Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc. both operate within the software infrastructure industry but represent vastly different scales and innovation approaches. Oracle, a tech giant with decades of enterprise IT expertise, contrasts with Veritone’s cutting-edge AI-driven platform focused on data insights. This comparison highlights their strategies in cloud computing and AI, offering investors a clear perspective. Join me as we explore which company presents the most compelling investment opportunity in 2026.
Table of contents
Companies Overview
I will begin the comparison between Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc. by providing an overview of these two companies and their main differences.
Oracle Corporation Overview
Oracle Corporation focuses on enterprise IT environments worldwide, offering a broad range of cloud software applications and infrastructure technologies. Its portfolio includes Oracle Fusion cloud ERP, supply chain, human capital management, and database solutions. The company also provides hardware products, consulting, and support services. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Oracle operates in the technology sector with a market cap of $549B and employs 159K people.
Veritone, Inc. Overview
Veritone, Inc. delivers artificial intelligence computing solutions primarily through its aiWARE platform, which applies machine learning and cognitive processes to analyze vast structured and unstructured data. Serving sectors like media, government, and legal, Veritone also offers media advertising services. Incorporated in 2014 and based in Denver, Colorado, Veritone operates in the technology sector with a market cap of $225M and 469 full-time employees.
Key similarities and differences
Both Oracle and Veritone operate within the software infrastructure industry, leveraging advanced technology to offer cloud and AI-based solutions. Oracle’s business is broader, covering enterprise software, hardware, and consulting services, targeting large-scale IT environments. In contrast, Veritone is more specialized in AI-driven data analytics and media services, reflecting its smaller scale and niche focus. Their market caps and employee bases also differ significantly, indicating different market positions and operational scopes.
Income Statement Comparison
Below is the latest fiscal year income statement comparison between Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc., highlighting key financial metrics for investor analysis.
| Metric | Oracle Corporation | Veritone, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 549B | 225M |
| Revenue | 57.4B | 93M |
| EBITDA | 23.9B | -59M |
| EBIT | 17.7B | -88M |
| Net Income | 12.4B | -37M |
| EPS | 4.46 | -0.98 |
| Fiscal Year | 2025 | 2024 |
Income Statement Interpretations
Oracle Corporation
Oracle’s revenue has shown consistent growth from 40.5B in 2021 to 57.4B in 2025, with an 8.38% increase in the latest year. Net income fluctuated, peaking at 13.7B in 2021 but declining overall to 12.4B in 2025. Margins remain strong, with a gross margin of 70.5% and net margin at 21.7%. The 2025 fiscal year saw margin improvements and a solid 16.3% EBIT growth.
Veritone, Inc.
Veritone’s revenue grew overall from 57.7M in 2020 to 92.6M in 2024 but declined by 7.35% in the last reported year. Net income remained negative but improved from -64.7M in 2021 to -37.4M in 2024. Margins are weak, with a negative EBIT margin of -95.1% and net margin of -40.4%. Despite losses, net margin and EPS showed positive growth in 2024.
Which one has the stronger fundamentals?
Oracle exhibits stronger fundamentals with robust revenue growth, favorable margin levels, and positive net income, despite some net income decline over five years. Veritone shows revenue growth but sustained net losses and negative margins, though recent improvements in net margin and EPS growth are notable. Oracle’s consistent profitability and margin stability position it as the fundamentally stronger company.
Financial Ratios Comparison
The table below compares key financial ratios of Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc. based on the most recent fiscal year data available, providing a snapshot of their financial health and market valuation.
| Ratios | Oracle Corporation (2025) | Veritone, Inc. (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 60.8% | -277.9% |
| ROIC | 10.9% | -58.3% |
| P/E | 37.1 | -3.3 |
| P/B | 22.6 | 9.3 |
| Current Ratio | 0.75 | 0.97 |
| Quick Ratio | 0.75 | 0.97 |
| D/E | 5.09 | 8.91 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 61.8% | 60.5% |
| Interest Coverage | 4.94 | -7.31 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.34 | 0.47 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 1.32 | 8.51 |
| Payout ratio | 38.1% | 0% |
| Dividend yield | 1.03% | 0% |
Interpretation of the Ratios
Oracle Corporation
Oracle exhibits strong profitability with a favorable net margin of 21.68% and an impressive return on equity of 60.84%, supported by a solid return on invested capital of 10.86%. However, concerns arise from its high leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.09 and a low current ratio of 0.75, signaling liquidity risks. Oracle pays dividends with a moderate yield of 1.03%, balancing payouts and share buybacks cautiously amid these financial pressures.
Veritone, Inc.
Veritone’s ratios highlight significant weaknesses, including a negative net margin of -40.36% and a deeply negative return on equity of -277.91%, reflecting ongoing losses and operational challenges. The company carries high leverage, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.91 and a current ratio below 1, signaling liquidity concerns. Veritone does not pay dividends, likely due to its negative earnings and focus on reinvestment and growth strategies.
Which one has the best ratios?
Comparing the two, Oracle’s ratios are generally stronger, showing profitability and capital efficiency despite some leverage and liquidity issues. Veritone’s ratios are mostly unfavorable, reflecting negative profitability and high risk. Oracle’s dividend payments further indicate relative financial stability compared to Veritone’s current reinvestment approach. Overall, Oracle presents a more favorable financial profile based on the available ratios.
Strategic Positioning
This section compares the strategic positioning of Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc., including market position, key segments, and exposure to technological disruption:
Oracle Corporation
- Large market cap of 549B, facing competitive pressure in software infrastructure sector.
- Key segments: Cloud and license business (49B), hardware (2.9B), and services (5.2B).
- Exposure through cloud infrastructure, autonomous databases, AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies.
Veritone, Inc.
- Small market cap of 225M, operating in a niche AI software market with high beta.
- Key segments: AI platform software products and services, advertising, and managed services.
- Exposure via aiWARE AI platform using machine learning and cognitive AI solutions.
Oracle Corporation vs Veritone, Inc. Positioning
Oracle has a diversified portfolio spanning cloud, hardware, and services, providing broad market coverage. Veritone concentrates on AI-driven software and advertising services, focusing on fewer segments with specialized technologies. Oracle’s scale contrasts with Veritone’s focused innovation.
Which has the best competitive advantage?
Both companies show declining ROIC trends and are currently shedding value. Oracle’s slightly unfavorable moat contrasts with Veritone’s very unfavorable status, reflecting better capital efficiency and value creation potential for Oracle based on recent performance.
Stock Comparison
The stock price movements over the past 12 months reveal notable bullish trends with significant gains for both Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc., despite recent downward price pressures in the last quarter.
Trend Analysis
Oracle Corporation’s stock showed a strong bullish trend over the past year, rising 70.69%, with decelerating momentum and a high volatility level (std deviation 49.0). The price peaked at 308.66 and bottomed at 111.95. However, recent data indicate a bearish shift with a -27.23% decline from November 2025 to January 2026.
Veritone, Inc. exhibited an even stronger bullish trend over the year with a 147.22% gain and decelerating acceleration. Volatility remained low (std deviation 1.26). The stock reached a high of 7.18 and a low of 1.3. Recent weeks also saw a bearish trend, with prices falling by -28.91%.
Comparing these stocks, Veritone, Inc. delivered the highest market performance over the past year, outperforming Oracle Corporation despite both showing recent short-term declines.
Target Prices
The consensus target prices for Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc. reflect analyst expectations with clear price ranges.
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle Corporation | 400 | 175 | 314.08 |
| Veritone, Inc. | 10 | 9 | 9.5 |
Analysts see Oracle’s stock potentially rising significantly above its current price of 191.09 USD, indicating confidence in growth. Veritone’s target prices suggest moderate upside compared to its current 4.45 USD share price.
Analyst Opinions Comparison
This section compares analysts’ ratings and financial scores for Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc.:
Rating Comparison
Oracle Corporation Rating
- Rating: B, considered Very Favorable by analysts.
- Discounted Cash Flow Score: 3, indicating a Moderate value.
- ROE Score: 5, a Very Favorable indicator of profitability.
- ROA Score: 4, a Favorable score showing asset efficiency.
- Debt To Equity Score: 1, considered Very Unfavorable risk.
- Overall Score: 3, a Moderate overall financial standing.
Veritone, Inc. Rating
- Rating: C, also marked as Very Favorable in status.
- Discounted Cash Flow Score: 5, rated Very Favorable.
- ROE Score: 1, regarded as Very Unfavorable.
- ROA Score: 1, seen as Very Unfavorable for asset use.
- Debt To Equity Score: 1, also Very Unfavorable risk level.
- Overall Score: 2, reflecting a Moderate but lower standing.
Which one is the best rated?
Oracle holds a higher rating (B vs. C) with stronger profitability metrics (ROE, ROA) and a better overall score compared to Veritone. However, both share a very unfavorable debt-to-equity score, indicating comparable financial risk in that aspect.
Scores Comparison
Here is a comparison of the Altman Z-Score and Piotroski Score for Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc.:
Oracle Corporation Scores
- Altman Z-Score: 2.43, indicating moderate bankruptcy risk in the grey zone.
- Piotroski Score: 5, showing average financial strength.
Veritone, Inc. Scores
- Altman Z-Score: -0.07, indicating high bankruptcy risk in the distress zone.
- Piotroski Score: 3, indicating very weak financial strength.
Which company has the best scores?
Oracle has higher Altman Z-Score and Piotroski Score values compared to Veritone. This suggests Oracle is financially stronger and less at risk of bankruptcy based on these scores.
Grades Comparison
Here is the comparison of recent grades and ratings for Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc.:
Oracle Corporation Grades
The table below summarizes recent reliable grades for Oracle Corporation from major financial institutions:
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBS | Maintain | Buy | 2026-01-05 |
| RBC Capital | Maintain | Sector Perform | 2026-01-05 |
| Jefferies | Maintain | Buy | 2026-01-05 |
| Goldman Sachs | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-12-12 |
| Keybanc | Maintain | Overweight | 2025-12-11 |
| UBS | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-11 |
| Citigroup | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-11 |
| JP Morgan | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-12-11 |
| DA Davidson | Maintain | Neutral | 2025-12-11 |
| Scotiabank | Maintain | Sector Outperform | 2025-12-11 |
Oracle’s grades generally indicate a favorable outlook with a consensus leaning towards buy and sector outperformance maintained by multiple reputable firms.
Veritone, Inc. Grades
Reliable grades for Veritone, Inc. are shown below, primarily from D. Boral Capital and other firms:
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-09 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-04 |
| Needham | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-02 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-12-02 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-11-07 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-10-28 |
| HC Wainwright & Co. | Maintain | Buy | 2025-10-20 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-10-15 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-09-24 |
| D. Boral Capital | Maintain | Buy | 2025-09-09 |
Veritone’s ratings are uniformly “Buy,” but the grading firms are fewer and less widely recognized than those covering Oracle.
Which company has the best grades?
Oracle Corporation holds a broader and more diversified set of grades from multiple well-known financial institutions, showing a strong buy consensus with some sector outperform ratings. Veritone, Inc. receives consistently positive buy ratings but mainly from a limited number of firms. This suggests that Oracle’s grades reflect wider market confidence, potentially offering investors more comprehensive insight into the stock’s outlook.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The table below compares Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc. based on key criteria relevant to investors evaluating their business and financial performance in 2026.
| Criterion | Oracle Corporation (ORCL) | Veritone, Inc. (VERI) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Strong diversification with Cloud & License $49.2B, Services $5.2B, Hardware $2.9B | Limited diversification; main revenues from Software Products & Services $61M and Managed Services $32M |
| Profitability | Favorable net margin 21.7%, ROIC 10.9%, but declining ROIC trend | Unfavorable margins with net margin -40.4%, ROIC -58.3%, and declining ROIC trend |
| Innovation | Moderate innovation with steady cloud growth, but challenged by declining profitability | High innovation potential in AI-driven software but financial losses and negative returns raise concerns |
| Global presence | Extensive global reach and market penetration | Smaller scale with niche presence focused on AI and managed services |
| Market Share | Large market share in enterprise software and cloud computing | Small market share in AI software with growth potential but currently limited scale |
Key takeaways: Oracle demonstrates strong diversification and solid profitability metrics despite some profitability erosion. Veritone shows innovative potential in AI but suffers from severe financial challenges and limited market presence, increasing investment risk. Careful risk management is essential when considering Veritone.
Risk Analysis
Below is a comparative risk table for Oracle Corporation (ORCL) and Veritone, Inc. (VERI) based on the most recent data available:
| Metric | Oracle Corporation (ORCL) | Veritone, Inc. (VERI) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | Beta 1.65 (moderate-high volatility) | Beta 2.05 (high volatility) |
| Debt level | High leverage, D/E 5.09; Debt to assets 61.8% (unfavorable) | Very high leverage, D/E 8.91; Debt to assets 60.5% (unfavorable) |
| Regulatory Risk | Moderate, operates globally with compliance needs | Moderate, AI industry regulation evolving |
| Operational Risk | Large-scale operations, stable but complexity risk | Smaller scale, tech development and scalability risk |
| Environmental Risk | Standard for tech sector, no major exposures | Limited, but emerging AI energy consumption concerns |
| Geopolitical Risk | Moderate, global presence including government contracts | Moderate, US/UK focus with some international exposure |
In synthesis, Veritone faces the highest risks due to very high leverage, negative profitability, and distress-level bankruptcy risk (Altman Z-score in distress zone). Oracle, while also highly leveraged, demonstrates stronger profitability and financial stability but has moderate market volatility and operational complexity risks. Investors should be cautious with Veritone’s financial health and weigh Oracle’s debt load against its robust earnings.
Which Stock to Choose?
Oracle Corporation (ORCL) shows a favorable income evolution with 8.38% revenue growth in 2025 and strong profitability metrics, including a 21.68% net margin and 60.84% ROE. However, financial ratios reveal high debt levels and several unfavorable indicators, leading to a slightly unfavorable MOAT and a very favorable B rating overall.
Veritone, Inc. (VERI) presents a mixed income picture with negative net margin and declining revenue in 2024, despite growth over the longer term. Most financial ratios are very unfavorable, reflecting poor profitability and high leverage, with a very unfavorable MOAT and a very favorable C rating driven largely by discounted cash flow metrics.
Investors prioritizing financial stability and consistent profitability might find Oracle’s profile more appealing, given its favorable income and rating despite some debt concerns. Conversely, those focused on high-growth potential and willing to tolerate higher risk could see Veritone’s strong long-term growth and valuation metrics as suggestive of speculative opportunities.
Disclaimer: Investment carries a risk of loss of initial capital. The past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Be sure to understand risks before making an investment decision.
Go Further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Oracle Corporation and Veritone, Inc. to enhance your investment decisions:
