Intuitive Machines (LUNR) Stock Soars on NASA Moon Mission Contract
Intuitive Machines' stock surged 16.9% to a 52-week high of $23.32 following a $180.4 million NASA contract for its IM-5 lunar South Pole mission. The company's fifth Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) task order sparked heavy trading volume, with shares changing hands well above the daily average.
Despite missing Q4 revenue estimates ($44.8M actual vs $53.7M expected) and posting a wider-than-expected loss ($0.35/share vs $0.07 estimate), investor enthusiasm remains undimmed. Analysts note growing optimism around the Artemis II mission as an additional catalyst, with Stifel raising its price target to $22 while maintaining a Hold rating.
The lunar exploration specialist now commands a $4.39 billion market cap, having gained 144% over the past year. Today's rally extends its year-to-date performance to nearly 25%, outpacing broader market indices.
