Better AI Stock: BigBear.ai vs. Innodata

Core Viewpoint - BigBear.ai and Innodata represent two distinct investment opportunities in the growing artificial intelligence market, with BigBear.ai focusing on AI modules for edge networks and Innodata specializing in data preparation for AI applications [1][2]. Company Overview - BigBear.ai's stock increased over 390% in the past year, driven by business stabilization and biometric security service rollout [2]. - Innodata's stock rose approximately 140% due to heightened demand for its AI-oriented services [2]. - BigBear.ai's main AI modules include Observe, Orient, and Dominate, which process data and predict outcomes [4]. - Innodata has transitioned from a small analytics provider to a significant player in AI data preparation since launching task-specific microservices in 2018 [6][7]. Financial Performance - BigBear.ai's revenue grew from $146 million in 2021 to $158 million in 2024, falling short of its initial projections [5]. - Innodata's revenue surged at a CAGR of 20% from 2018 to 2024, driven by demand from major tech companies [7]. - Projected revenue growth for BigBear.ai is expected to be 6.1% in 2025 and 12.1% in 2026, while Innodata's growth is projected at 41.5% in 2025, but will decelerate to 5.1% by 2027 [11]. Profitability and Valuation - BigBear.ai is not yet profitable but is expected to narrow its net losses through 2026 [12]. - Innodata became profitable in 2024, with expected net income growth at a CAGR of 16% through 2027 [12]. - BigBear.ai has a market cap of $2.1 billion, trading at 12 times this year's sales, while Innodata, valued at $1.6 billion, trades at less than 7 times this year's sales [13]. Investment Outlook - BigBear.ai's growth is anticipated to be driven by government contracts, including projects for the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. military [9]. - Innodata's growth is expected to be fueled by the expanding generative AI market, leading to increased spending from large tech customers [10]. - Despite BigBear.ai's potential in the government sector, Innodata is viewed as a better investment due to stronger growth, profitability, and lower valuation [15].