Virgin Galactic Soars as Investor Interest Rivals Tesla

(Bloomberg) -- Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc. is scoring its best monthly performance since going public more than two years ago as investor appetite for the space-tourism company heats up.

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas wrote in a Wednesday note that the bank is having more conversations about Virgin Galactic than “any other U.S. stock in our coverage with the possible exception of Tesla.” Shares of the Las Cruces, New Mexico-based company rose more than 8% in trading before the market open, on track to add to an eighth consecutive record close.

The stock has boomed 52% in the past nine days after struggling to win over investors following a move to the New York Stock Exchange in late October. This year’s 50% advance is even beating Elon Musk’s Tesla Inc., which has jumped more than 30% to its own record. Tesla shares have more than tripled from a June bottom as Wall Street piles on praise for the company.

Morgan Stanley’s Jonas says Virgin Galactic’s recent strength is due to steps toward the first commercial flight later this year and management engagement, which have combined to pique investor interest. With shares heading toward his $22 price target, Jonas highlighted that the bank’s bull case of $60 still holds more than 250% upside potential.

All three analysts that cover Virgin Galactic have a buy or equivalent rating, according to Bloomberg data. Jonas holds the Street’s highest 12-month price target, with the average sitting at $19, compared to Wednesday’s pre-market high of $18.78.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bailey Lipschultz in New York at blipschultz@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Catherine Larkin at clarkin4@bloomberg.net, Scott Schnipper

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