Rocket Lab Corporation RKLB and Planet Labs PBC PL are benefiting from increasing demand for satellite infrastructure, space-based services and Earth-focused applications. As governments and commercial organizations expand their use of space technologies, both companies are strengthening capabilities across spacecraft, satellite systems and related services while addressing a broadening range of orbital and Earth-observation needs.
The space industry continues to develop through greater use of satellites for communications, remote sensing, Earth observation and data-driven applications. The rising adoption of satellite imagery, spacecraft systems and space-based data is creating opportunities for companies providing the hardware, infrastructure and information needed to support these applications. Both Rocket Lab and Planet Labs are positioned across different but complementary parts of this expanding space ecosystem.
Let’s compare the stocks’ fundamentals to determine which one is the better investment option at present.
The Case for RKLB Stock
Rocket Lab provides launch services, spacecraft manufacturing, satellite components and mission-related solutions for commercial and government customers. Its capabilities span launch vehicles, spacecraft platforms, solar power systems, radios, optical systems, software and other components, allowing the company to support missions from launch through on-orbit operations.
Rocket Lab announced on Aug. 17, 2026, that Viasat selected it to build a GEO satellite bus for the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global program. The company will provide its Lightning-GEO spacecraft platform to host Viasat’s payload, using vertically integrated systems, including radios, solar power, star trackers, reaction wheels and software. The agreement expands Rocket Lab’s spacecraft manufacturing opportunities and strengthens its position in GEO satellite programs and integrated space systems.
The Case for PL Stock
Planet Labs operates a satellite-based Earth observation platform that combines its satellite fleet with data processing, analytics and software capabilities. The company collects frequent imagery of the Earth and provides data and related solutions to government and commercial customers across areas such as agriculture, resource management, environmental monitoring and other applications.
On Aug. 10, 2026, Planet Labs and the Government of Rwanda announced the launch of a national satellite data program, providing Planet’s data to government agencies, public universities, selected startups and development partners. The program will use satellite data for agriculture and food security, forest monitoring, urban planning and disaster management, expanding Planet Labs’ presence in national-level satellite data applications and creating additional opportunities for its Earth observation platform.
How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for RKLB & PL?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Rocket Lab’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a rise of 58.33% in the past 60 days.
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The consensus estimate for Planet Labs’ fiscal 2027 EPS has remained unchanged in the past 60 days.
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Debt Position of RKLB & PL
Debt position is an important financial indicator that reflects a company’s financial stability and ability to manage debt obligations efficiently. Currently, Rocket Lab's debt-to-capital ratio is 0.83%, while Planet Labs' stands at 50.22%.
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RKLB & PL: Stock Price Performance
Over the past six months, shares of RKLB and PL have fallen 3.1% and 10.7%, respectively.
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Valuation for RKLB & PL
RKLB shares are trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S F12M) multiple of 33.69 compared with PL’s P/S F12M of 14.88.
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Summing Up
Both companies operate across the expanding commercial space industry. Rocket Lab focuses on launch services, spacecraft manufacturing and integrated space systems that support orbital missions, while Planet Labs specializes in Earth observation, satellite imagery, data processing and analytics for government and commercial customers.
Our choice at the moment is Rocket Lab, supported by its stronger earnings estimate trends, broader capabilities across the space ecosystem, better price performance and debt management compared with Planet Labs.
Rocket Lab currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while Planet Labs carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Planet Labs PBC (PL): Free Stock Analysis Report
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).