Rocket Lab stock slides as analysts lift targets — what RKLB traders are watching next

Rocket Lab stock slides as analysts lift targets — what RKLB traders are watching next

New York, January 20, 2026, 11:15 a.m. EST — Regular session underway.

  • Rocket Lab shares dropped roughly 4% late this morning, mirroring weakness across the broader market
  • BofA doubled its price target to $120. Goldman, meanwhile, raised its target to $69 and maintained a neutral stance.
  • All eyes now turn to Rocket Lab’s upcoming earnings, expected after the close on Feb. 26

Rocket Lab Corp shares slipped 3.9% to $92.60 by 11:04 a.m. ET Tuesday, erasing some of last week’s gains despite new analyst price target increases. MarketBeat shows Rocket Lab’s upcoming earnings report scheduled for Feb. 26, after market close, though the company hasn’t officially confirmed that date. (MarketBeat)

Risk appetite faded across U.S. equities, dragging the S&P 500 and Nasdaq down roughly 1% or more. Rocket Lab, known for its high volatility, followed the broader market’s lead. Shares fluctuated between $91.60 and $98.27 during the session, staying shy of their 52-week peak at $99.58, according to Google Finance data. (Google)

Rocket Lab is back in the fast-money spotlight. When the market dips, traders often unload the stocks that have surged the most, only to snap them up again if the fundamentals remain intact.

BofA Securities made a bullish move, lifting its price target on Rocket Lab to $120 from $60 while maintaining a “Buy” rating, GuruFocus reported. (GuruFocus)

The Fly reports that the bank anticipates investor focus shifting to space in 2026, highlighting Rocket Lab’s “vertical integration”—producing critical hardware internally—as a key advantage. The note also pointed to the upcoming launch of Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket and noted a recent Space Development Agency contract win as a validation against major aerospace and defense players. (TipRanks)

Goldman Sachs nudged up its price target, though with a more cautious stance. Analyst Anthony Valentini increased the target to $69 from $47 but maintained a “Neutral” rating. He highlighted ongoing supply constraints and uneven margin risks across aerospace and defense sectors. (TipRanks)

Rocket Lab’s longer-term bullish outlook has hinged largely on government projects and growth in its space-systems division. Back in December, the company secured an $816 million contract from the Space Development Agency to deliver 18 missile-warning and tracking satellites — their biggest deal yet. “Rocket Lab is honored to play a role in enabling this,” CEO and founder Peter Beck said then. (Rocket Lab)

The immediate issue is timing. Investors are looking for clear milestones — from satellite production rates to launch performance, plus any updates on Neutron from management — since any slip-ups usually hit the stock fast.

That said, the risks run both ways. A delay in Neutron’s development, setbacks in satellite production, or a botched launch could shake investor confidence, particularly with shares hovering near all-time highs amid a more cautious market.

Wall Street is eyeing the next quarterly update, expected in late February. Investors want clarity on 2026 launch plans, the progress of Neutron, and the pace at which Rocket Lab can turn its recent government contracts into actual revenue.

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