Virgin Galactic (SPCE +0.95%) wants to boldly go where no other company has gone before: It's pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers. The space tourism company is developing a system that would enable people to experience space travel.
While Virgin Galactic initially expected to begin commercial flights in 2020 and reach profitability the following year, neither has happened yet. However, it expects to start commercial flights from its Delta Class spaceships in 2026. It believes two ships can generate $450 million of annual revenue.
That catalyst could send the company's stock soaring in the coming years. This upside potential has many investors interested in buying the space stock. Here's a look at everything you need to know about Virgin Galactic stock and adding the aerospace stock to your portfolio.
How to buy Virgin Galactic stock
Anyone can become a shareholder of Virgin Galactic. The space tourism company came public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019 via a business combination with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) formed by venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya. Here's how to invest.
- Open your brokerage account: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments. If you don't have one yet, take a look at our favorite brokers and trading platforms to find the right one for you.
- Search for Virgin Galactic: Enter the ticker "SPCE" into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Should you invest in Virgin Galactic?
Before buying Virgin Galactic shares, you must decide whether it's the right investment for you. Your portfolio should align with your risk tolerance, return objectives, and values.
With that in mind, here are some reasons you might want to invest in Virgin Galactic:
- You think space travel is the next frontier and will drive robust revenue and profit growth for Virgin Galactic in the future.
- You're comfortable with the risks of investing in Virgin Galactic, including that shares could lose value.
- You don't think Virgin Galactic will have trouble funding its business.
- You don't need dividend income right now.
- You're confident Virgin Galactic will achieve its production schedule and generate revenue from its Delta Class spaceships in 2026.
On the other hand, here are some reasons you might decide against buying shares of Virgin Galactic:
- You don't think space tourism will be a viable long-term business.
- You're not sure Virgin Galactic will ever make money.
- You're seeking companies that pay dividends.
- You're concerned about Virgin Galactic's cash burn rate.
- You're worried that continued stock dilution will weigh on the value of its shares.
NYSE: SPCE
Key Data Points
Is Virgin Galactic profitable?
No. Virgin Galactic is still in the early stages of commercialization and remains far from profitability. Revenue is minimal while losses and cash burn remain significant.
In the second quarter of 2025, the company generated just $406,000 in revenue, down sharply from $4.2 million a year earlier due to a pause in commercial flights as it focuses on building its Delta Class spacecraft. That quarter also produced a net loss of $67.3 million, an improvement from the prior year thanks to lower operating costs.
Virgin Galactic used $55.4 million in operating cash during the quarter but ended with about $508 million in cash. Still, continued losses have forced the company to issue new shares, diluting existing investors. Profitability now hinges on successfully launching Delta Class commercial flights, currently targeted for 2026.
Does Virgin Galactic pay a dividend?
Virgin Galactic didn't pay dividends as of late 2025. The aerospace and space travel company wasn't yet in the position to start returning cash to investors because it's still investing heavily in building out its fleet. Its business still used more cash to fund its operations and capital expenses than it produced, so it likely won't initiate a dividend anytime soon.
How to invest in Virgin Galactic through ETFs
Being an active stock picker and managing a portfolio of individual stocks might not be right for you. The good news is you don't have to be an active investor. Thanks to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), anyone can be a passive investor these days. ETFs allow you to invest in a company through a thematic approach or broad market strategy.
Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF)
The bottom line
Virgin Galactic has enormous promise. The space tourism company believes it can generate meaningful revenue in 2026 when its first Delta Class spaceship enters service, giving its stock the fuel to rocket in the coming years.
However, Virgin Galactic is still a risky company. It's burning through cash and hasn't previously delivered on its bold commercialization plans. Investors must carefully consider whether it's worth the risk.
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