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Firefly Aerospace, Inc. (FLY)
NASDAQ:FLY
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Firefly Aerospace, Inc. (FLY) AI Stock Analysis

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FLY

Firefly Aerospace, Inc.

(NASDAQ:FLY)

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Underperform 37 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:37Underperform
Price Target:
$18.00
▼(-6.88% Downside)
Firefly Aerospace's overall stock score is heavily impacted by its financial performance and technical analysis. The company faces significant financial challenges, including negative profitability and solvency concerns. Technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, with the stock trading below key moving averages and showing oversold conditions. Valuation metrics are unfavorable due to the lack of positive earnings, further weighing down the score.
Positive Factors
Strong Backlog and New Contracts
A robust backlog of $1.3 billion, including significant contracts like NASA's Blue Ghost Mission 4, indicates strong future revenue potential and market demand.
Successful IPO
The successful IPO provides substantial capital, enhancing financial stability and enabling investment in growth initiatives, strengthening long-term prospects.
FAA Approval and Alpha Rocket Progress
FAA approval for the Alpha rocket's return to flight supports operational expansion and increased launch frequency, bolstering competitive positioning in the aerospace sector.
Negative Factors
Declining Profitability
Worsening net profit margins reflect operational inefficiencies and cost management issues, threatening long-term financial health and sustainability.
Negative Cash Flow
Persistent negative free cash flow indicates ongoing cash burn, which could constrain future investments and operational flexibility, impacting growth.
High Leverage and Negative Equity
High leverage and negative equity pose solvency risks, limiting financial flexibility and increasing vulnerability to economic downturns.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. (FLY) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFirefly Aerospace, Inc. (FLY) is an American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider, focused on developing and delivering reliable and cost-effective launch solutions for small payloads. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Caddo Mills, Texas, Firefly is dedicated to supporting the growing demand for small satellite launches across various sectors, including commercial, government, and scientific applications. The company's core product, the Alpha rocket, is designed to transport small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), while its future projects include the Beta rocket and additional technologies aimed at expanding access to space.
How the Company Makes MoneyFirefly Aerospace generates revenue primarily through the launch of small satellites for commercial and government clients. The company's revenue model consists of charging clients for launch services, which includes payload integration, transportation, and flight execution. Key revenue streams include contracts with various customers, including government contracts from agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense, as well as commercial agreements with satellite operators. Additionally, Firefly has formed strategic partnerships with other aerospace companies and organizations that enhance its capabilities and market reach. The company also aims to capitalize on the growing demand for satellite-based services by offering competitive pricing and reliable launch schedules, contributing to its overall earnings.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Sep 23, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 12, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects significant achievements such as a successful IPO, strategic partnerships, and a strong contract backlog. However, these are tempered by financial challenges, including decreased quarterly revenue and continued net losses, suggesting a mixed performance outlook.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Successful IPO
Firefly Aerospace completed a historic IPO, raising $1 billion in gross proceeds, marking it as the largest IPO by a U.S. space and defense company and one of the largest for any industrial company in the 21st century.
Blue Ghost Mission Success
Firefly successfully landed on the moon with Blue Ghost, sending back 120 gigabytes of data, supporting 10 NASA payloads, and continuing to develop subsequent missions with significant contracts from NASA.
FAA Approval and Alpha Rocket Progress
The FAA approved Firefly's Alpha rocket to return to flight, with plans to launch two more times within the year, indicating a ramp-up in flight cadence.
Strong Backlog and New Contracts
Firefly's backlog increased to $1.3 billion with new contracts, including a $177 million award for Blue Ghost Mission 4 and a $22 million contract from the Space Force for the Victus Soul mission.
Strategic Partnerships and Developments
Northrop Grumman invested $50 million into Firefly to advance production of the Eclipse rocket, with significant progress in engine testing and development milestones.
Negative Updates
Decreased Quarterly Revenue
The second quarter revenue was $15.5 million, a decline from $55.9 million in the first quarter, attributed to the success of Blue Ghost Mission 1 influencing previous revenue figures.
Continued Losses and Negative EBITDA
Firefly reported a non-GAAP net loss of $57.1 million for Q2, with an adjusted EBITDA of negative $47.9 million, reflecting ongoing financial challenges.
Free Cash Flow Concerns
Free cash flow remained negative at $37.3 million, indicating continuing cash burn despite improvements from the previous quarter.
Company Guidance
During Firefly Aerospace's second quarter 2025 financial results call, the company provided guidance on several key metrics. Firefly reported a second quarter revenue of $15.5 million, down from $55.9 million in the first quarter, mainly due to the successful launch of Blue Ghost Mission 1 in the first quarter. Their backlog increased to $1.3 billion, with a significant portion attributed to new contracts, including NASA's Blue Ghost Mission 4, valued at $177 million. Firefly also highlighted a gross margin of 25.7%, an increase from 4% in the previous quarter, driven by a customer-requested contract modification for Blue Ghost Mission 2. The company projects its fiscal 2025 revenue to be in the range of $133 million to $145 million. Firefly's adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was negative $47.9 million, slightly worse than the negative $47.1 million reported in the first quarter. The company ended the quarter with approximately $221.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, bolstered by nearly $1 billion raised from its IPO in August. Firefly also secured a $125 million revolving line of credit to support its growth objectives. As of the end of August, the company's cash position was approximately $1 billion.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Firefly Aerospace faces substantial financial challenges. Despite revenue growth, profitability metrics are declining, and the balance sheet reflects high leverage and negative equity. Cash flow issues further exacerbate the financial instability, highlighting the need for strategic financial restructuring and cost management.
Income Statement
30
Negative
Firefly Aerospace's income statement reveals significant challenges. The company experienced a revenue growth of 10.06%, which is positive, but the gross profit margin turned negative, indicating cost management issues. The net profit margin worsened to -380.20%, reflecting deeper losses. EBIT and EBITDA margins also deteriorated, highlighting operational inefficiencies.
Balance Sheet
25
Negative
The balance sheet shows a concerning financial structure with negative stockholders' equity, indicating potential solvency issues. The debt-to-equity ratio is negative due to negative equity, and the return on equity is misleadingly positive due to the negative equity base. The equity ratio is not calculable, but the overall leverage and capital structure pose significant risks.
Cash Flow
35
Negative
Cash flow analysis indicates declining free cash flow, with a negative growth rate of -11.52%. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, suggesting cash flow issues relative to reported losses. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is above 1, indicating that cash outflows are somewhat aligned with net losses.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023
Income Statement
Total Revenue71.40M60.79M55.23M
Gross Profit6.21M-11.37M26.60M
EBITDA-105.57M-198.22M-126.79M
Net Income-123.87M-231.13M-135.46M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets466.79M407.33M321.21M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments205.29M123.43M81.94M
Total Debt167.55M168.40M120.95M
Total Liabilities1.38B1.17B825.69M
Stockholders Equity-918.00M-767.62M-504.49M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-96.46M-190.35M-170.68M
Operating Cash Flow-84.62M-157.65M-93.43M
Investing Cash Flow-11.84M-32.70M-69.99M
Financing Cash Flow180.44M232.76M240.73M

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. Risk Analysis

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. disclosed 55 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Firefly Aerospace, Inc. reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
49
Neutral
$209.63M-91.98%-84.19%55.27%
46
Neutral
$27.31B-40.45%54.36%-26.35%
42
Neutral
$36.66M-0.50-157.68%-2.60%82.24%
41
Neutral
$12.22M-0.08-70.65%90.41%
37
Underperform
25
Underperform
$418.74M
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FLY
Firefly Aerospace, Inc.
19.33
-30.84
-61.47%
SPCE
Virgin Galactic Holdings
3.58
-2.64
-42.44%
MNTS
Momentus
0.97
-7.53
-88.59%
EVTL
Vertical Aerospace
4.21
-0.10
-2.32%
RKLB
Rocket Lab USA
49.61
36.10
267.21%
SIDU
Sidus Space, Inc. Class A
0.99
-1.46
-59.59%

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Firefly Aerospace Acquires SciTec Innovations for Growth
Positive
Nov 5, 2025

On October 31, 2025, Firefly Aerospace completed its acquisition of SciTec Innovations, a leader in national security technologies, for approximately $855.6 million. This acquisition, announced on November 5, 2025, enhances Firefly’s strategic growth by integrating SciTec’s defense software, big data processing, and classified facilities, thereby strengthening its capabilities in national security programs and expanding its talent pool with over 475 employees.

The most recent analyst rating on (FLY) stock is a Hold with a $27.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Firefly Aerospace, Inc. stock, see the FLY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Firefly Aerospace Acquires SciTec for $855 Million
Positive
Oct 6, 2025

On October 5, 2025, Firefly Aerospace announced its acquisition of SciTec, Inc., a leader in national security technologies, for $855 million. This strategic move aims to enhance Firefly’s capabilities in defense missions by integrating SciTec’s advanced software and data processing expertise, which will support Firefly’s space and defense services. The acquisition, expected to close by the end of 2025, will position Firefly to deliver more integrated solutions for national security, expanding its market reach and operational advantage.

The most recent analyst rating on (FLY) stock is a Buy with a $40.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Firefly Aerospace, Inc. stock, see the FLY Stock Forecast page.

Firefly Aerospace’s Earnings Call: Triumphs and Challenges
Sep 26, 2025

Firefly Aerospace’s recent earnings call paints a picture of both triumph and challenge. The company celebrated significant milestones such as a historic IPO and strategic partnerships, yet these achievements were contrasted by financial hurdles, including a decline in quarterly revenue and ongoing net losses. This mixed sentiment underscores a complex performance outlook for the company.

Firefly Aerospace Reports First Earnings Post-IPO
Sep 23, 2025

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is a space and defense technology company that provides launch, land, and operational services in space for both government and commercial customers. Known for its rapid response capabilities, Firefly is the only commercial entity to have successfully landed on the Moon and launched a satellite into orbit with a 24-hour notice.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresPrivate Placements and Financing
Firefly Aerospace Secures $176.7M NASA Contract
Positive
Sep 22, 2025

Firefly Aerospace announced its second quarter 2025 financial results following a historic IPO, highlighting a backlog increase to $1.3 billion and FAA clearance for its Alpha vehicle’s return to flight. Significant developments include a $176.7 million NASA contract for Blue Ghost Mission 4, a $50 million investment from Northrop Grumman, and a new contract with the U.S. Department of Defense for a 2027 mission. The company is ramping up production to meet demand for its launch services, with several Alpha vehicles in production and plans for the debut launch of the Eclipse vehicle.

The most recent analyst rating on (FLY) stock is a Buy with a $60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Firefly Aerospace, Inc. stock, see the FLY Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyProduct-Related AnnouncementsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Firefly Aerospace Receives FAA Clearance for Alpha Launches
Positive
Aug 26, 2025

On August 26, 2025, Firefly Aerospace announced that it has received FAA clearance to resume Alpha rocket launches after a mishap on April 29, 2025, during Alpha Flight 6. The investigation revealed that excessive heat from Plume Induced Flow Separation caused structural issues, leading to the mishap. Corrective actions, including increasing thermal protection and adjusting flight angles, have been implemented, and Firefly is now planning for Alpha Flight 7.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Nov 07, 2025