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Rocket Lab Shares Hit Records After Record Quarter as Backlog Reaches $2.2 Billion

The performance signals a pivot from a small‑launch specialist to a broader space‑systems and defense supplier.

Overview

  • Investors sent the stock to fresh highs Friday following Thursday’s Q1 report, which beat forecasts with $200.3 million in revenue and guided Q2 to $225–$240 million.
  • Quarterly gross profit reached $76.5 million with a 38.2% GAAP gross margin, marking a sharp improvement from a year ago.
  • Backlog climbed to about $2.2 billion, up 20% from Q4, after 31 Electron and HASTE bookings and five Neutron missions including the company’s largest multi‑launch deal spanning 2026–2029.
  • The company deepened its defense and systems push with Raytheon’s Space Based Interceptor work, a $30 million Anduril deal for three HASTE hypersonic test flights, the Mynaric purchase, and an agreement to buy robotics maker Motiv.
  • Management said the Neutron medium‑lift rocket remains on track for a first launch later this year, while analysts caution the rich valuation heightens the risk from any delays or integration missteps.