Stock Market Today, Dec. 22: Rocket Lab Surges on $816 Million Deal and Analyst Upgrade

Core Viewpoint - Rocket Lab is experiencing significant growth driven by a new $816 million U.S. defense satellite contract and a record number of launches, redefining its government revenue base [1][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Rocket Lab's stock closed at $77.55, reflecting a 10% increase, with a market capitalization of $38 billion [2]. - The company has seen a remarkable 696% growth since its IPO in 2020, with trading volume reaching 46 million shares, doubling its three-month average [2]. - The gross margin stands at 28.93% [2]. Group 2: Launch and Contracts - Rocket Lab confirmed a record of 21 successful Electron launches this year, achieving a 100% success rate [3][6]. - The new $816 million deal with the Space Development Agency nearly doubles Rocket Lab's backlog, which was previously $1.1 billion [5][6]. Group 3: Market Position and Future Outlook - The company plans to launch its new medium-lift Neutron rocket in the first half of the year, which could enhance its competitive position alongside major players like SpaceX and Blue Origin [5]. - Investment firm Stifel has set a new price target of $85 for Rocket Lab, indicating strong market confidence in its growth potential [6].