requires no special hardware or apps; your phone connects directly to satellites orbiting overhead.
The stock has rocketed more than 400% over the past 12 months, driven by game-changing partnerships like its recent deal with Vodafone Idea to serve 1.1 billion mobile subscribers in India. With $874 million in cash and plans to launch 20 to 25 satellites over the next six to nine months, AST SpaceMobile is rapidly building out its constellation.
Management projects second-half 2025 revenue of $50 million to $75 million -- a meaningful ramp from current levels. Yes, it's burning cash today, but when you're building the infrastructure to connect half the planet, that's the cost of admission.
2. Rocket Lab redefines launch economics
Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) isn't trying to compete with SpaceX on size. It's competing on frequency and reliability. The company generated $122.6 million in Q1 2025 revenue, up 32% year over year, with its space systems business contributing 71% to total sales.
More importantly, Rocket Lab has a $1.07 billion backlog and is preparing to launch its larger Neutron rocket. The stock has surged 554% over the past 12 months to near all-time highs around $33. But with the company targeting a potential $5.6 billion National Security Space Launch contract, the growth runway extends far beyond the stratosphere.
3. Intuitive Machines lands the big contracts
Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR) made history in 2024 as the first American company to land on the moon in over 50 years. Still, the real story is its selection for NASA's $4.8 billion Near Space Network program. While this maximum contract value is shared among multiple providers, Intuitive Machines has already secured significant milestone payments and turned free-cash-flow-positive in Q1 2025, generating $13.3 million despite just $62.5 million in revenue.
After successfully launching its IM-2 mission in February 2025 and projecting full-year revenue of $250 million to $300 million, the company offers a rare combination: a space stock that's generating cash while building critical infrastructure for lunar exploration. The stock has gained 173% over the past 12-month period, and with analysts expecting the company to reach profitability by 2027, patient investors could be handsomely rewarded.
4. BlackSky sees everything
BlackSky (NYSE: BKSY) operates in the rapidly growing Earth observation market with its constellation of satellites delivering 35-centimeter resolution imagery -- detailed enough to identify individual vehicles and people. The company's Gen-3 satellites can revisit locations hourly and deliver analytics within 12 hours of launch.
With over $130 million in Q1 2025 contract wins, including a $100 million seven-year international defense deal, BlackSky is building recurring revenue streams that most space companies can only dream about. Trading at under $17 a share at the time of writing, with a market cap of just $516 million, it's a tiny player in a massive market.
5. Redwire manufactures the future in orbit
Redwire (NYSE: RDW) is pioneering the most science fiction aspect of the space economy: manufacturing in microgravity. The company has successfully bioprinted human tissue on the International Space Station and is working with pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly on drug development.
Despite Q1 2025 revenue falling 30% to $61.4 million, Redwire is acquiring drone maker Edge Autonomy for $925 million to create a combined entity projecting $535 million to $605 million in 2025 revenue. With shares up 163% over the past 12 months, investors are positioning for a future where manufacturing in space becomes as routine as manufacturing on Earth.
6. Lockheed Martin builds the backbone
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) might seem like an odd choice for a list of space stocks, but the defense giant's space segment is developing next-generation satellites and missile defense systems critical to national security.
The company's TacSat demonstration satellite, predicted to launch in 2025, will showcase 5G military communications and advanced infrared sensing capabilities. Trading at just 17 times 2025 estimated earnings with a dividend yield above 2%, Lockheed offers a safer way to play the space boom while still capturing upside from increased government spending on space-based defense systems.
7. Voyager Technologies goes public at the perfect time
Voyager Technologies (NYSE: VOYG) burst onto the public markets in June 2025 with an IPO priced at $31 and soared to $69.75 on its opening day. The company is developing Starlab, a commercial space station to replace the ISS, with $217.5 million in NASA funding and partnerships with Palantir, Airbus, and Mitsubishi.
While the stock has pulled back from its debut highs to trade around $44 a share as of this writing, Voyager offers pure-play exposure to the space station economy, a market that could be worth tens of billions as companies seek microgravity research facilities. Yes, it's losing money today, but so was Amazon when it was building AWS. I'm not worried.
An exciting frontier of investing
These seven stocks offer different ways to profit from humanity's expansion beyond Earth. AST SpaceMobile and BlackSky are building the communications and intelligence infrastructure. Rocket Lab and Intuitive Machines provide the transportation. Redwire pioneers manufacturing. Lockheed Martin supplies the defense capabilities. And Voyager Space creates the destinations.
We're still in the dial-up-internet era of space commerce. Just as nobody in 1995 could imagine streaming 4K video on their phone, we can barely conceive what the space economy will enable by 2035. But one thing is certain: The companies building this infrastructure today can mint fortunes for patient investors willing to look beyond the launch pad.
Should you invest $1,000 in AST SpaceMobile right now?
Before you buy stock in AST SpaceMobile, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and AST SpaceMobile wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $676,023!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $883,692!*
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John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. George Budwell has positions in Intuitive Machines, Lockheed Martin, Palantir Technologies, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Palantir Technologies, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

7 Space Stocks I'd Buy Without Hesitation

Friday probably didn't come fast enough for space exploration equipment specialist Redwire (NYSE: RDW). After all, according to data compiled by S&P Global Market Intelligence, its share price fell by nearly 17% this week. A dilutive share issue and the closing of a pricey asset buy were two key factors in that double-digit dip.
Share dilution time
On Monday after market close, Redwire announced that it is floating a secondary issue of its common stock, and the following day divulged that the issue is being upsized.
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Ultimately, Redwire aims to float just over 15.5 million such shares at a price of $16.75 apiece, for total gross proceeds of roughly $260 million. Also, the underwriters of the issue have been granted a 30-day option to collectively purchase up to an additional 2.3 million-plus shares.
Redwire said that it will use the net proceeds of the flotation for purposes such as balance sheet strengthening, the repurchase of convertible preferred stock outstanding, and debt retirement.
Investors rarely greet news of share dilution warmly, and this issue certainly qualifies -- at the moment, Redwire's outstanding common share count is less than 142.6 million.
A competitive Edge?
While it's going to the well for more funds, at the same time, Redwire is about to spend a pile.
On Wednesday, private equity firm Sleeping Bear Capital announced the completion of its sale of Edge Autonomy to Redwire. The deal, valued at over $1.1 billion, gives the company an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developer that has contracts with federal agencies, as well as public-sector clients abroad.
Since Redwire is still at a relatively early stage in its business life, it has to take available opportunities to keep its finances strong, and to grow. Dilution isn't pleasant, of course, but hopefully the company will manage to deploy that fresh capital smartly and efficiently. We can say the same for its ownership of Edge Autonomy.
Should you invest $1,000 in Redwire right now?
Before you buy stock in Redwire, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Redwire wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $659,171!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $891,722!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 995% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Don’t miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025
Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Founded in 1993 in Alexandria, VA., by brothers David and Tom Gardner, The Motley Fool is a multimedia financial-services company dedicated to building the world's greatest investment community. Reaching millions of people each month through its website, books, newspaper column, radio show, television appearances, and subscription newsletter services, The Motley Fool champions shareholder values and advocates tirelessly for the individual investor. The company's name was taken from Shakespeare, whose wise fools both instructed and amused, and could speak the truth to the king -- without getting their heads lopped off.

Why Redwire Stock Tumbled by Nearly 17% This Week

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) Tuesday closed down -0.84%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -0.70%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -1.00%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM25) are down -0.86%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM25) are down -0.99%.
Stock indexes retreated Tuesday, and crude oil surged more than +4% as market sentiment turned negative after President Trump played down the chance of an Israel-Iran ceasefire. After leaving the G-7 meeting in Canada, President Trump said that he hasn't reached out to Iran for peace talks "in any way, shape or form" and that a "permanent end and not a ceasefire" to the nuclear dispute with Iran would be the goal.
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Losses in stocks accelerated Tuesday afternoon as President Trump was set to meet his national security team, fueling speculation that the US may be on the verge of joining the attack against Iran. Israel said it will intensify its attacks on Tehran, and President Trump said he wants "unconditional surrender" from Iran.
Stock indexes were also undercut on Tuesday due to concerns about stagflation, following the weaker-than-expected US retail sales report and stronger-than-expected import price report. In addition, homebuilder sentiment slumped to a 2-1/2 year low.
US May retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.6% m/m, and May retail sales ex-autos unexpectedly fell -0.3% m/m versus expectations of a +0.2% m/m increase.
The US May import price index ex-petroleum rose +0.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
US May manufacturing production rose +0.1% m/m, right on expectations.
The US June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell -2 to a 2-1/2 year low of 32, weaker than expectations of an increase to 36.
Hostilities between Israel and Iran entered a fifth day Tuesday with no signs of easing. Israel said it saw a drop-off in Iranian attacks on Tuesday, saying only "a few dozen" missiles had been launched since midnight compared with the hundreds seen over the weekend. Israel also said it is too early to assess the success of the current campaign in Iran, but strikes on the country's nuclear facilities are "deepening" every day.
So far, there's also been nocausedof the vital Strait of Hormuz that handles about 20% of the world's daily crude shipments, although navigational signals from over 900 vessels moving through the strait have been disrupted due to "extreme jamming" of signals from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, which caused a collision of two tankers Tuesday near the Strait of Hormuz.
Investors are bracing for negative tariff news within the next week or so, following President Trump's announcement last Wednesday that he intends to send letters to dozens of US trading partners within one to two weeks, setting unilateral tariffs ahead of the July 9 deadline that came with his 90-day pause.
The markets are focused on the FOMC's 2-day meeting that ends on Wednesday, with expectations the federal funds target range to remain unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%. The markets will look to the Fed's dot-plot and post-meeting comments Wednesday from Fed Chair Powell as to when the Fed may again ease policy. Also, on Wednesday, May housing starts are expected to fall -0.8% m/m to 1.350 million, and May building permits are expected to climb +0.2% m/m to 1.425 million. In addition, weekly initial unemployment claims will be released on Wednesday due to the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday and are expected to fall by -3,000 to 245,000.
The markets are discounting the chances at 0% for a -25 bp rate cut at the Tue-Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets on Tuesday settled mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 3-week low and closed down -0.95%. China's Shanghai Composite closed down -0.04%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 3-3/4 month high and closed up +0.59%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) Tuesday closed up +11.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -5.7 bp to 4.389%. T-notes rallied Tuesday on the increase in safe-haven demand as stocks fell after President Trump played down the chance of a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war. T-notes also found support after US May retail sales fell more than expected, and the June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 2-1/2 year low. T-notes added to their gains on ramped-up safe-haven demand as President Trump was set to meet his national security team, fueling speculation that the US may be on the verge of joining the attack against Iran.
Gains in T-notes were limited Tuesday after a +4% jump in crude prices pushed inflation expectations higher, as the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a one-week high of 2.328%.
European government bond yields on Tuesday moved higher. The 10-year German bund yield rose +0.8 bp to 2.535%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose +1.7 bp to 4.550%.
The German Jun ZEW survey expectations of economic growth rose +22.3 to 47.5, stronger than expectations of 35.0.
ECB Governing Council member Stournaras said the ECB has found "equilibrium" on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth, but "if the Eurozone economy weakens further, if inflation decreases further below the target, then we may proceed to further rate cuts."
Swaps are discounting the chances at 6% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
Travel and hotel stocks retreated Tuesday after President Trump downplayed the chance for an early end to the Israel-Iran war. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) closed down more than -6%, and Delta Air Lines (DAL) closed down more than -4%. Also, Southwest Airlines (LUV), MGM Resorts International (MGM), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Carnival (CCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) closed down more than -2%.
Lennar (LEN) closed down more than -4% to lead homebuilders lower after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.81, weaker than the consensus of $1.95. Also, PulteGroup (PHM) closed down more than -3%, and Toll Brothers (TOL) and DR Horton (DHI) closed down more than -2%.
Pharmaceutical companies moved lower Tuesday after Bloomberg reported the Trump administration is weighing policies that would restrict pharmaceutical companies' ability to advertise directly to patients. As a result, Merk & Co (MRK) closed down more than -3% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, AbbVie (ABBV), Biogen (BIIB), and Bristol-Meyers Squibb (BMY) closed down more than -2%. In addition, Pfizer (PFE), Eli Lilly (LLY), and Moderna (MRNA) closed down more than -1%.
Redwire Corp (RDW) closed down more than -18% after offering $200 million of shares of common stock in an underwritten registered public offering at $16.75 to $17.75 per share, an 18% discount to Monday's closing prices of $20.57.
MakeMyTrip Ltd (MMYT) closed down more than -8% after announcing an offering of 14 million shares of common stock and an offering of $1.25 billion in convertible senior notes due 2030.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) closed down more than -4% after holder Softbank Group said it sold 21.5 million shares of the stock to fund its AI plans.
Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) closed down more than -4% after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to hold from buy.
Energy stocks and energy service providers moved higher Tuesday after the price of WTI crude oil up surged more than +4%. Valero Energy (VLO) closed up more than +2%. Also, Baker Hughes (BKR), APA Corp (APA), Diamondback Energy (FANG), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), and Marathon Petroleum (MPC) closed up more than -1%. In addition, Chevron (CVX) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Defense companies rose on Tuesday due to the escalation of the Israel-Iran war. Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) closed up more than +2%. Also, RTX Corp (RTX), Northrup Grumman (NOC), and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) closed up more than +1%.
Verve Therapeutics (VERV) closed up more than +82% after Eli Lilly & Co. agreed to buy the company for about $1.3 billion.
Jabil (JBL) closed up more than +8% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net revenue of $7.83 billion, well above the consensus of $7.04 billion, and raising its full-year net revenue estimate to $29 billion from a previous estimate of $27.9 billion, stronger than the consensus of $27.93 billion.
Alkermes Plc (ALKS) closed up more than +1% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $42.
Earnings Reports (6/18/2025)
GMS Inc (GMS), Korn Ferry (KFY), LiveOne Inc (LVO), Smith & Wesson Brands Inc (SWBI).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
With headquarters in the heart of Chicago's financial district, Barchart has been an industry-leader since 1995 when we launched Barchart.com as one of the first websites for commodities and futures market data. Since then, we have evolved into a global financial technology leader providing market data and services to the global financial, media, and commodity industries.

Stocks Tumble and Oil Surges on Middle East Jitters

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.28%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.18%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.33%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM25) are down -0.30%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM25) are down -0.33%.
Stock indexes are sliding today, and crude oil is up by more than +2%, as market sentiment turned negative after President Trump played down the chance of an Israel-Iran ceasefire. After leaving the G-7 meeting in Canada, President Trump said that he hasn’t reached out to Iran for peace talks “in any way, shape or form” and that a “permanent end and not a ceasefire” to the nuclear dispute with Iran would be the goal.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stock indexes remained lower due to concerns about stagflation after US May retail sales fell more than expected, and the May import price index excluding petroleum rose more than expected. Also, homebuilder sentiment slumped after the June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 2-1/2 year low.
US May retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.6% m/m, and May retail sales ex-autos unexpectedly fell -0.3% m/m versus expectations of a +0.2% m/m increase.
The US May import price index ex-petroleum rose +0.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
US May manufacturing production rose +0.1% m/m, right on expectations.
The US June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell -2 to a 2-1/2 year low of 32, weaker than expectations of an increase to 36.
Hostilities between Israel and Iran entered a fifth day today with no signs of easing. Israel said it saw a drop-off in Iranian attacks on Tuesday, saying only “a few dozen” missiles had been launched since midnight compared with the hundreds seen over the weekend. Israel also said it is too early to assess the success of the current campaign in Iran, but strikes on the country’s nuclear facilities are “deepening” every day.
So far, there’s also been no blockage of the vital Strait of Hormuz that handles about 20% of the world’s daily crude shipments, although navigational signals from over 900 vessels moving through the strait have been disrupted due to “extreme jamming” of signals from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, which has caused a collision of two tankers today near the Strait of Hormuz.
Investors will be watching the G-7 meeting in a resort town near Banff, Canada, through today, although President Trump left the meeting early. Investors are also bracing for negative tariff news over the next few weeks, following President Trump’s announcement last Wednesday that he intends to send letters to dozens of US trading partners within one to two weeks, setting unilateral tariffs ahead of the July 9 deadline that came with his 90-day pause.
The markets will also be focused today on the FOMC’s 2-day meeting that began today, and expectations are for the fed funds target range to remain unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%. The markets will look to the Fed’s dot-plot and post-meeting comments Wednesday from Fed Chair Powell as to when the Fed may again ease policy. Also, on Wednesday, May housing starts are expected to fall -0.8% m/m to 1.350 million, and May building permits are expected to climb +0.2% m/m to 1.425 million. In addition, weekly initial unemployment claims will be released on Wednesday due to the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday and are expected to fall by -3,000 to 245,000.
The markets are discounting the chances at 0% for a -25 bp rate cut at the Tue-Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets today are mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 3-week low and is down -0.88%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed down -0.04%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 3-3/4 month high and closed up +0.59%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) today are up +3 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -1.8 bp to 4.421%. T-notes are moving higher today on the increase in safe-haven demand as stocks fell after President Trump played down the chance of a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war. T-notes added to their gains after US May retail sales fell more than expected, and the June NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell to a 2-1/2 year low. However, T-notes fell back from their best levels after a +2% jump in crude prices pushed inflation expectations higher, as the 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a one-week high today of 2.322%.
European government bond yields today are moving higher. The 10-year German bund yield is up +0.8 bp to 2.535%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +1.6 bp to 4.549%.
The German Jun ZEW survey expectations of economic growth rose +22.3 to 47.5, stronger than expectations of 35.0.
ECB Governing Council member Stournaras said the ECB has found “equilibrium” on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth, but “if the Eurozone economy weakens further, if inflation decreases further below the target, then we may proceed to further rate cuts.”
Swaps are discounting the chances at 7% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
Travel and hotel stocks are under pressure today after President Trump downplayed the chance for an early end to the Israel-Iran war. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is down more than -2%. Also, Southwest Airlines (LUV), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and MGM Resorts International (MGM) are down more than -1%. In addition, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) is down -0.75%, and Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) is down -0.58%.
Redwire Corp (RDW) is down more than -15% after offering $200 million of shares of common stock in an underwritten registered public offering at $16.75 to $17.75 per share, an 18% discount to Monday’s closing prices of $20.57.
MakeMyTrip Ltd (MMYT) is down more than -8% after announcing an offering of 14 million shares of common stock and an offering of $1.25 billion in convertible senior notes due 2030.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after holder Softbank Group said it sold 21.5 million shares of the stock to fund its AI plans.
Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) is down more than -4% after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to hold from buy.
Energy stocks and energy service providers are moving higher, with the price of WTI crude oil up more than +1%. APA Corp (APA), Baker Hughes (BKR), Diamondback Energy (FANG), and Valero Energy (VLO) are up more than +2%. Also, Exxon Mobil (XOM), Devon Energy (DVN), Haliburton (HAL), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), ConocoPhillips (COP), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), Schlumberger (SLB), and Phillips 66 (PSX) are up more than -1%. In addition, Chevron (CVX) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Verve Therapeutics (VERV) is up more than +76% after Eli Lilly & Co. agreed to buy the company for about $1.3 billion.
Jabil (JBL) is up more than +11% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net revenue of $7.83 billion, well above the consensus of $7.04 billion, and raising its full-year net revenue estimate to $29 billion from a previous estimate of $27.9 billion, stronger than the consensus of $27.93 billion.
Lennar (LEN) is up more than +2% after reporting Q2 revenue of $8.38 billion, better than the consensus of $8.26 billion.
Alkermes Plc (ALKS) is up more than +2% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $42.
Earnings Reports (6/17/2025)
Jabil Inc (JBL), John Wiley & Sons Inc (WLY), La-Z-Boy Inc (LZB).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
With headquarters in the heart of Chicago's financial district, Barchart has been an industry-leader since 1995 when we launched Barchart.com as one of the first websites for commodities and futures market data. Since then, we have evolved into a global financial technology leader providing market data and services to the global financial, media, and commodity industries.

Stocks Pressured by Middle East Tensions and Weak US Economic News

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.43%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.28%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.62%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM25) are down -0.42%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM25) are down -0.52%.
Stock indexes are sliding today, and crude oil is up by more than +1%, as market sentiment turned negative on fears of an escalation of the Israel-Iran war after President Trump played down the chance of a ceasefire. After leaving the G-7 meeting in Canada, President Trump said that he hasn’t reached out to Iran for peace talks “in any way, shape or form” and that a “permanent end and not a ceasefire” to the nuclear dispute with Iran would be the goal.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stock indexes remained lower due to stagflation concerns after US May retail sales fell more than expected, and the May import price index excluding petroleum rose more than expected.
US May retail sales fell -0.9% m/m, weaker than expectations of -0.6% m/m, and May retail sales ex-autos unexpectedly fell -0.3% m/m versus expectations of a +0.2% m/m increase.
The US May import price index ex-petroleum rose +0.2% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
US May manufacturing production rose +0.1% m/m, right on expectations.
Hostilities between Israel and Iran entered a fifth day today with no signs of easing. Israel said it saw a drop-off in Iranian attacks on Tuesday, saying only “a few dozen” missiles had been launched since midnight compared with the hundreds seen over the weekend. Israel also said it is too early to assess the success of the current campaign in Iran but strikes on the country’s nuclear facilities are “deepening” every day.
So far, there’s also been no blockage of the vital Strait of Hormuz that handles about 20% of the world’s daily crude shipments, although navigational signals from over 900 vessels moving through the strait have been disrupted due to “extreme jamming” of signals from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, which has caused a collision of two tankers today near the Strait of Hormuz.
Investors will be watching the G-7 meeting in a resort town near Banff, Canada, through today, although President Trump left the meeting. Investors are also bracing for negative tariff news over the next few weeks, following President Trump’s announcement last Wednesday that he intends to send letters to dozens of US trading partners within one to two weeks, setting unilateral tariffs ahead of the July 9 deadline that came with his 90-day pause.
The markets will also be focused today on the June NAHB housing market index, which is expected to climb to 36 from 34 in May. The FOMC’s 2-day meeting begins today, and expectations are for the fed funds target range to remain unchanged at 4.25%-4.50%. The markets will look to the Fed’s dot-plot and post-meeting comments from Fed Chair Powell as to when the Fed may again ease policy. On Wednesday, May housing starts are expected to fall -0.2% m/m to 1.359 million, and May building permits are expected to climb +0.2% m/m to 1.425 million. Weekly initial unemployment claims will be released on Wednesday due to the Juneteenth holiday on Thursday and are expected to fall by -3,000 to 245,000.
The markets are discounting the chances at 0% for a -25 bp rate cut at the Tue-Wed FOMC meeting.
Overseas stock markets today are mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell to a 3-week low and is down -0.90%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed down -0.04%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 3-3/4 month high and closed up +0.59%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU25) today are up +7 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.6 bp to 4.421%. T-notes are moving higher today on an increase in safe-haven demand as stocks fell after President Trump played down the chance of a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran war. T-notes added to their gains after US May retail sales fell more than expected.
European government bond yields today are moving lower. The 10-year German bund yield is down -0.4 bp to 2.523%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -0.1 bp to 4.532%.
The German Jun ZEW survey expectations of economic growth rose +22.3 to 47.5, stronger than expectations of 35.0.
ECB Governing Council member Stournaras said the ECB has found “equilibrium” on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth, but “if the Eurozone economy weakens further, if inflation decreases further below the target, then we may proceed to further rate cuts.”
Swaps are discounting the chances at 7% for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at the July 24 policy meeting.
US Stock Movers
Travel and hotel stocks are under pressure today after President Trump downplayed the chance for an early end to the Israel-Iran war. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is down more than -2%. Also, Southwest Airlines (LUV), Delta Air Lines (DAL), Expedia Group (EXPE), MGM Resorts International (MGM), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), and Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) are down more than -1%.
Redwire Corp (RDW) is down more than -18% after offering $200 million of shares of common stock in an underwritten registered public offering at $16.75 to $17.75 per share, an 18% discount to Monday’s closing prices of $20.57.
MakeMyTrip Ltd (MMYT) is down more than -11% after announcing an offering of 14 million shares of common stock and an offering of $1.25 billion in convertible senior notes due 2030.
Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) is down more than -5% after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to hold from buy.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after holder Softbank Group said it sold 21.5 million shares of the stock to fund its AI plans.
Energy stocks and energy service providers are moving higher, with the price of WTI crude oil up more than +1%. Baker Hughes (BKR), Devon Energy (DVN), Diamondback Energy (FANG), and Valero Energy (VLO) are up more than +2%. Also, Exxon Mobil (XOM), Haliburton (HAL), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), APA Corp (APA), ConocoPhillips (COP), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), and Schlumberger (SLB) are up more than -1%. In addition, Chevron (CVX) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Lennar (LEN) is up more than +4% to lead homebuilders higher after reporting Q2 revenue of $8.38 billion, better than the consensus of $8.26 billion. Also, DR Horton (DHI) is up more than +2%, and Toll Brothers (TOL) and PulteGroup (PHM) are up more than +1%.
Verve Therapeutics (VERV) is up more than +75% after Eli Lilly & Co. agreed to buy the company for about $1.3 billion.
Jabil (JBL) is up more than +7% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q3 net revenue of $7.83 billion, well above the consensus of $7.04 billion, and raising its full-year net revenue estimate to $29 billion from a previous estimate of $27.9 billion, stronger than the consensus of $27.93 billion.
Alkermes Plc (ALKS) is up more than +3% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $42.
Earnings Reports (6/17/2025)
Jabil Inc (JBL), John Wiley & Sons Inc (WLY), La-Z-Boy Inc (LZB).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
With headquarters in the heart of Chicago's financial district, Barchart has been an industry-leader since 1995 when we launched Barchart.com as one of the first websites for commodities and futures market data. Since then, we have evolved into a global financial technology leader providing market data and services to the global financial, media, and commodity industries.

Stocks Fall as Chances Dim for an Early End to the Israel-Iran War

Diamondback Energy (FANG) shares soared 3.7% in the last trading session to close at $154.91. The move was backed by solid volume with far more shares changing hands than in a normal session. This compares to the stock's 5.2% gain over the past four weeks.
FANG stock surged on Friday, driven by a mix of company-specific developments and broader market dynamics. The company’s recent amendment to its credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank—extending the maturity to 2030 and reducing interest rates—boosted investor confidence in its financial stability and flexibility. Meanwhile, escalating tensions between Israel and Iran drove oil prices sharply upward, providing a boost to U.S. shale producers such as Diamondback Energy. The conflict raised concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. Any threat to this route tends to send shockwaves through global energy markets, triggering price spikes and increased volatility. As a result, the Midland, TX-based oil and gas exploration and production company benefited from bullish sentiment, as investors anticipated higher oil prices and potential supply disruptions from the region.
This energy exploration and production company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.72 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -39.8%. Revenues are expected to be $3.41 billion, up 37.2% from the year-ago quarter.
Earnings and revenue growth expectations certainly give a good sense of the potential strength in a stock, but empirical research shows that trends in earnings estimate revisions are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements.
For Diamondback, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 6.4% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. And a negative trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't usually translate into price appreciation. So, make sure to keep an eye on FANG going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Diamondback belongs to the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry. Another stock from the same industry, Comstock Resources (CRK), closed the last trading session 1.1% lower at $25.33. Over the past month, CRK has returned 5%.
Comstock's consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has remained unchanged over the past month at $0.16. Compared to the company's year-ago EPS, this represents a change of +180%. Comstock currently boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
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Diamondback (FANG) Surges 3.7%: Is This an Indication of Further Gains?

"Space is hard," goes the one saying. It's especially hard for investors, who have struggled to make money in the nascent space industry ever since it burst into being with the Virgin Galactic IPO more than five years ago.
Initial enthusiasm for space stocks sparked a wave of SPAC IPOs in the sector, but several of those have already failed. Even among the survivors, unprofitable space stocks have faced difficulties in the stock market in recent months. From market-top back in mid-February to today, the ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF, for example, has lost 12% of its value -- and was down closer to 25% earlier this month.
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Now, "every cloud has a silver lining" is another great old saying. For investors, the silver lining of the sell-off in space stocks is that a lot of these companies got cheaper to invest in. After the first big sell-off and the recent rebound, investors with $100 or so to gamble on a high-risk, high-reward situation might be able to find some good values in space today.
Opportunities in space
I'm not going to talk about either of the two most popular space stocks today, AST SpaceMobile or Rocket Lab. Although at a market capitalization of $7.5 billion and more than $10 billion, respectively, these are clearly the highest-profile pure-play "space stocks," at valuations of more than 1,700 times trailing sales (AST) and even just 23 times sales (Rocket Lab) -- and with no profits, and so no price-to-earnings ratio -- they're also arguably the two most overvalued space stocks.
Instead, I'm going to focus on the three cheapest space stocks, which are, therefore, potentially -- to my mind at least -- the three smartest space stocks to buy for upside potential. These are:
BlackSky (NYSE: BKSY), Redwire (NYSE: RDW), and Spire Global (NYSE: SPIR).
Time to buy BlackSky?
With a total market capitalization of less than $270 million and a price-to-sales (P/S) valuation of just 2.6, BlackSky stock is arguably the cheapest of the new batch of space stocks at present. That said, it's also cheap for a reason.
Unprofitable today and not expected to earn its first profit before 2027, according to analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence, BlackSky is also in the middle of a cash crunch. Although it's won some nice-size contracts that are bringing money in, the company is burning through about $56 million in negative free cash flow annually, and BlackSky only has about $52 million in the bank. That means it's going to be out of cash in less than a year and will need to either take on more debt (it already has $116.5 million in debt) or sell more stock.
My hunch is that it will sell stock. But BlackSky might also, potentially, sell itself to a bigger space company and generate a quicker payoff for its shareholders.
Redwire could make you some green
Only slightly more expensive than BlackSky is space infrastructure specialist Redwire. Although Redwire boasts a market capitalization of $863 million, the company also boasts three times BlackSky's annual revenue, such that Redwire's P/S ratio is only 2.8.
Redwire isn't profitable, either, and its cash reserves are even more stretched than BlackSky's, with less than $34 million in the bank at last report. The good news is that Redwire burned less than $24 million last year. The better news is that analyst forecasts suggest Redwire could turn free cash flow (FCF)-positive as early as this year and turn generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)-profitable by 2026, a year before BlackSky.
Reaching FCF-positive would be a huge accomplishment for Redwire, assuring investors of its ability to continue as a going concern without the need for further stock sales. It would be a major catalyst that could drive the stock price higher, and it could happen this year.
Spire Global inspires value investors
Last but not least, Spire Global costs $345 million and has a price-to-sales ratio -- now -- of 3.1. Be prepared to see that number change dramatically in a quarter or two, though, because Spire appears to be about to strike a deal that could set its stock up to explode higher.
Spire is in the midst of negotiations to sell its maritime data business to Belgian data company Kpler. Earlier in the year, completion of this deal was in question, but it appears to be back on track now, and a sale could be imminent, yielding a $241 million cash windfall for Spire that would permit it to pay off all its debts, and also fund operations for the next three years (at the company's current burn rate).
Granted, Spire would still be a long way from profitable or FCF-positive. But successfully closing this deal would provide a near-term catalyst that could lift Spire shares significantly. And this catalyst could occur in a matter of months, if not weeks.
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Rich Smith has positions in Rocket Lab USA. The Motley Fool recommends Rocket Lab USA. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The Smartest Space Stocks to Buy With $100 Right Now

Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the Invesco Dorsey Wright SmallCap Momentum ETF (Symbol: DWAS), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $109.61 per unit.
With DWAS trading at a recent price near $92.12 per unit, that means that analysts see 18.99% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of DWAS's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Alpha Teknova Inc (Symbol: TKNO), Heritage Insurance Holdings Inc (Symbol: HRTG), and Redwire Corp (Symbol: RDW). Although TKNO has traded at a recent price of $7.88/share, the average analyst target is 35.36% higher at $10.67/share. Similarly, HRTG has 31.58% upside from the recent share price of $12.16 if the average analyst target price of $16.00/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting RDW to reach a target price of $26.00/share, which is 19.71% above the recent price of $21.72. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of TKNO, HRTG, and RDW:
Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
Name
Symbol
Recent Price
Avg. Analyst 12-Mo. Target
% Upside to Target
Invesco Dorsey Wright SmallCap Momentum ETF
DWAS
$92.12
$109.61
18.99%
Alpha Teknova Inc
TKNO
$7.88
$10.67
35.36%
Heritage Insurance Holdings Inc
HRTG
$12.16
$16.00
31.58%
Redwire Corp
RDW
$21.72
$26.00
19.71%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
Also see:
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Sum Up The Parts: DWAS Could Be Worth $110

Strong year-over-year growth in global air passenger demand is expected to boost aerospace-defense companies, particularly those in commercial aerospace, as rising passenger demand drives the need for new aircraft and fleet upgrades. However, persistent supply-chain disruptions may continue to hamper jet deliveries, posing challenges for industry players. Nevertheless, increased U.S. defense funding should benefit aerospace-defense firms focused on combat. The frontrunners in the aerospace-defense industry that you may add to your portfolio are RTX Corp. RTX, Leidos Holdings LDOS, Archer Aviation ACHR and RDW Corp. RDW.
About the Industry
The Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry comprises companies that primarily design and manufacture heavy-built products like commercial as well as military jets and helicopters, tankers and other combat vehicles, missiles, combatant ships as well as auxiliary ships, submarines, bombs, guns, space transportation vehicles, military satellites and a few more.
The industry also includes cyber security players that offer information technology services and C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) solutions. A portion of its revenues comes from defense contractors offering spare parts, aircraft modification, ship repair and overhaul services, and supply-chain management services.
3 Trends Shaping the Future of the Aerospace-Defense Industry
Improved Air Traffic Outlook Boosts Prospects: Steadily improving global air traffic data in recent times has been boosting the near-term growth prospects of the industry. As stated in a report published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in January 2025, industry-wide global air passenger demand increased a solid 8.6% year over year in December 2024. Looking ahead, IATA projects the number of global air passengers to grow 6.7% in 2025 from the 2024 level (as per IATA’s latest outlook published in December 2024). Such impressive projections bode well for commercial aerospace manufacturers that have long borne the brunt of poor air travel in the form of delayed jet deliveries and, in some cases, cancellation of orders by airlines.
Expanding Defense Budget Remains a Growth Catalyst: While the commercial aerospace market overcame the woes of the pandemic and has been growing steadily over the past couple of quarters, the defense side of the industry stood its ground amid the COVID-19 crisis, cushioned by steady government support. To this end, it is imperative to mention that in August 2024, the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Defense Appropriations Act, which provides $852.2 billion in total funding. This reflects a 3.3% increase over the approved funding during fiscal 2024. Such improved funding provisions set the stage for industry players focused on the defense business to win more contracts and expand their production volume, which is likely to boost their top line.
Supply-Chain Issues Will Continue to Hurt: Significant supply-chain disruptions adversely impacted the Aerospace and Defense industry, thanks to the pandemic-induced lower aircraft demand and restrictions on the movement of people and goods. This primarily affected small suppliers like aircraft part manufacturers, especially those with heavy exposure to commercial aerospace, and the aftermarket business.
Although the global economy has been improving steadily over the past few quarters, the persisting supply-chain issues continue to be a challenge and are expected to remain so in the near term, thereby hurting the industry growth. To this end, in its December 2024 outlook, the IATA stated that an estimated 1,802 aircraft will be delivered in 2025, which comes well below its earlier expectation of 2,293 deliveries with further potential downward revisions this year. This decline can be largely attributed to persistent supply-chain issues affecting the aerospace sector. This, in turn, might constrict the growth trajectory of the U.S. Aerospace and Defense industry to some extent in the near term.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Gloomy Prospects
The Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry is housed within the broader Zacks Aerospace sector. It currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #136, which places it in the bottom 45% of more than 250 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates gloomy near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
The industry’s position in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is due to a negative earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate.
Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts have lost confidence in this group’s earnings growth potential over the past few months. The industry’s bottom-line estimate for the current fiscal year has moved down 13.2% to $4.66 since Nov. 30.
Before we present a few aerospace-defense stocks that you may want to add to your portfolio, let’s take a look at the industry’s recent stock market performance and valuation picture.
Industry Lags S&P 500 & Sector
The Aerospace-Defense industry has underperformed the Zacks S&P 500 composite as well as its own sector over the past year. The stocks in this industry have collectively lost 5.4% against the Aerospace sector’s growth of 3.4%. The Zacks S&P 500 composite has gone up 23.3% in the said time frame.
One-Year Price Performance
Industry's Current Valuation
On the basis of the trailing 12-month EV/Sales ratio, which is used for evaluating capital-intensive stocks like aerospace-defense, the industry is currently trading at 2.22 compared with the S&P 500’s 5.33 and the sector’s 2.51.
Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 3.11X, as low as 1.53X and at the median of 2.46X, as the charts show below.
EV-Sales Ratio TTM
4 Aerospace-Defense Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio
Archer Aviation: Based in San Jose, CA, the company designs and develops electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for urban air mobility. On Feb. 11, 2025, Archer Aviation announced that it has raised a fund worth $301.8 million, further reinforcing Archer’s strong financial position and strategically positioning it to accelerate the development of its hybrid aircraft platform for the defense market and beyond. Leading institutional investors participated in this financing, including funds and accounts managed by BlackRock. This raise brought Archer’s total liquidity position to approximately $1 billion.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is pegged at a loss of 78 cents per share, suggesting a solid improvement from the year-ago estimated loss of $1.04. The stock boasts a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 6.89%. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Price & Consensus: ACHR
Leidos Holdings: Based in Reston, VA, Leidos is a global science and technology leader that serves the defense, intelligence, civil and health markets. Its core capabilities include providing solutions in the fields of cybersecurity, data analytics, enterprise IT modernization, operations and logistics, sensors and systems engineering. On Feb. 11, 2025, the company announced its fourth-quarter 2024 results. Its revenues grew 10% year over year to $4.4 billion, while its adjusted earnings improved 19%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Leidos’ 2025 sales implies an improvement of 2.6% from the 2024 reported figure. LDOS boasts a long-term (three-to-five years) earnings growth rate of 7.4%. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Price & Consensus: LDOS
RTX Corp.: Based in Waltham, MA, the company advanced products and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. On Feb. 12, 2025, RTX announced that it has successfully completed a successful live-fire test of its Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (“LTAMDS”), showcasing this advanced 360-degree radar’s ability to detect and track threats. During the test, LTAMDS identified a high-speed cruise missile, enabling a Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) Guidance Enhanced Missile-T (GEM-T) to intercept the target.
RTX stock boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 9.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales indicates an improvement of 4.4% from the 2024 reported figure. RTX currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Price & Consensus: RTX
Redwire Corp.: Based in Jacksonville, FL, the company provides mission-critical space solutions and high-reliability components for the next-generation space economy. On Feb. 12, 2025, Redwire revealed that it has been awarded a study contract from the European Space Agency to develop the preliminary spacecraft design for an upcoming astrophysics mission that will image faint galaxies in the nearby universe and provide insight into the nature of dark matter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2025 earnings, pegged at a loss of 17 cents per share, suggests a solid improvement from the year-ago estimated loss of $1.16. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales suggests an increase of 77.4% from 2024’s estimated sales. RDW currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Price & Consensus: RDW
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

4 Aerospace-Defense Stocks to Buy Amid Ongoing Supply-Chain Challenges

Tech defense juggernaut Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) has been a tour de force over the past 12 months. The company's shares have skyrocketed by a staggering 368% during this period, outpacing both the benchmark S&P 500 and artificial intelligence (AI) titan Nvidia. While Palantir's growth story may be far from over, its shares currently trade at an astronomical 208 times forward earnings, making it one of the most richly valued stocks in today's market.
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PLTR data by YCharts
Fortunately, several emerging tech defense companies show promise in this specialized subsector. While there's no guarantee these three names will match Palantir's remarkable performance, investors focused on tech defense may want to keep these promising contenders on their radar. Let's examine what makes each one stand out.
A rising star in space-based intelligence
BlackSky Technology (NYSE: BKSY) has emerged as an intriguing player in the tech defense space, with its shares climbing roughly 40% over the past 12 months. The company specializes in real-time space-based intelligence, leveraging AI to deliver actionable insights from satellite imagery in under 90 minutes on average.
BlackSky's proprietary Spectra platform combines high-frequency satellite monitoring with automated AI-powered analytics, positioning it as a direct competitor to Palantir in the intelligence-gathering space. The company has secured multiyear contracts valued at up to $2.3 billion with various U.S. and international government agencies, demonstrating strong market validation of its technology.
At 2.86 times trailing sales, BlackSky stock trades at a relatively modest valuation in comparison with its tech defense peers. This is particularly noteworthy given that Wall Street analysts forecast robust 25.8% top-line growth for 2025. The company's improving profitability metrics further strengthen its investment case as an emerging force in the space-based intelligence market.
A breakout performer in space infrastructure
Redwire (NYSE: RDW) has been a standout performer in the tech defense subsector, with shares surging an eye-catching 690% over the past 12 months, outpacing even Palantir's impressive gains. As a critical provider of space infrastructure, the company leverages AI and advanced manufacturing capabilities to deliver essential components for civil, commercial, and national security missions.
Redwire's competitive advantage stems from its comprehensive suite of space technologies, including power generation systems, structures and mechanisms, and specialized microgravity payloads. The company has secured partnerships with marquee customers including NASA, SpaceX, and cutting-edge pharmaceutical companies, demonstrating the broad applicability of its technology across multiple high-growth markets.
At 5.2 times trailing sales, Redwire stock commands a premium valuation in comparison with the broader field of tech defense equities, but the premium reflects the company's strong market position, proven execution in a high-risk industry, and attractive growth trajectory. With a robust contract pipeline of approximately $6.9 billion and improving profitability metrics, Redwire appears well equipped to maintain its momentum in the rapidly evolving space domain.
A defense-focused shift in urban air mobility
Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) has gained significant momentum in the tech defense subsector, with shares climbing 90% over the past 12 months. While initially known for its commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, Archer has made a strategic pivot toward defense applications through its newly launched Archer Defense division.
The company's exclusive partnership with privately held tech defense powerhouse Anduril Industries offers investors indirect exposure to one of the most innovative players in autonomous systems and AI-powered defense solutions. This collaboration aims to develop hybrid VTOL aircraft for the Department of Defense, leveraging Archer's rapid aircraft development capabilities and Anduril's expertise in AI and systems integration.
At the start of 2025, Archer raised an additional $300 million from institutional investors including BlackRock, bringing its total liquidity to approximately $1 billion. This robust capital position, combined with backing from major strategic partners including Stellantis and United Airlines, positions Archer to capitalize on what management describes as defense opportunities that are "substantially larger than originally expected."
Should you invest $1,000 in BlackSky Technology right now?
Before you buy stock in BlackSky Technology, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and BlackSky Technology wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $850,946!*
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*Stock Advisor returns as of February 7, 2025
George Budwell has positions in Archer Aviation, BlackRock, Nvidia, and Palantir Technologies. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia and Palantir Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Stellantis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Founded in 1993 in Alexandria, VA., by brothers David and Tom Gardner, The Motley Fool is a multimedia financial-services company dedicated to building the world's greatest investment community. Reaching millions of people each month through its website, books, newspaper column, radio show, television appearances, and subscription newsletter services, The Motley Fool champions shareholder values and advocates tirelessly for the individual investor. The company's name was taken from Shakespeare, whose wise fools both instructed and amused, and could speak the truth to the king -- without getting their heads lopped off.