By Al Root

Firefly Aerospace stock headed to the moon in recent weeks -- in some ways literally.

But the company is taking advantage of recent trading to sell more stock. It's a reminder to investors that the stock market is still bound by some Earthly rules. Namely, stocks can't go higher forever.

Tuesday, Firefly stock soared 18.8%. Many space stocks rose, seemingly caught up in the SpaceX IPO fever. Rocket Lab stock rose 5.5%, leaving shares up 74% over the past month.

Firefly also got some good news from NASA, which is planning to build a permanent U.S. presence on the moon. In preparation, NASA will use drones to explore the lunar surface for suitable landing sites. NASA has chosen Firefly to build the spacecraft that will transport the drones from Earth orbit to the Moon in 2028. The lengthy process starts this year.

The moon base is an example of increased business for the commercial space sector, which has captured investors' hearts and minds recently. Still, many space start-ups, including Firefly, aren't profitable and need external capital to prepare for growth. Firefly isn't expected to be profitable or generate positive free cash flow until 2029, according to FactSet. Wall Street projects cash use of about $500 million between 2026 and 2028.

On Tuesday evening, Firefly announced plans to sell 4 million shares to raise additional funds. Existing shareholders are selling another 8 million shares.

More shares outstanding dilute existing shareholders, a situation that can pressure any stock. Existing shareholders taking profits can also unnerve investors.

Firefly stock was down almost 5% in after-hours trading at $55.95. Still, shares started the month below $35 a share.

Trading in Firefly and other space stocks has been wild lately.

Currently, Firefly stock trades for about 17 times sales estimated over the coming 12 months. That's expensive, but Rocket Lab stock trades for closer to 80 times sales.

Write to Al Root at allen.root@dowjones.com

This content was created by Barron's, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. Barron's is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

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May 26, 2026 17:57 ET (21:57 GMT)

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