Stifel maintains Buy on Rocket Lab, $34 target post-Geost deal

Published 28/05/2025, 12:58
Stifel maintains Buy on Rocket Lab, $34 target post-Geost deal

On Wednesday, Stifel analysts reiterated a Buy rating with a $34.00 price target for Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ:RKLB) shares. The stock, currently trading at $28.76, has delivered an impressive 555% return over the past year. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears overvalued at current levels, with a market capitalization of $13.27 billion. The aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider, Rocket Lab, recently disclosed its plan to acquire Geost, LLC. This strategic move involves a purchase price of $275 million, consisting of $125 million in cash and $150 million in privately placed Rocket Lab shares. Additionally, there is an earnout potential of up to $50 million, which is contingent on reaching certain revenue benchmarks. The company maintains a healthy financial position with a current ratio of 2.08, indicating strong liquidity to support such strategic investments. InvestingPro subscribers can access 15+ additional insights about Rocket Lab’s financial health and growth prospects.

The acquisition, which is anticipated to be finalized early in the second half of 2025, has already received approval from the boards of both companies. However, it remains subject to regulatory approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act and other standard closing conditions. Rocket Lab’s management has not provided GAAP financial metrics for the deal but anticipates it will have a neutral to slightly positive impact on the company’s adjusted EBITDA during the latter half of 2025. The company has demonstrated strong revenue growth of 65% in the last twelve months, with analysts forecasting 31% growth for the current fiscal year.

Stifel’s analyst highlighted the significance of the acquisition for Rocket Lab, noting the acquisition of Geost, a company specializing in the development and manufacturing of electro-optical and infrared payloads for national security satellites, is a strategic move. It is expected to enable Rocket Lab to enter the satellite payload sector and establish a new product category. This acquisition positions Rocket Lab to potentially disrupt the national security space market.

The analyst expressed optimism about Rocket Lab’s future, considering the acquisition’s strategic rationale and its potential to enhance the company’s offerings in the space technology industry. Rocket Lab’s expansion into satellite payloads through the Geost acquisition is seen as a step towards diversifying its services and tapping into new market opportunities within the national security arena.

In other recent news, Rocket Lab USA has announced its acquisition of Geost, LLC, a company known for its electro-optical and infrared payloads for national security satellites. The transaction, valued at $275 million, includes $125 million in cash and $150 million in Rocket Lab shares, with potential additional earnouts based on revenue targets. This strategic move is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approval. Stifel analysts have responded positively, raising Rocket Lab’s stock target to $34 and maintaining a Buy rating, citing the acquisition’s alignment with Rocket Lab’s strategic objectives. Additionally, Rocket Lab has been selected by NASA to launch the Aspera mission, aimed at studying galaxy formation, with a launch planned no earlier than the first quarter of 2026. This continues Rocket Lab’s history of supporting NASA missions, reinforcing its reputation in the aerospace sector. Furthermore, Rocket Lab has completed a corporate reorganization, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary under a new holding company structure, Rocket Lab Corporation. The reorganization aims to streamline operations without affecting business activities or stock trading on Nasdaq.

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