Palantir, MicroStrategy, Axon to Join the Nasdaq-100: What to Know
The Nasdaq-100 is getting three new members this month. Here's what analysts think of Palantir, MicroStrategy and Axon.


Palantir Technologies (PLTR), MicroStrategy (MSTR) and Axon Enterprise (AXON) will join the Nasdaq-100 next week, replacing Super Micro Computer (SMCI), Illumina (ILMN) and Moderna (MRNA).
Shares of the incoming trio are having mixed reactions to the announcement. MicroStrategy is in the lead, up 4% at last check, as inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 often boosts stocks due to demand from index-tracking funds, including the ever-popular Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ). MicroStrategy stock is also benefiting from bitcoin's new record high of $106,000 over the weekend.
The rebalance of the Nasdaq-100 index will occur ahead of the market open on Monday, December 23.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What Wall Street thinks about Palantir, MicroStrategy and Axon
Palantir, a tech company that specializes in big data analytics, has been one of the market's best-performing stocks in 2024 with a return of more than 340% in the year to date.
However, Wall Street thinks the tech stock has gotten ahead of itself as the consensus recommendation among the 20 covering analysts S&P Global Market Intelligence tracks is a Hold. Additionally, analysts' average target price for PLTR stock is $41.77, representing a discount of more than 40% to current levels.
But not everyone is on the sidelines when it comes to Palantir. Financial services firm Wedbush is one of the most bullish firms on PLTR with an Outperform rating (equivalent to a Buy) and a $75 price target.
"We are raising our price target on Palantir from $57 to $75, reflecting our increased confidence in the game-changing AIP strategy with use cases for artificial intelligence taking hold over the next 12-18 months," wrote Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives in a November 24 note. "The Messi of AI growth story will see unprecedented demand as more enterprises realize the value of PLTR's entire product suite with more AI use cases."
MicroStrategy, an enterprise software company that has become a bitcoin proxy due to its significant holdings in the cryptocurrency, has posted a jaw-dropping return of over 500% in the year to date.
Wall Street thinks the large-cap stock is going even higher from here with an average price target of $518.68, representing implied upside of about 24% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is a Strong Buy.
Financial services firm Bernstein is the most bullish outfit on MSTR stock with an Outperforming rating (equivalent to a Buy) and a $2,890 price target.
"Since August 2020, MSTR has transformed from a small software company to the largest bitcoin holding company, owning 1.1% of world’s bitcoin supply worth roughly $14.5 billion," says Bernstein analyst Gautam Chhugani in a note this morning. "MSTR's founder chairman, Michael Saylor, has become synonymous with brand bitcoin and has positioned MSTR as a leading bitcoin company, attracting at-scale capital (both debt and equity) for an active bitcoin acquisition strategy."
Axon, a company that provides safety and security technology for law enforcement including tasers and body cameras, has risen more than 140% in the year to date, and Wall Street still rates it a Strong Buy. However, analysts' price targets have failed to keep up with the quick-rising growth stock as the average analyst estimate of $598.08 represents a discount of just over 3% to current levels.
Financial services firm Argus has a Buy rating and $800 price target on AXON stock.
"We expect AXON shares to continue to outpace the broader market, driven by the company's strong management team and robust earnings prospects as demand for its products and solutions remains strong," wrote Argus analyst John Staszak in a December 4 note. "We think that Axon can continue to generate positive earnings surprises based on its relatively cautious forecasts."
Related Content
- Analysts' Top S&P 500 Stocks to Buy Now
- Stocks Warren Buffett Is Buying and Selling
- All 30 Dow Jones Stocks Ranked: Buy, Sell or Hold?
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Why is My First Medicare Bill So High?
Your first Medicare bill may be higher than expected for several reasons. If your premiums aren't taken out of your Social Security benefit, the bill can be huge.
-
11 Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Retirement
More than a travel trend, the road trip is a quintessential American tradition, with millions of us taking them each year. Here's a guide to helping you choose your next adventure.
-
I'm a Financial Professional: Here Are Four Ways You Can Use Debt to Build Wealth
Using debt strategically, such as for homeownership, education and more, can lead to greater financial stability and growth.
-
Five Key Wake-Up Calls for Ambitious Business Owners, From a Biz Specialist
Your personal financial plan needs to include a formal exit strategy for your business, or you could be in trouble.
-
I'm a Retirement Psychologist: Here's Why Doing What You 'Ought' in Retirement Beats Doing Whatever You Want
True retirement freedom isn't about simply doing whatever you want, but about finding purpose and direction through commitments that align with your deepest values and allow you to contribute meaningfully.
-
Tactical Roth Conversions: Why 2025-2028 Is a Critical Window for Retirees
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) extended today's low tax brackets, but they may not last. Here's how smart planning now can prevent costly tax surprises later.
-
Ready to Retire? It's Not Too Late to Convert to a Roth IRA
Millions of Americans are turning 65 this year. If you're retiring soon, don't dismiss the idea of a Roth conversion — it could still be a smart move even now.
-
9 Warren Buffett Quotes for Investors to Live By
Warren Buffett transformed Berkshire Hathaway from a struggling textile firm to a sprawling conglomerate and investment vehicle. Here's how he did it.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: Three Things You Will Wish You Did Before the Fed Cuts Interest Rates
With potential interest rate cuts on the horizon, you might want to lock in today's higher yields and consider adjusting your asset allocation.
-
Simple Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping This Year
Set a budget and stick to it, scour the house for what you already have, decorate backpacks and lunch boxes with your kids and consider buying some items during holiday sales.