Business
Rocket Lab (RKLB) Stock Surges 7% in Early Trading on March 17, 2026, Amid Strong Momentum
NEW YORK — Rocket Lab USA Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB) shares climbed sharply in early trading Tuesday, March 17, 2026, extending recent gains as the aerospace company benefits from robust revenue growth, a swelling launch backlog and renewed investor enthusiasm for the commercial space sector.
As of mid-morning EDT, RKLB traded at approximately $76.40, up $5.09 or 7.14% from Monday’s close of $71.31, according to real-time data from Nasdaq and major financial platforms. Volume exceeded 6 million shares in the first few hours, reflecting heightened interest following a strong performance in recent sessions.
The stock has shown significant volatility but upward momentum in March 2026 after a dip in February. Closing at $71.31 on March 16 — a 4.24% increase from the prior session — RKLB has recovered from lower levels earlier in the month, with intraday highs pushing toward $76.53 in today’s session. The 52-week range spans $14.71 to $99.58, with the all-time high reached January 16, 2026, at $96.30.
Analysts point to Rocket Lab’s record 2025 performance as a key driver. The company reported substantial revenue growth — up 56.9% over the past two years — fueled by increased launch cadence and expansion in its space systems business. A backlog approaching $1.85 billion underscores demand for Electron rockets and Neutron development, positioning Rocket Lab as a leader in small-to-medium satellite launches and space infrastructure.
Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a Buy rating earlier this month, lifting its price target after highlighting the company’s stacked backlog tilted toward higher-margin space systems work. Other analysts maintain consensus Buy ratings, with average price targets around $74.55 to $85.00, suggesting room for further upside despite the recent rally.
Rocket Lab’s advancements in technology, including new silicon solar arrays for future space-based infrastructure, have bolstered confidence. The company continues to execute on reusable rocket ambitions with Neutron, aiming to compete in the growing market for dedicated launches and constellation deployments.
Market observers note broader sector tailwinds, including increased U.S. defense spending on missile systems and space capabilities amid geopolitical tensions. Discussions around national security needs — from missile defense to satellite constellations — have spotlighted companies like Rocket Lab as potential beneficiaries.
However, the stock faces risks typical of growth-oriented aerospace firms. High valuation multiples persist, with market capitalization recently surpassing $43 billion at current levels. February’s 13.7% decline reflected broader market pressures on high-growth names, though March’s rebound indicates renewed buying interest.
Insider activity drew some attention, with reports of sales by executives at Rocket Lab and peers like Palantir and Archer Aviation. Such transactions often occur for personal reasons and do not necessarily signal waning confidence, but they warrant monitoring.
Rocket Lab set deadlines for 2026 shareholder proposals earlier this month, a routine corporate governance step ahead of its annual meeting. No major controversies emerged from the announcement.
The company’s Electron rocket has maintained a reliable launch record, supporting commercial, government and defense payloads. Upcoming missions and Neutron progress updates could provide further catalysts.
Investors continue to watch for quarterly earnings, expected to reflect ongoing backlog conversion and margin improvements. Rocket Lab’s shift toward higher-value space systems — including spacecraft components and subsystems — has improved financial visibility compared to launch-only reliance.
Broader market context includes mixed sentiment in tech and growth stocks, though space and defense sectors have shown resilience. Rocket Lab’s performance aligns with peers benefiting from government contracts and commercial satellite demand.
As trading progresses March 17, attention remains on whether RKLB can sustain gains toward recent highs or face profit-taking. The stock’s trajectory reflects optimism about the commercial space economy’s long-term potential, driven by decreasing launch costs and expanding applications from Earth observation to communications.
Rocket Lab, founded by CEO Peter Beck, has grown from a small-launch pioneer to a vertically integrated space company. Its Wallops Island, Virginia, and New Zealand facilities support frequent operations, while U.S. expansion bolsters national security ties.
With a market cap now in the mid-$40 billion range, RKLB ranks among prominent space players. Continued execution on Neutron — targeted for larger payloads and reusability — could drive further re-rating if milestones are met.
Analysts emphasize the company’s differentiated position in a market once dominated by larger incumbents. Rocket Lab’s agility in smallsat launches and rapid iteration has captured significant share.
As the trading day unfolds, RKLB’s performance underscores investor appetite for innovative aerospace plays amid evolving global priorities in space.
Reddit director Farrell buys $1.38 million in RDDT stock
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Dell’s workforce has fallen by 10% for a third year in a row, according to annual reports filed Monday.
As of Jan. 30, the Texas-based tech giant reported a headcount of 97,000 employees, down roughly 11,000 from its previous year of 108,000.
The reductions were primarily driven by cost-cutting measures, including employee reorganizations, restricted external hiring and facility consolidation to better align investments.
“Throughout Fiscal 2026, we remained committed to disciplined cost management in coordination with our ongoing business modernization initiatives and continued to take certain measures to reduce costs,” the company said.
ORACLE EXPECTED TO SLASH THOUSANDS OF JOBS AS MASSIVE AI SPENDING CREATES FINANCIAL CASH CRISIS
The exterior of a Dell Technologies office building Jan. 4, 2023, in Round Rock, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Over the years, Dell has implemented numerous cost-cutting measures, including employee reorganizations, restrictions on external hiring and other steps to better align its investments with strategic and customer priorities.
In its most recent reports, Dell highlighted the extensive integration of AI and machine learning technologies across its operations, including IT management, software solutions and the use of specialized servers.
Dell, whose shares have risen roughly 20% so far this year, said in February the company expects revenue from its AI-optimized server orders to double by 2027.
The Dell Technologies logo is prominently displayed at the company’s pavilion during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, March 5, 2026. (Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
According to its fiscal 2026 report, Dell recorded total severance charges of $569 million, compared with $693 million in 2025 and $648 million in 2024. These payments primarily affected the selling, general and administrative departments, followed by cost of net revenue and research and development each year.
While Dell reported a staff count of 97,000 in 2026, the company had 133,000 employees in 2023.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELL | DELL TECHNOLOGIES INC. | 153.01 | -3.53 | -2.26% |
In 2023, Dell announced a workforce reduction of roughly 5% to navigate a challenging global economic environment.
The following year, Dell’s headcount fell by 13,000, a 9.8% decrease in its workforce.
In 2025, Dell again recorded a 10% reduction in staff, representing 12,000 fewer employees.
Most recently, the company reported a 10.2% decline in 2026.
META CUTS OVER 1,000 JOBS IN MAJOR METAVERSE RETREAT
A Dell logo displayed on a smartphone. (Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Silicon Valley workers have grown increasingly concerned about AI-driven disruption as tech companies such as Meta and Oracle have reportedly planned mass layoffs.
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Earlier this month, Meta reportedly considered a massive 20% workforce reduction as AI infrastructure spending continues to rise. Oracle has also reportedly weighed cutting tens of thousands of jobs amid soaring AI spending and mounting financial pressures.
Reuters has also linked workforce decline to the demands of competing in the high-growth AI infrastructure sector, pressuring companies to offset expenses.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Business
Qfin Holdings, Inc. 2025 Q4 – Results – Earnings Call Presentation (NASDAQ:QFIN) 2026-03-17
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Steak ‘n Shake COO Daniel Edwards joins ‘Fox & Friends’ to discuss the company making the switch from frying in vegetable oil to beef tallow.
Steak ‘n Shake is shaking up its “Patriot Milkshake” with a new, chocolate twist.
The milkshake will now be served with a dark chocolate Statue of Liberty, the company announced on Monday.
“Patriot Milkshake now comes with [a] Statue of Liberty. Yes fans, it’s dark chocolate,” the company wrote in a post on X.
The milkshake, which debuted in December, is still priced at $2.50 and will be for the rest of the year, according to the post. The chain previously announced the shake would be available through January.
STEAK ‘N SHAKE PLEDGES $1K CONTRIBUTIONS TO TRUMP ACCOUNTS FOR EMPLOYEES’ CHILDREN
Steak ‘n Shake is Located in the Midwest and Southern U.S. (iStock / iStock)
The company announcement included a photo of the milkshake, which features its classic red, white and blue sprinkles, an American flag on a toothpick and a dark chocolate Lady Liberty atop whipped cream.
The franchise first announced the milkshake in December as an early nod to America’s 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated in July, according to the company.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BH | BIGLARI HOLDINGS INC. | 304.94 | +5.17 | +1.72% |
“Steak n Shake is getting a head start on America’s 250th anniversary of its founding,” the company said in an X post in 2025.
The announcement garnered positive feedback on social media, with one X users writing, “This is what [w]inning looks like.”
STEAK ’N SHAKE TOUTS $2.50 ‘PATRIOT MILKSHAKE’ TO HONOR AMERICA’S SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL
Steak ‘n Shake announced an update to their “Patriot Milkshake” on Monday. The shake will now be served with a dark chocolate Statue of Liberty. (Steak ‘n Shake via X / Unknown)
Alex Bruesewitz, a political consultant and Trump advisor, also reposted the announcement, heralding the addition.
“[Steak ‘n Shake] continues to prove that they are the best fast food chain in America,” Bruesewitz wrote in the post.
FOX Business previously reported that this promotion came as other fast food chains were taking different approaches to dealing with pricing and mounting cost pressures.
FAST FOOD CHAIN SAYS THEY’VE ‘RFK’D’ THEIR FRIES, OPTING FOR HEALTHIER COOKING ALTERNATIVE
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. visits a Steak ‘n Shake location last year. (Steak ‘n Shake via X / Unknown)
Some chains, such as Jack in the Box, decided to close locations as part of a “broader turnaround plan.”
Other chains, such as Cava, advised against discounting with their CEO, Brett Schulman, telling FOX Business that “you can’t discount your way to prosperity.”
The company recently made headlines for launching their 100% beef tallow tots, becoming the only restaurant to serve the side dish.
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This comes after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to hammer the food industry to provide healthier options for consumers as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement.
Steak ‘n Shake did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
The prominent property developer is set to refurbish the heritage-listed asset and improve its hospitality offering.
The company formally kicked off preparations for the IPO on Tuesday by appointing as many as 17 bankers to handle the issue. Morgan Stanley, HSBC Holdings Plc, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. are among nine global banks selected for advisory roles, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.
Domestic advisers include Kotak Mahindra Capital Co., Axis Capital Ltd., JM Financial Ltd. and SBI Capital Markets Ltd., the people added.
Plans for the IPO have gathered steam after the government approved a change in listing requirements that allowed large issuers to dilute as little as 2.5% of their equity. The IPO could be India’s largest-ever IPO and the first by a major unit of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s flagship company, Reliance, in almost two decades.
The proposed offering is expected to comprise largely secondary share sale by existing investors and could take place later this year. Details including the size, structure and timing of the transaction are still being finalized and are subject to change, the people added.
Representatives for the company and banks didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment outside of business hours.
The incoming boss of BHP says he is committed to Australia but has warned local investment was at risk as other nations cut red tape in pursuit of mining money.
Financial analyst by day and a seasoned investor by passion, I’ve been involved in the world of investing for over 15 years and honed my skills in analyzing lucrative opportunities within the market.I specialize in uncovering high quality dividend stocks and other assets that offer potential for long term-growth that pack a serious punch for bill-paying potential. I use myself as an example that with a solid base of classic dividend growth stocks, sprinkling in some Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds can be a highly efficient way to boost your investment income while still capturing a total return that follows traditional index funds. I created a hybrid system between growth and income and manage to still capture a total return that is on par with the S&P.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Russian forces take control of two more Ukrainian villages, defence ministry says
Form 4 Figure Technology Solutions Ltd For: 17 March
Jerry O’Connell Can’t Make ‘Any Kind Of Joke’ Around His Wife And Daughters
‘I wasn’t concerned about my health before my stroke at 50 . . . there were no signs or symptoms’
Reddit director Farrell buys $1.38 million in RDDT stock
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