Palantir Technologies Inc. shares rose nearly 3% on Friday, closing at $157.16 on the Nasdaq, up 2.94% from Thursday's close of $152.67, with trading volume exceeding 74 million shares. After-hours trading saw shares ease to around $156.60. The stock gained about 15% for the week amid Middle East tensions involving Iran, which analysts said could boost defense and intelligence contract prospects. Shares rebounded from March lows near $133 but remain below late-2025 peaks above $220. The Denver-based firm, co-founded by Peter Thiel, reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings in early February, with revenue jumping 70% year-over-year to $1.41 billion, U.S. revenue surging 93% to $1.076 billion, U.S. commercial revenue growing 137%, and government revenue increasing 66%. Management projected 2026 full-year revenue between $7.182 billion and $7.198 billion, implying roughly 61% growth from 2025's estimated $4.48 billion, with U.S. commercial revenue expected to exceed $3.144 billion. Adjusted operating income is forecasted near $4.1 billion, with adjusted free cash flow between $3.9 billion and $4.1 billion. Chief Executive Alex Karp called the results evidence of Palantir's focus on scaling AI operational leverage. Recent developments include a five-year blanket purchasing agreement with the