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RDW vs. PL: Which Satellite Stock Has the Stronger Investment Case?
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Key Takeaways
PL is combining satellite production with imagery, analytics and broader mission-support services.
PL is expanding satellite manufacturing in Berlin to support European Earth-observation demand.
RDW is advancing phased-array antenna technology for distributed satellite communications.
Redwire Corporation (RDW - Free Report) and Planet Labs PBC (PL - Free Report) are expanding their capabilities across satellite hardware, spacecraft systems and space-based infrastructure. As governments and commercial customers increase their use of distributed satellite networks, both companies are investing in the technologies and manufacturing capacity needed to build, deploy and support next-generation space systems.
The satellite industry is evolving toward larger constellations, more capable spacecraft and increasingly specialized onboard systems. This is creating opportunities for companies that can manufacture satellites and provide the communications, payload and infrastructure technologies required for space-based networks. Redwire and Planet Labs participate in different parts of this market, but both are strengthening their satellite-hardware capabilities to support expanding civil, commercial and national-security applications.
Let’s compare the stocks’ fundamentals to determine which one is the better investment option at present.
The Case for RDW Stock
Redwire provides spacecraft, satellite components, sensors, avionics, radio-frequency payloads and other space infrastructure for government and commercial customers. Its spacecraft portfolio spans multiple orbital regimes, while its RF systems support satellite communications, sensing and data transmission. The company also develops integrated space systems designed for civil and national-security missions.
In August 2026, Redwire announced an investment in next-generation phased-array antenna technology aimed at expanding its capabilities in space-based communications. The company plans to accelerate the development and production of adaptable antenna systems for low, medium and geostationary Earth orbits. The technology is intended to improve data capacity, connectivity and link reliability across distributed satellite architectures, building on Redwire’s existing RF payload and antenna business.
The Case for PL Stock
Planet Labs designs, manufactures and operates Earth-observation satellites while providing satellite imagery, data analytics and spacecraft-related services. The company also builds customer-owned satellites and provides mission engineering, launch procurement, ground infrastructure, satellite operations and maintenance, extending its business beyond imagery into broader satellite services.
On Sept. 22, 2026, Planet Labs announced the opening of a new satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin. The site is scheduled to begin producing its Pelican satellites in the autumn and is designed to scale to as many as 60 satellites annually. By bringing satellite assembly, testing and shipment together at the facility, Planet Labs is expanding its manufacturing capacity while supporting growing European demand for locally produced Earth-observation spacecraft and sovereign satellite capabilities.
How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for RDW & PL?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Redwire’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a rise of 5.41% in the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The consensus estimate for Planet Labs’ fiscal 2027 EPS calls for a jump of 28.57% in the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
RDW & PL’s Surprise History
Redwire delivered a negative average surprise of 39.06% in the last four quarters. Meanwhile, Planet Labs delivered an average earnings surprise of 100% in the last four quarters.
RDW & PL: Stock Price Performance
Over the past year, shares of Redwire and Planet Labs have risen 25.8% and 37%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation of RDW & PL
RDW shares are trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S F12M) multiple of 5.27 compared with PL’s P/S F12M of 11.32.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Summing Up
Both companies operate across the expanding satellite and space-infrastructure market. Redwire focuses on spacecraft, satellite components, RF payloads and integrated space systems, while Planet Labs combines Earth-observation satellites, imagery and analytics with growing satellite manufacturing and mission-services capabilities.
Our choice at the moment is Planet Labs, supported by its stronger earnings estimate revisions, better earnings surprise history and stronger stock price performance compared with Redwire.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
RDW vs. PL: Which Satellite Stock Has the Stronger Investment Case?
Key Takeaways
Redwire Corporation (RDW - Free Report) and Planet Labs PBC (PL - Free Report) are expanding their capabilities across satellite hardware, spacecraft systems and space-based infrastructure. As governments and commercial customers increase their use of distributed satellite networks, both companies are investing in the technologies and manufacturing capacity needed to build, deploy and support next-generation space systems.
The satellite industry is evolving toward larger constellations, more capable spacecraft and increasingly specialized onboard systems. This is creating opportunities for companies that can manufacture satellites and provide the communications, payload and infrastructure technologies required for space-based networks. Redwire and Planet Labs participate in different parts of this market, but both are strengthening their satellite-hardware capabilities to support expanding civil, commercial and national-security applications.
Let’s compare the stocks’ fundamentals to determine which one is the better investment option at present.
The Case for RDW Stock
Redwire provides spacecraft, satellite components, sensors, avionics, radio-frequency payloads and other space infrastructure for government and commercial customers. Its spacecraft portfolio spans multiple orbital regimes, while its RF systems support satellite communications, sensing and data transmission. The company also develops integrated space systems designed for civil and national-security missions.
In August 2026, Redwire announced an investment in next-generation phased-array antenna technology aimed at expanding its capabilities in space-based communications. The company plans to accelerate the development and production of adaptable antenna systems for low, medium and geostationary Earth orbits. The technology is intended to improve data capacity, connectivity and link reliability across distributed satellite architectures, building on Redwire’s existing RF payload and antenna business.
The Case for PL Stock
Planet Labs designs, manufactures and operates Earth-observation satellites while providing satellite imagery, data analytics and spacecraft-related services. The company also builds customer-owned satellites and provides mission engineering, launch procurement, ground infrastructure, satellite operations and maintenance, extending its business beyond imagery into broader satellite services.
On Sept. 22, 2026, Planet Labs announced the opening of a new satellite manufacturing facility in Berlin. The site is scheduled to begin producing its Pelican satellites in the autumn and is designed to scale to as many as 60 satellites annually. By bringing satellite assembly, testing and shipment together at the facility, Planet Labs is expanding its manufacturing capacity while supporting growing European demand for locally produced Earth-observation spacecraft and sovereign satellite capabilities.
How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for RDW & PL?
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Redwire’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a rise of 5.41% in the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The consensus estimate for Planet Labs’ fiscal 2027 EPS calls for a jump of 28.57% in the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
RDW & PL’s Surprise History
Redwire delivered a negative average surprise of 39.06% in the last four quarters. Meanwhile, Planet Labs delivered an average earnings surprise of 100% in the last four quarters.
RDW & PL: Stock Price Performance
Over the past year, shares of Redwire and Planet Labs have risen 25.8% and 37%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation of RDW & PL
RDW shares are trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S F12M) multiple of 5.27 compared with PL’s P/S F12M of 11.32.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Summing Up
Both companies operate across the expanding satellite and space-infrastructure market. Redwire focuses on spacecraft, satellite components, RF payloads and integrated space systems, while Planet Labs combines Earth-observation satellites, imagery and analytics with growing satellite manufacturing and mission-services capabilities.
Our choice at the moment is Planet Labs, supported by its stronger earnings estimate revisions, better earnings surprise history and stronger stock price performance compared with Redwire.
Planet Labs currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while Redwire carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.