Craig-Hallum initiates coverage on Rocket Lab stock with Hold rating

Published 28/07/2025, 15:06
Craig-Hallum initiates coverage on Rocket Lab stock with Hold rating

Investing.com - Craig-Hallum initiated coverage on Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ:RKLB) Monday with a Hold rating and a price target of $51.00. The stock, which has surged 778% over the past year and currently trades at $45.33, has shown remarkable momentum with a 64% gain in the last six months.

The research firm expressed admiration for Rocket Lab’s accomplishments and trajectory but considers the stock "priced for perfection" regarding the upcoming Neutron rocket launch schedule, which anticipates 1, 3, and 5 successful launches in 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively. InvestingPro analysis supports this view, indicating the stock is currently trading above its Fair Value, with a high revenue multiple and volatile price movements (Beta: 2.16).

Craig-Hallum noted that perfect execution in new rocket platform development is "virtually unheard of" historically, with delays or failures often causing more significant timeline setbacks than initially expected.

The firm highlighted competitive risks, particularly from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 currently and potentially from Starship in the future, which could "change the cost paradigm again for the entire industry" if SpaceX achieves its rapid reuse goals.

At 28 times estimated FY2026 revenue, Rocket Lab trades at a premium compared to other NewSpace companies at 7 times revenue, which Craig-Hallum believes warrants a premium given the company’s "tremendous track record of execution" but expects "a better risk/reward entry point down the road."

In other recent news, Rocket Lab USA has been the focus of several notable developments. Citi analyst Jason Gursky has raised the company’s stock price target to $50 from $33, maintaining a Buy rating. This adjustment is based on Rocket Lab’s progress with its Neutron rocket development and anticipated growth in its satellite systems business. Gursky’s revised valuation considers the company’s potential revenue in 2029, projected to reach approximately $2.6 billion.

Additionally, Rocket Lab has awarded a contract to Bollinger Shipyards for constructing an ocean landing platform for its reusable Neutron rocket. The platform, named "Return On Investment," is expected to be delivered by early 2026 and will feature advanced support equipment for rocket landings at sea. Meanwhile, Cantor Fitzgerald has reiterated its Overweight rating and maintained a $35 price target on Rocket Lab, following the company’s recent successful satellite launches. These developments highlight Rocket Lab’s ongoing efforts to expand its capabilities and market reach in the aerospace sector.

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