Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) has delivered a stunning 350% gain over the past 12 months, leaving the broader S&P 500 Index’s 27.25% return far behind.
The momentum has carried into 2026, with RKLB climbing 73.55% year-to-date compared to the broader market’s 11% advance over the same period.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle alongside a family of flight-proven spacecraft for commercial and government customers.
Since its first successful orbital launch in January 2018, Electron has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year, having carried more than 200 satellites into orbit.
The company’s spacecraft have supported national security, scientific research, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications missions across both private and public sector clients.
Rocket Lab is also developing the larger Neutron rocket, designed to support constellation deployments and heavier payload missions as demand across the global space economy accelerates.
Despite the strong run, RKLB shares slid nearly 7% on June 3 as a broad selloff swept across aerospace, defense, and space-related stocks, with investors locking in gains after the sector’s remarkable rally.
The weakness has extended over the past week, with Rocket Lab shares falling 18.21%, weighed down by profit-taking and growing anticipation surrounding the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO.
For the fiscal second quarter of 2026, Rocket Lab’s management guided for revenue between $225 million and $240 million, with non-GAAP gross margins expected to reach 38% to 40%.
The company also forecast an adjusted EBITDA loss of between $20 million and $26 million, reflecting continued aggressive investment to capitalize on expanding opportunities in the space sector.
The competitive landscape is set to shift significantly, with SpaceX reportedly planning to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker SPCX as early as June 12, ending Rocket Lab’s run as one of few pure-play space investment options.
SpaceX’s IPO is expected to be the largest public offering in both U.S. and global history, with reports suggesting the company aims to raise around $75 billion at a valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion to $2 trillion.
That staggering valuation would instantly make the Elon Musk-led space and AI giant one of the most valuable companies anywhere in the world.
Wall Street remains broadly constructive on Rocket Lab’s long-term outlook despite the looming competitive shift, with the stock carrying a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating among the 18 analysts covering the company.
Of those 18 analysts, 12 recommend “Strong Buy,” one rates it “Moderate Buy,” and five suggest “Hold,” reflecting continued confidence even after the stock’s massive run well above the Street’s average price target of $103.53.
