Planet Labs PBC (PL)
NYSEIndustrialsAerospace & DefenseSnapshot 2026-09-04
$18.12-1.25%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEIndustrialsAerospace & DefenseSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · PL
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within industrials on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks PL against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 2 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Industrials names rated weak grew net income 53% of the time over the next year (vs 58% for the rest of the cohort, n=6963).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Grow revenue by securing new contracts and expanding partnerships with government and commercial customers globally.
Stated as a priority in 2 of last 2 quarters. Revenue grew from $94.2 million in 2026-Q2 to $116.1 million in 2026-Q3, representing 42% and 58% year-over-year growth respectively. Management highlighted multiple new government contracts and expanding pipeline, indicating delivery on this growth priority.
“Landmark contract wins in August with NGA and German government; pipeline continues to expand.”
“Signed multiple government contracts including NGA, U.S. Navy, Greek government, and international Defense & Intelligence customer.”
Focus on operational efficiency and cost management to increase non-GAAP gross margins over time.
Stated as a priority in 2 of last 2 quarters. Non-GAAP gross margins were 56% in 2026-Q2 and 59% in 2026-Q3, slightly below prior year quarters of 59% and 61%. Despite slight margin compression, management reports exceeding expectations and driving adjusted EBITDA profit, indicating ongoing focus with mixed margin trajectory.
Drive operational leverage and cost discipline to reach positive operating income and adjusted EBITDA profitability.
Stated as a priority in 2 of last 2 quarters. Adjusted EBITDA profit improved from a loss of $1.0 million in 2026-Q2 to a profit of $13.9 million in 2026-Q3, showing significant operating leverage. Operating income remains negative but improving, indicating progress toward positive operating income.
Develop and integrate AI capabilities with satellite data to enhance product offerings and customer value.
Stated as a priority in 2 of last 2 quarters. Management emphasizes AI integration with satellite services as a strategic growth vector. While no direct financial metrics are cited, the ongoing launch of AI-enabled Pelican satellites and product developments support continued investment in this area.
“Strategy pairs AI-enabled analytics with sovereign satellite services for a powerful offering.”
Scale manufacturing capabilities and establish new offices to support growth and partnerships internationally.
Newly stated in 2026-Q3. Management announced strategic expansion of manufacturing in Berlin and a new London office to enhance AI and analytics partnerships. This is a recent initiative with no prior quarters stating this priority.
“Rapidly scaling European presence with Berlin facility expansion and new London office for AI partnerships.”
Over the trailing year it converted 0.01x of net income into operating cash flow.
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, Fed net liquidity, long-term interest rates (low R² over the window).
9 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by capital-allocation actions. Historically, Industrials names rated stable grew net income 55% of the time over the next year (vs 58% for the rest of the cohort, n=2546).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“Exceeded expectations on non-GAAP gross margins and drove adjusted EBITDA profit of $13.9 million.”
“Non-GAAP gross margin expected in the range of approximately 52% to 55%.”
“Adjusted EBITDA profit of $13.9 million for the quarter, exceeding expectations.”
“Adjusted EBITDA profit is expected to be in the range of approximately $0 to $5 million for the quarter.”
“Investing in AI, positioning Planet at the forefront of the industry and pioneering planetary-scale insights.”