Rocket Lab's Neutron Won't Launch Until 2027. Is the Stock a Buy 65% Below Its Record?

Rocket Lab delayed its Neutron rocket's first launch to 2027 from Q4 2026 due to manufacturing defects found in the first-stage propellant tank's carbon composite dome. The stock fell 10% to $53, now 65% below its May record. While the company's existing Electron rocket and space systems business show strong growth with Q2 revenue up 62% year-over-year to $234 million, profitability remains elusive. Management's timeline for positive adjusted EBITDA now extends into late 2027 at earliest, pushing positive cash flow toward 2029.

10/15/2026, 7:28 PM • The Motley Fool

AST SpaceMobile vs. Rocket Lab: Which Space-Focused Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

AST SpaceMobile and Rocket Lab represent two different approaches to the space economy: AST focuses on satellite-based cellular broadband connecting directly to smartphones, while Rocket Lab provides launch services and spacecraft components. Both companies are unprofitable but show different paths to profitability. AST expects to turn profitable by 2029 with 45 satellites operational by end of 2026, while Rocket Lab's proposed $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications could position it as a SpaceX competitor. The article concludes Rocket Lab offers a better entry point for growth investors due to more reasonable valuation ratios.

10/13/2026, 4:22 PM • The Motley Fool

18 Launches Down, 9 More to Go for Rocket Lab. But That's Not the Big Story.

Rocket Lab has completed 18 launches in 2026 and plans to reach 27 by year-end, representing a 30% increase from 2025. However, the bigger story is the company's $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications, which was approved by shareholders on September 24 and is expected to close by mid-2027. The acquisition will enable Rocket Lab to design, build, launch, and operate its own satellite constellations while achieving profitability and positive free cash flow.

10/13/2026, 7:07 AM • The Motley Fool

SpaceX Isn't Rocket Lab's Biggest Threat Now -- Blue Origin Is

Blue Origin won a $700 million NASA contract to build a Mars Telecommunications Network, beating out Rocket Lab. Rocket Lab has formally protested the award to the Government Accountability Office, arguing NASA's selection process violated congressional eligibility criteria. The dispute could delay the project past the 2028 launch window. However, Rocket Lab's upcoming $8 billion acquisition of Iridium Communications will make it profitable and cash-flow positive.

10/04/2026, 7:07 AM • The Motley Fool

AST SpaceMobile vs. Firefly Aerospace: Which Space Infrastructure Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares two space infrastructure companies: AST SpaceMobile, which is building a space-based cellular network for direct smartphone connectivity, and Firefly Aerospace, which provides launch vehicles and lunar landers. While AST SpaceMobile has higher growth potential with major carrier partnerships, it trades at a significantly higher valuation (269x forward P/E) with untested technology and substantial losses. Firefly Aerospace, valued more conservatively at 21.9x forward P/E, has demonstrated success with its lunar landing and government contracts. The author recommends Firefly as the better buy in 2026 due to more reasonable valuation metrics.

09/29/2026, 4:18 PM • The Motley Fool

Prediction: Rocket Lab Stock Trades Above $100 Again Before 2029

Analyst predicts Rocket Lab stock will trade above $100 before 2029, requiring roughly 14% annual gains. The prediction hinges on revenue tripling to ~$3 billion by 2028 through organic growth and the Iridium acquisition, while the Neutron reusable rocket must successfully debut and fly repeatedly. Currently trading at $74, the stock faces demanding execution requirements including the rocket's first flight and deal closure in mid-2027.

09/28/2026, 8:26 PM • The Motley Fool

Rocket Lab Sold $1.9 Billion of New Stock to Pay for Iridium. Here's the Dilution Math.

Rocket Lab completed a $1.94 billion stock sale (29.3 million shares at ~$66 each) to fund its acquisition of Iridium Communications, canceling a $3.6 billion bridge loan. While this results in approximately 5% shareholder dilution, the author argues it was the prudent choice for an unprofitable company to avoid heavy debt obligations. The deal could ultimately add up to 72 million shares (12% dilution) when including stock consideration for Iridium shareholders, with closing expected in mid-2027.

09/22/2026, 3:14 AM • The Motley Fool

SpaceX or Rocket Lab: Which Space Stock Is the Better Buy for the Next Decade?

SpaceX and Rocket Lab are competing for dominance in the space economy. SpaceX, valued at $2 trillion with a P/S ratio of 91, operates Starlink satellite internet and is developing orbital AI data centers. Rocket Lab, valued at $38 billion with a P/S ratio of 48, is acquiring Iridium Communications and developing the Neutron rocket. Despite SpaceX's larger scale, Rocket Lab may offer better value for investors seeking space economy exposure.

09/17/2026, 9:05 PM • The Motley Fool

Rocket Lab Raises Funds To Prepare For Closing Of Iridium Acquisition

Rocket Lab completed a $1.94 billion equity offering and amended its credit facility to secure financing for its acquisition of Iridium Communications. The deal, expected to close in mid-2027, will combine Rocket Lab's launch and satellite capabilities with Iridium's global satellite network. Rocket Lab canceled a $3.6 billion bridge loan following these funding milestones. The acquisition represents a transformational step toward becoming a fully integrated space operator.

09/15/2026, 2:12 PM • The Motley Fool

Rocket Lab Fully Funds Iridium Acquisition, Including Completion of $1.94 Billion ATM

Rocket Lab has successfully completed its $1.944 billion At-The-Market equity offering and secured financing to fully fund its pending acquisition of Iridium Communications. The company also obtained a change of control amendment for Iridium's $1.775 billion credit facility and terminated a $3.6 billion bridge facility, with the acquisition expected to close in mid-2027 pending regulatory approvals.

09/15/2026, 6:00 AM • GlobeNewswire

$HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues to Investigate the Merger—IRDM, VRME, VAL and LAB

Monteverde & Associates PC is investigating four merger transactions to determine if shareholders are receiving fair value. The investigations cover Iridium Communications' sale to Rocket Lab, VerifyMe's merger with Open World Ltd, Valaris' sale to Transocean Ltd, and Standard Biotools' merger with Treeline Biosciences. The firm is offering free consultations to shareholders with concerns about these deals.

09/09/2026, 4:00 PM • GlobeNewswire

Rocket Lab's Neutron Just Slipped Again. Here's the Only Date That Still Matters for Shareholders.

Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket launch has been delayed again, now targeting Q4 2026 for pad delivery with actual launch likely in 2027. However, the more significant catalyst for investors is the company's planned acquisition of Iridium Communications, expected to close mid-2027. The Iridium deal would instantly make Rocket Lab profitable and free cash flow-positive by adding $884 million in annual revenue with 72% gross margins, offsetting current losses.

09/07/2026, 5:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Peter Beck's Neutron Rocket Could Slip to 2027. Here's How Much the Delay Actually Matters.

Rocket Lab's Neutron rocket, first announced in 2020, may not launch until 2027, causing investor concern. However, the delay's financial impact is minimal—only $50 million in lost revenue in the first year. The company still expects to achieve profitability in 2027 through its planned Iridium merger and commercial launch operations.

09/04/2026, 12:30 PM • The Motley Fool

1 Monster Space Stock I'm Watching This Upcoming Earnings Season

Rocket Lab, a developer of reusable orbital rockets and satellite components, has surged from $11.58 at its 2021 SPAC debut to around $64. The company generates 70%+ revenue from space systems and is acquiring Iridium for $8 billion. Analysts project 43% revenue CAGR through 2028, with positive EBITDA expected by 2027. Despite a 27x forward sales valuation, the stock offers a smaller alternative to SpaceX in the growing space sector.

09/03/2026, 3:05 PM • The Motley Fool

Rocket Lab Trades at 59 Times Revenue With Neutron Still Unflown

Rocket Lab trades at a premium 59x revenue valuation based on $45 billion market cap against $769 million trailing revenue. While the company reports record quarterly revenue, backlog, and major contracts, it remains unprofitable with significant losses. The valuation heavily depends on the Neutron rocket, which has never flown and may slip from its Q4 2026 target into 2027. The analyst suggests waiting to see Neutron successfully launch before considering the stock reasonably valued.

08/22/2026, 9:27 AM • The Motley Fool