Intuitive Machines Jumps 17.2% on Price-Target Boost, Plunges After Contract Loss
LUNR•Intuitive Machines stock jumped 17.2% after Cantor Fitzgerald raised its price target 65% to $43 on prospects of a $4.6 billion NASA lunar-vehicle award, then plunged 10% after missing out on the Lunar Terrain Vehicle contract. Sector-wide gains from SpaceX IPO euphoria have tempered the decline, but volatility remains elevated.
1. Price-Target Hike Spurs Rally
Cantor Fitzgerald increased its price target on Intuitive Machines by 65% to $43, driving a 17.2% share gain. The boost reflected expectations of a $4.6 billion NASA Lunar Terrain Vehicle award and the company’s guidance to reach $1 billion in revenue and profitability.
2. Contract Exclusion Triggers Sharp Pullback
Shares of Intuitive Machines reversed course, falling roughly 10% after NASA named other winners for its Lunar Terrain Vehicle program. The contract loss undermined the earlier rally and highlighted the stock’s sensitivity to government-awarded projects.
3. Sector Momentum and Ongoing Volatility
Broader space-industry gains fueled by SpaceX’s upcoming IPO and record highs in space ETFs have provided some support to Intuitive Machines. Despite sector euphoria, LUNR’s stock remains highly volatile as investors weigh both firm-specific setbacks and wider aerospace optimism.
