Peter Thiel has earned a reputation as a savvy investor with an eye for opportunities at the right time. While his success with Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is widely recognized, it’s not his only winning bet. Thiel, co-founder of PayPal (PYPL) and an early investor in Facebook, holds significant stakes in three other public companies: PropertyGuru Group (PGRU), AbCellera Biologics (ABCL), and Chemomab Therapeutics (CMMB), according to an analysis by Investor’s Business Daily.
These investments are part of a broader strategy that continues to yield impressive returns. However, it is Palantir, a technology contractor specializing in government services, that has recently brought him a major financial victory with its addition to the S&P 500 index. This milestone has driven Palantir’s stock up by an impressive 102% in just 2024 alone.
Nancy Tengler, chief investment officer at Laffer Tengler Investments, commented, “Being added to the S&P 500, unlike a Dow listing, can result in sustained stock performance. Palantir has continued to defy its critics throughout this year.”
Thiel’s Major Win with Palantir
Thiel’s investment in Palantir has been nothing short of extraordinary. He holds 223.6 million shares in the company, translating to a stake worth approximately $7.7 billion. This makes Thiel the largest individual shareholder, surpassing even institutional investors like Vanguard and BlackRock. He controls nearly 10% of the company’s stock, positioning him at the forefront of Palantir’s success.
Palantir’s financial outlook continues to look bright. Analysts project that the company’s profits will rise by 42% this year and another 18% by 2025. Palantir currently holds an enviable Composite Rating of 99 and an EPS Rating of 96, signaling strong fundamental and technical performance.
Exploring Thiel’s Other Investments
Though Palantir remains a centerpiece of Thiel’s portfolio, his other investments also show his financial acumen.
PropertyGuru Group (PGRU): Thiel holds 3.7 million shares of this digital property marketplace, positioning him among the top 10 shareholders. This year, PropertyGuru’s stock has surged nearly 100%, bringing Thiel’s stake to around $24 million. Analysts are optimistic about the company’s growth, expecting a 28% rise in earnings this year and a further 61% increase by 2025. With a Composite Rating of 76, PropertyGuru is set for even more attention, as EQT Private Capital Asia prepares to acquire it for $1.1 billion.
AbCellera Biologics (ABCL): Not all of Thiel’s investments have gone as smoothly. He holds a $24 million stake in AbCellera Biologics, a company focused on antibody-based treatments. However, the company has faced challenges, with its stock down 55% this year. Despite this setback, Thiel’s track record suggests he has confidence in the long-term potential of his investments.
Chemomab Therapeutics (CMMB): Another promising investment is in Chemomab Therapeutics, a healthcare company focused on treating inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Though his stake in the company is smaller, at approximately $2.4 million, Chemomab’s stock has seen an incredible rise of 323.5% this year, reflecting Thiel’s ability to identify high-growth opportunities in niche markets.
Lessons from Thiel’s Investment Strategy
Peter Thiel’s portfolio offers valuable insights into his investment philosophy. While he’s best known for his early bet on Facebook and his success with Palantir, Thiel continues to back companies across various sectors, from real estate and healthcare to biotechnology.
His investment in PropertyGuru, for example, highlights his interest in emerging markets and digital platforms that tap into large, underserved populations. The company’s growth trajectory aligns with Thiel’s vision for leveraging technology to disrupt traditional industries.
On the other hand, AbCellera Biologics represents Thiel’s willingness to invest in high-risk, high-reward ventures. Despite the company’s poor stock performance this year, its innovative approach to antibody therapies aligns with his long-term vision for healthcare transformation.
Chemomab Therapeutics, with its triple-digit stock surge, demonstrates that Thiel’s portfolio is not just about big, established companies but also about smaller, specialized firms with the potential for explosive growth. His $2.4 million stake may be modest compared to his other investments, but it underscores his belief in the company’s future potential.
The Takeaway
Thiel’s top public holdings—Palantir, PropertyGuru, AbCellera, and Chemomab—reflect a diverse investment strategy across multiple sectors. His ability to navigate both high-growth technology plays and healthcare innovations has solidified his reputation as one of the sharpest investors in the modern market.
While not all of his bets have been immediate winners, Thiel’s approach shows the importance of patience and foresight in investing. Whether it’s the tech-driven successes of Palantir or the emerging potential of Chemomab Therapeutics, Thiel’s portfolio reveals a calculated risk-taker who consistently positions himself ahead of the curve.
Peter Thiel’s Top Public Holdings:
| Company | Symbol | Thiel’s Stake Estimate ($ millions) | Stock YTD % Change | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palantir Technologies | PLTR | $7,735.6 | 102.1% | Information Technology |
| PropertyGuru Group | PGRU | $24.4 | 97.0% | Communication Services |
| AbCellera Biologics | ABCL | $24.4 | -55.4% | Healthcare |
| Chemomab Therapeutics | CMMB | $2.4 | 323.5% | Healthcare |
In conclusion, Peter Thiel’s investment success goes far beyond Palantir. His portfolio showcases a range of industries and strategies, from established tech companies to emerging healthcare innovators. Despite the ups and downs, his ability to identify lucrative opportunities remains unparalleled in the world of finance.
