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BlackSky Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

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BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) reported a 32% increase in total revenue for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year. The company secured $30 million in new contracts and renewal agreements, showcasing strong demand for its space-based intelligence solutions. Revenue reached $24.2 million, with imagery and software analytical services revenue growing 13%. Cost of sales improved to 19% from 23% in the prior year quarter. BlackSky continues to demonstrate operating leverage and aims for sustainable long-term growth.

Positive
  • Total revenue increased by 32% in Q1 2024 compared to the prior year period

  • Secured $30 million in new contracts and renewal agreements

  • Imagery & software analytical services revenue grew by 13%

  • Cost of sales related to imagery & software analytical services improved to 19%

  • Operating expenses decreased by 1% year-over-year

  • Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2024 was $1.4 million, showing improvement from a loss in Q1 2023

  • Company maintains outlook for full year 2024 revenue between $102 million and $118 million

Negative
  • Net loss for Q1 2024 was $15.8 million

  • Capital expenditures for Q1 2024 were $14.6 million

  • The company anticipates receiving approximately $24 million in payments from contracts over the next 12 months

Insights

BlackSky's reported 32% increase in Q1 revenue and a notable reduction in net loss from $17.3 million to $15.8 million indicate an improvement in the company's operational efficiency. The uptick in imagery and software analytical services by 13% suggests the company is gaining traction in its core business offerings. However, the massive 143% growth in professional and engineering services revenue is quite striking and likely reflects successful contract acquisitions and project advancements. While the cost of sales improvement from 35% to 29% is commendable, it’s important for potential investors to monitor if this trend is sustainable as it impacts the profitability margin.

The secured contracts with U.S. and international government customers highlight BlackSky's competitive edge in the geospatial intelligence market. The expansion of revenue streams and the anticipated launch of Gen-3 satellites later this year could be a pivot for BlackSky, potentially increasing their market share. From an investor's standpoint, BlackSky's focus on advanced space-based intelligence capabilities is a key growth driver in an industry where technological leadership is crucial. However, competition is fierce and investors should watch for how BlackSky maintains its technological lead and manages capital expenditures, especially as they relate to the Gen-3 satellite investments.

BlackSky's Gen-3 satellite program represents a significant technological advancement, which could enhance data quality and collection frequency, potentially creating new applications and revenue opportunities. The $20 million bank line indicates confidence from financial institutions in BlackSky's growth prospects and provides the company with additional liquidity to support its strategies. As the company moves toward launching these satellites, the technological implications and the ability to leverage improved analytics could provide a competitive edge in the high-growth satellite imagery and analysis market. For investors, the launch and operational success of these satellites would be an essential milestone to track.

Q1 Total Revenue Increases 32% Over Prior Year Period

Company Wins $30 Million in New Contracts and Renewal Agreements

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BlackSky Technology Inc. (“BlackSky” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BKSY) announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

First Quarter Financial Highlights:

  • Revenue of $24.2 million, up 32% from the prior year quarter
  • Imagery & software analytical services revenue grew 13% over the prior year quarter
  • Cost of sales, as a percent of revenue, related to imagery & software analytical services improved to 19% from 23% in the prior year quarter

“Strong execution combined with growing global demand for our space-based intelligence solutions drove a 32% increase in first quarter revenues versus the prior year period,” said Brian E. O’Toole, BlackSky CEO. “We continue to demonstrate strong operating leverage progressing toward sustainable long-term profitable growth. During the first quarter we secured a number of new contracts and renewals agreements totaling $30 million, from both U.S. and international government customers. These contract wins demonstrate how BlackSky’s advanced capabilities are relied upon every day for critical decision making. We’re seeing strong and growing demand for our Gen-3 imaging and analytic capabilities, which we plan to start launching this year.”

Recent Highlights

  • Won a $24 million contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory for moving target engagement services combining BlackSky’s data with multiple government ISR and other commercial data sources
  • Awarded a multi-million dollar contract with a defense and intelligence customer to provide BlackSky’s advanced space-based intelligence capabilities
  • Company closed over 10 six-figure contracts and renewal agreements
  • Continued significant progress on Gen-3 satellites toward a planned launch later this year
  • Secured a $20 million commercial bank line that provides BlackSky with additional financial flexibility to fund growth initiatives and general corporate purposes

Financial Results

Revenues

Total revenue for the first quarter of 2024 was $24.2 million, up $5.8 million, or 32%, from the first quarter of 2023. Imagery and software analytical services revenue was $17.8 million in the first quarter of 2024, up 13% over the prior year period, primarily driven by incremental customer orders for BlackSky’s imagery services. Professional and engineering services revenue was $6.4 million in the first quarter of 2024, up 143% over the prior year period. The significant year-over-year increase was primarily related to new customer wins and the execution step up of multiple major international contracts. Professional and engineering services contracts are milestone-based contracts that may have quarter-over-quarter revenue variability, in contrast to the imagery and software analytical services, which are typically recurring subscription-based revenues.

Cost of Sales(1)

Cost of sales as a percent of revenue improved to 29% for the first quarter of 2024, compared to 35% in the first quarter of 2023. Imagery and software analytical service costs as a percent of revenue improved to 19% in the first quarter of 2024, compared to 23% in the first quarter of 2023. The year-over-year improvement in imagery and software analytical service costs was primarily driven by greater volumes of revenue that inherently have a low fixed-cost structure as a percent of revenue.

(1) Cost of sales is defined as imagery and software analytical services costs and professional and engineering services cost, less depreciation and amortization expense.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were $30.5 million, which included $3.1 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $11.2 million in depreciation and amortization expenses. Operating expenses for the first quarter of 2023 were $28.8 million, which included $2.7 million in non-cash stock-based compensation expense and $9.7 million in depreciation and amortization expenses. Excluding the non-cash stock-based compensation and depreciation and amortization expenses from both years, cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were $16.2 million, compared to cash operating expenses of $16.4 million for the first quarter of 2023. The year-over-year decrease of $0.2 million, or 1%, was primarily driven by reductions in general corporate costs, which more than offset investments in our go-to-market initiatives.

Net Loss

Net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $15.8 million, compared to a net loss of $17.3 million in the first quarter of 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA(2)

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2024 was $1.4 million, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2023. The $5.5 million year-over-year improvement was primarily driven by strong operating leverage achieved through higher revenues, improvement in gross margins, and reductions in cash operating expenses.

(2) Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below and reconciliation table at the end of this press release.

Balance Sheet & Capital Expenditures

As of March 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments totaled $35.8 million. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company entered into a commercial bank line of $20 million bringing total liquidity to $55.8 million on a pro forma basis. In addition, a few major customer contracts include interim milestones for which revenue and costs have been recognized but have not yet been billed. Therefore, the Company anticipates receiving approximately $24 million in payments from these contracts over the next 12 months, which would further enhance liquidity. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2024 were $14.6 million.

2024 Outlook

The Company maintains its outlook for full year 2024 revenue of between $102 million and $118 million, and full year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA of between $8 million and $16 million. In addition, the Company maintains its expectations for full year 2024 capital expenditures of between $55 million and $65 million, primarily driven by investments in the Gen-3 satellites.

Investment Community Conference Call

BlackSky will host a conference call and webcast for the investment community this morning at 8:30 AM EDT. Senior management will review the first quarter results, discuss BlackSky’s business, and answer questions. To access the live webcast or the archived webcast following completion of the call, please visit the Company’s investor relations website at http://ir.blacksky.com and then select “News & Events” for the link to the webcast. A presentation accompanying the webcast can also be found on the investor relations website. To access the conference call, participants should dial 1-800-225-9448 or 1-203-518-9708 using “BlackSky” as the conference ID at least ten minutes prior to the start of the call. To listen to a replay of the conference call, please dial 1-877-660-6853 or 1-201-612-7415 using access code 13745976. The audio replay will be available from approximately 12:30 PM EDT on May 8, 2024, through May 22, 2024.

About BlackSky

BlackSky is a real-time, space-based intelligence company that delivers on-demand, high-frequency imagery, analytics, and high-frequency monitoring of the most critical and strategic locations, economic assets, and events in the world. BlackSky owns and operates one of the industry’s most advanced, purpose-built commercial, real-time intelligence systems that combines the power of the BlackSky Spectra® tasking and analytics software platform and our proprietary low earth orbit satellite constellation.

With BlackSky, customers can see, understand and anticipate changes for a decisive strategic advantage at the tactical edge, and act not just fast, but first. BlackSky is trusted by some of the most demanding U.S. and international government agencies, commercial businesses, and organizations around the world. BlackSky is headquartered in Herndon, VA, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as BKSY. To learn more, visit www.blacksky.com and follow us on X (Twitter).

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income or loss attributable to BlackSky before interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as well as significant non-cash and/or non-recurring expenses as our management believes these items are not as useful in evaluating the Company’s core operating performance. These items include, but are not limited to, stock-based compensation expense, unrealized (gain) loss on certain warrants/shares classified as derivative liabilities, severance, income on equity method investment, investment loss on short-term investments, and transaction costs associated with debt and equity financings.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial performance measure. It should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to measures determined in accordance with GAAP. Please refer to the schedule herein and our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Loss, the most comparable measure reported in accordance with GAAP and for a discussion of the presentation, comparability, and use of Adjusted EBITDA.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and other information included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "plan", "potential", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "future", "opportunity", "will likely result", or "expect" and other words, terms, and phrases of similar meaning are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements, other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements as to future performance, our guidance outlook for the year and expected capital expenditures, our ability to sustain revenue growth, expectations regarding global demand for our products and services, and our expectations related to future profitability on an adjusted basis, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this press release. As a result, although BlackSky's management believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because BlackSky can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. The risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, factors such as long and unpredictable sales cycles, customer demand, and our ability to estimate resources for fixed-price contracts, expenses, and other operational and liquidity needs, as well as the risk factors discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other disclosures about BlackSky and its business included in BlackSky's disclosure materials filed from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or on BlackSky's Investor Relations website at ir.blacksky.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. All such forward-looking statements are based upon data available as of the date of this press release and speak only as of such date. BlackSky disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events, except as may be required under applicable securities law.

 

BLACKSKY TECHNOLOGY INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Revenue

 

 

 

Imagery & software analytical services

$

17,833

 

 

$

15,760

 

Professional & engineering services

 

6,403

 

 

 

2,637

 

Total revenue

 

24,236

 

 

 

18,397

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

Imagery & software analytical service costs, excluding depreciation and amortization

 

3,445

 

 

 

3,699

 

Professional & engineering service costs, excluding depreciation and amortization

 

3,588

 

 

 

2,779

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

18,816

 

 

 

18,949

 

Research and development

 

456

 

 

 

216

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

11,184

 

 

 

9,655

 

Total costs and expenses

 

37,489

 

 

 

35,298

 

Operating loss

 

(13,253

)

 

 

(16,901

)

(Loss) gain on derivatives

 

(254

)

 

 

1,531

 

Income on equity method investment

 

 

 

 

529

 

Interest income

 

400

 

 

 

435

 

Interest expense

 

(2,634

)

 

 

(1,853

)

Other income (expense), net

 

1

 

 

 

(943

)

Loss before income taxes

 

(15,740

)

 

 

(17,202

)

Income tax expense

 

(70

)

 

 

(113

)

Loss from continuing operations

 

(15,810

)

 

 

(17,315

)

Net loss

 

(15,810

)

 

 

(17,315

)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

$

(15,810

)

 

$

(17,315

)

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per share of common stock:

 

 

 

Net loss per share of common stock

$

(0.11

)

 

$

(0.14

)

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

 

143,228

 

 

 

124,144

 

BLACKSKY TECHNOLOGY INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except par value)

 

 

March 31, 2024

 

December 31, 2023

Assets

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

14,965

 

 

$

32,815

 

Restricted cash

 

413

 

 

 

619

 

Short-term investments

 

20,428

 

 

 

19,697

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $252 and $151, respectively

 

5,582

 

 

 

7,071

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

3,836

 

 

 

3,916

 

Contract assets

 

24,134

 

 

 

15,213

 

Total current assets

 

69,358

 

 

 

79,331

 

Property and equipment - net

 

59,883

 

 

 

67,116

 

Operating lease right of use assets - net

 

4,517

 

 

 

1,630

 

Goodwill

 

9,393

 

 

 

9,393

 

Intangible assets - net

 

1,216

 

 

 

1,357

 

Satellite procurement work in process

 

62,106

 

 

 

55,976

 

Other assets

 

3,640

 

 

 

9,263

 

Total assets

$

210,113

 

 

$

224,066

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

13,078

 

 

$

11,573

 

Amounts payable to equity method investees

 

164

 

 

 

10,843

 

Contract liabilities - current

 

2,157

 

 

 

3,670

 

Debt - current portion

 

304

 

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

1,560

 

 

 

1,405

 

Total current liabilities

 

17,263

 

 

 

27,491

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

6,997

 

 

 

3,041

 

Derivative liabilities

 

15,404

 

 

 

15,149

 

Long-term debt

 

84,695

 

 

 

83,502

 

Other liabilities

 

4,041

 

 

 

1,724

 

Total liabilities

 

128,400

 

 

 

130,907

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value-authorized, 300,000 shares; issued, 146,821 and 145,232 shares; outstanding, 144,434 shares and 142,837 shares as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

14

 

 

 

14

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

696,479

 

 

 

692,115

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(614,780

)

 

 

(598,970

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

81,713

 

 

 

93,159

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

210,113

 

 

$

224,066

 

BLACKSKY TECHNOLOGY INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(15,810

)

 

$

(17,315

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

11,184

 

 

 

9,655

 

Operating lease right of use assets amortization

 

191

 

 

 

446

 

Bad debt expense

 

100

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

3,363

 

 

 

3,012

 

Amortization of debt issuance costs and non-cash interest expense

 

2,121

 

 

 

113

 

Loss (gain) on derivatives

 

254

 

 

 

(1,531

)

Non-cash interest income

 

(267

)

 

 

(156

)

Income on equity method investment

 

 

 

 

(529

)

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

 

 

(22

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,388

 

 

 

(5,947

)

Contract assets - current and long-term

 

(3,328

)

 

 

(591

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(195

)

 

 

462

 

Other assets

 

344

 

 

 

(8

)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

(2,354

)

 

 

(2,966

)

Other current liabilities

 

447

 

 

 

1,732

 

Contract liabilities - current and long-term

 

(1,239

)

 

 

(2,951

)

Other liabilities

 

(9

)

 

 

(6

)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(3,810

)

 

 

(16,602

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(3,297

)

 

 

(2,874

)

Satellite procurement work in process

 

(11,347

)

 

 

(12,926

)

Purchases of short-term investments

 

(9,464

)

 

 

(11,792

)

Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments

 

9,000

 

 

 

38,110

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(15,108

)

 

 

10,518

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Proceeds from equity issuances, net of equity issuance costs

 

1,298

 

 

 

29,432

 

Proceeds from options exercised

 

1

 

 

 

3

 

Withholding tax payments on vesting of restricted stock units

 

(419

)

 

 

 

Payments for deferred financing costs

 

(18

)

 

 

 

Payments for deferred offering costs

 

 

 

 

(552

)

Payments of transaction costs related to derivative liabilities

 

 

 

 

(16

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

862

 

 

 

28,867

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

(18,056

)

 

 

22,783

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – beginning of year

 

33,434

 

 

 

37,016

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash – end of period

$

15,378

 

 

$

59,799

 

BLACKSKY TECHNOLOGY INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Net loss

$

(15,810

)

 

$

(17,315

)

Interest income

 

(400

)

 

 

(435

)

Interest expense

 

2,634

 

 

 

1,853

 

Income tax expense

 

70

 

 

 

113

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

11,184

 

 

 

9,655

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

3,363

 

 

 

3,012

 

Loss (gain) on derivatives

 

254

 

 

 

(1,531

)

Severance

 

81

 

 

 

88

 

Income on equity method investment

 

 

 

 

(529

)

Transaction costs associated with debt and equity financings

 

 

 

 

905

 

Investment loss on short-term investments

 

 

 

 

55

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

1,376

 

 

$

(4,129

)

BLACKSKY TECHNOLOGY INC.

RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING EXPENSES TO CASH OPERATING EXPENSES

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Operating expenses

$

30,456

 

 

$

28,820

 

Stock-based compensation for selling, general and administrative costs

 

(3,148

)

 

 

(2,737

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

(11,184

)

 

 

(9,655

)

Cash operating expenses

$

16,124

 

 

$

16,428

 

 

Investor Contact

Aly Bonilla

VP, Investor Relations

abonilla@blacksky.com

571-591-2864

Media Contact

Pauly Cabellon

Director, External Communications

pcabellon@blacksky.com

571-591-2865

Source: BlackSky Technology Inc.

FAQ

What was the total revenue increase in Q1 2024 for BlackSky (BKSY)?

Total revenue increased by 32% in Q1 2024 for BlackSky compared to the prior year period.

How much did BlackSky (BKSY) secure in new contracts and renewal agreements?

BlackSky secured $30 million in new contracts and renewal agreements.

What is the outlook for BlackSky's (BKSY) full year 2024 revenue?

The company maintains its outlook for full year 2024 revenue between $102 million and $118 million.

BlackSky Technology Inc.

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