Is Palantir's valuation justified?

Core Viewpoint - Palantir's Q3 earnings were exceptionally strong, but there are concerns regarding its high valuation and how much growth is already reflected in the stock price [1][2][15]. Financial Performance - Palantir reported a year-over-year growth of 121% in its US commercial business, with an operating margin expanding to over 50% from 34% a year ago [12]. - Government revenue growth slightly decelerated from 53% to 52% quarter-on-quarter, which may be impacted by the ongoing government shutdown [4]. Valuation Concerns - The stock is currently trading at an extreme valuation of 83 times 2026 sales and over 200 times earnings, which raises questions about its sustainability [2][6]. - Analysts express that Palantir trades at about five times higher than other companies in the infrastructure software sector, indicating a potential overvaluation [2]. Market Reactions - Despite strong earnings, Palantir's shares have been a drag on the S&P, suggesting that market sentiment is heavily influenced by valuation concerns rather than fundamentals [5]. - The stock reached an all-time high of 207, but there are predictions it could fall to around 150-160, reflecting the volatility and uncertainty surrounding its valuation [8]. Competitive Landscape - Palantir's execution in the AI space is highly regarded, with many investors recognizing its strong performance and product adoption [15][16]. - The debate among investors centers on how much growth has already been priced into the stock, with some expressing confidence in the company's fundamentals despite valuation concerns [15][19].