Rocket Lab Stock Is Gaining Monday: What's Going On?
Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:RKLB) stock traded higher Monday ahead of the space company’s second-quarter earnings, with investors weighing a major U.S. Space Force contract win against expectations for continued losses as Rocket Lab invests in its next-generation Neutron rocket.
The company recently won a $397 million contract to build and launch Flatellite spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force using its upcoming Neutron rocket. The contract also includes an option for the government to add more Flatellites.
The award adds to Rocket Lab’s growing defense and space systems business while putting more attention on Neutron’s development and launch timeline.
Rocket Lab Earnings In Focus
Rocket Lab is scheduled to report its second-quarter 2026 results after Monday’s market close.
Analysts expect the company to report a loss of 8 cents per share on revenue of $231.07 million. The revenue estimate falls within Rocket Lab’s previous guidance of $225 million to $240 million.
Beyond the headline numbers, investors will likely focus on the company’s revenue outlook, Neutron development and progress converting its growing contract backlog into sales.
Rocket Lab’s Recent Earnings Performance
Rocket Lab has delivered relatively narrow revenue surprises in recent quarters, while earnings results have shown more variation.
On May 7, the company reported a first-quarter loss of 7 cents per share, compared with an estimated loss of 8 cents. Revenue came in at $200.35 million, above the $189.81 million estimate.
On Feb. 26, Rocket Lab reported a loss of 9 cents per share, in line with estimates. Revenue of $179.65 million topped expectations of $178.07 million.
The sequential increase in revenue has raised the stakes for Monday’s report. Investors will be watching whether the company can maintain that growth while keeping losses under control as spending on Neutron continues.
Analysts Remain Bullish On Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab carries a consensus Buy rating with an average price forecast of $105.86, although analysts remain divided on how much upside the stock’s valuation leaves. Recent analyst actions include:
- KGI Securities: Upgraded to Outperform with a $107 price forecast on July 27.
- Piper Sandler: Initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and an $83 price forecast on July 16.
- Bank of America Securities: Maintained a Buy rating and raised its price forecast to $115 from $105 on June 30.
- Cantor Fitzgerald: Maintained an Overweight rating with a $96 price forecast on June 30.
- Citizens: Maintained a Market Outperform rating and raised its price forecast to $130 from $95 on June 30.
- Roth Capital: Maintained a Buy rating and raised its price forecast to $130 from $100 on June 30.
- Craig-Hallum: Maintained a Buy rating and raised its price forecast to $120 from $98 on June 30.
Price forecasts across 25 analysts vary widely, highlighting differing views on Rocket Lab’s valuation and the potential payoff from Neutron and its expanding space systems business.
ETFs With Rocket Lab Exposure
Rocket Lab also carries meaningful weight in several space and technology-focused exchange-traded funds.
The ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (BATS:ARKQ) has a 3.41% weighting in RKLB, while the ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF (NASDAQ:ARKX) has a 4.88% weighting. The Defiance Space and Connective Tech ETF (NASDAQ:UFOX) has a 3.70% weighting.
The exposure means significant inflows or outflows from those funds could translate into additional buying or selling of Rocket Lab shares.
RKLB Price Action
RKLB Stock Price Activity: Rocket Lab shares were up 3.90% at $86.06 during premarket trading on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Rocket Lab shares were up 2.87% at $85.21 in Monday premarket trading, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Photo via Shutterstock