Intuitive Machines (LUNR) Stock Surges After Sharp Sell-Off: What's Going On?

Intuitive Machines Inc (NASDAQ:LUNR) shares are trading higher Thursday, recovering some of the sharp losses seen in the previous session after the company unveiled sizable equity financing.

The move comes despite no fresh company-specific headlines, suggesting investors are reassessing Wednesday's sell-off and the implications of the deal for the space infrastructure firm.

Here’s what investors need to know.

• Intuitive Machines stock is surging to new heights today. Why are LUNR shares rallying?

Capital Raise Funds Space Network Expansion

On Wednesday, LUNR sank after Intuitive Machines announced a $175 million strategic equity investment led by institutional investors, structured as an issuance of new Class A common stock.

The capital raise is intended to accelerate development of the company's Near Space Network Services and Lanteris satellite platforms, part of a broader effort to build a communications network connecting Earth orbit with the moon and, eventually, Mars.

Financing Fuels Growth, Adds Dilution Risk

While the financing supports Intuitive Machines' long-term growth ambitions and could help it secure more recurring government and commercial contracts, the offering introduces near-term dilution risk for existing shareholders and heightens the pressure on management to execute on complex lunar and deep-space projects.

Any delays, cost overruns or contract setbacks could weigh on future returns.

Late-2025 Breakout Lifts Moving Averages

Over the past year, Intuitive Machines has traded between a low of $6.48 and a high of $22.81, with shares spending much of 2025 oscillating around the $10–$13 area.

After moving mostly sideways through mid-2025, the stock broke out sharply late in the year, lifting the price and short-term moving averages above the longer-term 200-day trend line.

LUNR Earnings Due March

Intuitive Machines is slated to provide its next financial update on March 19.

• EPS Estimate: Loss of 5 cents (Up from $-2.08)
• Revenue Estimate: $53.34 million (Down from $54.66 million)

Buy Rating With Rising Targets

Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy Rating with an average price target of $18.00. Recent analyst moves include:

• Keybanc: Overweight (Raises Target to $26.00) (Jan. 28)
• Canaccord Genuity: Buy (Raises Target to $22.50) (Jan. 12)
• Stifel: Downgraded to Hold (Raises Target to $20.00) (Jan. 9)

LUNR Shares Surge Thursday

LUNR Price Action: Intuitive Machines shares were up 10.76% at $17.61 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

Image: Shutterstock