Shares of data analytics company Palantir Technologies soared over 25% on Tuesday after the company reported fourth-quarter results that beat expectations, driven by strong demand for its artificial intelligence capabilities.
Palantir said revenue in the fourth quarter increased 20% year-over-year to $608.4 million, surpassing Wall Street estimates of $602.4 million. The revenue growth was led by the company’s commercial business, especially in the U.S., where Palantir has been rapidly building out its AI platform known as AIP.
In a letter to shareholders, Palantir CEO Alex Karp provided color on the ongoing demand for AI capabilities, stating that appetite for large language models in the U.S. “continues to be unrelenting.” Karp noted that Palantir conducted nearly 600 pilots of its AIP platform with customers last year.
The AI platform allows Palantir customers to build their own AI models specific to their business using the company’s robust data management and analytics capabilities. This enables tailored AI applications across a variety of industries and use cases, from risk modeling in financial services to supply chain optimization and more.
Analyst Commentary on AI Momentum
Multiple analysts upgraded Palantir stock and raised price targets following the strong quarterly showing, which provided tangible evidence of the company’s AI platform gaining traction with customers.
Citi analysts upgraded Palarntir to a Neutral rating from Sell, saying the results demonstrated “breakthrough momentum” for the commercial business driven by AI adoption. They see the momentum in AIP balancing out risks related to guidance for the non-U.S. commercial business.
Meanwhile, Jefferies analysts admitted they were previously wrong to downplay the impact AI could have for Palantir. They now believe the company is at an “inflection point” as the AIP platform ramps faster than their initial expectations.
Bank of America also noted that while still early, AIP is already having a meaningful impact on Palantir’s growth. They expect the AI momentum to continue and see significant opportunities in the U.S. government sector as well.
Concerns Around Valuation Remain
Despite the more constructive view on AI traction, some analysts still harbor concerns around Palantir’s valuation. Jefferies pointed out the stock trades at a 23% premium to large cap peers, leading them to remain sidelined for now despite the growth signals.
Citi also raised its target to $20, which offers upside from current levels but is likely still conservative relative to more bullish Street views. The premium multiple encapsulates the potential rewards and risks at this stage of Palantir’s expansion within AI.
Path Forward for AI Business
The fourth quarter results provided promising evidence that Palantir’s investments in AI and its unified data platform are allowing it to capitalize on the surging demand. But the company will likely need to maintain the commercial momentum and continue gaining AI adoption to justify a higher valuation.
If Palantir can consistently grow revenue, especially within the U.S. commercial landscape, while expanding AIP pilots into long-term customers, it could support a durable growth trajectory. Government work also offers a steady revenue stream to complement the more volatile commercial business over time.
Overall, Palantir’s latest quarter showcased its potential as an AI leader. But realizing the full upside will depend on smart and consistent execution across geographies and industries. The positive analyst reactions and stock move indicate investors are gaining confidence in Palantir’s ability to capture the AI opportunity.