Rocket Lab’s Record Revenue & Thriving Launch Backlog 2025

Prime Highlight

Rocket Lab reported record third-quarter revenue of $155 million, a 48% year-over-year increase, surpassing analyst expectations.
The company provided strong fourth-quarter guidance, forecasting revenue between $170 million and $180 million, above market estimates.

Key Facts

Rocket Lab now holds a record launch backlog of 49 missions, after securing 17 new launch contractsduring the third quarter.
The firm’s stock has soared nearly 270% over the past 12 months, despite recent broader market declines.

Background

Rocket Lab posted record third-quarter revenue as demand for its launch and satellite services continued to grow. The company reported $155 million in revenue, above analyst expectations of $152 million, and a 48% increase from $105 million a year earlier.

The Long Beach, California-based firm posted a smaller-than-expected loss of 3 cents per share, compared with the 10-cent loss analysts forecast. Rocket Lab also issued strong guidance for the current quarter, projecting revenue between $170 million and $180 million, exceeding market estimates of $172 million.

The company said it now holds a record launch backlog of 49 missions, having secured 17 new launch contracts during the third quarter. It expects to finish 2025 with more than 20 launches, setting a new annual record.

CEO Peter Beck said Rocket Lab is “just days away” from achieving its highest annual launch count. He added that the company is pursuing strategic acquisitions, including defense-related opportunities tied to initiatives like the “Golden Dome” missile defense system.

During the quarter, Rocket Lab completed its acquisition of Geost, a satellite sensor maker, and opened a new Neutron rocket launch site.

Despite a broader market dip in November, the company’s stock has more than doubled this year and is up nearly 270% over the past 12 months.

Rocket Lab reported an adjusted EBITDA loss of $26.3 million, slightly above forecasts, and expects a fourth-quarter loss between $23 million and $29 million, higher than analysts’ $13 million projection.