Commercial space and defense equities continue to draw investor attention, but CNBC's Mad Money host Jim Cramer took a cautious stance on higher-risk plays in the sector on August 5. When asked about Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB), Cramer dismissed the stock as speculative while steering investors toward Voyager Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:VOYG):<\/p>\n
Pure spec, that's the problem. It's a pure spec. I like that Voyager. We had that fella on last night, Voyager\u2026 I like the Voyager.<\/p>\n
Cramer's preference for Voyager Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:VOYG) follows its second-quarter earnings report, which he reviewed during the August 4 episode after interviewing management. Cramer highlighted the expanding government defense contracts, sequential revenue acceleration, and a growing backlog and said:<\/p>\n
When you look at this phenomenal run in Voyager Technologies, the space and defense company that makes key components for satellites, missiles, and spacecraft, it's been racking up government contracts left and right. Last night, Voyager reported a very strong quarter with revenue up 51% just versus the previous 3 months, a narrower-than-expected loss, and the backlog jumping 22% sequentially. That's versus last quarter, not last year. Management said that demand is building faster than they can convert it into revenue. High-quality problem. They also raised their full-year revenue forecast pretty substantially. Some of that's thanks to the recent acquisition of Astrobotic. That's a space robotics play… The stock jumped 14% yesterday even before the quarter and then rallied another 19.6% today in response to these results, although it's still down roughly 55% from its post-IPO highs last summer. So maybe you haven't missed as much as you might think.<\/p>\n
It is worth noting that data tracked by Insider Monkey shows shifting hedge fund sentiment between the two space companies entering 2026. Elite hedge fund holders in Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) declined from 45 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 43 in the first quarter of 2026. On the other hand, hedge fund ownership in Voyager Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:VOYG) expanded during the same period, rising from 35 holders in Q4 2025 to 37 in Q1 2026.<\/p>\n
Valuation multiples and short seller interest further show contrasting market expectations. Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 53.10, with short interest sitting at 7.97% of its public float. In comparison, Voyager Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:VOYG) commands a lower price-to-sales multiple of 8.67, though short interest stands higher at 21.65% of float, indicating elevated short-seller scrutiny despite its lower top-line valuation and growing hedge fund base.<\/p>\n
The financial contrast between the two space equities centers on valuation and operational execution. While Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) continues to fund ongoing development for its medium-lift Neutron rocket program while carrying an elevated revenue multiple, Voyager Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:VOYG) is converting defense and space sector demand directly into top-line expansion. With revenue surging 51% quarter-over-quarter, backlog expanding 22% sequentially, and raised full-year guidance supported by its Astrobotic acquisition, Voyager presents the operational momentum Cramer favors over speculative launch plays.<\/p>\n
While we acknowledge the potential of RKLB and VOYG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.<\/p>\n
READ NEXT: Jim Cramer Highlights Willis Towers Watson Following July Gains and Jim Cramer Reaffirms Buy Stance on Celestica (CLS) 25% Pullback.<\/p>\n
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