Rocket Lab's Q3 Earnings Boost Stock by Over 30%

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a global leader in launch services and space systems, reported a significant surge in its stock price following the release of its third-quarter 2024 earnings results. Shares of the company soared over 30% in intraday trading on Wednesday, November 12, 2024, after the company reported revenue growth and a strong backlog, signaling a robust pipeline of launches.

Rocket Lab's Q3 2024 revenue grew 55% year-on-year to $105 million, with a backlog of $1.05 billion. This impressive growth can be attributed to several key achievements in launch services and space systems. The company signed a launch service agreement for multiple launches on Neutron with a confidential commercial satellite constellation customer, successfully launched twelve Electron launches year-to-date, and secured $55 million in new Electron launches. Additionally, Rocket Lab was selected by NASA to complete a study contract for a proposal to retrieve samples from Mars and return them to Earth.

Rocket Lab's guidance for the fourth quarter of 2024 further solidified investor confidence. The company expects revenue between $125 million and $135 million, with GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins ranging from 26% to 28% and 32% to 34%, respectively. Rocket Lab also anticipates GAAP and non-GAAP operating expenses between $84 million and $86 million and $75 million and $77 million, respectively, and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $27 million and $29 million.



Rocket Lab's focus on small and medium launches, space systems, and reusable rockets has driven its revenue growth trajectory. The company's commitment to innovation and reusability positions it to compete for government contracts and further drive revenue growth. Strategic moves, such as securing launch service agreements and winning federal defense contracts, have set Rocket Lab apart from its peers and contributed to its impressive stock performance.

As Rocket Lab continues to execute its planned Electron launches in November and December, and make progress on Neutron and space systems, it is well-positioned to achieve its guidance for record revenue in Q4 2024. Investors should monitor the company's progress and remain aware of potential challenges or opportunities that may arise in the final quarter of the year. Rocket Lab's strong performance and growth trajectory indicate a promising future in the competitive launch services market.