RKLB

Rocket Lab Corporation

2026-01-16 07:48 PM

+8.97%

Rocket Lab extends rally on continued momentum from $816M Pentagon contract

RKLB continues its strong run following the $816M Space Development Agency Tranche 3 contract announced earlier this week, which Cantor Fitzgerald called transformative for the company's position as the 'premier alternative to SpaceX.' The stock hit all-time highs this week despite a KeyBanc downgrade to Sector Weight citing fully priced-in catalysts.

Analysis

This is the third strong session in five days, with the stock gaining roughly 15% since the contract news broke. The rally persists despite KeyBanc's downgrade yesterday, suggesting investors are focused on the fundamental story—Neutron's H1 2026 launch timeline and RKLB's growing defense backlog now exceeding $1.1B. Volume at 1.4x average indicates solid but not exceptional conviction, consistent with continuation rather than a new catalyst.

Sources

Date: 2026-01-16

Price: $98.91

Type: Stock Specific

Confidence: medium