GLOBAL RESEARCH ARCHIVE
Backlog expands, execution risk remains; reiterate Neutral
Research evidence excerpt
Backlog expands, execution risk remains; reiterate Neutral
Investment Thesis
Rocket Lab remains the most established small launch provider on the market. At Space Systems, Rocket Lab continues to capture
content across roughly one-third of its addressable market. However, the demands of Neutron development continue to weigh
on company time and resources, pushing profitability and positive free cash flow further out and limiting investments in other
areas of the business.AEROSPACE
Upcoming Catalysts Price PerformanceAND
■ First launch of Neutron (expected in 4Q26) $140
■ Additional HASTE missions. $120
■ DoW awarding Golden Dome task orders.
$100DEFENSE $80
$60
Base Case Assumptions $40
■ Launch Services growth outpacing that of Space Systems through the outyears. $20EQUITY ■ Adjusted EBITDA profitability in 2027 and positive free cash flow in 2028. Jun-25 Jul-25 Aug-25 Sep-25 Oct-25 Nov-25 Dec-25 Jan-26 Feb-26 Mar-26 Apr-26 May-26 ■ Nominal SG&A expenses increasing ~5% annually.
RKLB
S&P 500 (rebased)
Source: FactSet
Upside Scenario Company DescriptionRESEARCH
■ Continued market share capture at Space Systems. Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space
■ Secured work on upcoming NSSL task orders. company specializing in launch services,
■ Neutron launch occurs on time and ahead of cost. spacecraft design and assembly, and
spacecraft components. The company
operates three launchpads across two
countries that enable up to 132
annual launches. While best-known for
Downside Scenario its launch business, the spacecraft
■ Failed Electron launches leading to further launch delays. and spacecraft component business
■ Further Neutron launch delays and cost overruns. generates the largest share of revenue
■ A Photon spacecraft fails to deploy or fails in orbit for some other reason.
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