Rocket Lab USA Inc
Q2 2026 Earnings
Includes $8.576 million in transaction costs related to acquisitions and $199 thousand change in fair value of contingent consideration
Market Reaction
Did RKLB Beat Earnings? Q2 2026 Results
Rocket Lab delivered a revenue beat but a slight earnings miss in Q2 2026, as record-setting top-line growth was tempered by rising costs tied to an ambitious acquisition spree. The company posted revenue of $234.07 million, clearing the $230.94 million consensus by 1.35% and representing a 62.0% year-over-year surge driven by product revenues that nearly doubled to $181.35 million. On the bottom line, GAAP EPS came in at $-0.08, missing the $-0.0767 consensus by 4.30%; the result included $8.58 million in acquisition-related transaction costs and a $199 thousand change in fair value of contingent consideration, both of which weighed on the reported figure. Those costs reflected a transformative quarter in which Rocket Lab closed acquisitions of Mynaric and Motiv and announced a deal to acquire Iridium Communications. <a href="https://247wallst.com/investing/2026/08/10/live-will-rocket-lab-soar-back-to-all-time-highs-after-q2-earnings-tonight/">Investors tracking the stock</a> will now focus on management's Q3 guidance of $250 million to $265 million in revenue, suggesting continued sequential growth as the company's $2.36 billion backlog provides strong forward visibility.
- 62% year-over-year revenue growth driven by surging demand across launch and space systems
- Product revenues nearly doubled year-over-year to $181.3 million
- Non-GAAP gross margin expanded to 41.5% from 36.9% year-over-year
- Adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $8.8 million from $27.6 million in Q2 2025
- Backlog grew 137% year-over-year to $2.36 billion
“Q2 was another fantastic quarter for Rocket Lab, highlighted by record results and massive momentum that has continued well after the close. We achieved a record $234 million in Q2 revenue - up 62% year-over-year and $34 million higher than last quarter's record - driven by surging demand across all areas of our business. Q2 2026 saw our backlog grow to $2.36 billion – another record – which, combined with new deals in the period since, equates to more than $1 billion in new contracts across launch and space systems already entered into in Q3.”
Rocket Lab CEO, on the earnings call
Forward Guidance & Outlook
For Q3 2026, Rocket Lab expects revenue between $250 million and $265 million (another record quarter), GAAP gross margins of 29%-31%, non-GAAP gross margins of 35%-37%, GAAP operating expenses of $143-$149 million, non-GAAP operating expenses of $121-$127 million, net interest income of $21 million, Adjusted EBITDA loss of $17-$23 million, and basic weighted average shares outstanding of 641 million (including approximately 41 million Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Shares). Stock-based compensation is expected to range from $18-$20 million in Q3 2026.
RKLB YoY Financials
RKLB Revenue by Segment
Figures from SEC filings and company reports. Not investment advice.