Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) experienced a pre-market plunge of 5.15% on Friday, as investor disappointment over a key rocket program delay eclipsed the company's better-than-expected quarterly financial results.

The decline follows the company's announcement that the first launch of its Neutron medium-lift reusable rocket has been pushed back to the fourth quarter of 2026. The delay was attributed to a recent stage 1 tank test failure, overshadowing what CEO Peter Beck described as a "record-breaking year" for the company both financially and operationally.

Despite reporting fourth-quarter revenue of $179.6 million that exceeded Wall Street expectations of $176.8 million and a narrower adjusted loss than analysts anticipated, investors focused on the Neutron setback. The rocket is seen as crucial for Rocket Lab's growth strategy, capable of delivering significantly heavier payloads than its current Electron rocket and competing in the medium-lift market.