Rocket Lab USA Inc (RKLB) Options

Citi trims Rocket Lab target, sees ‘enhanced buying opportunity’

https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/citi-trims-rocket-lab-target-sees-enhanced-buying-opportunity

Citi analyst Jason Gursky lowered the firm’s on Rocket Lab () to $33 from $35 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The firm says it hasn’t come across a space program that hasn’t been delayed, and Rocket Lab’s Neutron is no different, with first launch now slated for the second half of 2025. This represents a roughly 12-month push from original target, and it would not be a surprise us to see further delays as more testing is done, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Citi says the shares are likely to selloff following the news. It would use any weakness as an “enhanced buying opportunity” since it expects Neutron to eventually make it to market and “garner its fair share.”

Rocket Lab USA Inc (RKLB) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Revenue Growth and Strategic ...

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rocket-lab-usa-inc-rklb-074350897.html

Annual Revenue: $436 million, a 78% increase year-on-year.

Q4 2024 Revenue: $132 million, a 121% increase year-on-year.

Launch Services Revenue: $42.4 million for Q4; $125.4 million for the full year, a 74% increase year-on-year.

Space Systems Revenue: $90 million for Q4; $310.8 million for the full year, an 80% increase year-on-year.

GAAP Gross Margin: 27.8% for Q4; 26.6% for the full year.

Non-GAAP Gross Margin: 34% for Q4; 32% for the full year.

Total Backlog: $1.07 billion, with $386 million in launch backlog and $681 million in Space Systems backlog.

Q4 Operating Expenses: $88.4 million GAAP; $74.5 million non-GAAP.

Cash and Equivalents: $484 million at the end of Q4 2024.

Adjusted Loss: $23.2 million for Q4 2024.

Q1 2025 Revenue Guidance: $117 to $123 million.

Q1 2025 GAAP Gross Margin Guidance: 25% to 27%.

Q1 2025 Non-GAAP Gross Margin Guidance: 30% to 32%.

Q1 2025 Adjusted EBITDA Loss Guidance: $33 million to $35 million.

Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Signs with OPEN.

Release Date: February 27, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) achieved its highest annual revenue to date of $436 million in 2024, marking a 78% increase from the previous year.

The company successfully executed a record number of 16 launches in 2024, maintaining a 100% mission success rate.

Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) signed over $450 million in new contracts in 2024, strengthening its backlog to over a billion dollars.

The company made significant progress in its Space Systems segment, including the completion of twin spacecraft for NASA's escapade mission to Mars.

Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) is advancing its Neutron rocket program, with plans to address the medium launch market and support the deployment of an estimated 10,000 constellation spacecraft over the next decade.

Negative Points

The timeline for the Neutron rocket's first launch has been pushed to the second half of 2025, indicating potential delays.

Rocket Lab USA Inc (NASDAQ:RKLB) faces challenges with supplier dependencies, which have caused some delays in the Neutron program.

The company anticipates increased cash consumption in Q1 2025 due to Neutron-related investments and lower milestone payments.

There is some uncertainty in the industry regarding defense programs under the new administration, which could impact future contracts.

Gross margins in the launch business can be volatile quarter to quarter, influenced by customer mix and mission type.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you clarify the timing for the Neutron launch, as it seems to have shifted from mid-2025 to the second half of 2025? A: Peter Beck, CEO: We've adjusted the timeline slightly to allow more time for preparation, but we're only talking about a few months' difference. It's not a significant delay.

Q: What would you define as a successful launch for Neutron? A: Peter Beck, CEO: Our goal is to achieve orbit on the first flight. Anything less would not meet our expectations. Achieving orbit on the first attempt is challenging, but it's our target.

Q: How confident are you in launching Neutron this year, and how will the revenue mix shift between Space Systems and launch systems in 2026? A: Peter Beck, CEO: We're confident in launching this year, barring any major unforeseen events. Adam Spice, CFO: We expect the revenue mix to shift as Neutron launches begin. Initially, launch revenue will increase, but we aim for a long-term balance of 2/3 Space Systems and 1/3 launch.

Q: Can you discuss the cost advantages of your new satellite product, Flatite, compared to competitors? A: Peter Beck, CEO: Our vertical integration allows us to produce satellites quickly and cost-effectively. We have significant in-house capabilities, which gives us an edge in both speed and cost.

Q: What are the expectations for Electron's launch capacity in the coming years? A: Peter Beck, CEO: We aim to maximize launch capacity, with LC1 capable of 120 launches annually and LC2 at 12. The market demand will dictate the actual number of launches, but we continue to see growth in Electron sales year on year.

Woah wtf.

Maximum pain is $25 currently.

Looks like I was right, autch.

Wow yuuuuge drop to $16.

Since Oct 1.2024 , Cathie Wood's ARK funds have been heavy sellers of Rocket Lab.  However they still have a sizeable position that was purchased in early 2024.

Just in case anyone is wondering where the selling pressure is coming from.

Maybe MUSK wins here?..RKLB thrown under the bus?? unreal...

<< RKLB doesn’t have to deal with the FAA or lots of air traffic like SpaceX does. >>

While RKLB doesn’t have to deal with the FAA, it does have to deal with the New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA)(the equivalent of the FAA). RKLB submits detailed launch plans to the NZSA, which then coordinates with agencies like the CAA and Airways to ensure compliance with safety, security, and international obligations (e.g., ICAO standards).

The main issue with the FAA was that the Biden administration was using them to place unnecessary obstacles in front of SpaceX (FAA launch delays and environmental reviews) as part of a larger operation to snub Musk (FCC grant revocation for Starlink, DOJ lawsuit over hiring practices, refusal to allow the rescue of the Boeing Starliner crew, proposed taxation on Space launches), but now that Trump is in charge, hopefully it will be much easier and smoother for SpaceX.

I’m not sure but probably at least one, but at the same time, RKLB doesn’t have to deal with the FAA or lots of air traffic like SpaceX does. That’s why RKLB can do launch window after launch window. If SpaceX was smart it would buy RKLB just for the site. But Peter probably will never sell.

Wonder if we see Max pain $16-$19 here down the road.

>

Doesn't SpaceX have their own privately-owned launch site as well?

The Rocket Labs advantage is having full control over the only privately owns launch site in the World:

Bottom line is they have first and only priority at their own site and can launch whenever and how ever often they want instead of having to wait or get permission from others.

Head to X or stocktwits, you might fit in better there

I'm way down on my Jan 26 LEAPS, but at least I first got in the stock at about $11.50

..now $23's walk away wait for $30 imo.. RKLB$...

$24 dollars.. f it ..buy buy buy RKLB$...

BUY BUY BUY rklb$ $25, gl...

I got in at $11... bought some Jan 2026 LEAPS later, which are down quite a bit. Good thing I have 10 plus months for those to pay off.

buy..buy..buy RKLB$ on sale..only low $25's now ...

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the RKLB and Space lovers.

NEWS!

RKLB is on its way to Mars.

Should be good given all the successful rocket launches, satellite deployments, spacecraft deliveries, and contracts. This has been one of my most succesful and fun investments. I love watching the rocket launches and getting to SEE the results. I don’t know how anybody else feels, but I feel like I’m going to Mars knowing that I invested in a company that has equipment heading there. Doesn’t get any cooler than that.

In response to:

Common Stock is estimated to report earnings on 02/25/2025

RKLB

RKLB

Guilfoyle said he was boosting his price target to $39 from $33

https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/veteran-trader-reboots-rocket-lab-usa-stock-price-target

Looks like it has run out of fuel.

Might wanna look again.....

****BENZINGA CHOOSES $RKLB AS THE STOCK OF THE DAY****

🚀 🌕️ 🪐

Blast off!

Rocket Lab to Launch Global Wildfire Detection and Monitoring Mission for OroraTech

Rocket Lab will launch a dedicated Electron mission for first time customer OroraTech, helping to play a crucial role in protecting against wildfires globally

Long Beach, California. 22 January, 2025. – Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced it has signed a contract for a responsive launch on Electron with Orora Technologies (OroraTech), a German company developing a satellite constellation to monitor wildfires and alert first responders to danger.

Launching from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, the dedicated mission on Electron will deploy eight satellites to a 550km orbit within just four months from launch contract signing, enabling OroraTech to meet the season-sensitive requirements of its wildfire detection mission. The rapid turnaround is just the latest demonstration of Rocket Lab’s responsive launch capabilities for satellite operators needing urgent access to space.

OroraTech is developing a constellation of satellites with thermal infrared cameras that can provide 24/7 monitoring of wildfires globally, supporting better and faster wildfire response to protect forests, people, and infrastructure worldwide. The mission will deploy its latest plane of satellites called OTC-P1 to their current constellation, further expanding OroraTech’s capabilities to first responders, governments, and industry partners. The company will expand their constellation with up to 100 satellites in total by 2028.

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Sir Peter Beck, said: “This launch is a showcase of all the benefits of flying dedicated on Electron: control over schedule, agility and ability to meet tight deadlines and mission requirements, and the reliability of launching on the world’s most frequently launched small orbital rocket. Knowing that time is of the essence to get these satellites in space, we’re proud to be rising to the challenge and supporting the OroraTech mission to better monitor for and protect against these devastating natural disasters globally.”

The mission is the latest launch to be announced in a packed 2025 launch manifest for Rocket Lab that includes the continuation of multi-launch contracts with constellation operators Synspective, Kineis, and BlackSky;; a responsive space mission for the U.S. Space Force that will see Rocket Lab build a spacecraft, then launch it on Electron with 24-hours’ notice; and the debut launch of Rocket Lab’s new medium-lift reusable rocket, Neutron.

He is waiting for it to close the gap at $15….😬

Where is Laster LOL.

New ATH

Check that volume holy 😇 

$30+ - new all time highs today - congrats to all the LT holders here - IMO we have a lot more to go this year - GL2A.

Nice action - maybe break $30 today? Folks who got out kicking themselves I'm sure - ah, what can you do? LOL 

RKLB Rocket Lab price target raised to $35 from $22 at Citi

Citi raised the firm's price target on Rocket Lab to $35 from $22 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares as part of a Q4 earnings preview for the aerospace and defense group. The firm expects to hear positive commentary from commercial aftermarket suppliers in Q4, saying traffic looks poised to grow above trend in 2025, and from commercial original equipment exposed names as production rates head higher. Further, defense contractors will be "somewhat balanced," with positive commentary on demand from Europe, but some level of caution on the US given the Presidential transition, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Citi also expects to hear positive demand commentary from business jet and space exposed names. The defense stock selloff "looks overdone" as investors have become too cautious on the outlook for defense spending, the firm contends.

Trump bullish on inauguration speech mentioning putting the Stars and Stripes on Mars. 

Looks like it has run out of fuel. Common Stock is estimated to report earnings on 02/25/2025

Weekly Chart

Huge gap at $15. Space stocks out of favor right now. Spacex failure doesn’t help.
No Mars contract. Likely financing announcement in the next few months.
50-day MA at $22.50 and 200 day MA at $18.
Support line at around $20.
I think this stock will do well long term but for now I expect a move back to $20 or lower.
Anything under $20 and I will rebuy my $20 contracts but for a lot cheaper.
JMO.

RKLB is sending spacecraft to Mars and you are saying it failed to break $30? lol Does anybody understand what is happening here?

That’s hilarious. My target price is way higher.

Bullish

Bank of America analysts have identified Northrop Grumman (NOC), Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH), Rocket Lab (RKLB), Raytheon Technologies (RTX), and GE Aerospace (GE, Financial) as top defense stocks for 2025.

https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2659836/top-defense-stocks-for-2025-noc-bah-rklb-rtx-ge

I wish I could say I timed it perfectly but I have been in the stock for over 2 years patiently waiting and adding when it dropped.

78,000 shares? Wow

Don’t feel sorry for me. I have 78,000 shares at $6.80 a share. I’ll be okay if it retraces a little. I’m in it for 10 years, not 10 days like yourself.

LUNR trading better right now.
I go where the money takes me.
RKLB can’t hold $25.
It will need to find support at $22.50 and then $20. Worst case scenario is intra-day low of $18. I just don’t see any catalyst to move this back to $28-$30. Sorry my friend. It will be many months before it gets enough momentum to move back above $26.
JMO.

Do you even know anything about this company? Do you know what they have accomplished and what they are planning to do in the future?