LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today announced its next Electron launch will deploy the STP-S30 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) after accelerating the launch of the mission by several months, demonstrating Rocket Lab’s agility in meeting the Department of War’s (DoW) space access demands. The launch, named ‘Don’t Be Such A S ...

Key Takeaways RKLB advanced Neutron's launch prep by qualifying its reusable Hungry Hippo fairing for flight.The fairing's design supports faster reuse and simpler operations for frequent missions.Neutron targets a 2026 debut, with major hardware now arriving at Launch Complex 3 in Virginia.Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (RKLB) is taking another clear step forward with the Neutron rocket after completing qualification testing for its innovative Hungry Hippo fairing system. This fairing is now on its way to Virginia f ...

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Firefly Aerospace To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their OptionsIf you purchased or otherwise acquired: (a) Firefly common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the Offering Documents (defined below) issued in connection with the Company's initial public offering conducted on or about August 7, 2025 (the "IPO" or "Offering"); and/or (b) Firefly securities between August 7, 2025 and September 29 ...

Core Viewpoint - Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is considered a speculative stock with potential, but it is not inexpensive and carries significant financial losses [1][2]. Company Overview - Rocket Lab Corporation provides launch services, spacecraft design, manufacturing, and on-orbit management solutions, focusing on small and medium-class rockets like the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles [2]. Investment Sentiment - A recent discussion highlighted RKLB as a speculative pick, with acknowledgment of its potential but also a warning about its substantial financial losses [2]. - The company is viewed favorably as a speculative investment at current prices, but caution is advised due to its financial performance [1][2].

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation successfully launched a suborbital mission using its HASTE launch vehicle for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Missile Defense Agency (MDA), enhancing national security through advanced missile defense technology testing [1][2][3] Launch Details - The HASTE launch occurred on November 18, 2025, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 in Virginia at 13:00 UTC, deploying a primary payload from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and multiple secondary payloads [2][3] - This mission was part of the DIU's Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities (HyCAT) program, showcasing Rocket Lab's ability to deliver missions within 14 months of contract signing, highlighting operational efficiency for government clients [3] Technology and Capabilities - HASTE is a suborbital variant of the Electron rocket, designed for hypersonic technology tests, capable of deploying payloads at speeds exceeding 7.5 km/s [4] - The HASTE and Electron vehicles have collectively deployed over 200 payloads for both government and commercial customers, demonstrating their reliability and versatility in various missions [4] Strategic Importance - The mission underscores the importance of commercial partnerships in accelerating hypersonic technology development, with DIU emphasizing the need for access to commercial ecosystems to enhance mission timelines and affordability [4]

Core Insights - Firefly Aerospace Inc reported better-than-expected third-quarter financial results, with revenue of $30.78 million, surpassing estimates of $27.71 million, and an adjusted loss of 33 cents per share, better than the anticipated loss of 41 cents per share [1][2] Financial Performance - The company achieved third-quarter revenue of $30.78 million, exceeding market expectations [1] - Adjusted loss per share was reported at 33 cents, which is an improvement over the expected loss of 41 cents [1] Future Guidance - Firefly Aerospace raised its full-year 2025 revenue guidance from a range of $133 million to $145 million to a new range of $150 million to $158 million, while analysts had anticipated full-year revenue of $135.49 million [2] Stock Performance - Following the earnings announcement, Firefly shares increased by 16.1%, trading at $21.26 [2] Analyst Ratings - Deutsche Bank analyst Edison Yu upgraded Firefly Aerospace from Hold to Buy, lowering the price target from $40 to $30 [5] - Roth Capital analyst Suji Desilva maintained a Buy rating on the stock, also cutting the price target from $40 to $30 [5]

Core Insights - Firefly Aerospace reported a significant increase in third quarter revenue, with a 98% rise from the previous quarter and a 38% increase year-over-year [1][2] - The company is preparing for the return of its Alpha team to flight and has successfully closed the acquisition of SciTec, enhancing its national security capabilities [2][12] Financial Performance - Third quarter revenue reached $30.778 million, compared to $22.370 million in the same quarter last year [26] - The cost of sales for the third quarter was $22.288 million, leading to a gross profit of $8.490 million [26] - Operating expenses totaled $70.683 million, with research and development expenses at $48.763 million and selling, general, and administrative expenses at $21.920 million [26] - The net loss for the third quarter was $133.412 million, compared to a net loss of $40.790 million in the prior year [26] Recent Developments - Firefly was awarded a $176.7 million contract from NASA for Blue Ghost Mission 4, aimed at lunar payload delivery [5] - The company also received a $10 million addendum for Blue Ghost Mission 1 to acquire additional lunar data [5] - Firefly is conducting cleanroom assembly for the Elytra spacecraft flight unit and has completed over 200 hours of mission simulation testing for Elytra Mission 1 [5][12] Future Outlook - For the full year 2025, Firefly expects revenue to be between $150 million and $158 million [8] - The company is implementing corrective measures following the Alpha first stage ground test event and is preparing for an Alpha Flight 7 launch [12] Strategic Initiatives - The acquisition of SciTec is expected to bolster Firefly's offerings for the $175 billion Golden Dome program [12] - Firefly signed a SPACE COTAN agreement to explore launching Alpha from Hokkaido Spaceport in Japan [5]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab USA (NASDAQ: RKLB) reported a strong third quarter with record revenue, leading to a positive market response as shares increased in after-hours trading [2] - The company experienced a 48% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching $155.08 million, surpassing analyst expectations [3] - The growth was primarily driven by the Electron launch services and the expansion of the Space Systems division, which includes satellite manufacturing and spacecraft components [4] Financial Performance - Rocket Lab's Launch Services segment nearly doubled its revenue year-over-year, supported by a full manifest and strong customer demand [4] - Non-GAAP gross margin improved to 41%, reflecting stronger pricing power, improved manufacturing scale, and cost leverage from increased launch activity [5] - The company ended the quarter with a backlog of over $1.1 billion, with expectations for a significant portion to convert to revenue within the next year [6] Future Outlook - Rocket Lab continues to guide for sequential growth in Q4 and has indicated that Neutron R&D spending is nearing its peak, with the maiden flight scheduled for Q1 2026 [5] - The company holds over $1 billion in cash and marketable securities, providing the financial flexibility to scale Neutron development, pursue acquisitions, and invest in manufacturing without immediate financing pressure [6]

Group 1: Government Shutdown and Economic Impact - The US House is preparing to vote on a bill that could end the longest government shutdown in history, with the Senate having already passed a spending bill [3][10][60] - The shutdown has led to a decline in planned holiday trips among US consumers, with average planned trips falling to 1.83% from 2.14% a year ago, and travel budgets down about 18% to approximately $2,334 [48][49] - Economists warn that the prolonged shutdown could drop GDP by up to 2% if government contractual obligations are not met, potentially wiping out economic growth for the year [53][54] Group 2: AMD and AI Market - AMD anticipates a 60% increase in data center sales over the next 3 to 5 years, with current data center revenue at $16 billion [4][5] - AMD is making significant strides in the AI sector, aiming to capture market share from Nvidia [5] - Infinian Technology has raised its sales forecast for chips used in AI data centers, indicating strong growth in this segment [7][35] Group 3: Earnings Reports and Market Reactions - Circle Internet Group reported Q3 revenue of $740 million, up 66%, with its USDC stablecoin circulation more than doubling to around $75 billion [13][14] - Cisco is expected to announce Q1 results, with solid demand for networking gear despite challenges from the government shutdown and higher parts costs [8] - Rocket Lab Corporation reported a 48% increase in revenue due to its satellite launch services, with analysts optimistic about future demand [40][42] Group 4: SoftBank and Nvidia - SoftBank's shares fell by as much as 10% after selling its entire stake in Nvidia for $5.8 billion, while also making significant investments in AI and robotics [6] - Nvidia's partner, Infinian, reported growth in sales of chips for data centers, despite facing a slowdown in the automobile sector [35]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab Corporation reported record revenue of $155 million for the fiscal third quarter ended September 30, 2025, with a GAAP gross margin of 37% [2][3] - The company is on track to achieve a new annual launch record, with a strong backlog of contracts and strategic M&A activities aligned with defense programs [2][7] Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q3 2025 were $155.08 million, compared to $104.81 million in Q3 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 48% [13] - Gross profit for Q3 2025 was $57.31 million, up from $27.99 million in Q3 2024, indicating a significant improvement in profitability [13] - The net loss for Q3 2025 was $18.26 million, compared to a net loss of $51.94 million in Q3 2024, showing a reduction in losses [13] Operational Highlights - Rocket Lab secured 17 Electron launch contracts in Q3 2025, marking a record-breaking quarter for dedicated launch contracts [7] - The company successfully launched two back-to-back HASTE missions, contributing to advancements in hypersonic technology [7] - The acquisition of Geost for up to $325 million enhances Rocket Lab's capabilities in national security [7] Fourth Quarter Guidance - For Q4 2025, Rocket Lab expects revenue between $170 million and $180 million, with GAAP gross margins projected between 37% and 39% [7] - Non-GAAP gross margins are anticipated to be between 43% and 45% [7] Liquidity and Capital Position - Rocket Lab exited Q3 2025 with over $1 billion in liquidity, bolstered by a recent at-the-market offering program [7] - The company is well-positioned to pursue its robust M&A pipeline [7] Future Developments - The Neutron rocket is scheduled to arrive at Launch Complex 3 in Q1 2026, with the first launch expected thereafter [7] - The company continues to focus on expanding its end-to-end capabilities in the space sector, particularly in defense and national security [2][7]