LONG BEACH, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — January 31, 2024 — Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab,” “the Company,” “we” or “us”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today shared preliminary financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023 following the successful deployment of Spire and NorthStar’s Space Situational Awareness Mission.
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Rocket Lab's Electron launch vehicle lifts off the pad at Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand for the Company's 43rd launch, successfully deploying satellites for NorthStar and Spire. (Photo: Business Wire)
Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck, said: “Our fourth quarter included Electron’s successful return to service and our largest contract award to date with the $515 million Space Development Agency’s Tranche 2 Beta award. In addition, our Space Systems business improved year-over year on increased merchant component business. With our 43rd Electron mission now launched, more launches scheduled in 2024 than in any prior year, and a record backlog, we’re excited to continue building on our success delivering end-to-end space solutions to the market. We are also encouraged by progress made against key Neutron development milestones and look forward to introducing new medium lift launch technical capabilities and much needed incremental capacity to the market.”
Certain Estimated Preliminary Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 (unaudited)
Our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 are not yet available; however, certain of our estimated preliminary unaudited financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2023 are set forth below. With respect to certain presented results, we have provided ranges, rather than specific amounts, because these results are preliminary and subject to change. These results are based on the information available to us as of the date of this release. Our actual results may vary from the estimated preliminary results presented below, including due to the completion of our financial closing and other operational procedures, final adjustments, and other developments that may arise between now and the time the Company releases its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2023, which is currently scheduled for February 27, 2024. Our fourth quarter revenue was impacted by the postponement of an Electron launch previously scheduled to occur before the end of 2023, which was partially offset by strength in our Space Systems business. The postponement is not expected to impact our future results.
These estimates should not be viewed as a substitute for our full interim or annual financial statements prepared in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on this preliminary data.
The estimated preliminary financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2023 have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, management. Our independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has not audited, reviewed, compiled or performed any procedures with respect to the estimated preliminary financial results. Accordingly, our independent registered public accounting firm does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. Certain monetary amounts, percentages, and other figures included below have been subject to rounding adjustments. Percentage amounts included below have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, percentage amounts below may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in our consolidated financial statements. Certain other amounts that appear below may not sum due to rounding.
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(figures in millions) |
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Three Months Ended December 31, |
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2022 |
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2023 Estimated |
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Preliminary Unaudited Results |
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Actual |
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Low |
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High |
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Revenue |
|
$ |
51.8 |
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|
$ |
59.0 |
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|
$ |
61.0 |
|
Space Systems revenue |
|
$ |
39.7 |
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|
$ |
50.5 |
|
|
$ |
52.5 |
|
Launch Services revenue |
|
$ |
12.0 |
|
|
$ |
8.5 |
|
|
$ |
8.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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GAAP Gross margin |
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|
3.5 |
% |
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|
24.8 |
% |
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|
26.8 |
% |
Non-GAAP Gross margin |
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|
14.5 |
% |
|
|
31.4 |
% |
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|
33.2 |
% |
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|
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GAAP Operating expenses |
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$ |
39.1 |
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|
$ |
62.5 |
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|
$ |
64.5 |
|
Non-GAAP Operating expenses |
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$ |
27.3 |
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|
$ |
52.5 |
|
|
$ |
54.5 |
|
Interest expense, net |
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$ |
0.9 |
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$ |
1.4 |
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$ |
1.4 |
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Net loss |
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$ |
(37.2 |
) |
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$ |
(52.5 |
) |
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$ |
(49.0 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA loss |
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$ |
(14.5 |
) |
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$ |
(30.0 |
) |
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$ |
(28.0 |
) |
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Basic shares outstanding |
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|
474 |
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|
|
487 |
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|
487 |
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