Revenue Growth and Financial Performance
Planet Labs generated $81.3 million in revenue, marking approximately 33% growth year over year. Non-GAAP gross margin was 60%, and adjusted EBITDA profit was $5.6 million, indicating the fourth sequential quarter of adjusted EBITDA profitability. Backlog increased to $734.5 million, a year-over-year increase of 216%, and positive free cash flow was achieved for the third quarter in a row.
Defense and Intelligence Sector Success
Q3 revenue in the defense and intelligence sector accelerated to over 70% growth year on year, driven by strong performance in data subscription and solutions businesses. Notable contracts include a $12.8 million award for advanced analytics for maritime operations and reconnaissance and a $7.5 million contract renewal by the US Navy for vessel detection and monitoring.
Project SunCatcher with Google
Planet Labs announced Project SunCatcher, an R&D initiative with Google to enable scaled AI computing in space. The project involves placing Google's tensor processing units on satellites, leveraging space's energy and temperature conditions, with plans for two prototype satellites in early 2027.
Strategic Growth in AI and Solutions
The acquisition of Bedrock Research, an AI solutions company, enhances Planet Labs' capabilities in AI-enabled solutions, particularly for defense and intelligence customers. Additionally, the AXA partnership integrates Planet's data into AXA's Digital Commercial Platform, marking a significant step in the insurance sector.
Launch and Manufacturing Advancements
Planet Labs launched two high-resolution Pelicans and 36 super doves, expanding their satellite fleet. A new satellite manufacturing facility is planned to open in Berlin, aiming to double manufacturing capacity for high-resolution Pelican satellites.