Shares in space companies Rocket Lab (RKLB), Firefly Aerospace (FLY), Intuitive Machines (LUNR), and Planet Labs (PL) rose about 4% early Tuesday after rallying the previous day. This comes as analysts and retail investors are betting on aerospace and rocket giant SpaceX (SPCX). SpaceX is set to release its second-quarter 2026 earnings today, August 4, after market close.
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FLYT: an alternative to margin or options on FLYThe earnings release will mark SpaceX’s first as a public company. Notably, the company’s earnings will serve as an indicator of the health of the entire commercial space sector.
Why SpaceX’s Earnings Matter for the Space Industry
The rise in space stocks comes as shares in these companies have struggled this year. Investors have become increasingly intolerant of cash burn and high borrowing costs.
SpaceX itself has faced a sharp valuation revision. The rocket giant recently lost about $800 billion in market cap as its shares plunged.
The Elon Musk-led company’s Q2 performance is important not only to reassure SPCX investors but also the entire sector. It could dictate capital flow and how industry peers are valued.
Short Sellers Bet Against SpaceX Stock
Since listing on Nasdaq on June 12, SpaceX’s shares have fallen about 29%. The stock is also down by nearly 50% from its June peak of $225.64 per share.
On Wall Street, short sellers and options traders have bet more than $20 billion that SPCX shares will continue to fall. This is particularly relevant as the earnings release is expected to trigger a wave of stock lockup expirations.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has said 911.5 million shares owned by early investors will qualify for lockup expiration on August 6. This tranche accounts for 20% of eligible insider shares.
Retail Investors and Analysts Queue Behind SpaceX
Despite these trends, analysts on Wall Street have maintained a Moderate Buy consensus rating on SpaceX. According to TipRanks data, about 74% of analysts (or 23 analysts) consider SPCX Stock a Buy. In comparison, six have Hold, and two have Sell ratings.
What’s more, retail investors have also continued to pile into SpaceX stock, as the image below shows. Both trends appear to be contributing to improving sentiment for the space sector ahead of the earnings.
Which Space Stock Is the Best Buy?
Intuitive Machines (LUNR) currently offers the biggest upside of about 214% of the space stocks highlighted in this article. This is based on an average price target of $42.86 and a Strong Buy consensus rating.
