Lockheed Martin CorporationLockheed has $35.5B THAAD award, multiyear deals to triple PAC-3 and quadruple THAAD production, and record $194B backlog, indicating strong end-customer demand.
Lockheed Martin is the stronger defense stock to own in 2026 compared to Palantir Technologies, according to an analysis. Lockheed holds a $35.5 billion award for THAAD interceptors, multiyear deals to triple PAC-3 output and quadruple THAAD production, and a record backlog of nearly $194 billion, providing clear revenue visibility. Palantir's Maven Smart System became a Pentagon program of record in 2026 and secured a $10 billion ceiling enterprise agreement with the Army, but its high valuation and sensitivity to AI sentiment add risk. The analysis concludes that Lockheed's funded missile-defense programs and lower valuation make it the better choice for the year ahead, while Palantir remains a long-term growth story to watch.
Lockheed Martin CorporationLockheed has $35.5B THAAD award, multiyear deals to triple PAC-3 and quadruple THAAD production, and record $194B backlog, indicating strong end-customer demand.
Palantir Technologies Inc.Palantir's Maven Smart System became a Pentagon program of record and secured a $10B Army deal, but the article focuses on its high valuation and AI sentiment risk, making overall impact unclear.