Rocket Lab (RKLB)

Want to win your high school stock market game? You need to stop playing it safe and start thinking like a true rocket scientist. Seriously, if you’re looking for a top stock that could take you straight to first place in your class competition, check out Rocket Lab, a company that’s literally sending stuff into space. And no, this isn’t some “maybe it’ll work” moonshot—Rocket Lab is already killing it in the space industry, launching satellites and catching rockets in mid-air. If you’re aiming for short-term gains and a killer score in your game, this is the kind of high-risk, high-reward stock you need to consider.

So, what’s the deal with Rocket Lab? Founded in 2006 by self-taught rocket engineer Peter Beck, Rocket Lab is a U.S.-New Zealand startup that’s taken the satellite launch game by storm. They’ve already sent 149 satellites into space and even launched NASA’s CAPSTONE spacecraft toward the moon this year. These aren’t just dreams; Rocket Lab is actually doing what it promises. And get this: They caught one of their Electron rockets with a helicopter as part of their plan to make rockets reusable. That’s some real sci-fi stuff, and it’s got serious potential.

Let’s talk strategy. If you’re playing a stock market game, you’re in it for the short-term win. Long-term investing is all about spreading out your risks through something like an S&P 500 index fund, which holds stocks from 500 different companies. But that’s not how you win a game. In your class stock market competition, you need to take a few big risks to get big rewards. Enter Rocket Lab—a classic example of momentum trading, where you buy into a stock on the rise, ride the wave of excitement, and cash out before the market turns. It’s risky, but that’s the kind of move that can help you blow past your competition. Just keep in mind, this isn’t what you’d do with your college savings.

Now, let’s dig into why Rocket Lab is one of the best stocks to consider right now. With geopolitical tensions on the rise, there’s a growing need for “responsive launch” services—basically, the ability to launch satellites quickly and adjust their orbits in real-time. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rocket Lab changed an orbit for satellite firm BlackSky in just 45 days, something that used to take months. This agility makes them a key player in defense and space tech.

The U.S. government is backing this trend hard, with plans to triple its spending on responsive launches from $50 million to $150 million by 2023. Plus, with Russia’s Soyuz rocket no longer available for Western use, companies like Rocket Lab are filling the gap. But despite all this momentum, Rocket Lab’s stock has been hit hard—down over 50% this year. Why? Investors are currently dumping anything that feels “speculative,” especially companies that went public through SPACs (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies), like Rocket Lab.

But here’s the kicker: Rocket Lab is already delivering on its promises, unlike many of its competitors. Sure, other space startups like Astra and Firefly have been grabbing headlines, but Astra’s had a bunch of failed launches, Firefly’s rocket exploded, and Relativity hasn’t even launched yet. Meanwhile, Rocket Lab is out here catching rockets and sending spacecraft to the moon. Analyst Jordan Cole notes, “Rocket Lab is way ahead of the competition. They’ve proven they can scale, and they’re consistently executing on their tech. This is the kind of company that could surge when the market realizes its true potential.”

And it’s not just about launching rockets. Rocket Lab’s business model is diversified—between two-thirds and three-quarters of their revenue comes from building satellite components. So even though they’re still investing heavily in their new, bigger rocket called Neutron, they’re making solid revenue. In the first quarter of this year alone, Rocket Lab brought in $41 million, up 124% from last year. That’s massive growth, and it shows they’re not some speculative pipe dream. Positive operating income is expected by 2024, but investors who get in early could see serious gains well before that.

So, what’s the move? Rocket Lab isn’t your typical “safe” stock, but that’s not what wins you the stock market game. This is a high-risk, high-reward play that could skyrocket your portfolio, especially with the space industry heating up and Rocket Lab already proving it’s got what it takes. Just remember, this kind of momentum trading isn’t for long-term investing. If you want to build wealth over time, you’d diversify with safer investments like an S&P 500 index fund. But for your class game? It’s all about big plays, and Rocket Lab might just be the top stock that takes you to the moon—literally.

Are you ready to launch?