Most investors don't have $1 million to invest in a single stock. But it's fascinating to see what would happen if you went all in on one of the best investments in recent history: Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: PLTR). Want to know what a $1 million investment during Palatir's IPO would be worth today? Prepare to be shocked.
Palantir stock has been a dream for patient investors
It's not easy to spot stocks capable of truly massive growth. But if you were lucky enough to buy into Palantir when the company went public in September 2020, you've achieved what most investors can only dream of: growth of nearly 1,800% in just five years. A $1 million initial investment would now be worth around $18 million!
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »
But when you look at Palantir's history, the ride hasn't always been smooth. In fact, there's a clear lesson here for investors looking to replicate such an incredible performance.
Image source: Getty Images
Warren Buffett has said that his favorite holding period is "forever." But this is easier said than done. Palantir's trading history demonstrates this reality well.
In 2020, Palantir went public at roughly $10 per share. Within a few months, shares had soared to around $35 -- a 250% profit in just 100 days! Many investors decided to cash in. That seemed like a smart choice for a while. In 2022, shares slid below the $10 mark yet again.
When looking at long-term price charts, it can be easy to miss how volatile a stock has been over the short term. Yes, Palantir stock now trades above $170 per share. But as with the previous example, there have been many steep ups and downs. If you find a business worth owning for decades, avoid timing the market. Instead, keep a steady hand. Those who did so with Palantir stock are likely sitting on the biggest gains.
Should you invest $1,000 in Palantir Technologies right now?
Before you buy stock in Palantir Technologies, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Palantir Technologies wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $599,784!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,165,716!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 1,035% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 191% for the S&P 500. Don’t miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of November 10, 2025
Ryan Vanzo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Palantir Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.