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Rocket Lab USA (RKLB)
NASDAQ:RKLB
US Market

Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) AI Stock Analysis

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Rocket Lab USA

(NASDAQ:RKLB)

Rating:56Neutral
Price Target:
$22.50
▼( -10.61% Downside)
Rocket Lab USA's overall score is driven by strong revenue growth and positive developments from its earnings call and corporate events. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in profitability, cash flow generation, and valuation, which weigh down the score. The technical analysis presents mixed signals, reflecting uncertainty in short-term price movements.
Positive Factors
Earnings
RKLB reported solid 1Q results with revenue and AEBITDA above consensus.
Government Contracts
The announcement further supports the case that RKLB is a trusted supplier to the government, providing stability as government customers are generally more reliable and sustainable than their commercial counterparts.
Growth Opportunities
Rocket Lab and Stoke Space were added to Phase 3 Lane 1 of the National Security Space Launch contract, expanding opportunities in national security-related launches.
Negative Factors
Neutron Development
Neutron has a history of delays and cost overruns, with current attention on large structures.
Revenue Guidance
2Q revenue and AEBITDA guidance is below consensus as the company ramps its maiden Neutron launch.
Space Force Strategy
The possibility of the Space Force forgoing the construction of the SDA Transport Layer in favor of acquiring services from companies like SpaceX poses a risk to RKLB's current and future contracts.

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

Rocket Lab USA Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionRocket Lab USA, Inc., a space company, provides launch services and space systems solutions for the space and defense industries. The company provides launch services, spacecraft engineering and design services, spacecraft components, spacecraft manufacturing, and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions; and constellation management services, as well as designs and manufactures small and medium-class rockets. It also designs, manufactures, and sells Electron small orbital launch vehicles and the Photon satellite platforms, as well as developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle; conducts remote launch activities; and designs and manufactures a range of components and subsystems for the Photon family of spacecraft and broader merchant spacecraft components. The company serves commercial, aerospace prime contractors, and government customers. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyRocket Lab USA generates revenue through several key streams. The primary source is its commercial launch services, where it charges clients for deploying their satellites into orbit using the Electron rocket. Additionally, Rocket Lab provides spacecraft components and systems, including satellite buses and propulsion systems, which are sold to various aerospace and defense clients. The company's Photon platform enables Rocket Lab to offer end-to-end space systems, including satellite operations and data services, contributing further to its revenue. Rocket Lab also engages in government contracts and partnerships, leveraging its expertise in space technology to support national defense and scientific missions, thus diversifying its income sources.

Rocket Lab USA Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue Value
Revenue Value
Reflects the total revenue generated, providing a clear picture of the company’s sales performance and market demand.
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 Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Rocket Lab USA demonstrates strong revenue growth, a positive indication of market demand and business expansion. However, profitability and cash flow generation remain significant challenges. High leverage and negative returns on equity add to financial risks, suggesting the need for strategic improvements in cost management and operational efficiency to achieve sustainable profitability.
Income Statement
55
Neutral
Rocket Lab USA has shown significant revenue growth, with revenues increasing from $244.6 million in 2023 to $436.2 million in 2024, a growth of approximately 78.4%. However, the company continues to face challenges with profitability as indicated by negative net profit margins (-43.6% in 2024) and negative EBIT and EBITDA margins. Despite strong revenue growth, the consistent losses suggest difficulty in achieving operational efficiency and profitability.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The company's balance sheet reflects a high debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 1.11 in 2024, indicating significant leverage. While stockholders' equity has decreased over time, the equity ratio remains relatively low at 32.3% in 2024. The Return on Equity is negative due to consistent net losses, highlighting challenges in generating returns for shareholders. Overall, the balance sheet shows a risky capital structure with high leverage and negative equity growth.
Cash Flow
45
Neutral
Rocket Lab's cash flow statement shows improvement in free cash flow from -$153.6 million in 2023 to -$115.9 million in 2024. However, the company still reports negative operating cash flow and a negative free cash flow to net income ratio, indicating challenges in cash generation from operations. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative due to operating losses, which poses a risk to financial sustainability.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
436.21M244.59M211.00M62.24M35.16M
Gross Profit
116.15M51.41M18.99M-1.89M-11.82M
EBIT
-189.80M-177.92M-135.20M-102.05M-54.95M
EBITDA
-151.80M-148.78M-105.26M-91.20M-44.59M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-190.18M-182.57M-135.94M-117.32M-55.01M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
418.99M244.77M471.79M690.96M52.79M
Total Assets
1.18B941.21M989.12M980.85M187.87M
Total Debt
424.37M176.69M152.78M128.43M27.30M
Net Debt
153.33M14.17M-89.73M-562.53M-25.49M
Total Liabilities
801.89M386.67M315.92M282.40M354.58M
Stockholders Equity
382.45M554.54M673.21M698.45M-166.71M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-115.98M-153.57M-148.95M-97.49M-52.88M
Operating Cash Flow
-48.89M-98.87M-106.54M-71.79M-27.76M
Investing Cash Flow
-98.33M12.02M-346.08M-92.13M-37.33M
Financing Cash Flow
256.68M7.37M2.04M799.94M21.48M

Rocket Lab USA Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price25.17
Price Trends
50DMA
20.58
Positive
100DMA
23.11
Positive
200DMA
17.96
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.32
Negative
RSI
61.99
Neutral
STOCH
90.01
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For RKLB, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 25.17 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 23.10, above the 50-day MA of 20.58, and above the 200-day MA of 17.96, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.32 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 61.99 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 90.01 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive 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 (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
DCDCO
75
Outperform
$1.03B29.215.25%3.02%95.76%
72
Outperform
$7.73B142.633.94%5.21%
64
Neutral
$4.46B11.945.17%249.36%4.00%-12.35%
56
Neutral
$12.00B-45.38%64.98%-10.52%
RDRDW
51
Neutral
$947.35M-451.56%1.36%-213.86%
48
Neutral
$167.55M-95.46%-34.33%52.30%
43
Neutral
$1.38B-148.98%-2.94%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
RKLB
Rocket Lab USA
25.17
20.95
496.45%
AVAV
AeroVironment
166.73
-30.48
-15.46%
DCO
Ducommun
68.13
10.28
17.77%
SPCE
Virgin Galactic Holdings
3.72
-14.35
-79.41%
EVEX
Eve Holding
4.30
-1.49
-25.73%
RDW
Redwire
11.53
6.75
141.21%

Rocket Lab USA Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 08, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 8.96%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 07, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Rocket Lab had a strong quarter with significant achievements in revenue growth, successful mission launches, and strategic initiatives such as the acquisition of Mynaric and selection for the DOD's high-value launch program. However, there were challenges such as a sequential revenue decline and negative operating cash flow due to continued investments. The focus on new product developments and a strong financial outlook for Q2 indicate a positive trajectory.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Quarterly Revenue
Rocket Lab posted a near-record quarterly revenue of $122.6 million, which is 32% up compared to last year and at the high end of their prior guidance.
Strong Launch Demand
Rocket Lab booked eight new Electron and HASTE missions for Q1 and successfully launched five missions with 100% mission success. Demand from customers exceeds 20 launches for the year.
Selection to DOD's High Value Launch Program
Rocket Lab was selected for the DOD's High Value Launch contract NSSL program, a competitive launch program for the Pentagon's highest priority missions.
Acquisition of Mynaric
Rocket Lab announced its intent to acquire Mynaric, a German company specializing in laser-based satellite communications, to strengthen their position in commercial, national security, and defense contracts.
New Space Systems Products
Rocket Lab introduced new products like STARRAY, modular solar arrays for satellites, and expanded their suite of Frontier Satellite Radios, showcasing their continuous innovation in space systems.
Positive Financial Guidance
For Q2 2025, Rocket Lab expects revenue between $130 million and $140 million, representing greater than 10% quarter-over-quarter growth.
Negative Updates
Sequential Revenue Decline
First quarter revenue declined 7.4% sequentially, attributed to a mix of lower-priced Electron missions and a reduction in the components businesses.
Negative GAAP Operating Cash Flow
GAAP operating cash flow was negative $54.2 million in Q1 2025, significantly down from negative $2.4 million in Q4 2024, driven by lumpy cash receipts and continued investment in Neutron.
Delays in Electron Reusability
Efforts on Electron reusability have been paused to prioritize Neutron's development, indicating a potential delay in advancing Electron's cost efficiency.
Company Guidance
During Rocket Lab's first quarter 2025 financial results call, the company reported near-record quarterly revenue of $122.6 million, reflecting a 32% year-over-year increase. The guidance for the second quarter anticipates revenue between $130 million and $140 million, with GAAP gross margins expected to improve to 30-32% and non-GAAP gross margins to 34-36%. The company highlighted the demand for its Electron and HASTE missions, booking eight new missions and launching five, all with 100% success. Moreover, Rocket Lab emphasized the strategic significance of its Neutron launch vehicle, which has been selected for the DOD's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, with the potential to bid for task orders valued at $5.6 billion by June 2029. Overall, Rocket Lab's focus on its launch and space systems programs highlights its competitive position in the expanding space industry.

Rocket Lab USA Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Rocket Lab USA Announces Holding Company Reorganization
Positive
May 8, 2025

On May 8, 2025, Rocket Lab USA announced a holding company reorganization to be effective by June 1, 2025, aiming to create a more efficient structure for growth and risk management. This reorganization will involve a tax-free merger, with Rocket Lab Corporation becoming the successor issuer, and is expected to streamline operations and align with U.S. Government security requirements. Additionally, Rocket Lab reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, with a 32% year-on-year revenue growth to $123 million, and provided a positive outlook for Q2 2025, highlighting its resilience and strategic expansions into new markets and acquisitions.

Private Placements and FinancingM&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Rocket Lab USA Announces $500M Equity Offering Plan
Positive
Mar 11, 2025

On March 11, 2025, Rocket Lab USA announced the filing of a prospectus supplement with the SEC for an ‘at the market’ equity offering program, allowing the company to offer and sell up to $500 million in common stock. The proceeds are intended to fund future growth, including potential acquisitions like the announced intent to acquire Mynaric, and for general corporate purposes. This move is expected to impact Rocket Lab’s operations by providing financial flexibility for expansion and strategic acquisitions, potentially enhancing its position in the space industry.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.