Rocket Lab (RKLB) Is Up 9.5% After Winning CHIPS Act Grant and Expanding U.S. Semiconductor Production – Has The Bull Case Changed?

• In late August 2025, Rocket Lab announced major U.S. investments to expand its semiconductor manufacturing capacity, support supply chain security for space-grade solar cells and sensors, and completed the acquisition of Geost, aided by a US$23.9 million federal grant under the CHIPS and Science Act.
• This move highlights Rocket Lab’s rare position as one of only two U.S. companies specializing in high-efficiency, radiation-hardened space-grade semiconductors, strengthening domestic capabilities for national security space missions.
• We’ll now explore how Rocket Lab’s semiconductor manufacturing expansion could reshape its outlook for winning defense and space technology contracts.

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Rocket Lab Investment Narrative Recap

To be a Rocket Lab shareholder, you need to believe that the company’s aggressive push into vertically integrated space systems and core technology is setting it up to secure lucrative defense and government contracts, despite ongoing heavy spending and cash consumption. The recent expansion of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, backed by a US$23.9 million CHIPS Act grant and the Geost acquisition, is a positive development; however, its immediate impact on the key Neutron rocket milestone, and the present execution risk from program delays, appears limited.

Among recent announcements, Rocket Lab’s upcoming 70th Electron mission (“Live, Laugh, Launch”) showcases continued success in high-frequency orbital launches, reinforcing the recurring revenue catalyst from small satellite deployment. Nonetheless, this operational strength does not fully mitigate the risk of project “lumpiness” and volatile contract timing highlighted by management, as large, episodic national security awards remain pivotal to future revenue and margin targets.

But while these achievements offer momentum, investors should look closely at how the risk of irregular revenue recognition and contract delays could affect...

Read the full narrative on Rocket Lab (it's free!)

Rocket Lab’s outlook anticipates $1.3 billion in revenue and $113.4 million in earnings by 2028. Achieving this would require 37.5% annual revenue growth and a $344.7 million increase in earnings from the current loss of $-231.3 million.

Uncover how Rocket Lab's forecasts yield a $46.40 fair value, a 5% downside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

Sixty-seven Simply Wall St Community members set fair values for Rocket Lab between US$6.36 and US$60 per share. As you review these wide-ranging views, keep in mind that the company’s heavy reliance on major contract wins can mean pronounced swings in future results.

Explore 67 other fair value estimates on Rocket Lab - why the stock might be worth as much as 23% more than the current price!

Build Your Own Rocket Lab Narrative

Disagree with existing narratives? Create your own in under 3 minutes - extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd.

• A great starting point for your Rocket Lab research is our analysis highlighting 1 key reward that could impact your investment decision.
• Our free Rocket Lab research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Rocket Lab's overall financial health at a glance.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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