Rocket Lab posts record Q3 2026 revenue and backlog amid Neutron delay and Iridium acquisition
Rocket Lab reported third‑quarter 2026 revenue of $268 million, a 73% year‑on‑year increase, and a record backlog of about $3.6 billion. The company posted a GAAP loss of $0.12 per share and generated positive GAAP operating cash flow of $7.2 million. Management highlighted $1 billion of new launch contracts and progress on the pending $8 billion Iridium acquisition, while the Neutron rocket’s first launch remains delayed to 2027.
Why it matters
The revenue beat and backlog expansion improve the company’s growth outlook, but the wider loss and higher costs may pressure near‑term profitability, which investors will weigh against the positive cash flow and the strategic Iridium deal. The guidance for Q4 revenue of $270‑$290 million sets expectations for continued top‑line growth.
Key facts
- 1Q3 2026 revenue was $268 million, up 73% year‑on‑year. sec.gov
- 2Q3 2026 revenue was $267.8 million, up 73% year‑on‑year. investing.com
- 3GAAP loss per share was $0.12. investing.com
- 4GAAP operating cash flow was $7.2 million. sec.gov
- 5Record backlog grew to approximately $3.57 billion. sec.gov
- 6Record backlog was $3.6 billion. investing.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 20 of 20 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.