Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) shares soared 13.25% during intraday trading on Friday, driven by a combination of strong financial results and significant business developments.
The space launch and systems provider reported first-quarter revenue of $200.35 million, surpassing analyst estimates of $189.68 million and representing a 63.5% year-over-year increase. The company also issued upbeat second-quarter revenue guidance of $225 million to $240 million, well above market expectations.
Additionally, Rocket Lab announced its largest launch contract to date—a confidential multi-launch deal for five Neutron and three Electron missions scheduled between 2026 and 2029. The company secured a $30 million contract from Anduril Industries for hypersonic test launches and was selected with Raytheon for a U.S. Space Force program. Rocket Lab also agreed to acquire Motiv Space Systems to expand its robotics capabilities. These developments, along with multiple analyst upgrades and price target increases, fueled the stock's surge.