Spire Global, Inc.

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Spire Global SPIR Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

VirTra, Inc. (VTSI) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.11 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.01 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.11 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 1,000%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post earnings of $0.07 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.08, delivering a surprise of -214.29%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.
VirTra, which belongs to the Zacks Electronics - Military industry, posted revenues of $7.16 million for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.32%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $8.09 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
VirTra shares have lost about 33.3% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's decline of -3.8%.
What's Next for VirTra?
While VirTra has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for VirTra: unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.03 on $6.99 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $0.17 on $29.25 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Electronics - Military is currently in the bottom 1% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. 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.
One other stock from the broader Zacks Aerospace sector, Spire Global, Inc. (SPIR), is yet to report results for the quarter ended March 2025. The results are expected to be released on May 14.
This company is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.68 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -28.3%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Spire Global, Inc.'s revenues are expected to be $23.12 million, down 10% from the year-ago quarter.
Should You Invest in VirTra, Inc. (VTSI)?
Before you invest in VirTra, Inc. (VTSI), want to know the best stocks to buy for the next 30 days? Check out Zacks Investment Research for our free report on the 7 best stocks to buy.
Zacks Investment Research has been committed to providing investors with tools and independent research since 1978. For more than a quarter century, the Zacks Rank stock-rating system has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +24.08% per year. (These returns cover a period from January 1, 1988 through May 6, 2024.)
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
VirTra, Inc. (VTSI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Spire Global, Inc. (SPIR) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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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.

VirTra, Inc. (VTSI) Surpasses Q1 Earnings and Revenue Estimates

"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.
Should you invest $1,000 in Redwire right now?
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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

What a long, strange trip it's been since space stocks stormed onto the stock market in 2021.
Back in the dog days of the pandemic -- when most of America was quarantining, and many of us were day trading in meme stocks with government-issued COVID checks -- a series of unprofitable space companies decided to go public via the sketchy route of reverse-merging into already listed special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs).
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It didn't take long for most of these stocks to lose most of their value, as prices plunged 70%, 80%, and even 90% through early 2023. But in 2024, investors (cautiously) returned to the market, and happier times may be here at last.
Three space stocks in particular look interesting to me right now. Well off their lows following their initial public offering, BlackSky Technology (NYSE: BKSY), Spire Global (NYSE: SPIR), and Redwire (NYSE: RDW) still sit in an ideal range of two to four times trailing sales.
Historical valuations tell me that this is the "right" price for a not-yet-profitable space stock. (And since I worked out that valuation, Lockheed Martin has confirmed it by acquiring Terran Orbital for 3.3 times sales.)
There's no guarantee these three stocks will turn profitable. But I think at their present valuations, each is sufficiently cheap to be worth at least a small investment, with the goal of holding until they're either acquired (as Terran Orbital was) or they become profitable on their own -- and maybe for a long time afterward.
Here's what you need to know about them.
BlackSky Technology
BlackSky, at $338 million in market capitalization, is arguably the cheapest of these three stocks. With 16 satellites in orbit, BlackSky operates as an Earth observation (i.e. spy satellite) company. It provides its government and commercial customers with what it calls "real-time space-based intelligence" by photographing objects of interest on Earth as often as 15 times per day.
According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, the company sells primarily to U.S. government agencies such as the Department of Defense and National Reconnaissance Office. But BlackSky also sells internationally (to the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, for example) as well as to corporate partners such as Palantir.
Financially, it remains a small fish in a big space pond, with annual revenue of only $107 million. It's also losing money -- $42 million over the past year. The company is also burning nearly $55 million in cash annually.
Still, with $63 million in the bank, the company has more than a year to go before it starts to run out of money. With sales growing rapidly (they're expected to double through 2027), analysts polled by S&P think the company will turn free-cash-flow positive by 2026.
Meaning BlackSky might have enough cash already to keep it going until it's generating cash on its own.
Spire Global
A second spy satellite company I have my eye on is Spire, and its story is even more interesting. Historically focused on providing satellite-based intelligence to monitor global shipping, it agreed in November to sell this, its biggest business, to the privately held commodity data and analytics platform Kpler for $241 million.
On the one hand, this makes Spire a work in progress, as investors must wait and see what it will make of its remaining portfolio of products servicing the aviation, weather, and space industries, and its constellation of 100-plus satellites in orbit.
On the other hand, the huge cash windfall from the Kpler sale will enable Spire to pay off all its debt and leave perhaps $170 million in cash on its balance sheet -- meaning half the company's market cap is backed up by cold, hard cash.
With an annual burn rate of only $44 million or so, this gives Spire four years' lease on life, as it works to turn its remaining operations into a consistently profitable business.
Redwire
Redwire focuses on "space infrastructure" -- building things in and for use in space -- rather than launching satellites to provide imaging services from space.
Valued around $800 million, Redwire is roughly as big as BlackSky and Spire combined, and it's arguably closer to generating free cash flow than either of the others. Its cash burn rate was only a few million dollars in 2023.
It's likely to burn more than that this year, but analysts have this company pegged for positive free cash flow in 2025. With $43 million in the bank, Redwire almost certainly has enough to survive until it's generating cash on its own.
Until one (or two, or all three) of these space companies turns officially profitable, assigning the right value to their shares will be an exercise in guesswork. BlackSky stock only costs 3.1 times annual sales; Spire has a 3.4 multiple, and Redwire is cheapest of all with a price-to-sales ratio of only 2.7.
While I like Redwire's chances best, and I'm most skeptical of BlackSky, at these low valuations, my hunch is that all three of these companies are capable of surviving and thriving over the long term.
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Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Palantir Technologies. 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.
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3 Space Stocks to Buy With $1,000 and Hold Forever

Up in Space; Out to Sea

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) Thursday closed up +1.61%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +1.39%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +2.46%.
US stocks Thursday finished sharply higher, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and Nasdaq 100 posting 2-week highs. Signs of strength in the US economy boosted stocks Thursday after July retail sales posted their largest increase in 1-1/2 years, and weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell to a 5-week low. The strong reports eased recession fears and bolstered the outlook for a soft economic landing. Also, Walmart, the largest US retailer and a barometer of consumer spending, closed up more than +6% after raising its full-year sales guidance.
Dovish Fed comments Thursday were also supportive of stocks. Atlanta Fed President Bostic said he is "open" to an interest rate cut in September, and the Fed can't "afford to be late" to ease monetary policy amid signs of cooling in the labor market. Also, St. Louis Fed President Musalem said that from his perspective, "the risk to both sides of the Fed's mandate seems more balanced. Accordingly, the time may be nearing when an adjustment to moderately restrictive policy may be appropriate as we approach future meetings."
On the negative side for stocks was the jump in T-note yields after Thursday’s US economic reports dampened speculation that the Fed will cut interest rates by 50 bp next month instead of 25 bp.
US weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -7,000 to a 5-week low of 227,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 235,000.
US July retail sales rose +1.0% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.4% m/m and the biggest increase in 1-1/2 years. Jul retail sales ex-autos rose +0.4% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
The US Aug Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell -20.9 to a 7-month low of -7.0, weaker than expectations of 5.2.
The US Aug Empire manufacturing survey general business conditions rose +1.9 to -4.7, stronger than expectations of -6.0.
US July manufacturing production fell -0.3% m/m, right on expectations.
The US Aug NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell -2 to an 8-month low of 39, weaker than expectations of an increase to 43.
The market consensus is that Q2 earnings for the S&P 500 companies will rise +7.4% y/y. More than 80% of the companies in the S&P 500 have reported thus far. According to Bloomberg, most reporting companies have beaten their earnings consensus, but only 43% have beaten revenue expectations, the lowest percentage in five years.
The markets are discounting the chances at 100% for a -25 bp rate cut for the September 17-18 FOMC meeting and at 27% for a -50 bp rate cut at that meeting.
Overseas stock markets Thursday settled higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 rose to a 2-week high and closed up +1.70%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +0.94%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 rose to a 1-week high and closed up +0.78%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU24) Thursday closed down -26 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +8.4 bp to 3.919%. Sep T-notes retreated Thursday after US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly fell to a 5-week low, and July retail sales rose by the most in 1-1/2 years, hawkish factors for Fed policy. Thursday’s strong US economic reports reduced expectations for a 50 bp Fed rate cut at next month’s FOMC meeting to 28% from 75% last week. Also, Thursday’s rally in the S&P 500 to a 2-week high reduced safe-haven demand for T-notes.
European government bond yields on Thursday moved higher. The 10-year German bund yield rose +8.2 bp to 2.263%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose +9.8 bp to 3.923%.
Swaps are discounting the chances of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at 95% for the September 12 meeting.
US Stock Movers
Walmart (WMT) closed up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after reporting Q2 revenue of $169.34 billion, better than the consensus of $168.46 billion, and boosting its full-year net sales estimate to +3.75%-4.75% from a previous estimate of +4%. Other retailers rallied on the news, with Dollar Tree (DLTR) up more than +5% and Target (TGT) closing up more than +4%.
Cisco Systems (CSCO) is up more than +8% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q4 revenue of $13.64 billion, better than the consensus of $13.53 billion, and forecasting Q1 revenue of $13.65 billion-$13.85 billion, the midpoint above the consensus $13.71 billion.
Chip stocks moved higher and provided support to the overall market. Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed up more than +8% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100, and Micron Technology (MU) and ON Semiconductor (ON) closed up more than +6%. Also, Broadcom (AVGO), KLA Corp (KLAC), Lam Research (LRCX), and ASML Holding NV (ASML) closed up more than +5%. In addition, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), GlobalFoundries (GFS), NXP Semiconductors (NXPI), and Microchip Technology (MCHP) closed up more than +4%.
Telecommunication stocks were under pressure on Thursday. Verizon Communications (VZ) closed down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, AT&T (T) closed down more than -2%, and SBA Communications (SBAC) closed down more than -1%.
Ulta Beauty (ULTA) closed up more than +11% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed it took a new stake in the company.
Deere & Co (DE) closed up more than +6% after reporting Q3 net sales of $11.39 billion, stronger than the consensus of $10.84 billion.
Nike (NKE) closed up more than +5% after Pershing Square Capital Management LP disclosed it added a new position of about 3 million shares of Nike at the end of Q2.
Dell Technologies (DELL) closed up more than +7% after JPMorgan Chase added the stock to its Focus List, citing an “attractive entry point.”
Tapestry (TPR) closed up more than +3% after reporting Q4 net sales of $1.59 billion, above the consensus of $1.57 billion.
Spire Global (SPIR) closed down more than -33% after it notified the SEC that its 10-Q filing for the quarter ended June 30 will be late.
Dillard’s (DDS) closed down more than -10% after reporting Q2 net sales of $1.49 billion, below the consensus of $1.53 billion.
Fair Isaac (FICO) closed down more than -4% to lead losers in the S&P 500 on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed Executive Vice President Bowers sold $5.15 million of shares on Monday.
Higher bond yields Thursday weighed on utility and real estate investment trust stocks. As a result, Eversource Energy (ES) and American Tower (AMT) closed down more than -2%. Also, Consolidated Edison (ED) and Welltower (WELL) closed down more than -1%.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) closed down nearly -1% on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed President and CEO Sievert sold $7.79 million worth of shares on Monday and Tuesday.
Earnings Reports (8/16/2024)
Flowers Foods Inc (FLO), Himalaya Shipping Ltd (HSHP), Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp (MSGE).
More Stock Market News from Barchart
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.

Stocks Finish Higher on Solid US Economic News

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +1.23%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.95%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +1.95%.
US stocks today are moving higher, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and Nasdaq 100 posting 2-week highs. Signs of strength in the US economy are boosting stocks today after July retail sales posted their largest increase in 1-1/2 years, and weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell to a 5-week low. The strong reports bolstered the outlook for a soft economic landing. Also, Walmart, the largest US retailer and a barometer of consumer spending, is up more than +6% after raising its full-year sales guidance.
Dovish Fed comments today are also supporting stocks. Atlanta Fed President Bostic said he is "open" to an interest rate cut in September, and the Fed can't "afford to be late" to ease monetary policy amid signs of cooling in the labor market. Also, St. Louis Fed President Musalem said that from his perspective, "the risk to both sides of the Fed's mandate seems more balanced. Accordingly, the time may be nearing when an adjustment to moderately restrictive policy may be appropriate as we approach future meetings."
On the negative side for stocks is a jump in T-note yields after today’s US economic reports dampened speculation that the Fed will cut interest rates by 50 bp next month instead of 25 bp.
US weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -7,000 to a 5-week low of 227,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 235,000.
US July retail sales rose +1.0% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.4% m/m and the biggest increase in 1-1/2 years. Jul retail sales ex-autos rose +0.4% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
The US Aug Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell -20.9 to a 7-month low of -7.0, weaker than expectations of 5.2.
The US Aug Empire manufacturing survey general business conditions rose +1.9 to -4.7, stronger than expectations of -6.0.
US July manufacturing production fell -0.3% m/m, right on expectations.
The US Aug NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell -2 to an 8-month low of 39, weaker than expectations of an increase to 43.
The market consensus is that Q2 earnings for the S&P 500 companies will rise +7.4% y/y. More than 80% of the companies in the S&P 500 have reported thus far. According to Bloomberg, most reporting companies have beaten their earnings consensus, but only 43% have beaten revenue expectations, the lowest percentage in five years.
The markets are discounting the chances at 100% for a -25 bp rate cut for the September 17-18 FOMC meeting and at 28% for a -50 bp rate cut at that meeting.
Overseas stock markets today are higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 rose to a 2-week high and is up +1.57%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +0.94%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 rose to a 1-week high and closed up +0.78%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU24) today are down -25 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +9.5 bp at 3.930%. Sep T-notes retreated today after US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly fell to a 5-week low, and July retail sales rose by the most in 1-1/2 years, hawkish factors for Fed policy. Today’s strong US economic reports reduced expectations for a 50 bp Fed rate cut at next month’s FOMC meeting to 28% from 75% last week. Also, today’s rally in the S&P 500 to a 2-week high has reduced safe-haven demand for T-notes.
European government bond yields today are moving higher. The 10-year German bund yield is up +7.8 bp at 2.258%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +8.8 bp at 3.913%.
Swaps are discounting the chances of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at 93% for the September 12 meeting.
US Stock Movers
Walmart (WMT) is up more than +6% after reporting Q2 revenue of $169.34 billion, better than the consensus of $168.46 billion, and boosting its full-year net sales estimate to +3.75%-4.75% from a previous estimate of +4%. Other retailers rallied on the news with Dollar Tree (DLTR) up more than +8%. Target (TGT), Best Buy (BBY), and Dollar General (DG) are up more than +4%.
Cisco Systems (CSCO) is up more than +8% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q4 revenue of $13.64 billion, better than the consensus of $13.53 billion, and forecasting Q1 revenue of $13.65 billion-$13.85 billion, the midpoint above the consensus $13.71 billion.
Chip stocks are climbing today to provide support to the overall market. Marvell Technology (MRVL) is up more than +7%, and Micron Technology (MU) is up more than +5%. Also, ON Semiconductor (ON) and Broadcom (AVGO) are up more than +4%. In addition, Nvidia (NVDA), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), KLA Corp (KLAC), GlobalFoundries (GFS), NXP Semiconductors (NXPI), and Qualcomm (QCOM) are up more than +3%.
Telecommunication stocks are under pressure today. Verizon Communications (VZ) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, AT&T (T) and SBA Communications (SBAC) are down more than -1%.
Ulta Beauty (ULTA) is up more than +10% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed it took a new stake in the company.
Deere & Co (DE) is up more than +5% after reporting Q3 net sales of $11.39 billion, stronger than the consensus of $10.84 billion.
Nike (NKE) is up more than +4% after Pershing Square Capital Management LP disclosed it added a new position of about 3 million shares of Nike at the end of Q2.
Dell Technologies (DELL) is up more than +6% after JPMorgan Chase added the stock to its Focus List, citing an “attractive entry point.”
Tapestry (TPR) is up more than +1% after reporting Q4 net sales of $1.59 billion, above the consensus of $1.57 billion.
Spire Global (SPIR) is down more than -25% after it notified the SEC that its 10-Q filing for the quarter ended June 30 will be late.
Dillard’s (DDS) is down more than -8% after reporting Q2 net sales of $1.49 billion, below the consensus of $1.53 billion.
Higher bond yields today are weighing on utility and real estate investment trust stocks. As a result, Eversource Energy (ES) is down more than -2% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, American Tower (AMT), Consolidated Edison (ED), Welltower (WELL), Entergy (ETR), Digital Real Estate Trust (DLR), and Ventas (VTR) are down more than -1%.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed President and CEO Sievert sold $7.79 million worth of shares on Monday and Tuesday.
Earnings Reports (8/15/2024)
Amcor PLC (AMCR), Applied Materials Inc (AMAT), Coherent Corp (COHR), Deere & Co (DE), Globant SA (GLOB), H&R Block Inc (HRB), Tapestry Inc (TPR), Walmart Inc (WMT).
More Stock Market News from Barchart
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.

US Economic Strength and Dovish Fed Comments Push Stocks Higher

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +1.02%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +1.19%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +1.36%.
US stocks today are moving higher, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrials, and Nasdaq 100 posting 2-week highs. Signs of strength in the US economy are boosting stocks today after July retail sales posted their largest increase in 1-1/2 years, and weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell to a 5-week low. The strong reports bolstered the outlook for a soft economic landing. Also, Walmart, the largest US retailer and a barometer of consumer spending, is up more than +7% after raising its full-year sales guidance.
On the negative side for stocks is a jump in T-note yields after today’s US economic reports dampened speculation that the Fed will cut interest rates by 50 bp next month instead of 25 bp.
Dovish comments today from Atlanta Fed President Bostic supported stocks when he said he is "open" to an interest rate cut in September and the Fed can't "afford to be late" to ease monetary policy amid signs of cooling in the labor market.
US weekly initial unemployment claims unexpectedly fell -7,000 to a 5-week low of 227,000, showing a stronger labor market than expectations of an increase to 235,000.
US July retail sales rose +1.0% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.4% m/m and the biggest increase in 1-1/2 years. Jul retail sales ex-autos rose +0.4% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m.
The US Aug Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey fell -20.9 to a 7-month low of -7.0, weaker than expectations of 5.2.
The US Aug Empire manufacturing survey general business conditions rose +1.9 to -4.7, stronger than expectations of -6.0.
US July manufacturing production fell -0.3% m/m, right on expectations.
The market consensus is that Q2 earnings for the S&P 500 companies will rise +7.4% y/y. More than 80% of the companies in the S&P 500 have reported thus far. According to Bloomberg, most reporting companies have beaten their earnings consensus, but only 43% have beaten revenue expectations, the lowest percentage in five years.
The markets are discounting the chances at 100% for a -25 bp rate cut for the September 17-18 FOMC meeting and at 24% for a -50 bp rate cut at that meeting.
Overseas stock markets today are higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 rose to a 2-week high and is up +1.34%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +0.94%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 rose to a 1-week high and closed up +0.78%.
Interest Rates
September 10-year T-notes (ZNU24) today are down -29 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +10.7 bp at 3.942%. Sep T-notes retreated today after US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly fell to a 5-week low and July retail sales rose by the most in 1-1/2 years, hawkish factors for Fed policy. Today’s strong US economic reports reduced expectations for a 50 bp Fed rate cut at next month’s FOMC meeting to 24% from 75% last week. Also, today’s rally in the S&P 500 to a 2-week high has reduced safe-haven demand for T-notes.
European government bond yields today are moving higher. The 10-year German bund yield is up +5.8 bp at 2.238%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +7.8 bp at 3.903%.
Swaps are discounting the chances of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at 94% for the September 12 meeting.
US Stock Movers
Walmart (WMT) is up more than +7% after reporting Q2 revenue of $169.34 billion, better than the consensus of $168.46 billion, and boosting its full-year net sales estimate to +3.75%-4.75% from a previous estimate of +4%. Other retailers rallied on the news with Dollar Tree (DLTR) up more than +8%. Target (TGT), Best Buy (BBY), and Dollar General (DG) are up more than +4%.
Cisco Systems (CSCO) is up more than +9% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q4 revenue of $13.64 billion, better than the consensus of $13.53 billion, and forecasting Q1 revenue of $13.65 billion-$13.85 billion, the midpoint above the consensus $13.71 billion.
Telecommunication stocks are under pressure today. Verizon Communications (VZ) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials. Also, AT&T (T) and SBA Communications (SBAC) are down more than -1%.
Ulta Beauty (ULTA) is up more than +10% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed it took a new stake in the company.
Deere & Co (DE) is up more than +5% after reporting Q3 net sales of $11.39 billion, stronger than the consensus of $10.84 billion.
Nike (NKE) is up more than +4% after Pershing Square Capital Management LP disclosed it added a new position of about 3 million shares of Nike at the end of Q2.
Dell Technologies (DELL) is up more than +3% after JPMorgan Chase added the stock to its Focus List, citing an “attractive entry point.”
Tapestry (TPR) is up more than +5% after reporting Q4 net sales of $1.59 billion, above the consensus of $1.57 billion.
Spire Global (SPIR) is down more than -33% after it notified the SEC that its 10-Q filing for the quarter ended June 30 will be late.
T-Mobile US (TMUS) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed President and CEO Sievert sold $7.79 million worth of shares on Monday and Tuesday.
Dillard’s (DDS) is down more than -4% after reporting Q2 net sales of $1.49 billion, below the consensus of $1.53 billion.
Earnings Reports (8/15/2024)
Amcor PLC (AMCR), Applied Materials Inc (AMAT), Coherent Corp (COHR), Deere & Co (DE), Globant SA (GLOB), H&R Block Inc (HRB), Tapestry Inc (TPR), Walmart Inc (WMT).
More Stock Market News from Barchart
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.

Stocks Rally as US Economic Strength Bolsters Soft Landing Prospects

Good news for Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) investors: Last week, Lockheed announced a large follow-on order for government weather satellites. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) asked the aerospace and defense giant to build it at least three, and potentially as many as seven, new next-generation Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) sats. If all options are exercised, the total contract value will reach $2.3 billion.
Bad news for Lockheed Martin: That works out to $324.3 million per satellite.
Wait: $300 million for a satellite is bad news?
Yes, you heard me right. Lockheed making $300 million-plus off of each weather satellite it sells the government could very well be bad news for this government contractor in the long term. Here's why.
Lockheed has been supplying NOAA with weather satellites for more than half a century. Its current constellation, the GOES-R series of geostationary weather satellites, comprises four satellites tasked with imaging "severe storms, hurricanes, wildfires, and other weather hazards," identifying the source of volcanic eruptions (even undersea ones), tracking surface temperatures on Earth, and even giving early warning of incoming solar flares.
That's an awful lot of data to be getting for just $300 million.
And the new GeoXO series of satellites will be even more advanced, offering "more accurate weather forecasting" and upgraded capabilities such as monitoring ocean and air pollution. But here's the potential risk to this program: Lockheed doesn't expect the first GeoXO satellite to be ready for launch before the "early 2030s," and this satellite line is expected to continue operating well into the "late 2050s."
Bigger, slower, pricier versus smaller, faster, cheaper
Why could this be a problem for Lockheed Martin? Start with the fact that newer space stocks are producing smaller satellites that can perform the same functions as GOES, or GeoXO, and for far lower prices.
Take Planet Labs (NYSE: PL), for example. With 200 Earth observation satellites orbiting the Earth once every 90 minutes, Planet Labs' constellation of Dove satellites already provide "high-resolution, continuous, and complete view[s] of the world from above." And at an average cost of just $300,000 each, Dove costs less than 0.1% of the cost of a single GeoXO satellite. For that matter, Planet Labs' entire constellation costs just 18.5% of the cost of a single Lockheed Martin GeoXO.
The Dove constellation is also being continually upgraded as old satellites fall out of service to be replaced by newer, better satellites, such as the company's new Tanager class, which are being tasked with pinpointing sources of carbon dioxide and methane emissions on Earth -- the very kind of environmental work you'd ordinarily expect a big GEO satellite like GOES or GeoXO to do.
Or consider Spire Global (NYSE: SPIR), another small satellite company with 100 nanosatellites in orbit. NOAA hired Spire earlier this year to help with "operational weather forecasts, space weather models, and climate research." The cost of that weather work: Just $9.4 million.
Granted, these tiny satellites might not be as powerful or as long-lived as Lockheed's mega-satellites. But they can be built and launched much faster -- no need to wait for the "early 2030s." And Spire's goal is to provide "80% of a mission's goals at only 20% of the cost" of the larger satellites that Lockheed builds -- and Spire has the receipts to prove it can be done.
What it means for investors
It's in this kind of cost benefits analysis that I see future risk for Lockheed's large satellite business. Giant-size contracts such as GeoXR -- and at $2.3 billion, GeoXR's total cost approaches 10% of NASA's annual budget -- are at higher risk of cancellation when money gets tight. (And with the U.S. national debt approaching $35 trillion, I'd say money is looking kinda tight right now.)
If and when Washington gets serious about reining in government spending to a more supportable level, contracts like Lockheed's are going to be at greater risk of cancellation, while budget-friendly contracts like Spire's and cheaper alternatives like Planet's are going to be more in favor.
All of this is to say, if you're a Lockheed Martin shareholder, go ahead and cheer the company's $2.3 billion win today. It's a great contract, bringing lots of revenue, and will probably be profitable for Lockheed, given the 8.9% operating profit margin of the company's Space division. (According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, that's actually a bit subpar for Lockheed, which averages 13% profit margins across its four main divisions -- but still, 8.9% is not too shabby.)
Just don't be too confident that this contract will be fulfilled or count its revenue before it's "hatched." Smaller satellites, launching quicker at lower prices and with continual upgrades, seem a safer bet to me.
Should you invest $1,000 in Lockheed Martin right now?
Before you buy stock in Lockheed Martin, consider this:
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Rich Smith has positions in Planet Labs Pbc. 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.

Lockheed Martin Wins a $2.3 Billion Weather Satellite Contract. That's Not Necessarily Good News.

How much are space stocks worth?
This question popped into my mind last year as I watched shares of SPAC-sponsored space companies crater in price. Boosted by low interest rates and lots of free government stimulus money handed out during the pandemic, multiple space stocks with big dreams but tiny (or no) profits went "to the moon." But as the money dried up and the dreams toned down, share prices followed.
By 2023, most of these space SPACs were trading down 70%, 80%, and even 90% below their 2021 IPO prices -- which, to be honest, were probably overpriced. Now that a few years have passed, however, and these stocks have had time to grow into their valuations a bit, I think we finally have a handful that are worth considering as growth-at-a-reasonable price investments.
Here are my three top prospects: Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ: LUNR), Redwire (NYSE: RDW), and Spire Global (NYSE: SPIR).
1. Intuitive Machines
Tiny Intuitive Machines dominated headlines earlier this year when its Odysseus lunar lander became the first privately built spaceship to ever land on the moon. The stock's price gyrated wildly in the weeks surrounding this event, roughly tripling when the landing was first accomplished before subsiding on revelations that Odysseus didn't land 100% upright. The crazy thing is, just four months after the event, Intuitive Machines stock is trading right back around where it was before the landing took place -- under $4 a share and at a valuation of less than 1x trailing sales.
Don't get me wrong. This stock is not a sure thing. Intuitive only has about $55 million in cash and is burning $56 million a year. Still, with two more moon missions on the books, revenue is expected to nearly triple this year in comparison to 2023, then almost double again in 2025. Operating profits could turn positive next year as well.
At today's valuation, I see the stock having a lot of potential, and not much risk -- assuming it can raise enough cash to stay in business at all.
2. Redwire
Redwire is a second space stock that bears watching. One of just a handful of space companies named to assist with Jeff Bezos' Orbital Reef space station project, Redwire serves as a jack of all trades in space infrastructure building. Just this past month, it's scored contracts to build:
Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) wings for European space giant Thales Alenia.
A robotic arm for the European Space Agency's Argonaut lunar lander.
And an air-breathing satellite for DARPA.
On the financial side of things, Redwire is a bit more expensive than Intuitive Machines at 1.4 times trailing sales (but still well below my estimate of the average valuation of unprofitable space stocks). Most attractive of all, Redwire is one of the very first space stocks to report positive free cash flow, generating $12 million in cash over the last 12 months.
If Redwire can keep that up, it could arguably be one of the best-priced space stocks out there today, and one of the only space stocks that will not need to conduct dilutive share offerings to keep itself solvent. As a plus for investors, Redwire should be one of the easiest space stocks to value going forward.
3. Spire Global
One of a growing number of space companies specializing in analysis of data generated by satellite imaging, Spire operates an asset-lite business model that could -- if it plays its cards right -- permit strong sales growth. A recent partnership with Nvidia to plug in Spire weather data to an Nvidia AI to train weather forecasting models illustrates this potential.
(That's right. You can kind of say that Spire is an artificial intelligence company now).
And that's only the most recent example. Spire's sales have already tripled over the past three years. As the business scales, analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence forecast Spire could reach operating profitability as soon as next year.
Spire doesn't put out a lot of press releases. Its announcement of a satellite-based air traffic surveillance project (in cooperation with Thales) last week was its first such PR since the Nvidia announcement more than a month ago. Despite flying somewhat below the radar, the company is actually the most expensive of the three stocks profiled here today, costing 2.4 times trailing sales.
If I were to rank these three picks in order of attractiveness, I'd say I consider Redwire the safest bet on the strength of its free cash flow -- making it No. 1 on my list. More growth-focused investors might prefer Intuitive Machines based on its cheap valuation and potential for explosive sales growth, but it's No. 2 on my list.
That makes Spire Global No. 3. It's got potential, but I consider it more of a "show-me" stock for now.
Should you invest $1,000 in Intuitive Machines right now?
Before you buy stock in Intuitive Machines, 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 Intuitive Machines 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 $775,568!*
Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of June 10, 2024
Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia. 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.