Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR)vs IONQ Holdings, Inc. (IONQ)

Quick verdict

Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) and IONQ Holdings, Inc. (IONQ) appeal to different investors. On our six-factor framework, PLTR scores 2 and IONQ scores 4. IONQ looks cheaper on the multiples that matter, while IONQ grows faster and IONQ earns higher returns on capital. Overall, IONQ edges this comparison, but the right pick depends on whether you prioritise value, growth, income or balance-sheet safety.

2-year relative performance

At-a-glance comparison

Business model and revenue mix

Palantir Technologies Inc. operates in Software—Infrastructure (Technology), while IONQ Holdings, Inc. sits in Internet Content & Information (Communication Services). The two operate in different sectors, so cyclicality and end-market exposure differ — factor that into any portfolio overlap. PLTR carries a beta of 1.58 versus 1.75 for IONQ, meaning IONQ has historically been the more volatile of the two.

Valuation

On valuation, IONQ is the cheaper stock. PLTR trades on a forward P/E of n/a and EV/EBITDA of 31.64, against 15.88 and 15.3 for IONQ. Price-to-sales is 16.8 vs 1.79, and free-cash-flow yield is 1.6% vs 3.8%. A higher multiple is only justified if the company can sustain faster growth or wider margins, which is exactly what the next sections test.

Growth profile

IONQ is the faster grower. PLTR has compounded revenue at 3.6% over three years with EPS growth of 5.0%, while IONQ has delivered 6.0% revenue and 7.1% EPS growth. Growth like this is the single biggest driver of long-term returns, but it also tends to come with a richer valuation, so it must be weighed against the multiples above.

Profitability and quality

On profitability and quality, IONQ is stronger. PLTR posts a -7.1% operating margin, -8.7% return on equity and -14.3% return on invested capital. IONQ posts 42.7%, 47.4% and 26.6% respectively. Return on invested capital above roughly 15% is a hallmark of a durable competitive advantage, so this metric deserves particular attention.

Balance-sheet risk

PLTR has the safer balance sheet. PLTR carries net-debt/EBITDA of 0.80x with a current ratio of 2.77, versus 3.97x and 1.39 for IONQ. Lower leverage gives a company more room to invest through a downturn and reduces the risk of dilution or distress.

Price performance and shareholder returns

Over the past year PLTR returned -30.4% against -13.4% for IONQ; on a three-year annualised basis it is 6.1% vs -6.7%. PLTR yields 0.0% and IONQ yields 3.3%. Past performance never guarantees future results, but the multi-year track record shows how the market has rewarded each business so far.

Which stock fits which investor

For value-oriented investors, IONQ is the better fit on today's multiples. Growth investors will likely prefer IONQ, which is expanding faster. Income investors should lean toward IONQ for its higher shareholder yield, while investors who prize quality-at-a-reasonable-price will favour IONQ for its superior returns on capital. This is a comparison of facts, not a recommendation — your time horizon, risk tolerance and existing holdings should drive the final decision.

• Value: IONQ
• Growth: IONQ
• Income: IONQ
• Quality: IONQ

Frequently asked questions

Is PLTR or IONQ the better buy right now?

Neither is universally "better." PLTR scores 2 and IONQ scores 4 on our six-factor framework. IONQ is cheaper, IONQ grows faster, and IONQ is higher quality — so the right pick depends on your objective.

Which stock is cheaper, PLTR or IONQ?

IONQ is the cheaper stock across forward P/E (n/a vs 15.88), EV/EBITDA (31.64 vs 15.3) and price-to-sales (16.8 vs 1.79).

Which has grown faster, PLTR or IONQ?

IONQ has the stronger growth profile, with three-year revenue CAGR of 3.6% for PLTR versus 6.0% for IONQ.

Which stock pays a bigger dividend?

PLTR yields 0.0% and IONQ yields 3.3%, so IONQ is the stronger income choice.

Related comparisons

• AAPL vs IONQ
• AAPL vs PLTR
• AMD vs IONQ
• AMD vs PLTR
• AVGO vs IONQ
• INTC vs IONQ