Rocket Lab (RKLB) Q3 revenue $268 million vs $261 million est.

Rocket Lab reported record third-quarter 2026 revenue of $268 million, up 73% year over year and ahead of the $261 million consensus estimate, with positive GAAP operating cash flow of $7.2 million. Backlog jumped 52% sequentially to roughly $3.6 billion, including about $1 billion in new launch contracts signed in the quarter across Electron, HASTE and Neutron, plus $470 million in Space Systems awards. Neutron bookings reached 16 missions ahead of its debut, with the base launch price rising to $70 million on several contracts as launch capacity tightens; first flight is now targeted for no earlier than 2027. The company also launched 12 Rocket Lab-built spacecraft during the quarter and has more than 55 in development for customers including NASA, the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Rocket Lab fully funded its pending acquisition of Iridium Communications through a completed at-the-market equity offering and secured lender approval to maintain Iridium’s credit facility after closing. Investors will watch fourth-quarter revenue and gross margin guidance for record levels, Neutron’s first-flight timeline and the Iridium deal’s completion.