Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR)

The financial data reveals a significant improvement in profitability over the analyzed period.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders

A substantial negative net income was reported in 2020, amounting to approximately -1.17 billion US dollars. This loss decreased markedly in 2021 and 2022 to approximately -520 million and -374 million US dollars, respectively. In 2023, the company reversed its financial position with a positive net income of around 210 million US dollars, followed by further growth to approximately 462 million US dollars in 2024. This trend indicates a successful transition from significant losses to sustained profitability.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)

Consistent with net income trends, NOPAT was markedly negative in 2020 (-1.19 billion US dollars), improving progressively to roughly -378 million in 2021 and -221 million in 2022. From 2023 onward, NOPAT turned positive, reaching about 207 million US dollars and expanding further to approximately 339 million US dollars in 2024. This reflects enhanced operational efficiency and effective tax management contributing to profitability.

Overall, the data demonstrates a clear and robust upward trajectory in both net income and operating profitability. The shift from pronounced losses to solid gains signals improved operational performance and potential stabilization of the company's financial health.

The financial data reveals notable fluctuations in both the provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes over the five-year period examined.

Provision for (benefit from) income taxes

Initially, there was a tax benefit of -$12,636 thousand in 2020. This shifted to a tax provision of $31,885 thousand in 2021, indicating a significant increase in tax expenses. In the following years, the provision decreased to $10,067 thousand in 2022, then rose again to $19,716 thousand in 2023, and slightly increased to $21,255 thousand in 2024. Overall, the provision for income taxes shows variability, with the initial tax benefit transitioning to recurring tax expenses that fluctuate but generally trend at a moderate level after 2021.

Cash operating taxes

Cash operating taxes experienced substantial variation across the period. The value was $13,182 thousand in 2020 and decreased to $7,577 thousand in 2021, showing a reduction in actual cash tax payments. However, there was a dramatic surge to $67,243 thousand in 2022, representing a significant cash outflow for taxes. This was followed by a sharp decrease to $1,246 thousand in 2023 and a negative outflow of -$15,989 thousand in 2024, indicating tax refunds or credits exceeding taxes paid. This irregular pattern suggests variability in the company's taxable income, tax planning strategies, or changes in tax regulations impacting cash taxes paid over time.

In summary, the data indicates a transition from tax benefits to taxable obligations in terms of accounting provision, with visible volatility year-over-year. The cash operating taxes display extreme fluctuations with a peak in 2022 and subsequent negative cash taxes in 2024, signaling potentially significant tax recoveries or adjustments in that year. This combination reflects an unstable tax environment or operational variability affecting the company's tax position during this period.

Total Reported Debt & Leases

There is a clear downward trend in total reported debt and leases from 2020 through 2023, decreasing from approximately 457 million USD to about 229 million USD. This represents a nearly 50% reduction over four years. In 2024, however, the debt level shows a slight increase to approximately 239 million USD, indicating a potential shift in capital structure or financing strategy.

Total Palantir’s Stockholders’ Equity

Stockholders’ equity has exhibited consistent and strong growth over the five-year period. Starting at around 1.52 billion USD in 2020, it increased steadily each year, reaching 5.00 billion USD by 2024. This trend suggests substantial value creation and effective retention of earnings or capital infusion, reflecting robust financial health and increased shareholder wealth.

Invested Capital

Invested capital generally increased from 2020 to 2022, rising from approximately 2.18 billion USD to about 3.07 billion USD, indicating growing deployment of resources in the business. However, there is a notable and sharp decline in 2023 to approximately 1.24 billion USD, followed by a recovery to 2.51 billion USD in 2024. The 2023 dip could signify asset disposals, restructuring, or a strategic shift in investment focus, with a partial rebound in the following year.