Palantir Technologies, a leading data-analytics software company, has been awarded a seven-year contract by England’s National Health Service (NHS) worth up to £330 million ($414 million). The contract aims to enhance the NHS’s federated data platform, a tool designed to streamline communication across various NHS systems. The group leading the contract includes Palantir, with support from technology company Accenture and others.
A Game-Changing Achievement
Palantir CEO Alex Karp expressed his excitement over the award, stating, “This achievement is the culmination of 20 years of software development that enables the integration of complex and sensitive data while prioritizing security, privacy, and customer control.” Raymond James analysts, led by Brian Gesual, view this contract as a significant milestone that will serve as a reference point for other countries worldwide. They anticipate more awards in the future, with some bridge contracts in the interim. Their report rates Palantir shares as Outperform.
Stock Performance and Investor Enthusiasm
Despite a 3.4% drop in stock value to $20.61 on Tuesday, Palantir shares have soared over 200% this year. This exceptional growth can be attributed largely to the increasing investor interest in artificial intelligence. Based on available data going back to 2020, the company is on track to achieve its best-ever annual performance.
Several catalysts have contributed to Palantir’s stock surge. In June, the company announced a lucrative multiyear contract, valued at up to $463 million, to provide technology to the U.S. Special Operations Command. In July, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives initiated coverage on Palantir, giving it an Outperform rating and comparing it to soccer legend Lionel Messi, referring to it as “The Messi of AI.”
Further boosting investor confidence, Palantir launched a $1 billion stock repurchase program in August and raised its guidance. In addition, the company recently reported better-than-expected third-quarter results.
