Market Commentary: 1 AI Stock Under $10 Hits 52-Week Low
If you’re looking for an investment opportunity that has been touted as Google for Earth data, Planet Labs may fit the bill.
The company, founded by former NASA engineers blends technology, geospatial intelligence, and revenue growth into one compelling narrative, yet recently hit an all-time low. So is now the time to buy?
Key Points
- Planet Labs stands out for its advanced AI and machine learning capabilities, which are used to analyze the vast amounts of data collected by its satellite fleet. This AI competency not only sets it apart but also positions it to redefine the landscape of geospatial intelligence.
- The company has several strategic partnerships with industry leaders, adding further value and synergistic opportunities.
- Analysts rate the stock well and, on average, have a consensus price target that is over 100% higher than present trading levels.
High Frequency Earth Imaging Hits Big
Planet has carved a niche by offering high-frequency, unique Earth data. While it might not rake in revenues comparable to Silicon Valley giants like Apple and Alphabet, its consistent growth trajectory cannot be ignored.
Revenue growth to-date has been fueled by an ever-increasing demand for geospatial data as the world gears towards sustainability and smart cities. And that top line growth isn’t the only thing to impress.
PL stands out for its healthy gross margins, thanks to a unique service that combines an unprecedented frequency of Earth images with cutting-edge analytics. What’s the catch? The company is neck-deep in research and development, which puts a dent in its operating margins.
The kicker is that these R&D expenses are sowing seeds for future profitability, particularly in the AI realm.
Numbers Don’t Lie, But Do Reveal The Full Story?
It’s common for tech startups like Planet to have fluctuating or even negative EPS. As a result, traditional yardsticks like the P/E ratio don’t offer a complete picture for Planet. Price-to-sales is a better metric and for PL it stands at a respectable 3.4x. The company’s potential in geospatial intelligence likely justifies a more elevated price tag.
Analysts have the same view and have placed a price target of $5.44 per share on the stock. Their optimism largely hinges on the company’s unparalleled data offering and its growing utility across various sectors.
The AI X-Factor
Planet sits at the intersection of satellite imagery and machine learning so it’s well-positioned to make a big impact on the geospatial intelligence landscape. Its fleet of satellites collects a treasure trove of raw data but what sets it apart is its AI competency that is capable of sifting through massive datasets to derive actionable insights.
For investors, the low-price represents an unusually rare opportunity to gain exposure to an AI stock near an all-time low.
Is Planet Labs a Buy?
Even investors who have exposure to Planet Labs may be unaware of some aces up its sleeve, including an extensive patent portfolio covering its imaging technology and data analytics processes, which adds a protective moat around the business model. Planet also uses advanced AI techniques like Deep Learning for image recognition, which exponentially increases the utility and value of its data.
To say Planet is a compelling prospective investment opportunity is an understatement. Look no further than the numerous partnerships it has established with industry leaders and tech giants (like Alphabet). Together, these collaborations offer synergies in data analytics, cloud computing, and AI.
The long and the short of it is Planet Labs blends technological innovation and revenue growth that’s hard to find elsewhere. It is well-positioned to benefit from macro trends like sustainability and data-driven decision-making. While it may not tick all the boxes for traditional investors, those who appreciate the transformative power of AI are likely to find it an irresistible opportunity.
With its fleet of Earth-imaging satellites and burgeoning AI capabilities, it offers a unique investment opportunity that cannot be ignored.