Planet Data
Planet Data, founded in the early 2020s, is a satellite data analytics company specializing in providing daily insights about Earth's changes.
Profile
Planet Data provides daily satellite imagery and analytics to monitor Earth's changes.
Planet Data, founded in the early 2020s, is a satellite data analytics company specializing in providing daily insights about Earth's changes. The company leverages its fleet of satellites to capture high-resolution imagery and data, which it processes using advanced AI algorithms to deliver actionable insights. Planet Data has positioned itself as a critical player in sectors such as agriculture, defense, and environmental monitoring.
The company reported record annual revenue of $308 million in fiscal year 2026, marking a 26% year-over-year increase. Despite a net loss of $246.9 million, largely due to revaluation losses from warrant liabilities, Planet Data generated $134 million in net cash from operating activities and $53 million in free cash flow. The company ended the year with $640 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, reflecting a 188% increase from the previous year.
Recent strategic moves include launching 40 satellites and forming an R&D partnership with Google to explore data centers in space. Planet Data’s backlog grew 79% year-over-year to over $900 million, providing strong visibility into future growth.
Who buys this
- Government agencies
- Defense and intelligence organizations
- Agricultural companies
- Environmental monitoring agencies
- Commercial enterprises
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Extensive satellite fleet providing daily global coverage
- Strong backlog growth of 79% year-over-year
- Significant cash reserves of $640 million
Watch for
- High net losses driven by warrant liability revaluations
- Dependence on government contracts for revenue
- Intense competition in the satellite data analytics market
Recent moves
Key Information
- Founded
- 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Planet Data do?
Planet Data provides daily satellite imagery and analytics to monitor Earth's changes. Using its fleet of satellites and AI algorithms, it delivers insights for agriculture, defense, and environmental monitoring. Founded in the early 2020s, the company captures high-resolution data to track global changes with daily updates.
How is Planet Data performing financially?
In fiscal year 2026, Planet Data reported $308 million revenue (26% growth) but a $246.9 million net loss due to warrant liabilities. It generated $134 million operating cash flow and ended with $640 million reserves. Backlog grew 79% to $900 million, indicating strong future revenue potential.
Who uses Planet Data's satellite imagery?
Planet Data serves government agencies, defense organizations, agricultural companies, and environmental monitors. Its daily global coverage helps farmers optimize crops, militaries assess threats, and scientists track climate change. Commercial enterprises also use the data for logistics, urban planning, and resource management applications.
What are Planet Data's competitive advantages?
Planet Data's strengths include daily global coverage from its satellite fleet, a 79% backlog growth, and $640 million cash reserves. Its partnership with Google for space data centers and deployment of 40 new satellites reinforce its position in the Earth observation market.
What risks does Planet Data face?
Key risks include $246.9 million net losses from warrant revaluations, reliance on government contracts, and intense competition in satellite analytics. While revenue grows, profitability challenges persist. The company must balance R&D investments (like space data centers) with cost management to sustain operations.
What's new with Planet Data in 2026?
In 2026, Planet Data launched 40 satellites and partnered with Google on space data center R&D. It achieved record $308 million revenue and $900 million backlog. The company strengthened its cash position to $640 million while expanding its daily Earth monitoring capabilities across industries.
Sources
- www.businesswire.com — Financial results for fiscal year 2026
- lasvegassun.com — Financial results for first quarter of fiscal year 2027
- investors.planet.com — Quarterly financial results and key metrics
- www.informationweek.com — Context on tech layoffs and industry trends