Virgin Galactic is one of the more exciting public companies in the market thanks to its impressive goal: flying everyday citizens into space. The company successfully launched a spacecraft into orbit in June 2023, but the stock hasn’t exactly matched those heights. Do SPCE shares have a big future? Read our Virgin Galactic stock price prediction to learn more.
Current Overview of Virgin Galactic Stock
Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. (NYSE: SPCE), the space tourism company founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, has had a turbulent 2024 due to sharp price declines and analyst apathy. As of Oct. 18, the stock has plummeted over 84% year-to-date, starkly contrasting the S&P 500’s nearly 24% increase during the same period.
Analyst sentiment toward Virgin Galactic remains mixed. Only two analysts have issued Buy recommendations, while the majority have rated the stock as a Hold or Sell. However, institutional ownership of the company exceeds 40%, indicating at least a moderate level of institutional confidence. Despite the stock's recent struggles, consensus price targets remain relatively high compared to the company’s current market price, suggesting that analysts believe the company has potential for future growth.
It's worth noting that Virgin Galactic has been a popular target for short sellers and meme stock enthusiasts and was one of the stocks that saw a short squeeze unfold during the saga of GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME). This increased interest has likely contributed to the stock's volatility and price decline and it remains to be seen how these factors will influence shares in the future.
Methodology for Stock Price Prediction
Predicting the stock price of an aerospace tourism company with goals as lofty as Virgin Galactic's is a complex task that requires careful consideration of various factors. Given its industry and potential regulatory hurdles, analyzing the company's financial and technical data requires more than typical tech stock analysis. Flying people into space on a commercial aircraft is unprecedented and determining the profitability of such an endeavor is full of uncertainties.
When forecasting Virgin Galactic's future stock price, we primarily relied on the following three concepts:
- Technical Analysis: Technical indicators can often predict short-term price movements. Analyzing patterns, volume changes and indicators like support and resistance can help identify potential trading opportunities. While technical analysis can be valuable for short-term predictions, fundamental factors should also be considered if you invest with a long-term outlook.
- Fundamental Analysis: Understanding Virgin Galactic's financial health is crucial for long-term investment decisions. Factors such as revenue growth, profitability, debt levels and investor sentiment provide insights into the company's prospects. For example, if Virgin Galactic announces an increase in ticket sales and reports a few successful spaceflight launches, the stock price could see a positive impact.
- Analyst Projections and Price Targets: Relying on analyst ratings and price targets can be helpful, as they provide expert opinions and consensus on the company's future. While individual analysts may have varying perspectives, their collective analysis can offer valuable information about expected price movements and long-term stability.
By combining these approaches, investors can make more informed decisions about Virgin Galactic's stock and assess its potential for long-term growth. No type of stock analysis will produce winners with 100% certainty, so combining multiple approaches is the best way to improve accuracy when learning how to buy stocks.
Virgin Galactic Stock Price Prediction for 2024
A good place to start for Virgin Galactic stock predictions is the current market price of $7.27. The stock has had a rough ride for most of the current year but seems to have found a bottom near the current price. Technical analysis indicates the maximum price is expected to reach $8.82, while the minimum is projected to remain around $7.10. The average stock price for December is anticipated to be $7.80, with the month ending at $8.17. This represents a change of 15.1%.
Overall, SPCE's stock price is expected to increase gradually throughout the rest of 2024. Anticipation of the company's spaceflights is growing and the company’s first commercial launch is expected to generate significant media attention and investor interest. Also of note is the current level of short interest: over 25% of the float is currently sold short, which is a level worth keeping an eye on for future short squeezes.
Virgin Galactic Stock Price Prediction for 2025
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a big one for Virgin Galactic stock. Investor confidence could also reach the stratosphere if the company can begin consistently scheduling commercial spaceflights. The company has seen revenue increases in 2024, but costs have also gone up and the firm reported a loss of $23 million in the most recent quarter.
Despite the expanding losses, analysts are mixed on the stock. Citizen space travel likely appeals to only the wealthiest clients initially and the company will need to battle for market share with private competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin. Price targets range from a high of $47 from Goldman Sachs to a low of $0.75 from Wells Fargo, so to say opinions vary is an understatement. The consensus price target from the 12 analysts tracked by Benzinga is $8.45, representing an upside of 14% from the current market price.
Virgin Galactic Stock Price Prediction for 2030
With analyst price targets looking more like dart throws than precise projections, calculating where the Virgin Galactic stock price will be in 2030 depends on their ability to get citizens home from space safely and efficiently. If commercial space travel becomes a lucrative stock sector, there’s no reason Goldman Sachs’s sky-high price target of $47 couldn’t be a reality by 2030. But remember, no company has ever attempted what Virgin Galactic is trying to accomplish. Even if it continues progressing toward the stars, volatility and uncertainty could keep SPCE stock grounded for long periods. Use caution and be sure to update your thesis if the company’s fortunes change.
Is Virgin Galactic Stock Right For You?
When considering an investment in Virgin Galactic stock, you’ll need to consider several key factors. The stock’s sharp 84% decline in year-to-date share price is evidence of the company's current challenges. Analyst sentiment remains mixed – only two out of 12 analysts rate the stock as a Buy and price targets are scattered across the landscape.
Additionally, the stock has a large amount of short interest, adding a potential element of short squeeze volatility given its popularity within the meme stock community. Speculative short interest in volatile stocks like SPCE can cause unpredictable price swings. However, despite these concerns, the consensus price target on SPCE shares still suggests a double-digit upside, offering hope for long-term investors who believe in Virgin Galactic's future trajectory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to buy Virgin Galactic stock?
Virgin Galactic has been a poor investment for much of 2024, due to a nearly 84% decline. However, the stock may have bottomed at its current level, so investors would be wise to follow the company’s news and upcoming earnings reports.
Does Virgin Galactic have a future in 2025?
Yes, the company has already made several successful launches and hopes to expand its services in 2025. Spaceflight could be an interesting addition to the travel sector.
How high will Virgin Galactic go?
Goldman Sachs’s most bullish analysis on Virgin Galactic is its Buy rating, which comes with a $47 price target. While analyst price targets vary in range and accuracy, this price is likely a good barometer of Virgin Galactic’s potential maximum price soon.
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About Dan Schmidt
Dan Schmidt is a finance writer passionate about helping readers understand how assets and markets work. He has over six years of writing experience, focused on stocks. His work has been published by Vanguard, Capital One, PenFed Credit Union, MarketBeat, and Fora Financial. Dan lives in Bucks County, PA with his wife and enjoys summers at Citizens Bank Park cheering on the Phillies.