Go to the list of all blogs
Sergey Savastiouk's Avatar
published in Blogs
Oct 20, 2020
Virgin Galactic (SPCE, $23.07) shares jump on short-sellers' comment

Virgin Galactic (SPCE, $23.07) shares jump on short-sellers' comment

Spaceflight company Virgin Galactic Holdings  shares climbed Tuesday, after short seller Jim Chanos reportedly said he would go long on any space company that has gone public.

Jim Chanos, president and founder of Kynikos Associates of New York, made the comment at Grant’s Fall 2020 conference in New York City, (Reuters reported.)

In interviews, Chanos has described his investment strategy focused on fundamental failures in market valuation, from underestimated or unreported failings in the business or the market of a particular stock.

On Monday, Virgin Galactic President Mike Moses told New Mexico state lawmakers that the first test space flight from Spaceport America will take place sometime this fall. That step is expected to be the final step towards taking paying customers into space, (according to KOB News).

In August, Virgin Galactic reported  a net loss of -$63 million, or -30 cents a share, compared to the year-ago period’s  loss of -$41 million, or -23 cents a share. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected a loss of -26 cents a share.

Tickeron's analysis shows: a 'Buy' rating for SPCE.

Momentum Indicator for SPCE turns positive, indicating new upward trend

SPCE saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on September 28, 2020. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 13 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 13 of the 13 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 90%.

Current price $23.12 is above $20.77 the highest resistance line found by A.I. Throughout the month of 09/17/20 - 10/19/20, the price experienced a +33% Uptrend. During the week of 10/12/20 - 10/19/20, the stock enjoyed a +11% Uptrend growth.

Technical Analysis (Indicators)

Bullish Trend Analysis

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SPCE just turned positive on September 28, 2020. Looking at past instances where SPCE's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 6 of 7 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.

SPCE moved above its 50-day Moving Average on September 28, 2020 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.

The 10-day Moving Average for SPCE crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 05, 2020. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 3 of 3 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.

Following a +5.45% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SPCE advanced for three days, in 53 of 57 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.

The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 51 of 64 cases where SPCE Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 80%.

Bearish Trend Analysis

The 10-day RSI Indicator for SPCE moved out of overbought territory on October 09, 2020. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 8 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 6 of the 8 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 75%.

The Stochastic Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 2 days. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.

Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where Apple declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 84%.

SPCE broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 28, 2020. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.

Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)

Tickeron has a positive outlook on this ticker and predicts a further increase by more than 4.00% within the next month with a likelihood of 74%. During the last month, the daily ratio of advancing to declining volumes was 2.42 to 1.

The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 3 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.

The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SPCE’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.

The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 99 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: SPCE's P/B Ratio (13.55) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.69). P/E Ratio (433.86) is within average values for comparable stocks, (190.53). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.00) is also within normal values, averaging (2.02). Dividend Yield (0.00) settles around the average of (0.63) among similar stocks. SPCE's P/S Ratio (4511.81) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (96.30).

The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.

The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SPCE’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 72, placing this stock worse than average.

Related Ticker: SPCE

Contributor

Sergey Savastiouk, Ph.D. has a degree in Applied Mathematics from Moscow University and has extensive experience as an entrepreneur, investor, manager, and mathematician. His professional expertise is in applied mathematics, mathematical modeling, system and pattern analysis, and software and hardware system integration. He has served as the CEO of several hi-tech start-up companies and nonprofit organizations, which has given him proven capabilities in business strategy for high-tech start-up companies, market assessment, company formation, team building, product development, marketing, and sales. He has published numerous articles in journals and magazines on related fields. As a retail investor, he spent 15 years developing his proprietary trading and quantitative algorithms (now Tickeron’s A.I.), which brought him significant returns in trading the stock market. His current work and goal in founding Tickeron is to bring professional, sophisticated stock market analysis capabilities to retail investors via an easy-to-use interface.


SPCE in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on August 14, 2026

The 10-day moving average for SPCE crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on August 14, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .

Price Prediction Chart

Technical Analysis (Indicators)

Bullish Trend Analysis

The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. of 75 cases where SPCE's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are .

SPCE moved above its 50-day moving average on August 11, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.

Following a 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SPCE advanced for three days, in of 226 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are .

The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In of 108 cases where SPCE Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are .

Bearish Trend Analysis

The 10-day RSI Indicator for SPCE moved out of overbought territory on August 13, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 21 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In of the 21 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at .

The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on August 21, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on SPCE as a result. In of 75 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for SPCE turned negative on August 25, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at .

Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SPCE declined for three days, the price rose further in of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are .

SPCE broke above its upper Bollinger Band on August 10, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.

Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)

The Tickeron Seasonality Score of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.

The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SPCE’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.

The Tickeron Valuation Rating of (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.163) is normal, around the industry mean (6.466). P/E Ratio (0.000) is within average values for comparable stocks, (56.708). SPCE's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.000) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.929). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.017) among similar stocks. SPCE's P/S Ratio (232.558) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (18.873).

The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.

The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.

The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SPCE’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 75, placing this stock worse than average.

Notable companies

The most notable companies in this group are GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE), Boeing Company (NYSE:BA), Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT), Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:NOC), Virgin Galactic Holdings (NYSE:SPCE).

Industry description

Aerospace & Defense is one of largest industries in the U.S., mainly comprising the following areas: commercial airliners, military aircraft, missiles, space, and general aviation. Focused heavily on research & development, it is also one of the fastest growing industries. Military aircraft has the largest market share in the industry’s sales, followed by space systems, civil aircraft, and missiles. Aerospace exports, directly and indirectly, support more jobs than the export of any other commodity, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation and General Electric Company are some of the most prominent players in this space.

Market Cap

The average market capitalization across the Aerospace & Defense Industry is 40.94B. The market cap for tickers in the group ranges from 4.49 to 1.95T. SPCX holds the highest valuation in this group at 1.95T. The lowest valued company is BDRPF at 4.49.

High and low price notable news

The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the Aerospace & Defense Industry was -3%. For the same Industry, the average monthly price growth was -10%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10%. FBDT experienced the highest price growth at 11%, while VWAV experienced the biggest fall at -34%.

Volume

The average weekly volume growth across all stocks in the Aerospace & Defense Industry was 0%. For the same stocks of the Industry, the average monthly volume growth was -39% and the average quarterly volume growth was 73%

Fundamental Analysis Ratings

The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows

Valuation Rating: 46
P/E Growth Rating: 69
Price Growth Rating: 65
SMR Rating: 78
Profit Risk Rating: 75
Seasonality Score: 3 (-100 ... +100)
Related Portfolios: AEROSPACE DEFENSE 2
View a ticker or compare two or three
SPCE
Daily Signal:
Gain/Loss:
Interact to see
Advertisement
A.I.Advisor
published price charts
Last 5 trading days
A.I. Advisor
published General Information

General Information

a holding company, which engages in the business of owning and operating privately built spaceships

Industry AerospaceDefense

Profile
Details
Industry
N/A
Address
1700 Flight Way
Phone
+1 949 774-7640
Employees
805
Web
https://www.virgingalactic.com
Interact to see
Advertisement
Exxon Mobil is a global energy giant with roughly 324 billion dollars in trailing revenue, around 29 billion dollars in earnings, record production near 4.7 million barrels per day, and a long runway of projects in Guyana, the Permian, LNG and carbon capture. The Iran war has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and could keep a 10–20 dollar‑per‑barrel risk premium in crude if tensions stay high, which would generally be positive for XOM’s upstream earnings and refining margins.
Chevron is a global integrated oil and gas major with growing production, a strong balance sheet, and significant exposure to long‑life projects in the Permian, LNG, and Venezuela, aiming for structurally higher cash flows through 2026 and beyond. The Iran war has increased the probability of supply disruptions or perceived risk in the Gulf, and several analysts warn that Brent could move above 100 dollars per barrel if Hormuz traffic is impaired, which would generally be supportive for Chevron’s earnings and free cash flow.
Shell is a diversified global major with roughly 266.9 billion dollars in trailing revenue, 17.8 billion dollars in earnings, a 3.5% dividend yield, and an active buyback program, trading at about 13 times earnings near its 52‑week high. The Iran war materially raises the risk of disruptions or perceived threats around the Strait of Hormuz, which could push oil well above 80–100 dollars per barrel and tighten LNG markets, a setup that is generally supportive for Shell’s upstream and LNG businesses.
LMT is a defense heavyweight with roughly 75 billion dollars in annual revenue, about 5 billion dollars in earnings, and a backlog above 190 billion dollars spanning fighters, missiles, space, and sustainment contracts that support long‑term cash flow. The U.S.–Iran war has triggered a classic “flight to defense,” with sector ETFs and names like Lockheed rallying as investors price in higher defense spending, missile restocking, and elevated geopolitical risk for years to come.
NOC is a defense heavyweight with about 42 billion dollars in annual revenue, 4.18 billion dollars in earnings, and key growth programs in the B‑21 bomber, Sentinel ICBM, missile defense, and space, which are all strategically prioritized in U.S. and allied budgets. The Iran war has reinforced a rotation into defense stocks as investors expect elevated military spending, ammunition and missile restocking, and sustained demand for advanced systems, and commentary specifically cites Northrop as a likely beneficiary.
RTX is a broad aerospace and defense leader with about 88.6 billion dollars in 2025 revenue, 6.73 billion dollars in earnings, and a 268 billion dollar backlog spanning commercial and defense programs that support multi‑year growth. Management guides to 92–93 billion dollars in 2026 sales, adjusted EPS of 6.60–6.80, and free cash flow of 8.25–8.75 billion dollars, with analysts expecting roughly 6% EPS growth to around 6.67 dollars in 2026.
Delta is the most profitable major U.S. airline, with 2025 operating revenue of 58.3 billion dollars, adjusted EPS of 5.82 dollars, 12% ROIC, and manageable leverage, and it is guiding to 2026 EPS of 6.50–7.50 dollars and 3–4 billion dollars of free cash flow. The Iran war is pushing oil and jet fuel prices higher, with jet fuel benchmarks up about 22% this year amid fears over flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and long‑haul routes across the region are being rerouted, raising costs and causing disruptions.
GD produces business jets, combat vehicles, IT and mission systems, and submarines, with 2025 revenue of 52.55 billion dollars, net income of 4.21 billion dollars, EPS of 15.45, and a sizable backlog near 118 billion dollars that underpins future growth.​ The Iran war has boosted interest in defense stocks; sector ETFs are up double digits this year and analysts emphasize that long‑duration maintenance and modernization contracts can support cash flows even after the conflict cools.
HII is the dominant U.S. Navy shipbuilder, focused on aircraft carriers, submarines, and other major naval vessels, with about 12.0 billion dollars in trailing revenue, 569 million dollars in net income, and EPS of 14.50. The Iran war and threats around the Strait of Hormuz highlight the importance of naval and missile-defense capabilities; reports show interceptor stocks being depleted and stress that keeping sea lanes open will likely require sustained naval investment where HII is a key contractor.
United is a large global carrier with a premium‑focused “United Next” strategy that upgauges to larger, more fuel‑efficient aircraft and adds premium seats to improve margins over the next several years. The Iran war has forced widespread Middle East airspace closures, creating thousands of cancellations, diversions, longer flight times, and higher fuel burn; analysts warn of higher fares and air‑freight rates if the conflict persists.
GE Aerospace is a focused aviation and defense company with two major segments—commercial engines and services, and defense and propulsion—earning most of its profits from long‑duration engine service on an installed base near 80,000 engines. Revenue and earnings growth have been strong, with recent quarterly revenue above 11 billion dollars, up high‑teens year over year, and net income over 2 billion dollars; management guides to 2026 EPS of 7.10–7.40 dollars, well above this year’s roughly 5.4‑dollar consensus.
Shares of Citigroup (C) declined approximately 5.17% in the most recent completed trading session, closing at $110.19 versus a prior close of $116.19. The primary catalyst was hotter-than-expected U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) data, stoking fears of persistent inflation and a reduced likelihood of near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts.
AVAV surged +16.83% in Monday's session, trading at $294.70 compared to Friday's closing price of $252.25 — a gain of $42.45 per share. The primary catalyst was a powerful confluence of geopolitical demand and corporate developments: the escalating U.S.-Iran military conflict dramatically amplified investor focus on AeroVironment's loitering munitions portfolio.
Shares of Venture Global surged approximately +16.61% on March 2, 2026, closing at $11.30 compared to the prior close of $9.69. The primary catalyst was a stronger-than-expected Q4 2025 earnings report, with GAAP EPS of $0.41 beating the consensus estimate of $0.36 by $0.05.
Shares of CCL plunged 10.11% in Monday's session, falling from a prior close of $31.55 to $28.36. The primary catalyst was a coordinated U.S. and Israeli military strike on Iran over the weekend, causing crude oil prices to surge approximately 8–9% and triggering a global risk-off selloff.
ADT shares dropped sharply — falling as much as 13.4% intraday and hitting a new 52-week low of $6.65 — after reporting Q4 2025 results before the Monday open. Fourth-quarter revenue and guidance both missed analyst expectations, overshadowing an earnings-per-share beat.
Shares of Karman Holdings surged approximately +13.00% in Monday's session, closing near $99.57, up from a prior close of $88.11. The primary catalyst was the release of the company's fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results, which showed strong revenue growth and exceeded top-line expectations.
Netflix dropped out of a months‑long bidding war for Warner Bros Discovery after Paramount/Skydance raised their offer, and Netflix refused to match it, saying the new price was “no longer financially appealing.” The stock jumped roughly 10%+ on the news as investors read this as fiscal discipline—management chose not to overpay, which protects the balance sheet and future returns instead of chasing scale at any price.
SE shares plunged approximately 23% at Tuesday's open, marking one of the steepest single-session selloffs in recent company history. The primary catalyst was a severe Q4 2025 earnings miss: adjusted EPS of $0.63 fell well short of the analyst consensus of $0.80, a miss of roughly 21%.
Shares of Southern Copper Corporation (SCCO) are down 10.32% in Tuesday's session, trading at $196.27 versus the prior close of $218.85 — a single-day loss of $22.58 per share. The primary catalyst is a Bank of America downgrade issued on March 2, cutting SCCO from Neutral to Underperform, which triggered accelerating sell pressure into Tuesday's open.