Stock market today: S&P 500 climbs as health care, tech gain; Nvidia earnings loom
LONG BEACH - Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq:RKLB), now a $21.4 billion market cap space technology company, announced plans to expand its U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capacity for space-grade solar cells and electro-optical sensors, supported by a $23.9 million award from the Department of Commerce under the CHIPS and Science Act. The company has demonstrated strong revenue growth of 54% over the last twelve months, according to InvestingPro data.
The company aims to nearly double its production capacity from 20,000 to approximately 35,000 wafers per month over the next five years. These investments will complement Rocket Lab’s recent $275 million acquisition of Geost, an electro-optical payload provider based in Arizona and Virginia. The expansion comes amid remarkable market performance, with the stock delivering a 507% return over the past year. InvestingPro analysis reveals 12 additional key insights about the company’s growth trajectory and financial health.
"Our leadership in American-made semiconductor technologies is built upon more than 25 years of engineering and manufacturing excellence in New Mexico," said Brad Clevenger, Rocket Lab Vice President of Space Systems, according to the company’s press release.
The expansion is expected to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical space components and increase Rocket Lab’s U.S.-based workforce to more than 2,000 employees across California, Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, Mississippi, Arizona, and Virginia.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated, "This administration is taking historic actions to encourage companies like Rocket Lab to invest in American ingenuity and innovation."
Rocket Lab is one of only two U.S. companies specializing in the production of high-efficiency, radiation-hardened, space-grade compound semiconductors. Its solar cells have powered notable space missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Artemis lunar explorations, and the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter.
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab has established itself as an end-to-end space company providing launch services, satellite manufacturing, and spacecraft components. The company operates three launch pads across two sites in New Zealand and Virginia, with its Electron launch vehicle becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. Financial data from InvestingPro shows the company maintains a healthy liquidity position with a current ratio of 2.67 and holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, though it remains in investment mode with negative EBITDA of $188.8 million in the last twelve months. For detailed analysis and comprehensive insights, investors can access the full Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.
In other recent news, Rocket Lab Corporation reported strong second-quarter results, with revenue and adjusted EBITDA surpassing consensus estimates by 7% and $1 million, respectively. Following these results, Needham raised its price target for Rocket Lab to $55, maintaining a Buy rating, while KeyBanc Capital Markets increased its target to $50, citing stronger margins and progress in the Neutron rocket development program. Rocket Lab also completed its acquisition of Geost, LLC for $275 million, a deal involving cash and stock, with potential additional earnouts tied to future revenue targets. This acquisition enhances Rocket Lab’s capabilities in electro-optical and infrared sensor systems for national security space missions. Additionally, Rocket Lab is preparing for its 70th Electron mission, set to launch from New Zealand, showcasing its rapid turnaround capabilities. The company recently acquired Geost from ATL Partners, which has now formed a new platform named Trident Solutions. These developments reflect Rocket Lab’s ongoing expansion and strategic initiatives in the space technology sector.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.