Redwire Corporation

Key Points
Archer Aviation is scaling its electric air taxi platform through high-profile partnerships with commercial airlines and defense contractors.
Redwire provides essential space infrastructure and autonomous systems for government agencies and the growing commercial space sector.
Which aerospace innovator is the better choice for your growth portfolio as these industries mature in 2026?
The race to dominate the skies and low-earth orbit is intensifying as new technologies reshape the future of transportation. Investors must decide between Archer Aviation (NYSE:ACHR) and Redwire Corp (NYSE:RDW) to capture this potential.
Archer is focused on the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing market, aiming to revolutionize urban travel with quiet, battery-powered aircraft. Redwire specializes in the essential hardware and systems that power modern space missions. Both companies operate among defense stocks and aerospace innovators, though they target different frontiers.
The case for Archer Aviation
Archer Aviation builds electric air taxis designed to move passengers over traffic in dense urban areas. Its primary product is the Midnight aircraft, but it also recently unveiled the Thunder autonomous platform in partnership with Anduril Industries. Archer relies heavily on major partners like United Airlines Holdings (NASDAQ:UAL) and the U.S. Air Force. Customer concentration like that adds a layer of risk to the business.
For fiscal year 2025, Archer Aviation reported revenue of just $300,000. This early-stage revenue was accompanied by a net loss of approximately $618.2 million. This reflects a company still in its pre-commercial phase as it pursues aircraft type and production certification.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was roughly 0.1x. This ratio measures total debt, including short- and long-term obligations, against shareholders' equity, with a lower number indicating less reliance on borrowed money. Free cash flow was negative at $511.7 million, representing the cash remaining after operating and capital spending are covered.
The case for Redwire
Redwire provides infrastructure for the space economy, including solar arrays and autonomous docking systems for satellites. It serves high-profile clients like NASA and the European Space Agency, and it recently won a contract with the Belgian Defence for a security satellite. A significant portion of revenue comes from government contracts, which means the company is sensitive to shifts in federal spending.
In FY 2025, revenue reached approximately $335.4 million, representing a growth rate of about 10% compared to the previous year. Despite this growth, the company reported a net loss of nearly $226.6 million, almost double 2024. The net margin, a measure of how much revenue remains after all operating and non-operating costs, was negative 68% for the period.
Based on the December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.2x. Free cash flow, which is cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was negative $200 million during the fiscal year, up sharply from 2024.
Risk profile comparison
Archer faces significant hurdles regarding FAA type certification for its Midnight aircraft, as any delays could halt its commercial launch plans. The company also requires substantial capital to continue its operations while reporting heavy losses. Furthermore, Archer is involved in a legal dispute with Joby Aviation (NYSE:JOBY) regarding trade secrets, and scaling its manufacturing to meet production targets remains a major challenge.
Redwire is currently implementing governance reforms following a settlement related to a shareholder lawsuit. The company also launched a $500 million stock offering in 2026, which poses a risk of dilution to existing shareholders by increasing the total number of shares. Additionally, Redwire is managing material weaknesses in its internal financial controls and risks related to its acquisition of Edge Autonomy.
Valuation comparison
Archer Aviation is valued at a massive premium to its current sales compared to the more established revenue stream at Redwire.
Metric
Archer Aviation
Redwire
Forward P/E
n/a
n/a
P/S ratio
1,770x
3.8x
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?
In 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. An IDIQ win would be 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 around $475 million, growth of about 40% opver 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.
Archer Aviation is taking steps to refurbish a small Los Angeles airport, Hawthorne, for use as its testing grounds. That comes after the federal government created a framework in 2025 for real-world testing of eVTOL aircraft, a concrete step toward making Archer's vision a reality. Other countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, are developing similar regulatory frameworks.
The company is working to scale up its manufacturing capabilities to eventually reach capacity for 50 planes a year, assuming testing goes well. Executives at the business have an initial plan to focus on military and cargo uses for its plane, which would be an easier path to early revenue. Future estimates are speculative, but Wall Street analysts see Archer turning its first profit in 2030, with $2.3 billion in revenue.
The major card Archer is holding is the purchase agreement with United Airlines to serve as taxis, extending the airline’s services. The contract isn’t guaranteed to be executed in full, however. A lot still has to happen for Archer’s aircraft to get into the skies, but the notion that the nation's airspace is being regulated in a way that is holding back growth is one that has found favor among U.S. leadership.
Both businesses are exciting young particopants is expanding sectors. Redwire competes in a hotly contested business against many well-financed competitors. So does Archer, but the electric taxi-plane niche appears to be one it can dominate, so it gets the nod as the better buy in 2026.
Should you buy stock in Archer Aviation right now?
Before you buy stock in Archer Aviation, 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 Archer Aviation 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 $379,662!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,206,116!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 886% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Brendan Coffey 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.

Archer Aviation vs. Redwire: Which Aerospace Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

Key Points
After the SpaceX IPO, the stock prices for several space companies, like Redwire, slumped.
Redwire's stock price dropped 43% from June 12 to July 20 and is down nearly 42% over the last year.
Its 2026 full-year revenue could reach up to $500 million, a noticeable increase from the roughly $335 million reported in 2025.
Space Exploration Technologies brought excitement to the space sector ahead of its initial public offering (IPO). But when the hype wore off, some space stocks fell back down to Earth.
Since SpaceX began trading to the public on June 12, the stock price of space and defense tech company Redwire (NYSE: RDW) plummeted 43% from July 12 to July 20. It's still up more than 20% in 2026, but over the last year, shares have dropped over 42%.
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There's a bullish case that any significant pullbacks, like the one we've seen since June, could be a buying opportunity. Still, there are a few issues to factor in before making an investment decision.
The upside of Redwire
Redwire helps make space missions possible through its antennas, power generation, trackers, and camera systems. That helps give its products an essential nature in the space industry. But its most unique operations are in providing space-based research and manufacturing capabilities for endeavors ranging from regenerative medicine to crop production.
Its revenue in its space division is flat, but it's making up for that by capturing increasing sales through its defense segment.
Q1 2025 Revenue
Q1 2026 Revenue
Defense: $9.3 million
Defense: $44.3 million
Space: $52.1 million
Space: $52.7 million
In the first quarter of 2026, Redwire also reported a record backlog of nearly $500 million, indicating increasing demand for its products and services. That appears to be reflected in Redwire's 2026 full-year revenue forecast; it reported around $335 million in revenue in 2025 and expects 2026's total to fall in a range of $450 million to $500 million.
What keeps weighing on the stock
Redwire experienced a sell-off after SpaceX went public, but issues had been brewing before then. One was shareholders worried about dilution when Redwire announced in June that it was selling up to $500 million in common stock.
Another concern is growing losses. For 2025, Redwire reported net losses increased by $112.2 million to $226.6 million, and it already reported a net loss of $76.5 million in the first quarter of 2026.
In addition, while its backlog is a proof point of growing demand, Redwire still needs to convert that backlog into actual revenue. If it can't start chipping away at the backlog, it would likely have to keep issuing new stock if it finds itself in a tight financial position. At the end of the first quarter of 2026, Redwire reported total liquidity of $175.2 million.
Redwire shows some long-term promise, but I'd still be comfortable sitting on the sidelines until it cuts down on its losses and starts turning more of that backlog into revenue.
Should you buy stock 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 $370,332!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,272,280!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 904% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 208% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 23, 2026.
Jack Delaney 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.

Redwire Stock Is Down 42% Over the Last Year. Trading Under $10, Is Now the Time to Buy the Stock?

Key Points
AST SpaceMobile and Redwire stock both trade down over 50% from recent highs.
One company is aiming to build a satellite internet competitor, while the other sells diversified space and defense systems.
When looking at the valuation, it is clear that Redwire is the better pick for investors today.
Booming space stocks have started to bust after a multiyear run. This timed up perfectly after the Space Exploration Technologies IPO last month, which has sent many stocks down in an elevator-like fashion in the ensuing weeks. AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) is down 52% from its highs, while Redwire (NYSE: RDW) has fallen 64%, taking investors on a roller coaster of volatility.
The two space economy stocks are now trading at massive discounts compared to just a few weeks ago. But which is the better buy for your portfolio today? If you look at the numbers, the answer is clear.
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AST SpaceMobile operates in a competitive satellite internet sector
AST SpaceMobile has seen significant appreciation in its share price, pushing its market capitalization to $22 billion despite generating close to zero revenue. Investors are excited about this stock because it aims to build a satellite internet business with direct-to-device capabilities. This means that it will beam the internet directly to a smartphone without the need to carry around a terminal everywhere, as is necessary today with SpaceX's Starlink service.
Its technology has proven effective, giving it an addressable market of billions, if not tens of billions, in the fast-growing satellite internet market. However, AST SpaceMobile has just launched its 10th satellite into orbit, and will need many more to build a truly global service that reaches millions of customers simultaneously. Management's goal is to deploy 45 satellites by the end of 2026, but it is well behind schedule so far.
Where AST SpaceMobile runs into issues is the need to rely on launch partners to get its payloads into orbit, including SpaceX, its competitor. SpaceX prioritizes its own satellites over AST SpaceMobile's, which may delay AST SpaceMobile's satellites from reaching orbit in a timely manner.
AST SpaceMobile is currently generating little in revenue and is burning a lot of cash, with negative free cash flow of $1.37 billion over the past 12 months. This cash burn is likely to continue for the next few years, which is why management just added more debt to its balance sheet. At the same time, SpaceX is working on its own direct-to-device technology that could render moot any burgeoning competitive advantage from AST SpaceMobile.
Redwire is a diversified defense and space technologies provider
Redwire is a defense and space economy player, but it's not centered on one bet in satellite internet like AST SpaceMobile. The company operates in many different subsectors, including drones, communication systems, energy, and spacecraft, and also caters to the defense market. With the rising budget for the Space Force and the increasing priority of space systems in the United States' defense, Redwire has a potentially massive tailwind for its business over the next decade.
Investors are seeing that play out in its financial performance. Last quarter, the company's book-to-bill ratio -- which measures the amount of new contracts it won versus how much it billed in the period -- was 1.92x, helping its backlog increase to $498 million.
For the full year, Redwire expects revenue of $450 million to $500 million, up from $371 million in the last 12 months. It is not yet profitable, but is seeing a rapid improvement in gross margins, from 14.7% in the first quarter of 2025 to 26.6% in Q1 2026. It is burning less in free cash flow than AST SpaceMobile, at negative $165 million over the last 12 months, making any liquidity issues less of a concern for shareholders.
Which is the better buy?
AST SpaceMobile has massive growth potential. But that also comes with far more risks than the more established revenue drivers of a company like Redwire. Plus, AST SpaceMobile is on a steep cash burn trajectory that could deplete its cash balance within a few years.
Redwire also trades at a much more reasonable multiple of its trailing sales, with a price-to-sales ratio (P/S) of 3.5 compared to AST SpaceMobile's 187. Redwire has a smaller market cap of $2 billion compared to AST SpaceMobile's $22 billion.
Add it all up, and Redwire looks like a more promising space stock than AST SpaceMobile today.
Should you buy stock 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 $370,332!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,272,280!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 904% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 208% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 22, 2026.
Brett Schafer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile. 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.

Better Space Stock: AST SpaceMobile vs. Redwire

Redwire (NYSE: RDW) is positioning itself around a future where space becomes more than exploration. The company is developing infrastructure for manufacturing, research, power, and commercial operations in orbit. If the space economy expands, these systems could become essential, but investors must understand both the opportunity and the challenges ahead.
Stock prices used were the market prices of July 9, 2026. The video was published on July 19, 2026.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »
Should you buy stock 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 $364,562!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,247,668!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 894% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 207% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2026.
Rick Orford 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. Rick Orford is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through their link, they will earn some extra money that supports their channel. Their opinions remain their own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Could Investing in This Space Stock Make You a Millionaire?

Key Points
Redwire is rapidly growing as a supplier in the space and aerospace industries.
But the business is losing money, and the company is issuing a ton of shares.
Due to those issues, the stock's upside potential can quickly vanish.
Redwire (NYSE: RDW) shares have surged twice over the past couple of years, only to fall off a cliff. It's a frustrating cycle given the company's intriguing growth potential as a supplier of components for space systems. Sometimes, volatility can create a life-changing buying opportunity, while other times, it's a signal to stay away.
It's crucial to understand what has held Redwire stock back in order to gauge what a $5,000 investment might look like in five years.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Strong growth potential, held back by two red flags
Redwire supplies crucial components and systems to several high-growth industries, including satellites and drone systems, for both commercial and government applications.
The company reported first-quarter revenue of $97 million, up 57% year over year. Even more impressive was Redwire's 1.92 book-to-bill ratio, meaning that it booked far more new orders than it billed to customers. It points to the company's strong growth momentum. Management anticipates full-year sales of $450 million to $500 million, 49% growth from last year's $335.4 million at the high end of guidance.
However, Redwire is deeply unprofitable. The business has burned roughly $165 million in free cash flow over the past four quarters, and net losses are even worse at $300 million. Redwire's share count has risen, roughly tripling since early 2025, and management announced a new offering in June to sell up to $500 million of new common shares on the market.
Suppose you invested $5,000 today
Although Redwire's revenue could grow by 49% this year, it's asking a lot to assume the company sustains that growth rate. Instead, I'll assume revenue grows at an annualized rate of 25% over five years. Starting with last year's $335 million in sales, revenue would hit $1 billion in five years.
The stock also seems a bit expensive at 10 times its trailing-12-month earnings. For instance, Heico, an established aerospace components company, trades at 3.4 times sales. That company is growing at about 17% but is already profitable. I'll assume that Redwire's valuation ultimately settles at 5 times sales.
Based on all that, Redwire would trade at a market value of approximately $5 billion in five years. That's a 150% return on the stock's current market cap of $2 billion, making Redwire a winner from here. Remember, that assumes a lot goes right over the next five years and doesn't factor in the recent $500 million offering or any additional shares added to the float during that period. The reality is that the returns could be far lower, even if the business does well.
Given the math above, I probably wouldn't chase Redwire at higher prices than where it is right now. That's at about $9 per share, far below its 52-week high. Above that, the risk becomes too high and the potential reward too low.
Should you buy stock 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 $371,842!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,244,783!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 900% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 207% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Heico. 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.

Redwire Stock: Here's What a $5,000 Investment Could Look Like in 5 Years

Key Points
The disposal involved 25,369 shares valued at ~$258,256, executed at $10.18 per share on July 11, 2026.
The transaction represented 4% of the insider's direct equity position at the time of the vesting event.
This was a non-discretionary transaction executed to cover tax obligations associated with the vesting of restricted stock units and does not reflect the insider's view on the stock.
Following the withholding, the CEO maintains a direct holding of ~632,000 shares, which represents a significant portion of total insider ownership.
Peter Anthony Cannito Jr., Chairman and CEO of Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW), disposed of 25,369 shares of common stock on July 11, 2026. SEC Form 4 filing
Transaction summary
Shares sold
25,369
Transaction value
~$258,256
Post-transaction shares (directly held)
~632,000
Post-transaction value
$6.1 million
Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average sale price ($10.18).
Key questions
Is this transaction indicative of management's sentiment toward the stock?
The sale was non-discretionary, occurring automatically to satisfy tax liabilities linked to the vesting of equity awards. This type of administrative activity is typical of executive compensation and does not signal the CEO's outlook on the company's valuation.
What is the extent of Peter Anthony Cannito Jr's remaining equity position?
The CEO continues to hold ~632,000 shares directly in the company. Based on the $9.59 market close as of July 13, 2026, this remaining stake is valued at $6.06 million, confirming a high level of skin in the game despite the routine tax-related disposition.
How does Redwire Corporation's current scale align with its reported financials?
The company, which operates in the space and defense technology sectors, has a market capitalization of $2.3 billion. For the trailing twelve months, it generated $371.0 million in revenue and reported a net loss of $300.1 million, reflecting its current phase of infrastructure and payload solution development.
How did the execution price compare to the broader market valuation?
The shares were withheld at $10.18 per share. As of the July 13, 2026 market close, shares were priced at $9.59, indicating that the tax settlement occurred at a price level approximately 6% above the subsequent trading close.
Company Overview
Share Price (as of market close 2026-07-13)
$9.59
Market Capitalization
$2.3 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$371.0 million
Net Income (TTM)
-$300.1 million
Company Snapshot
Redwire Corporation designs and manufactures critical space infrastructure and solutions, including advanced sensors, avionics systems, star trackers, sun sensors, camera systems, and infrared and space situational awareness payloads for government and commercial customers.
The company generates revenue through the design, development, and delivery of specialized space technology solutions across two operating segments -- Space and Defense Tech -- serving both U.S. government agencies and international commercial space customers.
Redwire's primary customers include U.S. government defense and space agencies, commercial satellite operators, and international space organizations that require mission-critical navigation, imaging, and positioning systems for spacecraft and space infrastructure applications.
Redwire Corporation is a specialized aerospace and defense contractor with a $2.3 billion market capitalization, headquartered in Jacksonville with approximately 1,410 employees. The company focuses on providing essential space infrastructure technologies that enable accurate spacecraft navigation, control, and situational awareness for both government and commercial space missions. Despite current net losses, Redwire's strategic positioning in the growing commercial space and government defense sectors reflects investor confidence in its long-term market opportunity and technological capabilities.
What this transaction means for investors
While the headline may sound negative, Redwire’s CEO selling shares in this instance isn’t anything for investors to worry about. It is merely made to cover tax liabilities from their stock awards.
As for the Redwire stock itself, it offers a ton of intrigue -- but also a ton of volatility. In just the last year, Redwire started at around $17 per share, dropped as low as $5, briefly soared to $25, and has settled back in around $8. True to its roots, the company is a serial acquirer of space parts and related defense businesses, which adds to this volatility, as it is hard to gauge how Redwire is trending profitability-wise due to the never-ending one-off integration costs.
That said, management believes the company is nearing breakeven adjusted EBITDA, and it grew sales and its backlog by 58% and 71%, respectively, in the last quarter. Trading at just 3.4 times sales -- compared to its aerospace parts peer Heico’s 9.9 -- I’d argue the company isn’t outrageously valued with its shares down 50% over the last year. Yes, it is a high-risk, high-reward growth stock due to its aggressive acquisition strategy, but it could become the Heico of the space industry over time, offering multibagger potential in the long term. I’ll be looking to add to my starter position following its recent share price plunge.
Should you buy stock 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 $397,351!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,304,257!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 934% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 210% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 16, 2026.
Josh Kohn-Lindquist has positions in Redwire. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Heico. 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.

Here's Why Investors Shouldn't Worry About Redwire's CEO Selling 25,369 Shares

Key Points
Redwire’s dilution, steep losses, and potential accounting issues are troubling.
It seems reasonably valued, but it probably won’t command a higher valuation.
Redwire (NYSE: RDW), a producer of space mission components, went public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) on Sept. 3, 2021. Its stock opened at $11.07, set a record high of $25.90 on May 28, 2026, but now trades at $10.18 per share.
Redwire initially impressed investors with its robust revenue growth, but some concerns about its dilution, widening losses, and accounting accuracy crushed its stock. Does that 61% pullback from its all-time high represent a buying opportunity or a bright red flag?
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How fast is Redwire growing?
Redwire develops critical navigation, power, and 3D-printing components for satellites, space stations, and other spacecraft. It also builds military drones and custom components for missile defense and military communications systems. Its customers include NASA, the Department of Defense, and large commercial space contractors.
In 2025, Redwire's revenue rose 10% to $335 million, but its net loss nearly doubled from $114 million to $227 million. Those widening losses were caused by higher estimated project completion costs, goodwill impairment charges from its recent acquisitions, increased spending on its military drone projects, and higher stock-based compensation expenses.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Redwire's revenue to grow at a 26% CAGR to $664 million as it narrows its net loss to $43 million. That growth should be driven by the construction of orbital data centers, more low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, new lunar missions, and the development of more sophisticated drones for the U.S. military.
What problems does Redwire face?
Redwire ended the first quarter of 2026 with $175 million in total liquidity. But on June 9, it announced an at-the-market (ATM) equity offering to sell up to $500 million in new common stock. That's a lot of dilution compared to its market cap of $2.4 billion. It's already increased its share count by 232% since its public debut.
To make matters worse, Redwire received an "adverse internal controls opinion" from its auditor, KPMG, after its 2025 report. That opinion is a bright red flag, since it suggests Redwire's internal financial controls are unstable and could increase its risk of serious accounting errors.
Those headwinds, along with its persistent losses and a waning interest in space stocks after SpaceX's record-setting IPO cooled off, sent Redwire's stock crashing. It might seem reasonably valued at five times this year's sales, but its dilution and potential accounting issues make it an unattractive investment. I'd rather stick with some of the market's more resilient space stocks than this speculative supply chain player.
Should you buy stock 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 $395,679!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,294,805!*
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Leo Sun 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.

Should You Buy Redwire Stock After It Just Crashed 61%?

Redwire Corporation RDW stock has lost 28.8% in the past month, underperforming both the Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry’s growth of 4.3% and the broader Zacks Aerospace sector’s gain of 3.8%. It also came above the S&P 500’s return of 2.8% in the same time frame.
Other industry players, such as General Dynamics GD and RTX Corporation RTX, have delivered a similar stellar performance in the past month. Shares of GD and RTX have risen 9.7% and 9.9%, respectively, in the said period.
RDW’s recent weak price performance may raise concerns among investors. It is important to evaluate whether the company’s underlying fundamentals can support long-term growth or if near-term pressures could continue to weigh on the stock. Assessing its growth prospects and risks can help investors make a more informed decision.
Headwinds for RDW
Redwire's profitability remains under pressure due to higher operating expenses and continued investments in growth initiatives. In the first quarter of 2026, total operating expenses jumped 308.9% year over year to $95.5 million. While these investments are essential for expanding the company's capabilities and strengthening its market position, they are likely to keep profitability under pressure in the short term.
The company also operates in a highly competitive and capital-intensive industry, where rising development and manufacturing costs can weigh on margins and cash flow. RDW's continued investments to expand its space infrastructure and mission-focused businesses require significant capital, which may continue to affect its financial performance over the near term.
In addition, supply-chain disruptions and labor shortages across the aerospace and space industries remain key challenges. These factors could lead to production delays and higher operating costs for RDW.
Larger aerospace and defense companies such as General Dynamics and RTX also face similar supply-chain and workforce constraints, reflecting broader industry-wide challenges. RDW is also exposed to risks related to government funding, evolving budget priorities and potential delays in mission execution, which could affect its growth prospects and profitability.
Tailwinds for RDW
Redwire is benefiting from rising demand for advanced space and defense technologies, supported by growing investments in space exploration, maritime security and defense modernization. The company's expanding portfolio of uncrewed systems and space infrastructure continues to create new growth opportunities.
In June 2026, Redwire secured a contract to supply its Penguin Mk2.5 VTOL uncrewed aerial system to the Taiwan Coast Guard for maritime surveillance missions. The award strengthens the company's position in the growing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) market.
During the same month, Redwire also completed multiple pharmaceutical and biotechnology research missions aboard the International Space Station. These investigations supported drug development and heart disease research, highlighting the company's growing role in space-based life sciences.
With continued progress across its defense and space businesses, Redwire remains well-positioned to benefit from long-term growth opportunities in these expanding markets.
Estimates for RDW’s Sales and Earnings
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RDW’s 2026 sales implies year-over-year growth of 40.6%. The consensus estimate for its 2026 loss indicates a year-over-year improvement of 50.6%.
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.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
RDW’s Valuation
In terms of valuation, RDW’s forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) is 4.80X, a premium to the industry average of 2.56X. This suggests that investors will be paying a higher price than the company's expected earnings growth compared with its industry average.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
General Dynamics and RTX are trading at a discount in comparison with RDW. GD’s forward 12-month P/S is 1.80X, while RTX’s forward 12-month P/S is 2.70X.
What Should an Investor do Now?
RDW is benefiting from strong demand across the space and defense markets, supported by expanding opportunities in uncrewed systems, space infrastructure and life sciences research. However, higher operating expenses and execution-related challenges continue to pose risks to its growth outlook. The stock’s valuation also remains higher than the industry average, which may limit its near-term upside potential.
Furthermore, analysts have lowered their earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 over the past two months, indicating a more cautious outlook for the company’s future profitability. Given these challenges, it is advisable to avoid the stock at present.
RDW currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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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.

RDW Falls 28.8% in the Past Month: What Should Investors Do?

Key Points
Like SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile is working on a direct-to-cell satellite business.
Intuitive Machines was the first commercial company to soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon.
Redwire is a space military contractor but is also working on ways to grow food in outer space.
The space economy is a popular investing topic right now, as Space Exploration Technologies completed its record-setting initial public offering. SpaceX stock remains a hot commodity, with the company sporting a market capitalization of more than $2 trillion.
But while SpaceX is soaking up a lot of attention, several other companies are also playing important roles in building out the space economy. And while they're flying somewhat under the radar right now, I think AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS), Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR), and Redwire (NYSE: RDW) have compelling cases to deliver big returns over the next decade.
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1. AST SpaceMobile
The only profitable division for SpaceX right now is Starlink, the company's space-based internet and mobile connectivity network. But AST SpaceMobile is a primary competitor in the direct-to-cell satellite business.
The two companies have different approaches. SpaceX currently has a constellation of 9,600 satellites in low-Earth orbit and about 10.2 million customers worldwide. AST SpaceMobile, meanwhile, aims to have a network of 45 larger BlueBird satellites in orbit this year to support its agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators worldwide. AST announced that BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13, each measuring about 2,400 square feet, are scheduled to launch in August.
"With each successful launch, we move closer to our goal of making space-based cellular broadband accessible wherever people live, work, and travel," AST SpaceMobile president Scott Wisniewski said.
AST reported first-quarter revenue of $14.7 million, up from $718,000 a year ago, with a net loss of $191.01 million, or $0.66 per share. But it's growing quickly -- management projects full-year revenue of $150 million to $200 million. The company ended the quarter with $3.5 billion in cash and cash equivalents.
2. Intuitive Machines
Intuitive Machines is a major NASA contractor and the first commercial company to soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon. The company successfully achieved a soft landing on the lunar surface in 2024 during its IM-1 mission, which carried the Odysseus lander.
The company builds satellites and landers and is involved in NASA's Power and Propulsion Element (PPE), which is being repurposed to support NASA's planned 2028 Mars mission.
Intuitive is also in a growth spurt, having recently closed its acquisition of spacecraft manufacturer Lanteris Space Systems. That allowed Intuitive to report record quarterly revenue of $186.7 million in the first quarter, nearly three times higher and driven primarily by the Lanteris deal, management said. The company reported a net loss of $52.5 million and $0.25 per share in the quarter but now has a backlog of $1.1 billion, up $852 million from Dec. 31.
"The next phase of the space economy will not be defined only by who reaches new destinations," CEO Steve Altemus said. "It will be defined by who can build the infrastructure, connect it reliably, and operate it at scale. That is what Intuitive Machines is building."
3. Redwire
Redwire also played a major role in a recent Moon mission, as its optical imaging and Sun sensor technologies were used in NASA's Artemis II mission, which completed a manned flyby of the Moon this year.
The company is essential to figuring out how to grow food in space -- something that will be important if humanity is to realize the dream of extended spaceflight and, one day, inhabiting the Moon or other planets. It operates a greenhouse on the International Space Station, the first commercially owned facility in space to grow crops.
The company reported revenue of $97 million in the first quarter, up 57.9% year over year, and projected revenue of $450 million to $500 million for the full year. Redwire had a backlog of $498.1 million at the end of the quarter.
Redwire is also set up for success over the next decade, as it was one of 14 companies selected by the Space Force to compete for contracts under the 10-year Andromeda program that tracks and identifies objects in Earth orbit. The task order's size increased from $1.8 billion to $6 billion, giving Redwire plenty of opportunities to win work against a limited field of competitors.
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Patrick Sanders has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile and Intuitive Machines. 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.

3 Forgotten Space Economy Stocks That Could Deliver Colossal Gains Over the Next 10 Years

The NASDAQ 100 Pre-Market Indicator is down -244.79 to 28,928.23. The total Pre-Market volume is currently 124,784,697 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the pre-market session:
Nokia Corporation (NOK) is -0.29 at $11.56, with 4,331,017 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NOK is in the "buy range".
Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) is +8.11 at $106.25, with 4,105,978 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for BABA is in the "buy range".
IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) is -0.82 at $44.54, with 1,096,013 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for IONQ is in the "buy range".
NuScale Power Corporation (SMR) is -0.2 at $8.76, with 1,092,372 shares traded. SMR's current last sale is 51.53% of the target price of $17.
Redwire Corporation (RDW) is -0.04 at $10.17, with 884,493 shares traded. RDW's current last sale is 67.8% of the target price of $15.
BitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc. (BMNR) is -0.2591 at $14.54, with 861,462 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for BMNR is in the "buy range".
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.