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Rocket Lab USA (RKLB)
NASDAQ:RKLB
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Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) AI Stock Analysis

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RKLB

Rocket Lab USA

(NASDAQ:RKLB)

Rating:57Neutral
Price Target:
$44.00
▲(2.33% Upside)
Rocket Lab's overall stock score is primarily influenced by its strong revenue growth and strategic acquisitions, which provide a positive outlook. However, significant challenges remain in profitability and cash flow, impacting the financial performance score. Technical indicators suggest potential for upward momentum, but valuation concerns due to ongoing losses weigh on the overall score.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
Rocket Lab reported a 36% year-over-year revenue growth, beating expectations.
International Expansion
Signs of international market penetration are evident as Rocket Lab was selected to launch a mission for the European Space Agency, indicating potential growth in international markets.
Strategic Acquisitions
The Geost acquisition marks Rocket Lab's entry into payloads, enhancing its chances of winning work on significant projects like Golden Dome and the PWSA Tranche 3 Tracking Layer.
Negative Factors
Project Delays
There are risks associated with the Neutron launch, as another delay into 2026 is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
Valuation Concerns
The valuation of Rocket Lab is currently high, trading at a near 30x NTM EV/Sales multiple, which warrants caution compared to its peers.

Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Rocket Lab USA Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionRocket Lab USA, Inc. is an aerospace company that specializes in providing launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite systems. The company operates in the space industry, focusing on the development and launch of small and medium-sized satellites. Rocket Lab's core products include the Electron rocket, a dedicated small satellite launch vehicle, and Photon, a satellite platform designed for on-orbit operations. Additionally, Rocket Lab offers end-to-end mission services, including satellite design, build, and operation.
How the Company Makes MoneyRocket Lab USA generates revenue primarily through its space launch services, which involve launching satellites into orbit using its Electron rocket. The company charges clients, including commercial enterprises, government agencies, and research organizations, for delivering their payloads to specific orbits. Rocket Lab's Photon satellite platform also contributes to its revenue by providing satellite design, manufacturing, and operational services. Furthermore, Rocket Lab earns income from providing spacecraft components, such as reaction wheels and star trackers, which are essential for satellite functionality, to various satellite manufacturers. Strategic partnerships and contracts with government entities, including NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, play a significant role in the company's earnings, securing a steady stream of revenue through long-term agreements.

Rocket Lab USA Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue Value
Revenue Value
Indicates the total revenue generated, providing a snapshot of the company's overall financial health and market position.
Chart InsightsRocket Lab's revenue trajectory reveals fluctuations with a recent decline, but the earnings call highlights a robust 32% year-over-year increase in Q1 2025, driven by strong demand for Electron and HASTE missions. Despite a sequential revenue dip and negative cash flow, the company's strategic focus on the Neutron launch vehicle and new product innovations positions it well for future growth. The anticipated revenue boost in Q2 2025 and selection for the DOD's NSSL program underscore Rocket Lab's competitive edge in the space industry.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Rocket Lab USA Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 07, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: -2.74%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 18, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted Rocket Lab's strong revenue growth and strategic acquisitions, particularly in the space systems segment. However, challenges remain with high R&D expenses and negative cash flow due to ongoing Neutron development. The focus on building out capabilities and expanding market opportunities provides a balanced outlook.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Revenue Achievement
Rocket Lab reported a record revenue of $144.5 million for Q2 2025, which was above the high end of prior guidance and represented a 36% increase year-over-year.
Successful Launch Operations
Electron completed 5 launches in the quarter, including a record turnaround with two launches in two days. The company is on track for 20 or more launches by the end of the year.
Strategic Acquisition
The acquisition of Geost, a maker of missile tracking satellites, is nearing completion, bolstering Rocket Lab's position as a comprehensive provider for national security.
Strong Space Systems Performance
Space Systems segment delivered $97.9 million in revenue for Q2 2025, a 12.5% sequential increase, driven by higher-margin component sales.
Positive Backlog and Future Outlook
Rocket Lab ended Q2 2025 with approximately $1 billion in total backlog, with launch and space systems contributing 41% and 59%, respectively. The company sees strong demand signals across its business.
Negative Updates
Elevated R&D and Operating Costs
The GAAP operating expenses were $106 million, above guidance, driven by Neutron development. R&D expenses increased significantly due to propulsion and production investments.
Negative Cash Flow
GAAP operating cash flow was negative $23.2 million for Q2 2025, though improved from the previous quarter. Continued elevated cash consumption is expected due to Neutron development.
Uncertain Neutron Launch Timeline
While aiming for an end-of-year launch for Neutron, Rocket Lab acknowledges potential delays due to remaining risks in propulsion and integration testing.
Company Guidance
During Rocket Lab's Q2 2025 earnings call, the company reported a record revenue of $144.5 million, a 36% increase year-over-year, exceeding their prior guidance. The GAAP gross margin expanded beyond expectations to 32.1%. The Space Systems segment contributed $97.9 million, while the Launch Services segment added $6.6 million. The company ended the quarter with approximately $1 billion in total backlog, with 41% from launch services and 59% from space systems. Rocket Lab is progressing with its acquisition of Geost, aiming to enhance its status as a comprehensive provider for national security. The company is also advancing its Neutron launch vehicle, expecting an end-of-year launch, and plans to build three vehicles next year. The Q3 2025 revenue guidance is set between $145 million and $155 million, with GAAP gross margins expected to improve to 35%-37%. Rocket Lab projects a continued elevated cash consumption due to Neutron development, with a focus on future operational scalability.

Rocket Lab USA Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Rocket Lab USA shows strong revenue growth but struggles with profitability and cash flow. The balance sheet indicates moderate debt levels, but ongoing losses highlight the need for improved operational efficiency and cash management.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Rocket Lab USA has shown consistent revenue growth, with a TTM revenue increase of 6.84% over the previous year. However, the company struggles with profitability, reflected in negative EBIT and Net Profit Margins, indicating significant operating and net losses. The gross profit margin is positive at 26.66%, but overall, profitability remains a challenge.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The company's balance sheet shows moderate financial leverage with a Debt-to-Equity ratio of 1.13, suggesting manageable debt levels relative to equity. However, the equity ratio is 34.36%, indicating a lower proportion of financing through equity. The return on equity is negative due to net losses, highlighting a need for improvement in profitability.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Rocket Lab USA's cash flow analysis reflects negative free cash flow, which has worsened over the periods, highlighting ongoing cash burn. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, indicating challenges in converting income into cash. The company may need to improve cash management to sustain operations.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue504.26M436.21M244.59M211.00M62.24M35.16M
Gross Profit146.45M116.15M51.41M18.99M-1.89M-11.82M
EBITDA-192.97M-153.02M-148.78M-104.83M-91.20M-44.59M
Net Income-231.31M-190.18M-182.57M-135.94M-117.32M-55.01M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.55B1.18B941.21M989.12M980.85M187.87M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments688.14M418.99M244.77M471.79M690.96M52.79M
Total Debt444.42M468.42M176.69M152.78M128.43M27.30M
Total Liabilities864.75M801.89M386.67M315.92M282.40M354.58M
Stockholders Equity688.49M382.45M554.54M673.21M698.45M108.25M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-204.06M-115.98M-153.57M-148.95M-97.49M-52.88M
Operating Cash Flow-110.77M-48.89M-98.87M-106.54M-71.79M-27.76M
Investing Cash Flow-71.25M-98.33M12.02M-346.08M-92.13M-37.33M
Financing Cash Flow405.79M256.68M7.37M2.04M799.94M21.48M

Rocket Lab USA Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price43.00
Price Trends
50DMA
38.38
Positive
100DMA
30.09
Positive
200DMA
26.32
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.22
Positive
RSI
49.77
Neutral
STOCH
27.47
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For RKLB, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 43 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 46.07, above the 50-day MA of 38.38, and above the 200-day MA of 26.32, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 1.22 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 49.77 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 27.47 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for RKLB.

Rocket Lab USA Risk Analysis

Rocket Lab USA disclosed 61 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Rocket Lab USA reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Rocket Lab USA Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
68
Neutral
$12.36B165.105.10%14.50%-29.76%
63
Neutral
$10.83B16.637.96%2.06%2.20%-16.67%
62
Neutral
$1.38B35.045.86%2.42%72.72%
57
Neutral
$20.82B-40.45%54.36%-26.35%
43
Neutral
$172.20M-91.98%-84.19%55.27%
43
Neutral
$1.78B-320.52%-30.78%
41
Neutral
$1.36B-45.35%-10.50%-230.68%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
RKLB
Rocket Lab USA
43.00
37.17
637.56%
AVAV
AeroVironment
254.81
67.98
36.39%
DCO
Ducommun
92.36
27.84
43.15%
SPCE
Virgin Galactic Holdings
3.04
-3.81
-55.62%
EVEX
Eve Holding
5.86
3.32
130.71%
RDW
Redwire
9.66
3.77
64.01%

Rocket Lab USA Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Rocket Lab USA Acquires GEOST for $275 Million
Positive
Aug 12, 2025

On August 12, 2025, Rocket Lab completed its acquisition of GEOST, a developer of electro-optical and infrared sensor systems for national security space missions, for $275 million. This acquisition enhances Rocket Lab’s capabilities in national security by integrating GEOST’s technologies, supporting initiatives like the Golden Dome for America and the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, and expanding its footprint in North America.

The most recent analyst rating on (RKLB) stock is a Buy with a $7.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rocket Lab USA stock, see the RKLB Stock Forecast page.

Shareholder Meetings
Rocket Lab USA Announces 2025 Annual Meeting Date
Neutral
Jun 9, 2025

Rocket Lab USA has announced that its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders will be held on August 27, 2025, a change of more than 30 days from the previous year’s meeting. Stockholders must submit proposals by June 19, 2025, to be included in the proxy materials, adhering to the company’s bylaws and SEC rules. This change in meeting date requires stockholders to adjust their proposal submission timelines, impacting their participation in the company’s governance.

The most recent analyst rating on (RKLB) stock is a Buy with a $7.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rocket Lab USA stock, see the RKLB Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Rocket Lab USA Acquires LightRidge for $275 Million
Positive
May 27, 2025

On May 22, 2025, Rocket Lab USA entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement to acquire all shares of LightRidge Interco Solutions Holdings, Inc., the owner of GEOST LLC, for $275 million. This acquisition marks Rocket Lab’s entry into the satellite payload segment, enhancing its position as a provider of end-to-end national security space solutions. The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2025, includes potential additional earnout payments tied to revenue targets. By integrating GEOST’s advanced electro-optical and infrared payloads, Rocket Lab aims to deliver complete, mission-critical space solutions, strengthening its role as a disruptor in national security space.

The most recent analyst rating on (RKLB) stock is a Buy with a $7.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Rocket Lab USA stock, see the RKLB Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 14, 2025