Why Palantir Stock Popped Today

The White House nominated Michael LoSapio, Palantir's chief information security officer, to lead the US Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). LoSapio will replace acting director Nick Andersen, filling a role vacant for 22 months. CISA, responsible for protecting civilian networks, has seen staffing decline by a third since 2025. The nomination follows recent large-scale breaches at federal agencies.

Palantir (PLTR) shares rose 5.96% to $169.94 after hiring former Senator Jon Tester as an adviser. The company reported Q3 revenue of $2.31B, up 96% YoY, with U.S. commercial revenue surpassing government revenue. Full-year guidance was raised to $8.53B. GuruFocus gives PLTR a GF Score of 85/100, noting strong momentum and growth but lower profitability.

Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Palantir (PLTR) both beat Q3 estimates and raised guidance. Lockheed reported $7.97 EPS on $20.71B revenue, driven by missiles, while Palantir grew revenue 95.9% to $2.31B. Both stocks fell post-election, with Lockheed up 19.38% YTD and Palantir down 9.77%. Lockheed's long-term contracts and backlog may cushion budget cuts, while Palantir's growth depends on commercial demand and contract renewals.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) stock rose 4.2% to $167.16 after reporting Q3 2026 revenue of $2.31B, beating estimates. Adjusted EPS was $0.44, also topping forecasts. The company raised its full-year revenue outlook to $8.53B. U.S. commercial revenue surpassed government revenue for the first time, growing 148% YoY. JPMorgan initiated coverage with an Overweight rating and $262 price target.

Palantir (PLTR) reported adjusted earnings of $0.44 per share, beating estimates, with revenue of $2.31B, and raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $8.5B. Despite this, shares fell 0.27% to $160.02, trading below key moving averages. Analysts remain bullish, with an average target of $214.53, but concerns over bookings growth persist. Technical indicators suggest a fragile structure, with support at $157.73 and resistance at $162.90.

AMD, Palantir, Super Micro, and Intel reported earnings, with AMD, Palantir, and Super Micro showing revenue growth of 45% or more, while Intel grew 21% but fell 28.6% due to weak guidance. AMD's data centre sales surged 97%, and Palantir's US commercial revenue rose 148%. Super Micro's revenue grew 298%, and Intel's data centre and AI revenue increased 78%. Investors focused on guidance and margins, with AMD and Super Micro initially rising but later giving up gains.