Industry Overview - The space industry achieved significant milestones in 2025, including advancements in commercial space tourism, infrastructure investments, and the emergence of new publicly traded companies [3] - NASA is under financial pressure due to potential budget cuts, increasing the likelihood of commercial firms filling operational and infrastructure gaps [3] Investment Opportunities - Investors can benefit from the growth in space industry stocks through ETFs like the Procure Space ETF (NASDAQ: UFO), while specific companies may offer targeted investment opportunities for 2026 [4] - Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has seen a substantial increase in share price, nearly tripling year-to-date, with a notable 75% surge in the last month [5] - Rocket Lab has secured significant government contracts, including an $816 million contract with the U.S. Space Force, indicating potential for further expansion [6] Market Dynamics - The space industry has experienced stock booms driven by federal defense spending, speculation about a SpaceX IPO, and major contracts for companies like Rocket Lab and L3Harris, each valued close to $1 billion [7] - AST SpaceMobile's rapid growth raises concerns, but its ambitious satellite launch plans and increasing revenue may present positive prospects [7]

Core Viewpoint - Intuitive Machines (LUNR) shares surged nearly 38% following President Trump's executive orders aimed at enhancing U.S. space exploration and defense, aligning with the company's business model focused on lunar missions and infrastructure [1][4]. Company Performance - Despite the recent surge, Intuitive Machines stock is down approximately 35% from its year-to-date high [2]. - KeyBanc initiated coverage on LUNR with an "Overweight" rating and a price target of $20, suggesting a potential upside of 34% from current levels, supported by a pro-forma backlog of nearly $1 billion [5]. Industry Context - The U.S. Senate's appointment of Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator indicates a commercial-first approach, which may benefit specialized contractors like Intuitive Machines [3]. - Government-backed missions are expected to create long-term demand for LUNR's services, enhancing revenue visibility and investor confidence [4]. Strategic Developments - Intuitive Machines announced plans to acquire Lanteris, which will provide satellite manufacturing capabilities and open new growth avenues in the data and defense market [6]. - The consensus rating for Intuitive Machines shares is currently "Strong Buy," indicating positive sentiment among analysts [7].

Let's bring in Lar Larer Hippo partner Eric Hippo to discuss what he expects for the year ahead. Eric, um clearly there's plenty of companies ready, but do you really believe this is going to be a year of unlock in the public markets given how easy it's been for these companies to raise capital privately and put their own values on things. >> Well, we we uh good morning.Uh we we always hope that it's going to be the next year, but this year there are some really good signs. The IPO market as you mentioned u ...

Let's bring in Lar Larer Hippo partner Eric Hippo to discuss what he expects for the year ahead. Eric, um clearly there's plenty of companies ready, but do you really believe this is going to be a year of unlock in the public markets given how easy it's been for these companies to raise capital privately and put their own values on things. >> Well, we we uh good morning.Uh we we always hope that it's going to be the next year, but this year there are some really good signs. The IPO market as you mentioned u ...

My top 10 things to watch Monday, Dec. 22 1. Stocks were headed for a higher open to kick off the holiday-shortened trading week . This follows a volatile week , during which the S & P 500 logged its third winning week in the past four. Still, there's doubt about whether a "Santa Claus Rally" will actually happen. The New York Stock Exchange will close early on Wednesday for Christmas Eve, and will be closed entirely on Thursday for Christmas Day. 2. Gold soared to another record high earlier this morning. ...

Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk predicts a potential valuation of $100 trillion for SpaceX in the future, emphasizing the ambitious nature of commercial space flight [1]. Group 1: SpaceX's Future Plans - Musk envisions building a base on the moon, which aligns with the U.S. government's push for lunar exploration [2]. - He mentioned the possibility of constructing factories on the moon to support deep-space launches of solar-powered AI satellites using a theoretical propulsion method called mass drivers [3]. Group 2: SpaceX IPO Discussion - Bill Ackman proposed that SpaceX could go public next year through a special purpose acquisition rights vehicle, which would allow Tesla shareholders to invest in SpaceX [4]. - Musk previously indicated interest in making SpaceX publicly available to Tesla owners, with a target valuation of $1.5 trillion ahead of the proposed IPO [4].

Market Overview - The market has experienced volatility, likened to the "Three Stooges," with tech stocks fluctuating significantly due to AI developments and inflation data [2][3] - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicated positive inflation trends, but concerns about data accuracy arose due to the government shutdown [3] - Unemployment rose to 4.6%, but this figure may be overstated, suggesting a more favorable employment situation [3] Job Market Insights - Jobless claims have shown a slight dip, providing a reliable indicator amidst other fluctuating data [4] - The overall market sentiment suggests a flat trajectory for December, with alternating good and bad news days expected [5] IPO Market Developments - Medline's IPO was the largest of the year, raising over $6 billion and marking the biggest IPO since Rivian in 2021, with a stock price increase of 40% [6] - Anticipation surrounds SpaceX's potential IPO, with speculation about a valuation of $1.5 trillion, although no timeline has been established [7][8] Cannabis Industry Updates - The signing of an executive order by President Trump reclassifies marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, allowing companies to deduct business expenses, potentially boosting cash flows by up to $150 million [11][12][13] - Despite initial stock price increases, marijuana stocks experienced a decline following the executive order, indicating a "buy the rumor, sell the news" scenario [11][14] - Many cannabis companies are involved in both farming and distribution, which may impact their operational strategies moving forward [15]

Rocket Lab wins another defense-related space contract https://t.co/mJLyZbWdLr ...

Core Insights - Rocket Lab has secured an $816 million contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency, marking its largest contract to date [1] - The contract involves designing and manufacturing 18 satellites equipped with advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors for the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 program [1] - This new contract adds to an existing $515 million award for the Transport Layer-Beta Tranche 2 program, bringing the total value of Rocket Lab's contracts with the SDA to over $1.3 billion [2] Company Expansion - Rocket Lab is diversifying its operations beyond its traditional "rocket company" label [1] - The company is actively expanding into the defense sector and plans to bid for multibillion-dollar Department of Defense initiatives, such as Golden Dome [2]

Core Viewpoint - Amaero Ltd has secured a US$3.0 million purchase order from Titomic Limited for refractory alloy powders, under a 5-year exclusive supplier and development agreement aimed at supporting defense and aerospace applications [1][2]. Group 1: Agreement and Financials - The purchase order is part of a previously announced agreement that includes Amaero contributing US$1.5 million towards development expenses for a program with a leading defense contractor [2]. - Powder shipments are expected to occur in Q3 and Q4 of FY2026, aligning with Titomic's development program [2]. Group 2: Strategic Collaboration - The collaboration combines Amaero's expertise in atomization technology with Titomic's cold spray applications, positioning both companies to address critical manufacturing challenges in defense and aerospace sectors [2][3]. - This partnership is designed to enhance the domestic supply of refractory and titanium alloy powders, addressing material continuity issues in mission-critical markets [3]. Group 3: Leadership Insights - Amaero's Chairman and CEO emphasized the strategic nature of partnerships, selecting collaborators that complement Amaero's core competencies and market position [4]. - The agreement with Titomic is highlighted as a significant opportunity to overcome technical challenges and supply chain issues in manufacturing [5]. Group 4: Industry Context - The collaboration is seen as essential for national security and manufacturing objectives, aiming to build robust capabilities and accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies [3]. - The partnership ensures that the powders used in initial demonstrations will be the same as those qualified for production, enhancing supply chain confidence for defense contractors [5].