One of the key investing stories to watch in 2026 is the potential for a SpaceX IPO, an offering that was confirmed by the company's CEO Elon Musk. A market expert shares with Benzinga what the IPO could mean for a bull run, other IPOs and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) investors. • Tesla stock is showing positive momentum. What’s next for TSLA stock?SpaceX IPOFreedom Capital Markets Chief Market Strategist Jay Woods said a potential SpaceX IPO in 2026 would be "some IPO.""I hope it happens at the New York Stock E ...

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights a strong performance in the U.S. space concept stocks, with several companies experiencing significant gains in their stock prices [1] Group 2 - Sidus Space (SIDU.US) saw an increase of over 17% [1] - Redwire (RDW.US) rose by more than 8% [1] - Rocket Lab (RKLB.US) experienced a gain of over 4.7% [1] - AST SpaceMobile (ASTS.US) increased by more than 9% [1] - Intuitive Machines (LUNR.US) also rose by over 9% [1]

Key Points One is the largest private space company the world has ever seen. The other is a cryptocurrency exchange operator with a significant competitive edge. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › One indication of a healthy environment for equities is the number of initial public offerings (IPO) entering the market. Going public, after all, is ultimately about raising capital to grow a business. Happily, in 2025, the total number of IPOs surpassed the 200 mark, according to ...

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is recognized as a leading emerging technology stock, with significant recent developments enhancing its market position [1][2] Group 1: Financial Developments - Needham raised Rocket Lab's price target to $90 from $63 while maintaining a Buy rating, following the announcement of an $805 million contract for 18 satellites [1] - Stifel also increased its price target for Rocket Lab to $85 from $75, emphasizing the importance of the $805 million contract from the Space Development Agency [2] Group 2: Contract and Business Evolution - The $805 million award is the largest in Rocket Lab's history and marks a significant milestone, reinforcing its status as a top-tier defense prime contractor [2] - This contract validates Rocket Lab's transition from a small-launch provider to a major player in national security space, expanding its project backlog [2] Group 3: Operational Achievements - Rocket Lab completed its final mission of the year, achieving a total of 21 launches in 2025 with a perfect 100% mission success rate [4] - The Electron rocket has become the world's most frequently launched small-lift orbital rocket, showcasing the company's capability to provide reliable, high-frequency access to space [4]

Group 1 - Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) is recognized as a promising emerging technology stock, with B. Riley raising its price target from $14 to $20, citing favorable conditions from the White House's new executive order aimed at lunar exploration [1] - KeyBanc initiated coverage of Intuitive Machines with an Overweight rating and a price target of $20, highlighting the company's shift from proof-of-concept missions to a scalable business model focused on recurring lunar services [2] - Bank of America raised its price target for Intuitive Machines from $8.50 to $9.50 while maintaining an Underperform rating, indicating concerns about the competitive landscape in the space industry and the importance of a company's vision and technology integration for long-term success [3] Group 2 - The company designs, manufactures, and operates space products and services in the US, with potential for investment, although some analysts suggest that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Group 1 - Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) is recognized as a promising emerging technology stock, with KeyBanc initiating coverage and assigning a Sector Weight rating without a specific price target [1] - The acquisition of Edge Autonomy is seen as a transformative step for Redwire, positioning the company as a multi-domain space and defense firm, although this expansion may lead to shareholder dilution [1] - Redwire has secured an eight-figure contract with The Exploration Company to supply critical docking hardware for the Nyx spacecraft, which includes two International Berthing and Docking Mechanisms (IBDM) [2][3] Group 2 - The IBDM technology, developed in collaboration with international partners and the European Space Agency, features a modular architecture that supports both berthing and autonomous docking [3] - Redwire's offices in Belgium and Poland are leveraging their experience from a similar IBDM project for the Lunar Gateway, enhancing technical maturity and mission confidence for the Nyx program [3] - The partnership with The Exploration Company is aimed at strengthening Europe's autonomous access to space and bolstering its commercial space sector [3][4]

BREAKING: Stock Market Closes With Solid Weekly Gains Today's Spotlight Leaderboard New Year's Sale Partner Center Last week, Rocket Lab (RKLB) scored a satellite contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency, boosting the space stock to a powerful breakout. With that honor under its belt, Rocket Lab stock now stands among the top names to watch as the stock market flirts with record highs, although it dropped sharply on Friday. The SDA on Dec. 19 announced… Get a head start on your 2026 investing resolut ...

Core Insights - Starfighters Space (FJET) stock has shown significant growth since its IPO on December 18, closing above $31 compared to the initial price of $3.59, indicating strong demand for legitimate space IPOs [1][2] Company Overview - FJET operates the only commercial Mach 2-capable fleet of Lockheed F-104 Starfighters from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, setting it apart from other conceptual space ventures [3] - The company successfully raised $40 million through a Regulation A+ offering, which enhances investor confidence in its capital-raising capabilities [3] Industry Trends - The aerospace sector is projected to double in valuation to approximately $1.80 trillion over the next decade, according to McKinsey [6] - The anticipated IPO of SpaceX at a valuation of $1.5 trillion in 2026 is expected to change how investors view the orbital economy's long-term potential [4] - A recent executive order for a permanent U.S. lunar base is positively influencing market sentiment [4] Market Dynamics - Historical data shows that legitimate space IPOs have experienced significant initial price increases, with companies like AIRO, Karman, Firefly, and Voyager seeing sharp post-listing rallies [5] - The shift in capital towards proven operators with established track records favors FJET's operational status in the evolving space industry [5] Competitive Advantages - FJET's unique operational capabilities from Kennedy Space Center provide substantial competitive advantages and create barriers to entry that are difficult for competitors to replicate [6] - The development of a hypersonic air-launch platform for microsatellite deployment positions FJET strategically within the growing space infrastructure market [6]

Core Viewpoint - Rocket Lab Corporation is positioning itself as a viable alternative to SpaceX, focusing on expanding its launch capacity through its growing space systems business and the next-generation Neutron rocket [1][2]. Group 1: Company Positioning and Strategy - Analyst Ryan Koontz views Rocket Lab as a disruptive force in the space industry, emphasizing its deep vertical integration as a key differentiator from competitors [2]. - The company is expected to challenge SpaceX over time due to its unique structure and capabilities [2]. - Rocket Lab's space systems segment is benefiting from increasing demand for government and commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, supplying various components to multiple customers [3]. Group 2: Neutron Rocket and Financial Outlook - The upcoming Neutron rocket is anticipated to significantly expand Rocket Lab's launch capacity, with its first commercial missions scheduled for 2026 [4]. - Successful launches of Neutron are expected to materially improve earnings and cash flow, while capital spending and research costs are projected to decline as the rocket enters service [4]. - Neutron is believed to have the potential to capture market share from SpaceX's Falcon 9 [4]. Group 3: Defense Contracts and Backlog - Rocket Lab secured a multi-million-dollar contract from the Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer Tranche 3 program, validating its role as a prime contractor in defense [6]. - This contract has more than doubled Rocket Lab's space systems backlog to approximately $1.4 billion [6]. - The company received 23% of the total awards for the $3.5 billion Tranche 3 program, alongside other major defense contractors [7]. Group 4: Technology and Revenue Recognition - Rocket Lab's satellites will utilize its Phoenix infrared payload and StarLite protection sensors, with revenue recognition structured over four years starting in 2026 [8]. - Recent acquisitions have strengthened Rocket Lab's internal supply chain and reduced subcontractor risks, enhancing long-term value across defense programs [8]. - The company's placement alongside established defense primes highlights its growing market credibility and potential for increased share in future national security space programs [9].

Core Viewpoint - Rocket Lab Corporation is positioning itself as a viable alternative to SpaceX, focusing on expanding its launch capacity through its growing space systems business and the next-generation Neutron rocket [1][2]. Group 1: Company Positioning and Strategy - Analyst Ryan Koontz views Rocket Lab as a disruptive force in the space industry, emphasizing its deep vertical integration as a key differentiator from competitors [2]. - The company is expected to challenge SpaceX over time due to its unique structure and capabilities [2]. - Rocket Lab's space systems segment is benefiting from increasing demand for government and commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, supplying various components to multiple customers [3]. Group 2: Neutron Rocket and Financial Outlook - The upcoming Neutron rocket is anticipated to significantly expand Rocket Lab's launch capacity, with its first commercial missions scheduled for 2026 [4]. - Successful launches of Neutron are expected to materially improve earnings and cash flow, while capital spending and research costs are projected to decline as the rocket enters service [4]. - Neutron is believed to have the potential to capture market share from SpaceX's Falcon 9 [4]. Group 3: Defense Contracts and Backlog - Rocket Lab secured a multi-million-dollar contract from the Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer Tranche 3 program, which has more than doubled its space systems backlog to approximately $1.4 billion [6]. - The Tranche 3 program, valued at $3.5 billion, is shared among four prime contractors, with Rocket Lab receiving 23% of the total awards [7]. - The company is expected to gain further credibility and market share in national security space programs due to its placement alongside established defense primes [9]. Group 4: Technology and Revenue Recognition - Rocket Lab's satellites will utilize its Phoenix infrared payload and StarLite protection sensors, with revenue recognition structured over four years starting in 2026 [8]. - Recent acquisitions have strengthened Rocket Lab's internal supply chain and reduced subcontractor risks, enhancing long-term value across defense programs [8].