Daniel's questions to Planet Labs PBC (PL) leadership • Q2 2025
Question
Daniel, on behalf of Jeff Van Rhee at Craig-Hallum, asked how to model the recent reduction in force and any offsetting expenses, questioned the drivers of the significant gross margin beat, and inquired about the commercial viability timeline for the Pelican-2 program.
Answer
President Ashley Whitfield Johnson explained that payroll savings from the restructuring will be partially offset by lower contra-R&D from the completing Tanager program and variable costs like commissions. She attributed the gross margin beat to a favorable business mix. CEO Will Marshall stated that Pelican-2, an R&D satellite shipping soon, is hoped to become operational, with a subsequent rapid deployment of more Pelicans to replenish the SkySat fleet and add new capabilities.