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Palantir Surges As AI Sovereignty Fuels Strong Quarterly Growth

Palantir shares climbed about 20% after the software company reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, driven by rising demand for AI platforms that allow organisations to deploy artificial intelligence while keeping sensitive data under their own control.

The company reported quarterly revenue of $1.94 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $1.8 billion. Commercial revenue increased 149% year over year to $764 million, while government revenue rose 90% to $809 million.

Demand For AI Sovereignty

Palantir attributed much of its growth to increasing demand for AI sovereignty, as businesses and public sector organisations seek to adopt artificial intelligence without relying entirely on external model providers.

Its software enables customers to integrate AI into their own systems and data environments while maintaining greater control over security, governance and infrastructure.

Chief Executive Officer Alex Karp said the company is seeing growing interest from organisations looking to build AI capabilities while retaining ownership of their data.

Raising Full-Year Outlook

Following the strong quarter, Palantir increased its full-year guidance, forecasting revenue of between $8.15 billion and $8.16 billion. The company also expects commercial revenue to exceed $3.42 billion this year.

The updated outlook reflects continued momentum across both its enterprise and government businesses as AI adoption accelerates.

A Broader Enterprise Trend

Palantir’s results reflect a wider shift in enterprise AI. As organisations expand the use of generative AI, many are prioritising platforms that allow them to deploy multiple AI models while keeping sensitive information within their own environments rather than sharing it directly with external providers.

The trend is becoming an increasingly important driver of enterprise software spending, particularly among organisations operating in highly regulated industries or managing critical infrastructure.

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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