Analysis by Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab $RKLB may become a direct beneficiary of the strained relationship between Trump and Musk, which could open the door to new government contracts, especially if SpaceX loses political support.
The upcoming Neutron rocket (15,000 kg payload capacity) has the ambition to compete with SpaceX and greatly expand Rocket Lab's capabilities beyond missions.
Shares $RKLB of the firm are up +11% since the dispute began, with analysts raising their price targets (Cantor Fitzgerald: $35).
Important Factors:
- Diversification of government partners = opportunity for RL
- Experience with commercial and government missions
- Flexibility of a smaller firm can be an advantage in a turbulent political climate
Conclusion: Rocket Lab $RKLB has a chance to cement its status as a "mini-SpaceX" - especially if it can capitalize on the tensions between the government and Musk, both politically and technologically.
I'd rather invest in SpaceX too, but this doesn't look bad either.
This sector is terribly interesting, but I still have much more faith in SpaceX because they are better and bigger.