11:03 AM EDT, 10/17/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Intuitive Machines ( LUNR ) has an "attractive risk-reward set-up" over the next three to six months as it stands to benefit from several upcoming catalysts in the commercial space sector, Deutsche Bank said in a report Friday.

The Houston-based space exploration company is positioned as a "secular winner" in efforts to prepare the Moon for human return missions, a strategic goal for the US and its allies in competition with China, the report said.

The company's shares have lagged "new space" peers since the IM-2 mission in February but could narrow that gap if the company secures key NASA contracts, including upcoming Commercial Lunar Payload Services and Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services awards, according to the note.

Deutsche Bank upgraded the company's stock to buy from hold with a price target of $18, noting that its more than $600 million in cash reserves position it strongly for future expansion through acquisitions.

Shares of Intuitive Machines ( LUNR ) were up nearly 4% in recent Friday trading.

Price: 12.28, Change: +0.45, Percent Change: +3.80