So here’s a fun fact: while most of us are still figuring out how to parallel park, Intuitive Machines (LUNR) is literally trying to land stuff on the Moon. And apparently, Wall Street thinks they’re pretty good at it – the stock rocketed 38% on Friday to $14.94 after KeyBanc slapped an “Overweight” rating on it with a $20 price target.
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. “Another space stock pumping on analyst hype?” But hear me out – this one’s actually got some substance behind the rocket fuel.
Why Everyone’s Suddenly Moon-Crazy
KeyBanc’s analyst Michael Leshock isn’t just throwing darts at a space-themed dartboard. The guy’s pointing to some real numbers: Intuitive Machines just acquired Lanteris Space Systems, bumping their backlog close to $1 billion. That’s not “maybe we’ll get some contracts” money – that’s “we’ve got work lined up” money.
Plus, they’re one of three finalists for NASA’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle program. Think of it as building the Moon’s first Uber fleet, except instead of drunk college kids, you’re shuttling astronauts around craters. The Artemis program wants boots on lunar soil by 2028, and someone’s gotta build the rides.
Speaking of Artemis, Trump just signed an executive order doubling down on the whole “America goes to space” thing. The plan? Permanent lunar outpost by 2030, complete with nuclear power. Because apparently, we’re not just visiting the Moon anymore – we’re moving in and bringing the good electricity.
But Let’s Keep It Real
Before you start planning your Moon vacation, remember that space is hard. Like, really hard. Intuitive Machines has already proven this twice – they’ve managed to land on the Moon, but both times their landers decided to take a little nap (read: tipped over). Their first “successful” landing in 2024? The lander basically face-planted. The second one in March? Same story, different crater.
But here’s the thing – they’re still the only private company that’s actually touched lunar soil and lived to tell about it. That’s like being the only person in your friend group who can change a tire. Sure, you might not do it perfectly, but you’re still the go-to person when everyone else is stranded.
The Bottom Line
Look, space stocks are volatile as hell. One day you’re literally over the Moon, the next day you’re crater-bound. But Intuitive Machines has something most space companies don’t: actual contracts, actual missions, and actual (if slightly wobbly) results.
With NASA throwing money at lunar infrastructure and Trump’s administration pushing the space agenda harder than a used car salesman, LUNR is positioned to catch some of that government cash. The consensus price target sits around $16, suggesting there’s still room to run.
Is it risky? Absolutely. Could it crash and burn? Definitely. But if you’re looking for exposure to the space economy and don’t mind a little turbulence, this might be your ticket to ride. Just maybe don’t bet the farm – space is still rocket science, after all.