Should I buy Rocket Lab stock in 2025? The Essential Guide for Ireland

What is Rocket Lab?

How much is the Rocket Lab stock?

The price of Rocket Lab stock is declining this week. Currently trading at $27.35, the share has dropped by 5.46% in the past 24 hours and is down 7.59% over the last seven days. Rocket Lab’s market capitalization stands at $12.62 billion, with an average 3-month daily volume of 17.22 million shares. As the company is not yet profitable, there is no P/E ratio, and it does not offer a dividend yield. The stock’s beta is 2.05, highlighting significant volatility—something active investors in Ireland should consider when evaluating potential opportunities in this dynamic sector.

Our full analysis on the Rocket Lab stock

Following a detailed review of Rocket Lab's Q1 2025 financial results and an in-depth assessment of its stock performance over the past three years, our team has leveraged multiple data sources—ranging from core financial indicators and technical signals to real-time market data and peer analysis—through proprietary scoring models to evaluate its current investment profile. The synthesis of these insights reveals a company not only at the forefront of the expanding space sector, but also showing substantial year-on-year growth and a strengthening competitive position. So, why might Rocket Lab stock once again become a strategic entry point into the aerospace and defence market in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) is emerging as one of the most dynamic stories in the global aerospace sector. Its current share price of $27.35 USD places the stock near the upper end of its 52-week range ($4.20–$33.34), reflecting an exceptional 554.31% gain over the past year. Even allowing for short-term volatility—with equities down 7.59% in the last week—the 6-month trajectory is marginally positive and indicates resilience amid wider tech sector fluctuations.

Several upbeat market developments underpin this outperformance:

• Strong Q1 Results: Revenues climbed 32% year-on-year to $122.6 million, outpacing consensus expectations.
• Momentum from Major Contracts: Inclusion in the US Space Force NSSL programme (potential $5.6 billion contract pool) and the continuing pipeline of national defence and commercial satellite launches.
• Industry Tailwinds: The entire commercial space market is experiencing robust demand, as public and private satellite initiatives ramp up on both sides of the Atlantic.
• Acquisition Activity: The recently announced acquisition of Geost for $275 million (cash and shares) strategically expands Rocket Lab’s payload and electro-optical infrared system capabilities, opening fresh opportunities in high-growth government and defence markets.

In summary, Rocket Lab’s latest market narrative reflects not only strong operational adaptation but also seizing macro tailwinds in the ever-expanding space economy.

Technical Analysis

From a technical standpoint, Rocket Lab’s setup offers signals highly conducive to further growth, making present levels increasingly interesting for buyers:

• Relative Strength Index (RSI 14): At 61.82, the RSI reflects neither overbought nor oversold conditions, suggesting there remains ample scope for appreciation without triggering immediate profit-taking.
• MACD: Current reading of 1.35 is bullish and underscores ongoing positive price momentum.
• Moving Averages: The 50-day ($19.65) and 200-day ($17.03) moving averages both remain well beneath the current market price, a strong indicator of established uptrend.
• Key Technical Levels: The principal support zones lie at $24.00–$24.59, with firm resistance near $27.24–$27.83. The break above $27.24 this year is noteworthy, hinting at the potential to challenge new highs should broader sentiment strengthen.

Short- to medium-term structure supports the premise that Rocket Lab’s shares are consolidating after a substantial rally, with technical reversals at key support suggesting further upside may be in the offing as the stock garners renewed investor attention.

Fundamental Analysis

Rocket Lab’s underlying business dynamics exude strength, painting a favorable picture for those seeking growth in dynamic sectors:

• Strong Revenue Growth: Annual revenue in 2024 was $436.2 million, rising a substantial 78.34% versus 2023. Q1 2025 figures continued this trend with a 32% uplift year-on-year—well above analyst forecasts.
• Strategic Expansion: The acquisition of Geost extends Rocket Lab’s portfolio into the lucrative payload and defence surveillance systems sector, enabling further vertical integration and margin improvement over time.
• Profitability Outlook: While the company reported a net loss of -$190.18 million for 2024 (EPS: -$0.41 in Q1 2025), these figures are in keeping with its current stage as an aggressively scaling innovator capitalising on major platform investments. Significantly, the company’s strong revenue curve and growing contract base suggest break-even is a realistic medium-term prospect.
• Valuation: With a market capitalisation of $12.62 billion and no price/earnings ratio due to negative earnings, valuation is more effectively assessed via price-to-sales (P/S). At current levels, Rocket Lab’s P/S ratio stands just below 29x trailing revenues—stretched by conventional standards, but justified by rapid top-line growth, sector leadership, and a powerful IP moat.
• Intangible Strengths: Rocket Lab is internationally recognised for its innovation—especially the re-usable Neutron rocket and electron launch platform—and enjoys a premier brand among institutional customers within the US and allied government markets.

Investors focused on medium- to long-term horizons may wish to view current figures as representative of outsized growth investment, with the potential for significant operating leverage as scale is achieved.

Volume and Liquidity

Liquidity is another pillar of Rocket Lab’s current attractiveness:

• Robust Trading Volume: The company shows a consistent 65-day average daily volume of 17.2 million shares, denoting deep market acceptance and facilitating agility for both retail and institutional investors.
• Float and Capital Structure: With 461.4 million shares outstanding, the float remains large enough to ensure efficient price discovery but sufficiently constrained to avoid excessive dilution, fostering a healthy dynamic for price appreciation in bullish scenarios.

This consistently strong volume profile not only validates investor confidence, but also supports greater volatility—ideal for those seeking to exploit swing moves or tactical positioning.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Looking ahead, Rocket Lab presents several imminent and mid-term catalysts that could fuel further price appreciation:

• Neutron Rocket Launch (H2 2025): Anticipation around this high-profile reusable launch vehicle is intensifying. Neutron is set to open up lucrative heavy-lift and crewed mission markets, with immediate commercial and military revenue implications.
• Geost Acquisition Completion: Expected to close in H2 2025, this deal will add an entirely new division focused on electro-optical payloads—broadening revenue streams and increasing exposure to growing US and allied defence budgets.
• Expanding National Security Revenues: Rocket Lab is benefiting from growing geopolitical emphasis on space command and resilience. Inclusion in multi-year US Space Force launches unlocks long-term visibility and repeat business.
• Industry Secular Growth: The global small satellite launch and space systems market is widely projected to expand at a double-digit CAGR through 2030, offering enduring market upside for established leaders.
• Positive Analyst Sentiment: Ratings upgrades and a strong consensus underpin renewed institutional interest: out of 16 recent analyst evaluations, the majority are confidently positive on medium-term price appreciation.

These factors combine to make Rocket Lab a rare vehicle for capitalising on the convergence of technological, regulatory and geopolitical momentum in the new space era.

Investment Strategies

Multiple entry points present themselves for investors seeking exposure to Rocket Lab’s growth story:

• Short-term: For tactical traders, the current consolidation above technical support at $24–$24.59, combined with strong liquidity and bullish MACD, implies a rationale for swing entries ahead of key headline catalysts such as the Neutron test launch or Geost closure.
• Medium-term (6–18 months): With the prospect of major contract wins and expanded margin through both organic growth and integration of Geost’s technologies, Rocket Lab represents a strategically timed entry point as business milestones approach.
• Long-term: Persistent market share gains in the satellite launch sector, ongoing innovation pipeline, and probable EBITDA inflection (operating leverage) bolster the case for holding through potential short-term noise.
• Optimal Positioning: Buying into periods of technical retracement, especially where price is supported by strong volume (as seen at $24–$25), could be advantageous ahead of the next cycle of news or earnings releases.

Overall, the current market structure and upcoming catalysts seem to justify renewed interest from both new and existing investors, particularly those seeking exposure to the most innovative avenues of the aerospace segment.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Rocket Lab?

Synthesising the key themes, Rocket Lab stands out due to its:

• Exceptional Revenue Momentum: Multi-year triple-digit gains and substantial year-on-year expansion.
• Dominant Market Position: A leader in small satellite launches with growing penetration into defence and payload markets.
• Technical Tailwinds: Strong upward trend intact, with bullish confirmation from MACD, price above both major moving averages, and neutral RSI.
• Forthcoming Catalysts: Multiple visible profit drivers (Neutron, Geost, defence contracts) in the near to medium term.
• Analyst Support: Positive coverage and rising price targets (implied objective of $35.55, representing another 30% upside).

While volatility remains an element to manage—underscored by a beta of 2.05 and trailing losses—these are typical of high-growth technology disruptors, and Rocket Lab’s fundamentals, liquidity and strategic direction serve as strong arguments favouring a buy-side approach at current market levels.

In conclusion, Rocket Lab offers investors in the Irish and international markets a compelling combination of sector leadership, rapid growth, imminent catalysts, and sustained technical momentum. The stock may well be entering a new bullish phase—presenting what appears to be an excellent opportunity to capitalise on the profound transformation underway in the global space and defence industry.

How to buy Rocket Lab stock in Ireland?

Buying Rocket Lab stock online is now a straightforward, secure process for investors in Ireland, thanks to user-friendly, regulated brokers. You can choose between two primary purchasing methods: classic “spot” buying, where you own the shares outright, or trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which let you speculate on price movements with leverage—without owning the underlying stock. It’s quick to open an account, fund it in EUR, and start trading. To help you decide which route and which broker suits you best, see our broker comparison tool further down the page.

Spot Buying

A cash or “spot” purchase of Rocket Lab shares means you buy the stock itself and become a direct shareholder in the company. This is the classic, long-term way to invest, and shares can be held in your brokerage account in your own name. Typical fees for Irish investors include a fixed commission per order, often around €5–€10, depending on the broker.

Example

If Rocket Lab shares trade at $27.35 USD (approx. €25.20), with a €1,000 investment (around $1,085 USD) and a €5 commission, you could buy approximately 39 shares.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 10%, your holdings are worth about €1,100.
Result: +€100 gross gain, representing a 10% return on your investment (excluding currency fluctuations and taxes).

Trading via CFD

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) allow you to speculate on Rocket Lab’s price movements without owning the shares. CFD trading is popular for its flexibility and the ability to use leverage—which amplifies potential gains (and losses). Instead of a commission, you’ll typically pay a “spread” (the difference between buy and sell price) and overnight financing charges if holding leveraged positions.

Example

With a €1,000 stake and 5x leverage, your market exposure on Rocket Lab shares is €5,000.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If Rocket Lab rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +€400 gain on your initial €1,000 (excluding spread and overnight fees).

Final Advice

Before investing, it’s essential to compare the fees, conditions, and platforms offered by different brokers, as these can have a significant impact on your returns. Whether you choose to own shares outright or trade with leverage via CFDs depends on your investment strategy and risk tolerance. For detailed comparisons of the best brokers for Rocket Lab stock, consult the comparison tool further down the page.

Our 7 tips for buying Rocket Lab stock

The latest news about Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab’s Q1 2025 revenues surpassed analyst estimates and rose 32% year-over-year to $122.6 million. The company’s financial results, published within the last week, indicate continued robust growth and outperformance relative to market expectations, with revenues for the quarter exceeding consensus projections of $121.38 million. This momentum is particularly relevant to institutional investors in Ireland seeking exposure to high-growth, non-EU aerospace equities through global indices and ETFs, reflecting Rocket Lab’s growing strategic relevance in the international space launch market.

The announcement of Rocket Lab’s $275 million acquisition of Geost broadens its space offering into payloads and data systems. Unveiled on May 27, 2025, the acquisition comprises $125 million in cash and $150 million in shares, and is set to close later this year. Geost specializes in advanced electro-optical and infrared systems for space defense, aligning with robust demand across NATO partners and providing significant opportunities for Irish institutional investors who prioritize exposure to advanced defense technologies and dual-use spatial solutions increasingly relevant for Europe’s security landscape.

Rocket Lab remains a recognized market leader in small satellite launches with growing defense contract momentum, including NSSL selection. The company’s expanding government order book—most notably its participation in the $5.6 billion National Security Space Launch programme—confirms its status as a prime vendor for sensitive US and allied military missions. This is significant for Irish stakeholders attentive to transatlantic defense supply chains and the implications for EU defense integration, especially as Ireland’s industrial base aligns further with global aerospace standards.

Technical indicators show overall positive sentiment with the stock maintaining a price above key moving averages despite short-term volatility. Rocket Lab’s stock, trading at $27.35 USD and up over 550% year-on-year, remains above its 50-day and 200-day averages, with a positive MACD signal and neutral RSI, denoting bullish momentum. These signals will inform Irish traders and asset managers benchmarking US growth equities, with technical resilience adding further appeal to diversified international portfolios.

Analyst consensus has turned increasingly positive, reflected in raised target prices and overweight recommendations for Rocket Lab. Sixteen major analyst ratings now skew heavily towards buy or overweight, and target prices suggest further upside of approximately 30% from current levels. For Irish-based institutional investors, this consensus—driven by market reactions to recent earnings, strategic acquisitions, and pipeline catalysts like the Neutron rocket—reinforces confidence in the stock’s outlook within transatlantic equity allocations.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.