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Should Investors Buy Planet Labs Stock Instead of Rocket Lab Stock? | PL Stock vs. RKLB Stock

Parkev Tatevosian, CFA•Oct 12, 2026

Summary

Parkev provides a comparative analysis of Planet Labs and Rocket Lab within the expanding space industry, noting that falling technology costs are driving increased launch frequency and innovation. Parkev observes that while both companies have seen significant revenue growth, they differ greatly in their financial stability and cash flow generation. Parkev emphasizes the importance of a strong balance sheet and positive operating cash flow for young companies, as it allows them to raise capital strategically rather than out of necessity.

Parkev concludes that the broader space sector, including SpaceX, appears overvalued at current market prices. Through a discounted cash flow analysis, Parkev determines that both stocks are trading well above their intrinsic values. However, Parkev identifies Planet Labs as the better relative buy due to its established path to profitability and lower valuation multiples.

**Planet Labs (PL):** Parkev argues that Planet Labs is the better investment because it has already reached the milestone of being cash-flow positive, with an operating cash flow margin of 31%. Parkev highlights that the company trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 11, which is much lower than its competitor. Despite this preference, Parkev calculates a fair value of $5.52 per share, indicating the stock is overvalued compared to its market price of $17.43.
**Rocket Lab (RKLB):** Parkev states that Rocket Lab is growing revenue faster, reaching $769 million, but it remains burdened by a negative operating cash flow of -29%. Parkev notes that the company is trading at a high price-to-sales ratio of 31 and spends a significant 39% of its revenue on research and development. Parkev calculates a fair value of $24 per share for Rocket Lab, suggesting it is heavily overvalued at its current market price of over $70.

Mentioned Stocks

RKLB
Sentiment: SELL

Reasoning: Parkev views Rocket Lab as significantly overvalued, trading at over $70 while its fair value is calculated at only $24. Parkev is concerned about its negative operating cash flow (-29%) and the high price-to-sales ratio of 31.

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PL
Sentiment: BUYAction: RECOMMENDED

Reasoning: Parkev considers Planet Labs the better investment choice because it is cash-flow positive (31%) and has a more attractive valuation at 11x sales. However, Parkev notes that the stock is technically overvalued, with a calculated fair value of $5.52 compared to the market price of $17.43.

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