Rocket Lab Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 0/6
Rocket Lab's earnings have been declining at an average annual rate of -16.4%, while the Aerospace & Defense industry saw earnings growing at 20.2% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 42.5% per year.
Key information
-16.39%
Earnings growth rate
12.95%
EPS growth rate
| Aerospace & Defense Industry Growth | 5.38% |
| Revenue growth rate | 42.50% |
| Return on equity | -8.06% |
| Net Margin | -26.87% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • May 08
Rocket Lab: Best Space Play For 2026
Summary Rocket Lab Corporation delivered a record Q1 with $200.3 million in revenue, beating consensus and narrowing net loss to $0.07 per share. RKLB’s backlog surged 20% sequentially and 108% year-over-year to $2.2 billion, with strong bookings across all launch vehicles and strategic acquisitions accelerating vertical integration. Neutron’s timeline remains on track, with RKLB management emphasizing no discounting to fill manifests, countering bearish pricing concerns versus the Falcon 9. I'm reiterating my Buy on RKLB stock due to backlog momentum, near-complete vertical integration, and strategic positioning in national security and international markets. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • May 01
RKLB: National Security Payload Backlog Will Support Long Term Earnings Power
Rocket Lab's updated analyst price target of $105.00, down from $119.85, reflects analysts' higher revenue growth assumptions, slightly lower long term margin expectations, a modestly higher discount rate, and reduced future P/E multiples following a wave of recent target hikes and rating changes across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research shows a cluster of bullish analysts lifting price targets and, in some cases, ratings for Rocket Lab, reflecting growing confidence in the company’s execution and long term growth potential.
New Narrative • Apr 29
Defense Backlog And Vertical Integration Will Drive Rocket Lab Toward $85 Despite Neutron Execution Risk
Key Takeaways Rocket Lab is mid-transformation from a small-launch specialist into a vertically integrated space and defense prime, with Space Systems now ~67% of revenue and growing fastest. A $1.85B backlog (+73% YoY) anchored by the $816M SDA Tranche 3 award provides multi-year revenue visibility that the current trailing P/S of ~72x doesn't yet fully reflect.
New Narrative • Apr 17
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB): The "End-to-End" Space Sovereign and the Neutron Inflection
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) , the most consistent challenger to the SpaceX orbital monopoly, reached a critical high-water mark on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Narrative Update • Apr 16
RKLB: Future Launch Cadence And Backlog Execution Will Shape Balanced Risk Profile
Analysts trimmed the fair value estimate for Rocket Lab by about $3 to reflect more conservative profit margin and revenue growth inputs, even as recent upgrades and higher price targets across the Street point to continued interest in the stock. Analyst Commentary Street research in recent weeks has focused on how Rocket Lab executes on launch cadence, integrates acquisitions, and scales space systems, with several firms adjusting price targets and ratings as expectations reset.Narrative Update • Apr 01
RKLB: National Security Payload Backlog Will Drive Long Term Upside
The analyst price target for Rocket Lab edges higher to $119.85 from $119.10 as analysts factor in slightly stronger revenue growth assumptions, a modestly higher long term profit margin, and a marginally lower discount rate, while keeping future P/E expectations broadly similar. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates on Rocket Lab reflect a mix of enthusiasm and caution, with bullish analysts highlighting execution in launch and space systems, alongside new growth avenues from acquisitions and government programs, while more neutral and bearish voices focus on timing risks and the market already pricing in key growth drivers.Narrative Update • Mar 18
RKLB: Space Systems Momentum And National Security Payloads Will Drive Long Term Upside
Rocket Lab's updated analyst price target of $119.10, up from $120.00, reflects a recalibration that factors in higher modeled revenue growth, a slightly lower profit margin, and recent analyst enthusiasm around space systems momentum, a growing launch cadence, and the Geost acquisition as a new payload offering for U.S. National Security Missions. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research shows a cluster of bullish analysts lifting their price targets on Rocket Lab after the latest quarterly update and the Geost acquisition.Narrative Update • Mar 04
RKLB: Future Launch Cadence And Backlog Strength Will Offset Testing Setbacks
Narrative Update Our analyst price target for Rocket Lab moves higher to $89.88 from $83.96, reflecting Street research that points to improved margin expectations, a lower assumed future P/E multiple, and supportive commentary around launch execution, space systems backlog, and new payload opportunities such as the Geost acquisition and Golden Domes work. Analyst Commentary Street research around Rocket Lab has tilted more positive overall, with several bullish analysts lifting their price targets and a smaller group of cautious voices flagging execution and growth expectations as areas to watch.
New Narrative • Mar 04
Rocket Lab: A Growth Story Trading on the Future of Space Economy
Rocket Lab represents a company in transition. It is no longer simply a small-launch provider, yet it has not fully matured into a profitable aerospace contractor.New Narrative • Mar 02
Rocket Lab - Stock Narrative
Rocket Lab today is a niche company accelerating through development in the aerospace industry, financially stronger than its early stage reputation suggests, but still very much in an early, speculative phase, yet to see any profits. Based in the United States, they provide international launch services and space systems solutions, in the early phase of development and scaling with cutting edge technologies such as the Neutron rocket on the horizon..New Narrative • Feb 21
Rocket Lab (RKLB): A Rising Challenger in the Space Economy
Rocket Lab has rapidly evolved from a niche small-satellite launch provider into one of the most compelling end-to-end space companies in the market. With ambitions that stretch far beyond launching rockets, the company is positioning itself as a serious long-term competitor in the rapidly expanding space economy.Narrative Update • Feb 18
RKLB: Future Launch Cadence Will Offset Neutron Testing Setbacks
Analysts recently lifted their Rocket Lab fair value estimate from $68.75 to $83.96, citing updated assumptions around revenue growth, discount rates and long term P/E multiples following a mix of price target changes, rating moves and launch timing commentary across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research paints a mixed picture around Rocket Lab, with several bullish voices adjusting price targets upward while others question how much upside is already reflected in the shares.Narrative Update • Feb 04
RKLB: Launch Execution And Space Systems Mix Will Drive Long-Term Upside
Analysts have nudged their Rocket Lab price targets higher by about $20 to $60, citing a mix of higher targets from BofA, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Stifel, partially offset by a KeyBanc downgrade that argues much of the growth story is already well known. Analyst Commentary Recent research on Rocket Lab reflects a split view, with bullish analysts lifting targets and highlighting execution on both launch and space systems, while others flag timeline and valuation risks.Narrative Update • Jan 21
RKLB: Space Industry Consolidation And Margin Gains Will Drive Long-Term Upside
Rocket Lab's analyst price target has been raised from US$85 to US$120, as analysts point to a very large implied future P/E multiple, improved profit margin assumptions to 15.82% and continued interest in the company as a potential winner in expected space industry consolidation. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Rocket Lab has been active, with a cluster of target price revisions and rating changes reflecting how divided opinion remains on execution risk, valuation and the pace of commercialization across launch and space systems.Narrative Update • Jan 06
RKLB: Extended Neutron Spending Will Constrain Future Cash Generation Despite Strong Launch Activity
Narrative Update: Rocket Lab Analyst View The updated analyst price target for Rocket Lab moves to about $68.75 from about $65.67. This reflects a blend of higher Street targets tied to consolidation potential in the space sector, robust Electron launch demand, and ongoing contributions from the Space Systems business, partially balanced by program spending tied to the revised Neutron launch schedule.Narrative Update • Dec 20
RKLB: Industry Consolidation Will Drive Long-Term Space Systems Upside
Analysts have lifted their Rocket Lab price target to approximately $85 from $60, reflecting slightly faster expected revenue growth and improving launch and space systems momentum, even as near term margins are modeled a bit lower and valuation multiples remain elevated. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts characterize the latest price target increases as a reflection of improving conviction in Rocket Lab's long term revenue trajectory, supported by both launch and space systems strength despite ongoing investment headwinds.Narrative Update • Dec 11
Rocket Lab's Path to Success is Wider and Closer Than Before - Much Like Its Neutron Rocket
Since my original post, RKLB has continued to expand its space systems business, including through acquisitions and raising more capital. Its Neutron rocket is still largely on schedule; and as expected, no major new players have arrived to take RKLBs #2 spot in space launch.Narrative Update • Dec 06
RKLB: Rising Launch Cadence Will Drive Future Confidence In Durable Cash Generation
Rocket Lab's analyst price target has moved modestly higher to the mid $60s per share, as analysts highlight sustained Electron launch demand, growing Space Systems revenue, and expectations that industry consolidation and scale economics will favor well positioned incumbents, despite Neutron schedule shifts and slightly higher perceived risk. Analyst Commentary Street research remains broadly constructive on Rocket Lab, with most updates reflecting confidence in the company’s ability to translate launch demand and Space Systems momentum into sustained revenue growth and margin expansion, even as Neutron timing is pushed to the right.Narrative Update • Nov 21
RKLB: Expanding Launch Infrastructure Will Drive Confidence in Sustained Mission Cadence
Rocket Lab’s analyst price target has increased from $58.67 to $65.67 per share, as analysts highlight progress on launch cadence, robust demand for Electron, and growing confidence around the company's strategic positioning in the consolidating space industry. Analyst Commentary Recent analyst updates reflect a mix of optimism and caution regarding Rocket Lab's outlook, as the company navigates a rapidly evolving space sector.Analysis Article • Nov 21
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) Shares Slammed 40% But Getting In Cheap Might Be Difficult Regardless
Rocket Lab Corporation ( NASDAQ:RKLB ) shareholders won't be pleased to see that the share price has had a very rough...Analysis Article • Nov 13
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) Just Reported And Analysts Have Been Lifting Their Price Targets
A week ago, Rocket Lab Corporation ( NASDAQ:RKLB ) came out with a strong set of third-quarter numbers that could...Narrative Update • Nov 05
RKLB: Infrastructure Readiness and Launch Progress Will Inform Future Upside and Risks
Analysts have raised their price target for Rocket Lab from $50 to $60, citing increased confidence in the company's Neutron launch readiness and overall infrastructure progress. Analyst Commentary Recent analyst updates reflect both optimism and ongoing caution regarding Rocket Lab's development and valuation.Narrative Update • Oct 22
Analysts Boost Rocket Lab Price Target as Neutron Progress and New Deals Drive Optimism
Analysts have raised their price target for Rocket Lab from $48.09 to $58.67, citing increased confidence following recent progress at the company's launch facilities and advancements toward the Neutron rocket's debut. Analyst Commentary Recent commentary from bullish analysts highlights increasing optimism regarding Rocket Lab’s operational momentum and its positive effect on valuation outlook.Narrative Update • Oct 08
Integrated Space Capabilities Will Capture National Security Contracts
Analysts have increased their price target for Rocket Lab from $46.40 to $48.09, citing stronger infrastructure progress and heightened confidence in the company’s future launch capabilities. Analyst Commentary Recent research notes from bullish analysts have highlighted both progress and remaining uncertainties for Rocket Lab as it continues its trajectory within the aerospace sector.Narrative Update • Aug 30
Integrated Space Capabilities Will Capture National Security Contracts
Rocket Lab’s price target was raised to $46.40 as analysts express increased confidence in Neutron rocket milestones, robust sector momentum, and operational advantages, moderated by ongoing unprofitability and limited visibility into profitability. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts cite increased confidence in Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket progress, with launch pad infrastructure fully in place and readiness for initial launches.Analysis Article • Aug 09
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) Analysts Are Pretty Bullish On The Stock After Recent Results
NasdaqCM:RKLB 1 Year Share Price vs Fair Value Explore Rocket Lab's Fair Values from the Community and select yours The...Narrative Update • Aug 06
Integrated Space Capabilities Will Capture National Security Contracts
Analysts have raised Rocket Lab's price target to $39.18, citing broad sector strength, sustained demand in space and defense, and the company's competitive position, despite ongoing concerns about profitability and financial visibility. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts cite continued sector momentum in aerospace and defense as a key driver for higher price targets.Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Rocket Lab makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 680 | -183 | 167 | 296 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 602 | -198 | 165 | 271 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 555 | -198 | 165 | 240 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 504 | -231 | 152 | 217 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 466 | -207 | 142 | 191 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 436 | -190 | 132 | 174 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 364 | -188 | 117 | 164 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 327 | -177 | 112 | 143 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 282 | -181 | 111 | 134 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 245 | -183 | 110 | 119 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 236 | -169 | 108 | 97 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 232 | -163 | 104 | 87 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 225 | -155 | 94 | 76 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 211 | -136 | 89 | 65 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 187 | -96 | 84 | 62 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 129 | -149 | 87 | 59 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 85 | -128 | 75 | 48 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 62 | -117 | 58 | 42 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 50 | -139 | 45 | 38 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 56 | -64 | 25 | 29 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 52 | -57 | 24 | 23 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 35 | -55 | 23 | 19 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 48 | -30 | 19 | 13 |
Quality Earnings: RKLB is currently unprofitable.
Growing Profit Margin: RKLB is currently unprofitable.
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: RKLB is unprofitable, and losses have increased over the past 5 years at a rate of 16.4% per year.
Accelerating Growth: Unable to compare RKLB's earnings growth over the past year to its 5-year average as it is currently unprofitable
Earnings vs Industry: RKLB is unprofitable, making it difficult to compare its past year earnings growth to the Aerospace & Defense industry (23.9%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: RKLB has a negative Return on Equity (-8.06%), as it is currently unprofitable.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
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Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/15 22:33 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/15 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Rocket Lab Corporation is covered by 28 analysts. 18 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Peter Arment | Baird |
| Ronald Epstein | BofA Global Research |
| Andre Madrid | BTIG |