Billionaire Israel Englander Dumped 90% of Millennium's Stake in Palantir in Favor of This Hypergrowth Electric-Vehicle (EV) Stock

Billionaire investor Israel Englander, the mastermind behind Millennium Management, has made a significant move in the third quarter of 2024, reducing his fund's stake in Palantir Technologies by a staggering 90%. Simultaneously, Englander has been piling into an up-and-coming hypergrowth stock in the electric-vehicle (EV) space, Nio. This strategic shift raises intriguing questions about the future of these companies and the broader tech and EV sectors.

Palantir, an AI-driven data-mining specialist, has been a darling of Wall Street, with shares soaring 283% year-to-date. However, Englander's decision to slash his fund's stake in the company suggests that even the most successful investors can change their minds about a stock's prospects. There are several reasons why Englander might have decided to part ways with Palantir.

Firstly, Palantir's valuation has become an eyesore, with a forward P/E ratio of nearly 100 and a price-to-sales ratio of 30. While the company deserves some level of valuation premium for its irreplaceable services, these multiples are consistent with previous bubble-bursting events in market-leading businesses. Secondly, Palantir's primary profit driver, the Gotham platform, has a limited long-term ceiling, as it is only accessible to the U.S. and its allies. Lastly, the company's otherworldly valuation and limited growth prospects may have contributed to Englander's decision to sell.



On the other hand, Englander has been avidly buying shares of Nio, a China-based EV stock. Nio's production capacity and expansion plans align with its financial performance, showing sustainable growth. The company aims to increase its annual production capacity to 1.5 million vehicles by 2025, up from 100,000 in 2021. This expansion aligns with the growing global demand for EVs, which is expected to reach 30 million units by 2030.

Nio's long-term growth prospects appear promising, driven by its expanding production capacity and strong demand for electric vehicles. The company's focus on innovation and customer experience, as evidenced by its battery swap technology and premium vehicle offerings, positions it well to capture market share in the competitive EV landscape.

However, Nio is not without its risks and challenges. Building an auto company from scratch to mass production is not easy, and Nio is no exception, having struggled with profitability and margin pressure. Tesla's price cuts have exacerbated this issue, dashing hopes for significantly better EV margins compared to internal-combustion engine vehicles. Additionally, Nio must contend with increasing competition from established automakers and other EV startups, further intensifying the market.

In conclusion, Israel Englander's decision to dump 90% of Millennium's stake in Palantir in favor of Nio is a testament to the dynamic nature of the tech and EV sectors. While Palantir's valuation and growth prospects may have raised concerns for Englander, Nio's promising long-term growth prospects and market position make it an attractive investment opportunity. As investors, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in these sectors and adapt our portfolios accordingly.