Planet Labs PBC

Key Points
Planet Labs’ stock has plunged more than 50% from its all-time high.
It's cheaper than its peers, but investors shouldn’t ignore the red flags.
Planet Labs (NYSE: PL), a developer of satellite constellations, went public through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) on Dec. 8, 2021. Its stock closed at $11.35 on the first day and eventually reached a record high of $51.40 on May 28, 2026.
Today, its stock trades at about $25. Like many of its industry peers, Planet Lab had rallied ahead of SpaceX's (NASDAQ: SPCX) market debut in June, but pulled back after that massive IPO drew investors away from the smaller space stocks. A massive $1.5 billion at-the-market stock offering that same month exacerbated its decline.
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After that pullback, Planet Lab still trades at 27 times this year's sales. That price-to-sales ratio might seem high, but it actually looks cheap compared to SpaceX or AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS), which trade at 132x and 43x this year's sales, respectively. So is Planet Labs actually one of the cheapest hypergrowth stocks in the nascent space economy?
What does Planet Labs do?
Planet Labs designs, builds, and launches satellite constellations for government and commercial clients. It's deployed 462 satellites since 2013, and about 200 remain in orbit.
It generates most of its revenue from government and defense contracts (especially for sovereign intelligence infrastructure), but it's gaining more commercial customers across the agriculture, digital mapping, insurance, energy, and utilities sectors.
It mainly relies on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets and Rocket Lab's (NASDAQ: RKLB) Electron rockets to launch its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which only have a maximum lifespan of three to five years. These satellites are comparable to Starlink's smaller satellites, but they're tiny compared to AST SpaceMobile's massive satellites. However, these three companies don't directly compete with each other because their satellites serve different markets.
How fast is Planet Labs growing?
From fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2026 (which ended this January), Planet Lab's revenue rose from $131 million to $308 million. Its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also turned positive in fiscal 2026.
By the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2027, its backlog had grown 72% year over year to $906 million, driven by its robust growth in the defense and intelligence markets. It's also expanding its AI-driven analytics services to lock its customers into its ecosystem.
From fiscal 2026 to fiscal 2029, analysts expect Planet Lab's revenue and adjusted EBITDA to grow at CAGRs of 35% and 115%, respectively. Those explosive growth rates could justify its valuation, unless it keeps diluting its investors with more stock offerings. It looks cheap relative to its peers, but its outstanding share count has risen 36% since its market debut. Its insiders have also sold more than twice as many shares as they bought over the past 12 months. It might be worth nibbling at these levels, but investors should brace for significant volatility.
Should you buy stock in Planet Labs PBC right now?
Before you buy stock in Planet Labs PBC, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Planet Labs PBC wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $400,209!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,375,393!*
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Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile, Planet Labs PBC, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Is Planet Labs The Cheapest Stock In The Space Economy?

Key Points
The executive disposed of ~110,000 shares at $22.08 per share on July 23, 2026, representing a total transaction value of $2.4 million.
The activity reduced the total equity holdings across both direct and indirect accounts by 6%.
The transaction was split between a direct sale of 75,035 shares and an indirect sale of 34,993 shares attributed to the Johnson Joint Revocable Trust.
Ashley F. Johnson, President and Chief Financial Officer of Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL), sold ~110,000 shares of Class A Common Stock on July 23, 2026, for a total value of $2.4 million, according to an SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summary
Transaction value
$2.4 million
Shares sold
~110,000
Shares sold (directly held)
75,035
Shares sold (indirectly held)
34,993
Post-transaction shares (directly held)
~1.1 million
Post-transaction shares (indirectly held)
~561,000
Post-transaction value
$37.87 million
Insider ownership
0.51%
Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average sale price ($22.08); post-transaction value based on July 23, 2026 market close ($22.36).
Key questions
What is the context for this transaction?
The sale was conducted as part of routine portfolio management under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan established on April 23, 2026. This regulatory framework allows insiders to schedule stock sales in advance to avoid concerns regarding the possession of material non-public information.
How has the company performed financially leading up to this trade?
Planet Labs reported a 226% one-year return as of the July 23, 2026 transaction date. During the most recent trailing-twelve-month period, the company generated $335.6 million in revenue while recording a net loss of $373.1 million.
What is the status of the executive's remaining equity position?
Following this transaction, Johnson retains a significant interest in the company, including ~1.1 million shares held directly and ~561,000 shares held indirectly through a revocable trust. The directly held position includes 1,132,122 restricted stock units (RSUs) that are scheduled to vest in quarterly installments through December.
Company Overview
Share Price (as of market close 2026-07-23)
$22.36
Market Capitalization
$6.9 billion
Revenue (TTM)
$335.6 million
Net Income (TTM)
-$373.1 million
Company Snapshot
Planet Labs designs, deploys, and operates extensive satellite constellations that deliver frequent, high-resolution geospatial imagery and data to customers worldwide through a proprietary cloud-native platform.
The company generates revenue through subscription-based access to its satellite imagery and geospatial analytics platform, leveraging its proprietary technology stack to process and integrate temporal data for advanced analytical applications.
Planet Labs serves government agencies, commercial enterprises, and institutional customers requiring real-time geospatial intelligence for applications spanning agriculture, urban planning, disaster response, and defense and security operations.
Planet Labs PBC operates as a leading provider of frequent, global geospatial data through its constellation of Earth-imaging satellites. The company's differentiated competitive position derives from its extensive satellite network, proprietary cloud-native processing infrastructure, and ability to deliver sub-meter resolution imagery at unprecedented temporal frequency.
With a market capitalization of $6.9 billion, Planet Labs is scaling its commercial and government customer base while advancing its technological capabilities in satellite operations and geospatial analytics.
What this transaction means for investors
The July 23 sale of Planet Labs stock by CFO Ashley Johnson for a weighted average price of $22.08 occurred during a time when shares were on the decline, having fallen substantially from a 52-week high of $51.76 reached in May. The drop was due in part to the company’s plan to sell up to $1.5 billion Class A shares, a large equity offering that prompted dilution concerns among shareholders.
The CFO’s disposition combined with other insider sales also added to a Planet Labs stock sell-off. That said, her July 23 transaction does not appear to raise red flags for investors, given it was a non-discretionary transaction executed as part of a pre-established Rule 10b5-1 plan.
Moreover, Johnson retained more than one million directly-held shares post-transaction, and over half a million indirectly-held stock in a trust. This demonstrates she maintains a sizable equity position, ensuring her continued alignment with shareholder interests.
Should you buy stock in Planet Labs PBC right now?
Before you buy stock in Planet Labs PBC, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Planet Labs PBC wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $386,727!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,232,139!*
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Robert Izquierdo has positions in Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

What Does Planet Labs CFO Ashley Johnson's Sale of Shares Worth $2.4 Million Mean for Investors?

Key Points
Leading up to the SpaceX IPO, many space stocks began to go into a tailspin.
These companies have promising growth opportunities, but they are also all unprofitable.
Space stocks are struggling mightily. Whether it's due to the hype around Space Exploration Technologies Corp (NASDAQ: SPCX), also known as SpaceX, or investors being more cognizant of rising valuations, there's definitely a bit more concern in the sector of late.
SpaceX has been falling sharply, and three other top names in space are also down big. Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL), Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB), and AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) are all down more than 50% from their highs. Let's take a closer look to see if there are any good buying opportunities amid these free falls.
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Planet Labs
Shares of Planet Labs are barely in positive territory this year, up around 3%, after going on an incredible run earlier. The space stock hit a high of nearly $52 back in late May, but it's been in a tailspin since then. Now trading at around $20, it's down more than 60% from its high.
When it reported earnings back in early June, the satellite imaging company showed solid 42% revenue growth, with its top line coming in at $94 million. However, with its operating loss rising from $23 million a year ago to just under $35 million, that may have raised investor concerns about its long-term viability, particularly as it scales its operations.
Plus, with SpaceX likely drawing in much of the investment dollars aimed at space in the future, many investors may have been pushing the eject button in anticipation of that; Planet Labs' stock was already in decline before its earnings numbers came out.
With profitability nowhere in sight and the stock's valuation remaining fairly high at more than $7 billion, this isn't a stock I'd rush to buy, despite its sell-off.
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab manufactures spacecraft and satellite components. It also provides launch services, making it a more attractive space investment overall. But for growth investors, SpaceX may still have more appeal given its grand visions of travel to Mars.
Like Planet Labs, Rocket Lab's stock also peaked around late May, hitting a high of $151. On Tuesday, it was trading around $64, down about 58% from that level. Rocket Lab spiked significantly after it reported earnings in early May, following strong results for the first three months of the year. Revenue of $200 million was up an impressive 64% year over year, and its backlog was a record $2.2 billion, up 20% quarter over quarter.
Rocket Lab also incurred a loss, but at $45 million, it was lower than the $61 million loss it posted in the prior-year period. And the hope is that with its larger Neutron rocket, which is expected to have its first launch later this year, it could open up more opportunities and lead to profitability in the future. While the stock trades at 55 times revenue and isn't cheap, Rocket Lab may be an intriguing option for long-term investors who are willing to be patient.
AST SpaceMobile
Rounding out this list is AST SpaceMobile, whose shares are down 21% this year. It's a similar trend to the other stocks listed above: AST SpaceMobile peaked in late May and has been struggling ever since. At around $57, its share price is now down about 57% from its high of just under $134.
AST SpaceMobile is a bit of a different space play, as it's building a cellular broadband network in space, with Starlink (which SpaceX owns) being a considerable rival that investors are likely worried about. AST SpaceMobile posted strong growth during the first three months of the year, with revenue of $14.7 million representing a significant improvement from the prior-year period, when this early stage growth company reported less than $1 million in revenue. However, with operating expenses totaling $164 million in the most recent period and competition a major concern, AST SpaceMobile faces significant challenges ahead.
Currently, the stock trades at close to 190 times its trailing revenue, and with massive capital investment needs and some sizable competition to worry about, AST SpaceMobile may have a hard time winning over growth investors; it could easily go lower in value.
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David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile, Planet Labs PBC, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

3 Space Stocks Down More Than 50% From Their Highs

Key Points
Marvell Technology is successfully pivoting toward artificial intelligence infrastructure through high-profile partnerships and acquisitions.
Planet Labs maintains a unique market position by providing daily global Earth imagery via a large satellite constellation.
Which growth-oriented stock is the better addition to your portfolio in 2026?
Investors looking for high growth in 2026 are weighing Marvell Technology (NASDAQ:MRVL) against Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL). Both companies offer unique ways to play the evolving landscape of advanced computing and data.
Marvell provides the essential components that power data centers and network infrastructure. Planet Labs operates a constellation of satellites to deliver daily imagery of the Earth for governments and businesses. While they operate in different sectors, both are currently leveraging artificial intelligence to scale their data-focused services for a global customer base.
The case for Marvell Technology
Marvell designs specialized semiconductor products that handle the massive flow of data within AI infrastructure and cloud networks. It recently expanded its portfolio by acquiring Celestial AI and XConn Technologies to improve how chips communicate in large data centers. This focus on specialized hardware makes it a standout among tech stocks. Two major customers, a distributor and a direct customer, individually exceed 10% of total sales. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business.
In its 2026 fiscal year (FY), revenue reached $8.2 billion, which was a significant increase of 42.1% over the prior year. This growth helped the company achieve net income of $2.7 billion. This represented a shift to profitability compared to the previous two years and resulted in a net margin of 32.6%, signifying the percentage of revenue remaining as profit after all expenses.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is 0.3x. This ratio measures total debt against shareholder equity, where a lower number usually suggests a more conservative financial structure. The current ratio, which compares short-term assets to liabilities, is 2.0x. Free cash flow, which is cash from operations minus capital spending, was $1.4 billion. Note that stock-based compensation (SBC) represented 33.8% of operating cash flow, which inflates reported cash generation since SBC is a non-cash expense added back in the cash flow statement.
The case for Planet Labs PBC
Planet Labs operates roughly 200 satellites that capture daily images of the entire Earth landmass. This geospatial data is sold via subscriptions to government agencies and commercial clients in industries such as agriculture and insurance. The company is increasingly focused on long-term contracts for satellite services and recently opened a UK office to expand its work in data partnerships.
In FY 2026, revenue reached $307.7 million, representing growth of about 26%. Despite this growth, the company reported a net loss of $246.9 million. This resulted in a net margin of negative 80%, reflecting the high costs of maintaining and launching its satellite fleet.
Based on the January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is 2.5x. This means total liabilities exceed shareholder equity by a factor of two and a half. The current ratio is 1.7x, while free cash flow reached $57.6 million. Note that stock-based compensation represented 40.9% of operating cash flow.
Risk profile comparison
Marvell faces high sensitivity to demand shifts because it relies on a small group of customers for the majority of its sales. The company is also vulnerable to geopolitical tensions because it relies on third-party foundries in Taiwan and assembly plants in China. Rapid advances in AI design tools might also allow companies such as Amazon to design more of their own chips internally.
Planet Labs has a history of net losses and must continue spending heavily on satellite manufacturing without a guarantee of reaching profitability. Its operations are at constant risk from launch failures, space debris, or solar interference that could disable its constellation. Additionally, a large portion of its revenue depends on government budgets, which can be volatile or subject to cancellation by major prime contractors.
Valuation comparison
Marvell appears more attractively valued based on its lower Forward P/E and P/S ratio, which measure price relative to future earnings estimates and sales respectively.
Forward P/E
51.3x
202.2x
P/S ratio
22.2x
25.0x
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?
Deciding to invest in Marvell Technology or Planet Labs depends on whether you want exposure to the hot field of AI or the emerging space-based economy. Both are seeing rapid revenue growth, indicating they are successfully capturing customer demand in their respective sectors.
In Planet Labs’ fiscal first quarter, ended April 30, the company’s sales growth accelerated to 42% year over year as it achieved record quarterly revenue of $94 million. This trend appears likely to continue because its fiscal Q1 backlog expanded 72% year over year to over $900 million. These results make it a compelling stock to own.
However, Planet Labs’ Q1 operating loss of $34.9 million is up from the prior year’s loss of $22.8 million. Also, its share price valuation is high, suggesting Marvell is the better value.
Moreover, Marvell is a provider of custom AI components to support what it calls “one of the largest infrastructure buildouts in history.“ This tailwind, combined with its outstanding balance sheet and the fact it is a profitable company, make Marvell the better stock to buy in 2026.
Should you buy stock in Marvell Technology right now?
Before you buy stock in Marvell Technology, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Marvell Technology wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $377,990!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,269,518!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 896% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Robert Izquierdo has positions in Amazon, Marvell Technology, and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Marvell Technology, and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Marvell Technology vs. Planet Labs: Which Growth Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026, the Artificial Intelligence Company or the Rising Star of the Space-Based Economy?

Key Points
Dell Technologies maintains a dominant presence in the global computing market while pivoting heavily toward AI-optimized infrastructure solutions.
Planet Labs PBC operates a massive satellite constellation providing daily Earth imagery, carving out a niche in geospatial data and intelligence.
Which of these technology-driven companies deserves a spot in your portfolio as we look toward the final years of the decade?
Investors often face a choice between established hardware giants and disruptive high-growth specialists. Comparing Dell Technologies Inc (NYSE:DELL) and Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) highlights the trade-offs between cash-flow stability and satellite-scale ambition.
Dell provides the physical backbone of the digital economy, from enterprise servers to consumer laptops. Planet Labs captures daily images of the entire Earth's landmass to provide actionable data for government and commercial clients. This comparison evaluates which business model offers a more compelling risk-reward profile for long-term investors.
The case for Dell Technologies
Dell sells a wide range of hardware, software, and integrated services among tech stocks to global enterprises and public institutions. It relies on a direct sales force and a partner network that accounts for nearly 40% of its net revenue. Recently, the company ended its distribution partnership with Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions to refine its strategy for high-end server and storage sales. It serves a diverse global client base ranging from large global enterprises to consumers, increasingly offering consumption-based models like utility and subscription.
In FY 2026, revenue reached approximately $113.5 billion, representing growth of close to 19% compared to the previous year. The company reported net income of more than $5.9 billion. This performance reflects a steady upward trend from FY 2024, when revenue was approximately $88.4 billion and net income was $3.2 billion. The growth is largely driven by increased demand for infrastructure solutions and high-performance computing required for artificial intelligence applications.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, its net debt (total debt less cash and equivalents on hand) was $20 billion. Free cash flow, which is cash from operations minus capital expenditures, reached approximately $8.6 billion for the year. This strong cash generation allows the company to maintain its leading position in the infrastructure market.
The case for Planet Labs PBC
Planet Labs PBC designs and operates a fleet of roughly 200 satellites to provide daily Earth-imaging data and analytics. It serves a diverse client base ranging from defense and intelligence agencies to commercial agricultural enterprises. To deepen its integration with regional customers, the company recently opened a new London office to bolster European partnerships and AI integration.
In FY 2026, the company reported revenue of $307.7 million, which is a growth of approximately 26% compared to the previous year. However, it recorded a net loss of nearly $246.9 million, up from a loss of $123.2 million in its prior fiscal year.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, Planet Labs maintained a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 2.5x, meaning its total debt is 2.5 times the value of its equity. Its current ratio was a healthy 1.7x, and the company generated nearly $57.6 million in free cash flow, or cash from operations minus capital expenditures. Note that stock-based compensation (SBC) represented roughly 41% of operating cash flow, which inflates reported cash generation since SBC is a non-cash expense added back in the cash flow statement.
Risk profile comparison
Dell Technologies faces a complex set of challenges, including a $70 million server pricing lawsuit from XTX Markets that could impact operational results. Its heavy strategic dependence on artificial intelligence also carries risks, as rapid shifts in technology could lead to product obsolescence or inventory impairments. Furthermore, the company relies on a concentrated supply chain in Asia and faces constant competition from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (NYSE:HPE) and other global manufacturers.
Planet Labs PBC deals with the inherent volatility of the aerospace industry, where launch failures or satellite malfunctions can lead to immediate revenue losses. It also faces growing competition from government-subsidized providers and companies like Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ:SPCX), as well as mapping data from Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL). The business is highly capital-intensive, requiring constant investment to replace aging satellites, while its history of operating losses remains a concern for long-term scaling.
Valuation comparison
Metric
Dell Technologies
Planet Labs PBC
Forward P/E
23.8x
n/a
P/S ratio
2.2x
19.5x
Dell Technologies trades at a much lower P/S ratio than its peer, reflecting its mature hardware business. Investors paying for the growth of Planet Labs need to expect future earnings, given the company has no forward P/E for its current fiscal year because it is not expected to turn a profit.
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?
Planet Labs operates a series of satellites that provide military, civil, and commercial intelligence and data about the atmosphere, sea lanes, and facilities on remote land. Various, mostly U.S., militaries accounted for about two-thirds of sales, while non-military businesses included everything from farmland monitoring for commodity traders to surveying Earth’s electromagnetic fields for climate researchers. One potentially lucrative deal could be for Alphabet’s Project Suncatcher, which seeks to build AI data centers in space that would use solar power and not require cooling.
In the near term, however, Wall Street analysts expected Planet Labs to post a wider net loss of about $306 million in fiscal 2027 on sales of $436 million.
Dell, meanwhile, is seen boosting its sales 50% this current fiscal year 2027, to about $171 billion, with more than $11 billion in both net income and free cash flow coming in as well. While Dell still sells the laptops that originated the business, its story for investors today is all about AI. The business is selling AI-optimized servers hand over fist, with management expecting more than $60 billion in AI server sales in FY 2027, almost triple the prior year.
Planet Labs is a well-growing business in the still-nascent sector of space services. But Dell’s exposure to the AI data center wave is too strong to ignore in 2026, given the company trades at a much lower P/S and has a reasonable P/E for a tech business.
Should you buy stock in Dell Technologies right now?
Before you buy stock in Dell Technologies, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Dell Technologies wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $377,990!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,269,518!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 896% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 27, 2026.
Brendan Coffey has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool recommends Helmerich & Payne. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Dell Technologies vs. Planet Labs PBC: Which Technology Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

Key Points
Nvidia demonstrates significantly stronger revenue generation than Planet Labs, maintaining a massive and expanding gap between the two companies.
Both Nvidia and Planet Labs posted consistent quarter-over-quarter revenue growth over the last eight periods.
Investors should watch whether the revenue gap continues to widen or if the growth rate for either company begins to decelerate in upcoming quarters.
Nvidia: Accelerating Revenue Expansion
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) primarily generates revenue by providing advanced graphics, computational, and networking solutions for diverse applications.
It commenced full production of its new hardware architecture, Vera Rubin, and faced regulatory scrutiny over export controls, while reporting a 72% net income margin for the quarter ended April 26, 2026.
Planet Labs: Incremental Revenue Gains
Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) primarily generates revenue by deploying satellite constellations to provide frequent, worldwide geospatial data.
It secured an eight-figure government contract extension, while generating a -148% net income margin for the quarter ended April 30, 2026.
Why Revenue Matters for Retail Investors
Revenue is a fundamental measure of how much money a business brings in from its core operations before deducting any expenses. Tracking this figure helps investors understand the total scale and top-line growth trajectory of a business.
Quarterly Revenue for Nvidia and Planet Labs PBC
Q3 2024
$30.0 billion (period ended July 2024)
$61.1 million (period ended July 2024)
Q4 2024
$35.1 billion (period ended Oct. 2024)
$61.3 million (period ended Oct. 2024)
Q1 2025
$39.3 billion (period ended Jan. 2025)
$61.6 million (period ended Jan. 2025)
Q2 2025
$44.1 billion (period ended April 2025)
$66.3 million (period ended April 2025)
Q3 2025
$46.7 billion (period ended July 2025)
$73.4 million (period ended July 2025)
Q4 2025
$57.0 billion (period ended Oct. 2025)
$81.3 million (period ended Oct. 2025)
Q1 2026
$68.1 billion (period ended Jan. 2026)
$86.8 million (period ended Jan. 2026)
Q2 2026
$81.6 billion (period ended April 2026)
$94.2 million (period ended April 2026)
Data source: Company filings. Data as of July 24, 2026.
Foolish Take
Nvidia’s sales are so much larger than Planet Labs that, side by side, the latter doesn’t show up on a chart. Even so, one attribute they both share is that revenue is rising on a quarterly basis. That’s an outstanding achievement, and illustrates the substantial customer demand fueling their businesses.
As a part of the emerging space-based economy, Planet Labs delivered impressive 42% year-over-year sales growth in its fiscal first quarter ended April 30. The company’s backlog of business rose an even higher 72% year over year to over $900 million, signaling sales will continue to increase over time. In fact, Planet Labs forecasted revenue to be in the range of $102 million to $107 million for the next quarter, a significant jump up from the $73.4 million produced in the prior year.
Despite the strong growth Planet Labs is experiencing, Nvidia’s sales are even stronger. Its $81.6 billion in its fiscal Q1, ended April 26, represented a massive 85% year-over-year increase. The semiconductor giant expects revenue to accelerate to $91 billion in the next quarter, up nearly double from $46.7 billion achieved in the previous year. This level of growth demonstrates the enormous demand for Nvidia’s products powering the booming artificial intelligence sector.
Should you buy stock in Nvidia right now?
Before you buy stock in Nvidia, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Nvidia wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $377,990!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,269,518!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 896% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Robert Izquierdo has positions in Nvidia and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nvidia and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Nvidia vs. Planet Labs: Comparing Revenue Trends Between an Artificial Intelligence Giant and a Rising Star of the Space-Based Economy

Key Points
Business is booming for Rocket Lab, Planet Labs, and other makers of small satellites.
Amazon, Blue Origin, and SpaceX are building entire constellations of small satellites.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon just hired Boeing to build two huge MUOS satellites for $2 billion.
Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is building a constellation of 3,000-plus small "Amazon Leo" satellites to provide broadband internet service from low earth orbit. Blue Origin, Amazon's Jeff Bezos-founded cousin company, wants to build its own constellation of 5,400 small satellites to provide similar communication services specifically for enterprise, data center, and government customers.
And of course, there's Starlink. With approximately 10,800 small satellites in orbit, the SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX)-owned satellite communications business already dwarfs Amazon Leo and Blue Origin Terawave, combined. Viewed not in competition with the others, though, but in conjunction, Starlink helps demonstrate the global belief that large satellites have become passe -- and small satellites are the future.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Or are they?
U.S. Air Force bets big on big satellites
Replacing large satellites in orbit with small satellites makes a lot of sense.
From a security perspective, it's harder for a hacker, a pirate, or a hostile foreign power to take over or destroy a satellite constellation comprising thousands of parts than a network with just a few dozen multiton satellites circling slowly in geostationary orbit.
From a technology perspective, too, when you consider the pace at which processor speeds are increasing, and launch costs are falling, it makes sense to build a lot of cheap little satellites with short lifespans, and iterate and update and replace them over time -- rather than anchor your business to a single large satellite whose technology becomes obsolete a year after it launches.
And yet, might there be some advantage to launching large satellites? Because just last month -- in the middle of this global movement toward small satellite constellations, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing (NYSE: BA) $2 billion to build two large Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites that it expects to remain in service through 2035.
What is MUOS?
Originally built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), which bid on this new contract and lost, MUOS is an ultra-high-frequency system that Boeing says is "designed to sustain and improve a critical communications capability used by military users operating on the ground, at sea and in the air, especially in places where reliable connections are harder to maintain."
MUOS comprises five original Lockheed-built satellites. Boeing will supplement the existing system and ensure it continues to function after Lockheed's original satellites begin aging out of service.
What does this contract mean for space stocks?
And that's probably the important fact for space investors to focus on. Yes, the Air Force is buying large satellites. Yes, it's paying $1 billion for each, whereas small satellites from Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB) and Planet Labs (NYSE: PL) price in the mere millions. But the reason the Air Force is buying big satellites is to replace big satellites it's already bought.
This doesn't mean bigger is better. It just means the Pentagon has locked itself into operating big satellites for this particular MUOS project. For future projects, the Pentagon may well favor smaller over larger satellites -- just like everyone else on Earth.
Should you buy stock in Boeing right now?
Before you buy stock in Boeing, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Boeing wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $371,519!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,281,302!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 892% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 206% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
Rich Smith has positions in Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Boeing, Planet Labs PBC, and Rocket Lab. The Motley Fool recommends Lockheed Martin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Should You Forget SpaceX, Starlink, and Small Satellites? USAF Orders 2 Big Billion-Dollar Satellites From Boeing.

The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is up 7.25 to 28,135.59. The total After hours volume is currently 117,914,145 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the after hours session:
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) is unchanged at $38.97, with 19,649,486 shares traded. This represents a 51.25% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Rocket Companies, Inc. (RKT) is +0.11 at $13.16, with 3,753,713 shares traded.RKT is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/30/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 0.13 per share, which represents a -4 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) is +0.12 at $45.30, with 3,687,277 shares traded. This represents a 44.31% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Applied Digital Corporation (APLD) is +0.19 at $27.38, with 3,488,657 shares traded.APLD is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/27/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending May2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is -0.2 per share, which represents a -12 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is +0.03 at $206.87, with 3,461,917 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Jul 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $2.01. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for NVDA is in the "buy range".
Planet Labs PBC (PL) is +0.0324 at $20.50, with 2,236,522 shares traded. PL's current last sale is 51.26% of the target price of $40.
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is +3.4963 at $687.73, with 2,216,617 shares traded. This represents a 24.66% increase from its 52 Week Low.
Apple Inc. (AAPL) is +0.47 at $333.49, with 1,933,934 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $2.95. AAPL is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/30/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 1.88 per share, which represents a 157 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (DOC) is unchanged at $22.27, with 1,393,359 shares traded. DOC's current last sale is 101.23% of the target price of $22.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) is +0.05 at $62.14, with 1,344,881 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 3 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec 2026. The consensus EPS forecast is $1.57. BMY is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/30/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 1.59 per share, which represents a 146 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) is -0.01 at $23.84, with 1,310,715 shares traded.KGC is scheduled to provide an earnings report on 7/29/2026, for the fiscal quarter ending Jun2026. The consensus earnings per share forecast is 0.67 per share, which represents a 44 percent increase over the EPS one Year Ago
Pfizer, Inc. (PFE) is +0.01 at $24.55, with 1,309,708 shares traded. PFE's current last sale is 87.68% of the target price of $28.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

After Hours Most Active for Jul 24, 2026 : FTXH, RKT, FTXR, APLD, NVDA, PL, QQQ, AAPL, DOC, BMY, KGC, PFE

Key Points
Since Space Exploration Technologies' IPO day, it has declined less than Planet Labs.
SpaceX's price-to-sales ratio leaves no room for error.
Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX), or SpaceX, launched its IPO in June with high hopes. While it benefited from an initial bump, its fortunes quickly reversed, and shares now sell below its original IPO price.
A likely reason for the pullback was the valuation of the communication stock, which remains extremely elevated. This overvaluation is so extreme that Planet Labs (NYSE: PL), which SpaceX has so far outperformed, is likely to earn higher returns (or at least lower losses) for 2026. Here's why.
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The state of SpaceX and Planet Labs
Aside from their involvement in space and satellites, SpaceX and Planet Labs are different companies. Planet Labs uses satellites to create high-resolution maps of the planet daily. In contrast, SpaceX launches rockets and operates a satellite-based internet service.
Admittedly, Planet Labs would likely not be possible without SpaceX, and its infrastructure makes it a larger company. Its $1.6 trillion market cap is far above Planet Labs' $8 billion.
Valuations explain a surprising amount of that difference. As of the time of this writing, SpaceX trades at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 84, far above Planet Labs's 22 sales multiple.
Both exceed the average P/S ratio of 3.7 for the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC). However, analysts estimate that Planet Labs's revenue will grow at 42% in fiscal 2027, well above the 26% increase in fiscal 2026 (ended Jan. 31). Amid those increases, a sales multiple in the low 20s is not unusual.
In contrast, investors rarely encounter an 84 sales multiple, and one has to wonder whether Elon Musk's track record can justify that valuation. In 2025, SpaceX's revenue grew by 33% year over year, and the forecast of 109% revenue growth in 2026 is a significant increase that makes its valuation more understandable. Still, that also leaves enough potential downside that any hint of bad news could spark a huge sell-off in SpaceX stock.
Planet Labs is not immune to the effects of bad news. Nonetheless, it is in a stronger position to handle it, and that valuation leaves room for a higher multiple if the company exceeds expectations.
SpaceX probably has further to fall
Of the two stocks, SpaceX is the one most likely to suffer more over the course of the year.
Admittedly, Planet Labs' stock has kept going down and has declined more than SpaceX's since the SpaceX IPO. Moreover, neither stock is inexpensive, and it is quite possible that both finish 2026 in the red.
However, one has to question whether any company is worth buying at 84 times sales, a valuation where even an implication of bad news could lead to more selling.
Since a perfect performance is unlikely, investors should expect SpaceX stock to fall further in the near term. Conversely, with Planet Labs facing less pressure, it should either recover or keep its downside in check going forward.
Should you buy stock in Space Exploration Technologies right now?
Before you buy stock in Space Exploration Technologies, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Space Exploration Technologies wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $369,577!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,301,557!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 908% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 208% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 24, 2026.
Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Prediction: SpaceX Will Underperform Planet Labs This Year

Key Points
NVIDIA maintains a dominant position in the artificial intelligence hardware market with a net margin exceeding 55%.
Planet Labs provides vital daily Earth-imaging data and is expanding its analytics capabilities through strategic partnerships.
Which of these high-growth tech stories belongs in your 2026 portfolio?
As artificial intelligence and global data monitoring redefine the modern economy, choosing between NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) requires a clear look at their differing trajectories. Both companies represent high-growth ambitions within the broader technology landscape.
NVIDIA dominates the hardware foundation of the digital world, while Planet Labs provides a unique view of Earth from space. While one is a trillion-dollar leader and the other is a growing up-and-comer, both companies are leveraging advanced computing to capture value in an increasingly data-drivenglobal market
The case for NVIDIA
NVIDIA designs the hardware and software used for accelerated computing and graphics. The company recently expanded its predictive capabilities by acquiring Kumo AI for nearly $400 million in June 2026. Note that two direct customers account for roughly 22% and 14% of total revenue, and customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business. The company also clarified it is not in talks to acquire any PC manufacturers despite market rumors.
In its 2026 fiscal year (FY), revenue reached $215.9 billion, representing growth of 65.5% compared to the prior year. Net income for the period was $120.1 billion, resulting in a net margin of 55.6%. This performance reflects a significant upward trend in demand for high-end computing components across various industries.
As of its January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is 0.1x, which compares total debt to shareholder equity to show how a company funds its operations. The current ratio, which measures the ability to pay short-term obligations with short-term assets, is 3.9x. Free cash flow, calculated by subtracting capital expenditures from operating cash flow, reached $96.7 billion.
The case for Planet Labs PBC
Planet Labs provides daily Earth-imaging data through a subscription platform, serving sectors like agriculture and mapping. The company is currently expanding its global presence, including a new office in London focused on AI-driven partnerships within the defense stocks and commercial sectors. Much of its revenue comes from multi-year licensing agreements with large commercial enterprises and government entities.
In FY 2026, the company reported revenue of $307.7 million, which marks growth of 25.9% year-over-year. However, it recorded a net loss of $246.9 million for the fiscal year. This resulted in a negative net margin of 80.2% as the company continues to invest in its orbital infrastructure and data analytics software.
Based on the January 2026 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is 2.5x, indicating that total liabilities exceed shareholder equity. The current ratio is 1.7x, suggesting the company maintains enough liquidity to cover immediate expenses. Note that stock-based compensation (SBC) represented 40.9% of operating cash flow, which inflates reported cash generation since SBC is a non-cash expense added back in the cash flow statement.
Risk profile comparison
NVIDIA faces significant geopolitical hurdles, as stringent U.S. export restrictions on China limit its total addressable market. The company also deals with active litigation regarding historical crypto-mining revenue and intense competitive pressure from Advanced Micro Devices, Intel, and large cloud providers such as Amazon, which are producing their own AI semiconductor chips. Additionally, a heavy reliance on a limited number of international foundries creates vulnerabilities to regional geopolitical instability and sudden demand-supply mismatches.
Planet Labs carries risks related to its history of operating losses and the ongoing need for substantial capital to maintain its satellite constellation. The business is also vulnerable to technical failures in orbit, launch delays, or ground station outages that could interrupt services for its thousands of users. Furthermore, the company must navigate strict regulatory oversight from agencies like the FCC while competing against government-subsidized imagery programs such as Landsat, which may exert downward pressure on pricing.
Valuation comparison
NVIDIA appears more attractive on a Forward P/E basis, although both companies carry high P/S ratio figures relative to their current sales and future earnings estimates.
Metric
NVIDIA
Planet Labs PBC
Forward P/E
23.0x
202.2x
P/S ratio
23.3x
25.0x
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?
Both NVIDIA and Planet Labs operate in hot sectors. The former is the industry leader in AI semiconductor chips, while the latter is involved in the emerging space economy.
The potential of investing in Planet Labs was illustrated this year when the stock soared to an eye-popping 52-week high of $51.76 in May. The increase was due to investor excitement over the emerging space economy, exemplified by the historic initial public offering (IPO) of Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, better known as SpaceX, in June.
However, Planet Labs stock has returned to earth since the SpaceX IPO. While it delivered record revenue of $94 million, representing an impressive 42% year-over-year increase, in its fiscal first quarter ended April 30, the company also posted an operating loss of $34.9 million, a substantial increase from the prior year’s loss of $22.8 million.
NVIDIA stock is unlikely to see the kind of explosive share price increase Planet Labs experienced this year, because Wall Street now holds sky-high expectations of the AI chip leader. Even so, NVIDIA is a well-run business under visionary CEO Jensen Huang, who correctly predicted the company’s chips could galvanize the AI sector.
In NVIDIA’s first quarter ended April 26, 2026, the company reported revenue of $81.6 billion, up an outstanding 85% from a year ago, demonstrating its dominance in the AI chip market. Its industry leadership, strong financials, and superior share price valuation make NVIDIA the better stock to own over Planet Labs.
Should you buy stock in Nvidia right now?
Before you buy stock in Nvidia, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Nvidia wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $369,577!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,301,557!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 908% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 208% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 23, 2026.
Robert Izquierdo has positions in Advanced Micro Devices, Amazon, Intel, Nvidia, and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Amazon, Intel, Nvidia, and Planet Labs PBC. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

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