7 stocks worth exploring amid the buzz over commercial space voyages

Highlights

• Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) net earnings were US$1.8 billion in Q2, FY21.
• Maxar Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: MAXR) revenue was US$473 million in Q2, 2021.
• The revenue of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) ticked up 3% YoY in Q2, FY21.

Space stocks have been in focus after the recent successes of space flights. Tesla founder Elon Musk-backed SpaceX’s all-civilian crew mission this week has raised the bar for future travel. Besides, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic are also making significant strides in commercial space travel. However, there is more to these stocks than just space travel. Here we explore seven space stocks drawing attention.

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Maxar Technologies, Inc (NYSE: MAXR)

It is based in Colorado and manufactures products related to satellite, on-orbit servicing satellites, earth observation, and radar. The stock traded at US$30.29 at 1:13 pm ET on Sep 17, up 1.58 percent from the previous closing price.

Its market cap is US$2.20 billion, the forward P/E one year is -213.00, and the EPS is US$-0.01. Maxar’s annual dividend is US$0.04. The 52-week highest and lowest stock prices were US$58.75 and US$21.05, respectively. The stock went up by 17.85 percent YTD.

Maxar’s revenue rose from US$439 million in Q2 FY21 to US$473 million in Q2 FY21. Its net income was US$45 million against US$306 million in Q2 FY20.

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Source: Pixabay

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT)

The Maryland-based aerospace company develops satellites and space transportation systems. It also manufactures aircraft, air missile systems, and helicopters for the military. The stock traded at US$341.30 at 1:19 pm ET on September 17, down 0.06 percent from the previous close. The LMT stock declined by 0.91 percent YTD.

Lockheed’s market cap is US$94.65 billion, the P/E ratio is 13.4, and the forward P/E one year is 14.56. The EPS and the annual dividend are US$25.51 and US$10.40, respectively.

Lockheed’s net sales rose from US$16.22 billion in Q2, 2020, to US$17 billion in Q2, 2021.

The net earnings were US$1.8 billion or US$6.52 per diluted share, compared to US$1.6 billion, or US$5.79 per diluted share in the same quarter of the previous year.

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Astra Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTR)

It is a California-based satellite launch services company. It provides services are for weather monitoring, earth observation, and navigation, etc.

The stocks traded at US$9.695 at 1:24 pm ET on September 17, up 3.47 percent over the September 16 closing prices. The stock price fell by 8.14 percent YTD. 

Astra has a market cap of US$2.5 billion. The forward P/E one year is -15.62.

Astra’s total operating loss was US$29.90 million in Q2, FY21, against a loss of US$11.08 million in the previous year's Q2. It reported a net loss of US$31.29 million against a loss of US$8.82 million in Q2, FY20.

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Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE)

This company is based in California and designs and builds commercial spaceships and related technologies. Its stocks traded at US$25.97 at 1:30 pm ET on September 17, up 6.04 percent over the September 16 closing price. The stock gained 5.51 percent YTD. It has a market cap of US$6.67 billion, the forward P/E one year of -16.77, and an EPS of US$-1.59.

The company reported a revenue of US$571,000 in Q2, FY21. Its net loss came in at US$94.04 million, compared to a loss of US$71.97 million in Q2, FY20. 

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Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC)

The company is based in Virginia and builds military weapons systems, including missiles, fighter aircraft, and other weapon systems. Its stock traded at US$350.63 at 1:35 pm ET on Sep 17, up 0.28 percent from the previous closing price. The stock went up by 18.63 percent YTD.

Northrop’s revenue surged 3 percent YoY to US$9.1 billion in Q2, 2021. The net earnings in the period were US$1.04, representing an increase of 3 percent from Q2, FY20.

Northrop’s market cap is US$56.11 billion, the P/E ratio is 12.65, and the forward P/E one year is 14.08. Its EPS is US$27.71, and the annual dividend is US$6.28.

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Iridium Communications Inc (NASDAQ: IRDM)

The Virginia-based company provides satellite communication services to governments and commercial clients. It operates 66 satellites. The stock traded at US$45.02 at 1:42 pm ET on Sep 17, up 1.40 percent from the previous close. The stock value went up by 14.55 percent YTD.

Iridium’s revenue increased from US$140.17 million in Q2, FY20, to US$149.91 million in Q2, FY21. The net income was US$3.83 million against a loss of US$12.42 million in Q2, FY20.

Its market cap is US$5.95 billion, the forward P/E one year is -444.00, and the EPS is US$-0.10.

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Source: Pixabay

L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LHX)

This company is based in Florida and provides sensors, space payloads, mission solutions, cyber defense, electronic warfare systems, etc. The stock traded at US$222.52 at 1:47 pm ET on Sep 17, up 0.67 percent from its previous close. The stocks rose 22.5 percent YTD.

On a GAAP basis, the company's revenue rose 5 percent YoY to US$4.66 billion in Q2, FY21. Its net income was US$413 million against US$278 million in Q2, FY20.

L3Harris’ market cap is US$44.72 billion, the P/E ratio is 31.13, and the forward P/E one year is 16.96. Its EPS is US$7.15, and the annual dividend is US$4.08.

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Bottomline

Space technology stocks are in the limelight as a flurry of activities in the sector over the past few months have drawn investors’ attention. SpaceX’s mission carrying an all-civilian crew into space on September 15 has grabbed the world headlines. Analysts expect more investments in the sector with the recent strides in space voyages. However, investors should evaluate the stocks carefully before investing.