BlackSky Technology (BKSY) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $51.7 million, an increase of $2.6 million or 5.2% compared to the same period last year [25] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was a loss of $3.4 million, compared to an adjusted EBITDA of $3.5 million in the prior year period [27] - Cash position at the end of Q2 2025 was $94.9 million, more than double the cash balance from a year ago [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue growth was primarily driven by higher professional and engineering services, with increased revenues from the high-margin imagery and analytics business [25] - Adjusted imagery and analytics cost of sales for Q2 2025 was $7.2 million, up only $400,000 compared to the same period last year [26] - The company expects advanced services to ramp up once general availability begins in Q4 2025 [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 85% of the funded backlog of over $350 million is from international customers for Gen three services [15] - The company is seeing significant demand for Gen three services from a diverse international market, with multiple early access agreements signed [7][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on the growing global market for real-time space-based intelligence solutions, with a strong emphasis on innovation and vertical integration [6][36] - The recent announcement of the Eros constellation represents a new growth and market expansion opportunity, targeting digital mapping applications [21][24] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and improved liquidity to unlock future growth opportunities [36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted near-term uncertainty from the U.S. government's fiscal year 2026 budget but remains confident in long-term opportunities [15][17] - The company anticipates a strong second half of the year, driven by the ramp-up of Gen three services and existing contracts [32][47] - Management emphasized the importance of international growth, which is expected to continue outpacing domestic growth [76] Other Important Information - The company successfully raised $185 million in an upsized convertible note offering, enhancing liquidity and financial flexibility [28] - The Eros initiative is expected to address a supply gap in the market starting around 2027, as legacy satellites age out of service [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: When will Gen three satellites be available for general use, and what impact will that have on revenue? - Management indicated that commercial availability in Q4 will lead to incremental revenue growth from existing contracts and new agreements [39][40] Question: What is the current status of U.S. government spending and new orders? - Management acknowledged the effects of the current budget process and anticipated continuing resolution, which have been factored into guidance [41][42] Question: Can you provide insights on the pipeline for new contracts? - Management noted an increase in interest and demand for Gen three services, with a growing pipeline of opportunities [43] Question: How does the image quality and delivery compare to competitors? - Management stated that their offering is highly differentiated in terms of performance and economics compared to competitors [44] Question: What is the significance of the backlog related to Gen three capacity? - A significant portion of the backlog is related to Gen three imagery and analytics, indicating strong demand [46] Question: How is the outlook for U.S. government spending affecting guidance? - Management indicated that while there is uncertainty, they expect demand for Gen three capabilities to remain strong [70] Question: What are the details regarding the Eros constellation? - Management stated that specifics will be shared closer to deployment, but it will leverage compelling economics similar to Gen three [68] Question: How is the international business performing? - Management confirmed that international growth is outpacing domestic growth, creating new opportunities [76]