Palantir Forecasts Strong Full-Year Profit Driven by Demand for AI Offerings
ICARO Media Group
In a recent announcement, Palantir Technologies, the data analytics company, has projected a full-year profit that surpasses Wall Street estimates. This optimistic outlook is attributed to the robust demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) offerings. As enterprises increasingly seek to develop and implement their own AI-backed solutions, Palantir's products, including its Artificial Intelligence Program, have gained significant traction as CEO Alex Karp envisions them as the "future" of the company.
During the fourth quarter, Palantir sealed an impressive 103 deals worth over $1 million each, as revealed by Chief Revenue Officer Ryan Taylor. This surge in business contributed to a substantial 70% year-on-year growth in U.S. commercial revenue, amounting to $131 million. This figure outpaced the 12% increase seen in the same quarter of the previous year. Looking ahead, Palantir anticipates its U.S. commercial revenue to exceed $640 million by 2024, representing a minimum growth rate of 40% in comparison to the 36% rise projected for 2023.
The company's strong performance extended further, as fourth-quarter commercial revenue reached $284 million, surpassing analysts' average estimation of $270 million, as reported by LSEG data. Palantir's quarterly revenue also notably exceeded expectations, amounting to $608.4 million, and the company achieved a record profit of $93.4 million during the same period.
Nevertheless, Palantir observed a deceleration in growth within its principal government segment, which contributed more than half of the company's total revenue for the fourth quarter. Government revenue grew by 11% year-on-year, in contrast to the substantial 23% jump witnessed in the previous year. Analysts have cautioned that the recognition of revenue from government contracts can be uncertain, highlighting the irregularity in revenue patterns associated with such deals.
In terms of future projections, Palantir forecasted a profit between $834 million and $850 million for the year 2024 on an adjusted basis, surpassing LSEG estimates of $658.8 million. Its revenue forecast aligned with analysts' expectations. However, the company's current-quarter revenue projection fell below estimates. Revenue chief Ryan Taylor attributed this dip to the seasonal weakness typically experienced during the initial three months of the year.
Palantir's positive outlook for the full year indicates its strong position within the AI market, fueled by the increasing demand for data analytics and AI-driven solutions across industries. The company's ability to secure high-value deals and deliver exceptional financial performance sets it on a promising trajectory for sustained growth and success in the future.