Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) is gearing up for a significant earnings report after the market closes on Monday, May 5, 2025, with investors bracing for a potentially volatile stock movement. Options pricing indicates that traders are anticipating a move of over 12% in the days following the earnings announcement. Such a shift could elevate Palantir's stock to an all-time high of approximately $139 or, conversely, drop it to about $108, depending on the results.
Last year, Palantir emerged as the best-performing stock in the S&P 500, achieving a remarkable 340% increase. As of the market close on Friday, May 2, 2025, it remains the top stock in the index for the current year as well, having surged over 60% since the beginning of 2025, while the broader S&P 500 index has seen a decline of just over 3%.
Palantir, known for its advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) services, has seen a surge in demand, particularly from the U.S. government, which accounted for more than 40% of the company's revenue in the fourth quarter. This dependency on government contracts may pose risks, especially in light of potential cost-cutting initiatives from political figures like President Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk.
In recent quarters, Palantir's stock has been buoyed by strong earnings reports, with shares soaring more than 20% following each of its last two earnings announcements. In February 2025 and November 2024, the company reported quarterly revenue growth exceeding 30%, driven by robust demand for its AI platform. Analysts are forecasting that Palantir will report a 36% increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, along with adjusted earnings growth of over 60%.
Despite the impressive growth, the stock's rapid ascent has led to caution among analysts. Currently, only one analyst recommends buying Palantir shares at their present price. However, the company has cultivated a passionate following among retail investors, with many showing little inclination to sell. Vanda Research recently highlighted that Palantir ranks as the third most popular stock among individual investors, trailing only Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA).
Furthermore, a recent survey by Investopedia revealed that retail investors have been eager to purchase Palantir shares during dips, demonstrating similar enthusiasm as they have shown for tech giants like Amazon (AMZN) and Apple (AAPL).
As Palantir prepares to unveil its earnings, the financial community will be closely monitoring the results, not just for the numbers themselves but for insights into the company's future prospects in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
In addition to Palantir, several other companies are set to report their earnings after hours on May 5, 2025. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX) is expected to report earnings for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, with analysts forecasting a consensus earnings per share (EPS) of $3.69, representing a 13.99% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. VRTX has struggled recently, having missed consensus EPS expectations in the second calendar quarter of 2024 by 5.82%.
Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) is also on the earnings calendar, with a consensus EPS forecast of $0.55, reflecting a 6.78% decrease year-over-year. However, WMB has consistently exceeded expectations over the past year, with its most significant beat occurring in the fourth quarter of 2024.
CRH PLC (CRH) is anticipated to report a consensus EPS of -$0.08, indicating a staggering 300% decrease from the same quarter last year. The company has faced challenges, with negative earnings surprises in its last two quarters.
Realty Income Corporation (O) is expected to announce a consensus EPS of $1.06, showing a modest 2.91% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024, although it missed the consensus in the previous quarter.
Ford Motor Company (F) is projecting a consensus EPS of $0.00 for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, which marks a 100% decrease compared to the same quarter last year. Ford has faced difficulties, missing the consensus EPS in the second calendar quarter of 2024 by 26.56%.
Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG) is forecasting an EPS of $4.09, a decrease of 9.11% year-over-year. The company has also missed EPS expectations in prior quarters.
Coterra Energy Inc. (CTRA) is expected to report an EPS of $0.76, which represents a significant 52% increase from the same quarter last year, a positive sign amidst the overall industry challenges.
Clorox Company (CLX) anticipates an EPS of $1.57, reflecting an 8.19% decrease compared to the previous year, although it has consistently beaten expectations in prior quarters.
Corebridge Financial Inc. (CRBG) is projecting an EPS of $1.15, indicating a 4.55% increase year-over-year. The company has also exceeded expectations in the past year.
Sun Communities, Inc. (SUI) is set to report an EPS of $1.18, representing a slight 0.84% decrease compared to the same quarter last year.
AECOM (ACM) is forecasting an EPS of $1.15, marking a 10.58% increase from the same quarter last year, although it missed consensus EPS in the first quarter of 2024.
As the earnings reports roll in, investors will be keenly watching these companies and their performance metrics, as they provide critical indicators of market trends and economic health.