In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, two companies stand out for their innovative approaches to data analytics: Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK). Both operate in the realm of analytics but cater to different sectors—Palantir focuses on software solutions for intelligence and counterterrorism, while Verisk specializes in predictive analytics for insurance and financial services. This article will delve into the strengths and strategies of each, enabling you to determine which company presents a more compelling investment opportunity.
Table of contents
Company Overview
Palantir Technologies Inc. Overview
Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) is a leader in the software infrastructure sector, primarily offering analytic platforms to government and commercial clients. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Palantir’s mission revolves around transforming data into actionable insights, particularly for the intelligence community in counterterrorism operations. Their flagship products, Palantir Gotham and Palantir Foundry, enable users to analyze complex datasets and facilitate decision-making processes. The company’s innovative approach includes leveraging artificial intelligence through its Palantir Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), which integrates large language models to enhance data comprehension. With a market cap of approximately $386B, Palantir is at the forefront of data analytics technology, boasting a workforce of over 4,000 employees.
Verisk Analytics, Inc. Overview
Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK), established in 1971 and based in Jersey City, New Jersey, specializes in data analytics solutions across various industries, including insurance and financial services. The company’s mission is to provide predictive analytics and decision support tools that empower clients to navigate complex risk scenarios. Verisk operates through three segments: Insurance, Energy & Specialized Markets, and Financial Services, focusing on loss prediction, risk management, and economic forecasting. With a market capitalization of around $31B and a robust employee base of 7,800, Verisk plays a crucial role in delivering insights that drive operational efficiency and strategic decision-making for its clients.
Key similarities and differences
Both Palantir and Verisk Analytics leverage advanced data analytics to support their clients; however, their business models differ significantly. Palantir focuses primarily on software solutions for government entities and large enterprises, emphasizing real-time data integration and operational response. In contrast, Verisk provides a broader range of predictive analytics and consulting services tailored to various industries, particularly in insurance and finance.
Income Statement Comparison
The following table compares the latest income statements of Palantir Technologies Inc. and Verisk Analytics, Inc. for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.
| Metric | Palantir Technologies Inc. | Verisk Analytics, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Market Cap | 386B | 31.4B |
| Revenue | 2.87B | 2.88B |
| EBITDA | 342M | 1.66B |
| EBIT | 310M | 1.35B |
| Net Income | 462M | 958M |
| EPS | 0.21 | 6.74 |
| Fiscal Year | 2024 | 2024 |
Interpretation of Income Statement
In 2024, both companies demonstrated solid revenue performance, with Palantir achieving a revenue of 2.87B and Verisk slightly ahead at 2.88B. However, Palantir’s net income of 462M is significantly lower than Verisk’s 958M, indicating stronger profitability for Verisk. Palantir’s EBITDA margin has improved, but it still lags behind Verisk’s robust figures. Overall, Verisk shows a more stable growth trajectory and better operational efficiency, making it a more appealing choice for risk-averse investors.
Financial Ratios Comparison
In this section, I present a comparative overview of key financial metrics for Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK). These metrics will help us understand the financial health and performance of each company.
| Metric | PLTR | VRSK |
|---|---|---|
| ROE | 9.24% | 9.57% |
| ROIC | 5.47% | 27.21% |
| P/E | 368.20 | 40.89 |
| P/B | 34.01 | 391.15 |
| Current Ratio | 5.96 | 0.74 |
| Quick Ratio | 5.96 | 0.74 |
| D/E | 0.05 | 32.43 |
| Debt-to-Assets | 3.77% | 76.11% |
| Interest Coverage | 0.00 | 10.06 |
| Asset Turnover | 0.45 | 0.68 |
| Fixed Asset Turnover | 11.92 | 3.78 |
| Payout ratio | 0.00 | 23.11% |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.57% |
Interpretation of Financial Ratios
The financial ratios reveal significant differences in the companies’ performance. PLTR exhibits a strong liquidity position with high current and quick ratios, suggesting it can cover its short-term obligations. However, its high P/E ratio indicates overvaluation relative to earnings. In contrast, VRSK demonstrates solid profitability metrics, evidenced by a robust ROIC and lower debt levels, which reflect efficient capital utilization. Nonetheless, its high debt-to-assets ratio raises concerns about financial leverage. Overall, PLTR shows potential for growth, while VRSK appears more stable and financially sound.
Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) does not pay dividends, reflecting its focus on reinvestment for growth and innovation. The company has a high cash position and engages in share buybacks, helping to return value to shareholders despite the absence of dividend distributions. Conversely, Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) offers a modest dividend yield of 0.56% with a payout ratio of 23%, indicating a balanced approach between returning cash to shareholders and funding growth. Both strategies could support sustainable long-term value creation, albeit through different mechanisms.
Strategic Positioning
Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) holds a significant market share in the software infrastructure sector, particularly with its advanced data analytics platforms like Gotham and Foundry. However, it faces competitive pressure from emerging technologies and established players in AI and analytics. Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK), while smaller in market cap, excels in consulting services and predictive analytics, making it a formidable competitor. Both companies must navigate technological disruptions to maintain their market positions and mitigate risks effectively.
Stock Comparison
In this section, I will provide an overview of the weekly stock price movements for Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK), highlighting key price dynamics and trends over the past year.
Trend Analysis
Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) Over the past year, PLTR has seen a remarkable price change of +954.13%, indicating a bullish trend overall. However, a recent analysis from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, shows a slight decline of -1.74%, reflecting a neutral trend in the short term. The highest price reached was 200.47, while the lowest was 15.98, demonstrating significant volatility with a standard deviation of 57.4. The acceleration status is currently in deceleration, suggesting that the rapid price increase might be slowing down.
Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) In contrast, VRSK has experienced a price change of -3.69% over the past year, categorizing it as a bearish trend. The recent timeframe from September 14, 2025, to November 30, 2025, shows a sharper decline of -14.16%, indicating continued downward pressure. The stock reached a high of 319.6 and a low of 214.66, with a standard deviation of 26.02, which also points to some volatility. Similar to PLTR, VRSK’s trend status indicates deceleration, suggesting that the bearish movement may not be as aggressive as it has been in the past.
In summary, while PLTR shows potential for growth, VRSK is currently facing challenges that investors should consider carefully.
Analyst Opinions
Recent recommendations for Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) indicate a “Buy” rating from analysts, citing strong return on equity and assets as key strengths, despite concerns over its price-to-earnings ratio. In contrast, Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) has received a “Buy” rating as well, with analysts praising its robust discounted cash flow performance and solid equity returns. Both companies are currently favored in the market, with consensus leaning towards a “Buy” for the year 2025.
Stock Grades
I have gathered the latest stock grades from reputable grading companies for two companies: Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK). Here’s a detailed look at their current ratings.
Palantir Technologies Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piper Sandler | maintain | Overweight | 2025-11-04 |
| DA Davidson | maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-04 |
| Morgan Stanley | maintain | Equal Weight | 2025-11-04 |
| Goldman Sachs | maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-04 |
| RBC Capital | maintain | Underperform | 2025-11-04 |
| B of A Securities | maintain | Buy | 2025-11-04 |
| Cantor Fitzgerald | maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-04 |
| UBS | maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-04 |
| Baird | maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-04 |
| Mizuho | maintain | Neutral | 2025-11-04 |
Verisk Analytics, Inc. Grades
| Grading Company | Action | New Grade | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP Morgan | maintain | Overweight | 2025-10-30 |
| RBC Capital | maintain | Outperform | 2025-10-30 |
| Goldman Sachs | maintain | Neutral | 2025-10-30 |
| Evercore ISI Group | maintain | In Line | 2025-10-30 |
| Barclays | upgrade | Overweight | 2025-10-30 |
| Wells Fargo | maintain | Overweight | 2025-10-30 |
| Rothschild & Co | downgrade | Sell | 2025-10-16 |
| Evercore ISI Group | maintain | In Line | 2025-10-14 |
| Wells Fargo | maintain | Overweight | 2025-09-17 |
| Raymond James | maintain | Outperform | 2025-08-04 |
In summary, Palantir has a mix of grades with a notable “Buy” from B of A Securities, while Verisk shows a strong upward trend following an upgrade by Barclays. Overall, both companies are holding steady with multiple maintain ratings, indicating cautious optimism in the market.
Target Prices
The latest consensus target prices from analysts for Palantir Technologies Inc. and Verisk Analytics, Inc. suggest potential upside for investors.
| Company | Target High | Target Low | Consensus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palantir Technologies Inc. | 215 | 160 | 196.09 |
| Verisk Analytics, Inc. | 334 | 239 | 283.6 |
For Palantir, the current stock price of 168.91 is below the consensus target of 196.09, indicating a potential upside. Similarly, Verisk’s current price at 225.07 is also below its consensus target of 283.6, suggesting positive expectations from analysts for both companies.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The following table outlines the strengths and weaknesses of Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) based on the most recent data.
| Criterion | Palantir Technologies (PLTR) | Verisk Analytics (VRSK) |
|---|---|---|
| Diversification | Limited sector focus | Diverse across multiple sectors |
| Profitability | Low profit margins (16.1%) | High profit margins (33.2%) |
| Innovation | Strong in AI and data analytics | Established analytics solutions |
| Global presence | Primarily US and UK | Strong global presence |
| Market Share | Niche market position | Significant market share in analytics |
| Debt level | Low debt (3.8% of assets) | High debt (76.1% of assets) |
Key takeaways indicate that while PLTR excels in innovation and maintains a low debt level, it struggles with profitability and market share compared to VRSK, which has a broader market presence and better profitability metrics but carries a significant debt burden.
Risk Analysis
In the following table, I outline the key risks associated with each company, providing a clear comparison for investors to consider.
| Metric | Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) | Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Risk | High volatility; beta of 1.477 | Moderate volatility; beta of 0.817 |
| Regulatory Risk | Potential scrutiny due to government contracts | Compliance pressure in analytics sector |
| Operational Risk | High dependency on key personnel | Complex operational structure |
| Environmental Risk | Limited impact due to industry | Increasing focus on sustainability |
| Geopolitical Risk | Exposure to international contracts | Risks in global data regulations |
Both companies face significant market and operational risks, but Palantir’s high volatility and reliance on government contracts make it particularly vulnerable. Verisk’s stable business model and lower beta suggest a more resilient profile, although it is not immune to regulatory pressures.
Which one to choose?
When comparing Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and Verisk Analytics, Inc. (VRSK), the analysis reveals distinct strengths and weaknesses. PLTR shows a significant increase in revenue, reaching 2.87B in 2024, with a net profit margin of 16.1%. However, it carries a high P/E ratio of 368, indicating a potentially overvalued stock. In contrast, VRSK maintains a stable revenue stream of 2.88B with a more reasonable P/E of 40.9 and a stronger net profit margin of 33.2%. Analysts rate VRSK with a B+ compared to PLTR’s B, suggesting a preference for VRSK based on fundamentals.
For growth-oriented investors, PLTR may offer more upside potential, while those seeking stability and dividend income might prefer VRSK. Note that both companies face risks related to competition and market fluctuations.
Disclaimer: This article is not financial advice. Each investor is responsible for their own investment decisions.
Go further
I encourage you to read the complete analyses of Palantir Technologies Inc. and Verisk Analytics, Inc. to enhance your investment decisions:
