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UDR Inc (UDR) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Resident Retention and Strategic Capital Allocation UDR Inc (UDR) reports robust renewal rate growth and liquidity, while navigating expense challenges and market pressures. Summary

Same-Store Revenue Growth: Positive 90 basis points year-over-year.Blended Lease Rate Growth: 1.6% for the first quarter.Occupancy Rate: Mid-96% range.Renewal Rate Growth: 5.2%, 70 basis points higher than the previous year.Same-Store Expense Growth: 4.4%, impacted by winter storms.First Quarter FFO as Adjusted per Share: $0.62, at the midpoint of guidance.Second Quarter FFOA per Share Guidance: $0.62 to $0.64.Asset Sales Proceeds: $362 million from four apartment communities.Share Repurchases: $150 million in the first quarter, totaling $268 million since September.Liquidity: More than $1 billion available.

Release Date: April 30, 2026

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points UDR Inc UDR reported first quarter results in line with expectations, driven by strong execution in operations and capital allocation.Resident retention is at an all-time high, contributing to a 5.2% renewal rate growth, which is significantly higher than the previous year.The company has transitioned to a monthly dividend, becoming the first residential REIT to do so, aiming to attract high net worth investors and family offices.UDR Inc (UDR) successfully sold four assets and used the proceeds for share repurchases and acquiring a new asset, enhancing capital allocation efficiency.The company maintains a strong liquidity position with over $1 billion available, supporting its strategic initiatives and capital needs. Negative Points Same-store expense growth was elevated at 4.4% due to winter storms, impacting overall financial performance.The Sunbelt markets experienced a slight retreat in lease rate growth, with some markets showing negative trends.The debt and preferred equity portfolio size has declined, reflecting a more competitive market and fewer opportunities for new deployments.Regulatory risks, such as proposed rent control measures in Massachusetts, pose potential challenges to UDR Inc (UDR)'s operations.The company faces competitive pressures from larger peers, which could impact its market positioning and data advantages. Q & A Highlights Q: In terms of occupancy, do you expect to drive it higher in the back half of the year, or have you adjusted your full-year occupancy targets based on market conditions?
A: Michael Lacy, Chief Operating Officer: We typically let occupancy come down in the second and third quarters when we have more demand and traffic, allowing us to be more aggressive on rents. We expect to maintain around 96.5% through July and August, possibly inching it up by 10 or 20 basis points later in the year.

Q: Can you talk about April trends, specifically new, renewal, and blended rate growth, and any markets that stand out?
A: Michael Lacy, Chief Operating Officer: We are pleased with the start of the year, with blended lease rate growth at 1.6%, the highest among peers. Coastal regions, making up 75% of our NOI, saw 3.1% blends in April, an acceleration from 2.8% in Q1. Sunbelt markets showed positive momentum from Q4 to Q1 but retreated slightly in April. We continue to focus on total revenue and cash flow growth.

Q: Could you discuss the debt and preferred equity book and future payoffs?
A: David Bragg, Chief Financial Officer: Our debt and preferred equity (DPE) book has been a long-standing business, allowing us to earn income and gain asset access. We expect the DPE balance to decline to around $300 million by year-end due to successful repayments and competitive market conditions. We prioritize stock repurchases given their attractive valuation.

Q: Are there any trends this spring between A versus B properties or urban versus suburban?
A: Michael Lacy, Chief Operating Officer: The West Coast is performing better than the East Coast and Sunbelt. In San Francisco, urban A properties are doing well, while in Boston, suburban B assets are less impacted than urban A. Performance varies by market, but we have strong performers in each region.

Q: How do you view potential development opportunities, and would you start development on land parcels soon?
A: David Bragg, Chief Financial Officer: We have a couple of existing sites adjacent to operating assets that fit our criteria. These are stick-build or podium developments with expected returns above 6%. We may activate these to deliver into a less competitive supply environment in 2027 and 2028.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR), a leading multifamily real estate investment trust, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized increasing its share repurchase program by 25 million shares, effective immediately. This increase gives the Company the ability to repurchase a total of approximately 30 million shares, which equates to more than $1 billion at current share price levels.

Share repurchases under this program may be made from time to time in open-market purchases, in block purchases, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise as determined by the Company. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and other market conditions. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be terminated at any time without prior notice.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements.” Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “likely,” “will,” “seeks,” “outlook,” “guidance,” “estimates” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in a forward-looking statement, due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, general market and economic conditions, unfavorable changes in the apartment market and economic conditions that could adversely affect occupancy levels and rental rates, the impact of inflation/deflation on rental rates and property operating expenses, the availability of capital and the stability of the capital markets, the impact of tariffs, geopolitical tensions, conflicts and wars, government shutdowns, and changes in immigration, elevated interest rates, the impact of competition and competitive pricing, acquisitions, developments and redevelopments not achieving anticipated results, delays in completing developments, redevelopments and lease-ups on schedule or at expected rent and occupancy levels, changes in job growth, home affordability and demand/supply ratio for multifamily housing, development and construction risks that may impact profitability, risks that joint ventures with third parties and Debt and Preferred Equity Program investments do not perform as expected, the failure of automation or technology to help grow net operating income, and other risk factors discussed in documents filed by the Company with the SEC from time to time, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except to the extent otherwise required under the U.S. securities laws.

About UDR, Inc.

UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR), an S&P 500 company, is a leading multifamily real estate investment trust with a demonstrated performance history of delivering superior and dependable returns by successfully managing, buying, selling, developing and redeveloping attractive real estate communities in targeted U.S. markets. As of March 31, 2026, UDR owned or had an ownership position in 59,782 apartment homes, including 300 apartment homes under development. For over 53 years, UDR has delivered long-term value to shareholders, the best standard of service to residents, and the highest quality experience for associates. Additional information can be found on the Company’s refreshed Investor Relations website at ir.udr.com.

More News From UDR, Inc.

CleanSpark stock is showing exceptional strength. What’s fueling CLSK momentum? CleanSpark Accelerates Digital Infrastructure Shift Across Four Key AreasCleanSpark's latest quarterly print included an EPS loss of $1.52 versus a 50 cents profit expectation, with revenue of $136.4 million missing the $145.4 million consensus estimate. The company also cited a net loss of about $378 million that included $263 million in non-cash mark-to-market charges, while gross margin came in above 40% (down from 47% in the prior quarter).

“This quarter, we accelerated our digital infrastructure evolution across four key areas: land and power development, with ERCOT approval of 300 MW in Brazoria; leasing, with further progress in Georgia and beyond; financing, as market conditions remain constructive; and construction, as we continue developing the new parcel in Sandersville,” added Matt Schultz, CEO and Chairman of CleanSpark.

Gary Vecchiarelli, President and CFO, stated, “We ended the quarter in a strong liquidity position that not only supports our near-term execution pipeline but also preserves meaningful optionality as the AI/HPC and digital infrastructure landscape continues to evolve.”

Critical Levels To Watch For CLSK StockFrom a trend standpoint, CLSK is still acting like an uptrend on intermediate timeframes: it's trading 15.7% above its 20-day SMA ($13.13) and 35.5% above its 50-day SMA ($11.21), which tells you buyers have controlled the last several weeks. The catch is the longer-term backdrop still carries baggage from the death cross in February (50-day SMA below the 200-day SMA), so rallies can face quicker profit-taking until the longer averages fully heal.

Momentum is the main watch here: MACD is below its signal line with a negative histogram, which points to upside pressure cooling versus the prior upswing unless buyers can re-accelerate. In plain English, when MACD sits under its signal line, it often means the trend is still up, but it's losing steam and needs fresh demand to keep pushing.

Key Resistance: $23.61 — the 52-week high zone from October 2025, a natural area where sellers previously took control Key Support: $13.13 — aligns with the 20-day SMA, a key "trend support" level in the current upswing CLSK Stock Price Activity On WednesdayCLSK Stock Price Activity: CleanSpark shares were trading at $14.96 at the time of publication on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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CleanSpark shares are trending higher. What’s pushing CLSK stock higher? What’s Driving CleanSpark’s Stock Today?CleanSpark is getting a sentiment tailwind from a single-holder signal: Situational Awareness boosted its stake value to $104.5 million from $16.6 million, while lifting portfolio weight to 0.76% from 0.3%. That kind of size-up often attracts fast-follow flows in high-beta miners when the broader market is soft.

Critical Price Levels To Watch For CLSKFrom a longer-term trend view, CleanSpark is still in a constructive upswing: the stock is trading 17.1% above its 20-day SMA ($13.29) and 26.1% above its 200-day SMA ($12.34), which typically keeps dip-buyers engaged. It's also 37.4% above the 50-day SMA ($11.33) and 39.1% above the 100-day SMA ($11.18), showing price has stretched well above the intermediate trend.

Momentum is best framed through MACD here: MACD is above its signal line and the histogram is positive, which points to improving upside pressure versus the prior downswing. In plain English, when MACD is above the signal line, it often means sellers are losing control and the path of least resistance is starting to tilt higher.

The main "but" for longer-horizon trend followers is the February death cross, with the 50-day SMA still below the 200-day SMA, a reminder that the bigger-cycle trend only recently started repairing. That backdrop makes the May swing high an important reference area for resistance, while the March swing low is the key downside pivot if momentum fades.

Key Resistance: $23.61 — the 52-week high zone from October 2025, and a natural level where prior supply can reappear Key Support: $13.29 — near the 20-day SMA, a common first "trend support" area during pullbacks How CleanSpark Is Transitioning Beyond Bitcoin MiningCleanSpark Inc. is a data center developer that, until recently, focused exclusively on bitcoin mining. It provides scalable, energy-efficient digital infrastructure across the United States, and it reports results through a single segment tied to bitcoin mining.

That business mix is why the hedge-fund buying matters: the company is pitching a transition from pure mining toward AI and high-performance computing infrastructure, which can change how investors think about durability of cash flows. In its second quarter update, the company said it had more than 1.8 gigawatts of power, land and data centers, 585 megawatts of ERCOT-approved capacity and 18% year-over-year average monthly hashrate growth.

CLSK Buy Consensus As Analysts Raise TargetsAnalyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price target of $19.40. Recent analyst moves include:

Macquarie: Outperform (Raises Target to $22.00) (May 13) Keefe, Bruyette & Woods: Outperform (Raises Target to $16.00) (May 13) BTIG: Buy (Maintains Target to $26.00) (May 12) CLSK Stock Price Movement ThursdayCLSK Stock Price Activity: CleanSpark shares were trading 1.69% higher at $15.66 on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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CLSK Stock’s Momentum Score RisesOver the past week, CleanSpark's Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings‘ momentum score surged from a solid 79.51 to a top-tier 93.52.

This leap places the stock in the upper echelon of market performers, as the momentum metric measures a stock’s relative strength based on its price movement patterns and volatility over multiple timeframes, ranked as a percentile against other stocks.

This breakout directly coincides with the stock’s 36.92% price gain over the past month.

Wall Street Backs The AI ShiftThe surging technical momentum is fundamentally supported by Wall Street analysts. Needham recently reiterated its “Buy” rating on CleanSpark and bumped its price target from $17.00 to $18.00, representing an implied upside of 14.21% from the current price.

This heightened analyst confidence is driven by CleanSpark’s advanced discussions regarding a lease with an investment-grade (IG) hyperscaler at its Sandersville facility.

Needham notes a notable advancement in these negotiations, cementing the company’s deliberate and strategic shift toward high-performance computing (HPC) and AI, as Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) hash rate growth slows.

Smart Money And Strong TrendsCLSK Stock Soars In 2026CLSK shares have surged by 55.73% on a year-to-date basis, and it is higher by 61.97% in the six months. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite index was up 13.16% YTD.

Over the last year, CLSK has advanced by 55.89%. It has traded in a 52-week range of $8.00 to $23.61, and it was higher by 0.86% in premarket on Friday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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On May 14, 2026, Fort Point Capital Partners disclosed in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing that it sold 400,000 shares of CleanSpark (CLSK +6.95%) in the first quarter, an estimated $4.28 million transaction based on quarterly average pricing.

What happenedAccording to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission dated May 14, 2026, Fort Point Capital Partners reduced its stake in CleanSpark by 400,000 shares during the first quarter. The estimated transaction value is $4.28 million, calculated using the average unadjusted closing price for the quarter. The quarter-end value of the CleanSpark position decreased by $8.08 million, a figure that includes both the impact of share sales and price movement during the period.

What else to knowTop holdings after the filing include:NYSEMKT:SPY: $64.81 million (8.5% of AUM)NYSEMKT:AGG: $47.49 million (6.2% of AUM)NYSEMKT:VOO: $46.91 million (6.2% of AUM)NYSEMKT:IEFA: $38.46 million (5.0% of AUM)NYSEMKT:VTEB: $37.48 million (4.9% of AUM)As of Friday, CleanSpark shares were priced at $15.97, up 62% over the past year and well outperforming the S&P 500, which is instead up about 28% in the same period. However, shares actually fell about 18% last quarter and have since surged nearly 90%.Company overviewMetricValuePrice (as of Friday)$15.97Market Capitalization$4.1 billionRevenue (TTM)$739.88 millionNet Income (TTM)($500.59 million)Company snapshotCleakSpark offers bitcoin mining services and energy technology solutions, including microgrid engineering, energy management software, and distributed energy systems.The firm generates revenue primarily through digital currency mining and the sale of energy solutions and related services for commercial, military, and residential customers.It serves institutional clients, grid operators, energy aggregators, and organizations seeking advanced energy management or cryptocurrency exposure.CleanSpark operates at the intersection of digital currency mining and advanced energy technology, leveraging proprietary platforms to optimize both bitcoin production and distributed energy systems. The company’s dual-segment strategy enables it to capture value from the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market while providing scalable solutions for energy management and microgrid deployment. With operations anchored in the United States and a focus on innovation, CleanSpark aims to maintain a competitive edge through technology integration and diversified revenue streams.

What this transaction means for investorsWith this sale, it's important to note that Fort Point still held a position after the quarter, and the trim came during a period when CleanSpark shares had pulled back roughly 18%, long before the stock's nearly 90% rebound since March 31.

The bigger story is that CleanSpark is increasingly trying to become more than a bitcoin miner. Earlier this month, CEO Matt Schultz said the company is accelerating its "digital infrastructure evolution" through land, power, financing, and construction initiatives, with a focus on commercializing assets that could support AI and high-performance computing workloads.

Meanwhile, the latest results were mixed. Quarterly revenue fell 25% year over year to $136.4 million, while the company posted a net loss of $378.3 million. However, CleanSpark ended March with $260 million in cash, $925 million in bitcoin holdings, and total current assets of $1.1 billion. Management also highlighted that megawatts under contract doubled year over year and average monthly hashrate increased 18%.

For long-term investors, the key question is whether CleanSpark can successfully monetize its growing power and infrastructure footprint beyond bitcoin mining. If the AI data center opportunity develops as management hopes, today's valuation may ultimately depend less on bitcoin prices and more on the company's ability to turn energy assets into durable compute revenue.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

On May 27, 2026, Cleanspark Inc CLSK shares rose 5.2% to a current price of $18.03. This gain is part of a broader positive trend, with the stock experiencing a 52-week range between $8.00 and $23.61.

GF Value™ verdict: Current price is $18.03, which is 42.4% above the GF Value™ of $12.66.GF Score™ of 61/100 indicates an above-average rating, suggesting potential for future performance.Most notable signal: CLSK has seen no insider transactions in the last 3 months. Is CLSK Overvalued or Undervalued? The current price of Cleanspark Inc CLSK at $18.03 is significantly above its GF Value™ of $12.66, indicating that the stock is overvalued by approximately 42.4%. This overvaluation suggests a lack of margin of safety for potential investors, meaning that the current price does not sufficiently account for risks or uncertainties related to the company's future performance. According to the GF Valuation label, CLSK is classified as significantly overvalued, which raises concerns regarding its sustainability in the current market environment.

If CLSK's stock continues to trade at a high premium, it may face downward pressure, particularly if future earnings do not meet market expectations. Such risks can lead to significant price corrections, making it crucial for potential investors to weigh the implications of this overvaluation carefully.

GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.

How Does CLSK's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 24.2x 15.0x The current forward P/E of 24.2x is significantly above its 5-year median P/E of 15.0x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the view that CLSK is overvalued based on its historical earnings performance.

What Does CLSK's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 61/100 Financial Strength 4/10 Profitability 3/10 Growth 3/10 Valuation 5/10 Momentum 7/10 The GF Score™ of 61/100 suggests that Cleanspark Inc CLSK is positioned above average compared to its peers. However, it is important to note that the financial strength, profitability, and growth ranks are notably weaker at 4/10, 3/10, and 3/10, respectively. The momentum rank of 7/10 indicates that despite these weaknesses, CLSK has been performing well in the short term. This mixed performance profile highlights both opportunities and risks for investors.

What Are Insiders Doing with CLSK Stock? In the last three months, there have been no insider transactions for Cleanspark Inc CLSK . The absence of insider buying or selling can suggest a lack of conviction from management regarding the stock's future performance, which could be interpreted as a cautionary signal for prospective investors. Without insider activity, it is difficult to gauge the sentiment of those closest to the company.

What This Means for Investors Based on the analysis, Cleanspark Inc CLSK is currently considered overvalued, with a significant premium over its GF Value™. This suggests that investors may want to proceed with caution and consider the implications of the current price relative to the company's intrinsic value.

For the complete analysis, visit the Cleanspark Inc CLSK stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions What is CLSK's GF Score™?

CLSK has a GF Score™ of 61/100, indicating an above-average rating that suggests potential for better long-term returns compared to lower-rated stocks.

Is CLSK overvalued or undervalued?

CLSK is considered overvalued, with a current price of $18.03 being 42.4% above the GF Value™ of $12.66.

What is CLSK's P/E ratio?

CLSK's forward P/E ratio is 24.2x, which is significantly above its 5-year median P/E of 15.0x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

As the digital asset landscape matures, investors face a choice between the hardware manufacturers and the infrastructure operators. Choosing between Canaan (CAN +1.56%) and CleanSpark (CLSK +6.95%) requires weighing manufacturing risks against hosting rewards.

Canaan is a pioneer in specialized chip design for mining, while CleanSpark builds and manages the massive data centers that power the network. While both companies are tied to the price of Bitcoin (BTC +2.72%), they occupy different niches in the value chain. This comparison explores which business model offers a more compelling opportunity for investors in 2026.

The case for CanaanCanaan designs and sells hardware for bitcoin mining and supercomputing, primarily through its Avalon brand of miners and specialized home devices. The company serves a global market with operations in North America and across various international regions. It operates in the highly competitive space of semiconductor stocks by developing application-specific integrated circuits. These chips are specifically optimized for the mathematical processing required to secure digital networks.

In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $529.7 million, representing growth of roughly 96.7% compared to the prior year. This follows a period of expansion where revenue rose from approximately $211.5 million in fiscal 2023 to $269.3 million in fiscal 2024. Despite this top-line growth, the company reported a net loss of approximately $210.3 million in the most recent fiscal year. This resulted in a net margin of negative 39.7% for the period.

As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.1x. This ratio helps investors see how much debt a company uses relative to its equity, with a lower number indicating less leverage. The current ratio, which compares a company's assets to its short-term liabilities, stands at roughly 3.3x. Free cash flow, which represents cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was nearly $0.0.

The case for CleanSparkCleanSpark is an infrastructure company that develops and operates data centers specifically for bitcoin mining and AI computing. The company manages a massive operational hashrate of roughly 50 exahash per second across sites in Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Nevada. It relies heavily on its mining pool operator, Foundry Digital, which accounts for essentially all of its revenue. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business since the loss of this partner would be significant.

In FY 2025, the company generated revenue of nearly $766.3 million, an increase of approximately 102.2% over the prior fiscal year. This revenue growth was accompanied by a shift to profitability, as the company reported net income of close to $364.5 million. For comparison, the company reported a net loss of roughly $145.8 million in fiscal year 2024. This recent performance resulted in a net margin of approximately 47.6%.

As of its September 2025 balance sheet, the current ratio is roughly 4.2x. This indicates a high level of liquidity to cover obligations coming due within one year. The debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.4x, which suggests the company uses a moderate amount of debt compared to its equity base. Free cash flow for the period was nearly negative $1.0 billion, reflecting significant capital investment in data center expansion and hardware.

Risk profile comparisonCanaan faces significant risks related to the rapid technological changes in hardware design and the cyclic nature of the mining industry. If competitors develop more efficient chips or if mining demand falls, the company could face severe revenue declines. It also deals with geopolitical risks that could disrupt its manufacturing and distribution across international borders.

CleanSpark is sensitive to the price of bitcoin, as low market prices can make its mining operations unprofitable. The company also relies on third-party custodians like Coinbase (COIN +3.25%) to secure its digital assets, creating a risk if that provider suffers a breach. Furthermore, expanding into the AI market requires competing with massive companies such as Amazon (AMZN +0.73%) and Alphabet (GOOGL 0.57%) (GOOG 0.87%) for power and data center space.

Valuation comparisonCanaan has a lower P/S ratio, which measures price to revenue, while CleanSpark offers a low Forward P/E based on future earnings estimates.

MetricCanaanCleanSparkSector BenchmarkForward P/En/a4.1x40.4xP/S ratio0.4x6.3xSector benchmark uses the SPDR XLK sector ETF.
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.

Investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrency without buying crypto directly might find CleanSpark or Canaan appealing. Both companies participate in the Bitcoin mining industry, but they do very different things. One company mines Bitcoin, and the other builds the equipment that makes it possible.

CleanSpark has become one of the largest publicly traded Bitcoin miners in North America. In this industry, a company’s profits are dependent on energy costs because it takes a lot of electricity to mine Bitcoin. But CleanSpark continues to expand its capacity. So, if Bitcoin prices remain strong, the company could benefit significantly.

Rather than mining for Bitcoin itself, Canaan makes the hardware for doing so. It has introduced several innovations, such as AI chips and systems that combine crypto mining with residential heating. While these new products could create serious growth, nothing is guaranteed in the world of crypto.

In fact, the exposure to the volatility of the crypto market may be the biggest thing these two companies have in common. Both face the same industry risks and intense competition, and neither has predictable revenue currently.

I’d have a tough time choosing one stock over the other. Canaan strikes me as more interesting, as a picks-and-shovels play. It could also likely adapt if crypto goes bust. However, I’ll go with CleanSpark. It has already performed well and has a clearer path to growth.

CleanSpark Inc (NASDAQ:CLSK) shares are trading lower Thursday morning as traders digest the company's May 2026 operational update.

Hut 8 HUT pushed meaningfully higher on Wednesday after announcing an artificial intelligence (AI) lease agreement for its Beacon Point campus in Texas.

This $9.8 billion data center deal that spans over 15 years validates HUT’s pivot from a speculative Bitcoin miner to a high-scale AI infrastructure company.

Including today’s surge, Hut 8 stock is up a remarkable 150% versus its YTD low in late March.

The aforementioned 352 MW AI data center lease agreement is a fundamental game-changer for HUT’s valuation profile – shifting it from a “hash-rate” multiple to an “AI infrastructure” multiple.

This new contract insulated the firm’s balance sheet from the cyclical volatility of the crypto market.

Plus, it includes a 3.0% annual rent escalator and is expected to contribute an average annual Net Operating Income (NOI) of $655 million upon stabilization.

By securing a confidential, high-investment-grade tenant for 352 MW of IT capacity, Hut 8 Corp has expanded its total contracted AI capacity to 597 MW, representing an aggregate base contract value of $16.8 billion.

The deal is bullish for HUT shares because it optimizes the firm’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC) due to high-grade construction bonds that will allow it to leverage its 15-year contracted cash flows to fund expansion while preserving shareholder equity.

Beyond this AI lease agreement, the long-term bull thesis for Hut 8 shares rests on the company’s proprietary 8.3 GW power pipeline.

In an era where AI demand is outpacing electrical grid upgrades, its 1,000 MW interconnection at  Beacon Point is a generational asset.   

HUT remains attractive also because its underlying fundamentals are hardening, despite a $253.1 million net loss in Q1 largely due to non-cash, mark-to-market adjustments on $9,110 BTC on its balance sheet.

Revenue more than tripled in the first quarter to $71 million, and gross margin expanded to a rather impressive 64%.

This operational leverage proves the Nasdaq-listed firm’s transition from volatile mining to fixed-duration artificial intelligence hosting is already yielding superior unit economics.

While HUT stock’s relative strength index (RSI) now sits in the early 80s – indicating extremely “overbought” conditions, the potential $25 billion total contract value (including renewal options) suggests it has more room to the upside.  

The Miami-headquartered firm is currently benefitting from a “scarcity premium” as one of the few publicly traded companies offering direct exposure to gigawatt AI factories.

Investors could also take heart in the fact that Wall Street analysts remain constructive as ever on Hut 8 Corp for the remainder of 2026.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the consensus rating on HUT sits at “buy” currently, with price targets going as high as $136, indicating the company’s share price could rally another 28% from here over the next 12 months.  

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Canaccord raised its price target on Hut 8 (NASDAQ:HUT) stock to $130 from $70, keeping its Buy rating. The price target hike, delivered May 7, nearly doubles the firm’s prior valuation and reflects the company’s accelerating pivot from Bitcoin mining to AI data center infrastructure.

A near doubling from a single firm ranks among the most aggressive analyst upgrade actions of the year. For HUT stockholders, the revision validates a transformation already underway, even as the rally raises the bar on execution. See our recent coverage of AI data center stocks to watch in 2026 for additional context.

Ticker Company Firm Action Old Rating New Rating Old Target New Target HUT Hut 8 Canaccord Price target raised Buy Buy $70 $130 The Analyst’s Case Canaccord asserted that Hut 8’s strategic progress continues to accelerate. In just a couple of quarters, the company has signed two marquee AI co-location deals with “some of the best terms we have seen across the sector.”

That language matters because it signals Hut 8 is winning enterprise-grade AI tenants rather than speculative compute customers. The new $130 target essentially catches Wall Street up to the May 6 announcement of the Beacon Point lease.

Other firms are echoing the bullish stance on Hut 8 stock. Needham raised its target to $128 from $88, while Arete Research came in at $136 with a Buy rating, signaling broad analyst conviction.

Company Snapshot Hut 8 operates as a power infrastructure platform with brands including American Bitcoin, Highrise AI, River Bend, Beacon Point, and King Mountain. CEO Asher Genoot has rebuilt the company around a power-first strategy.

The Hut 8 contracted revenue base now stands at $16.8 billion, supported by triple-net, take-or-pay leases across 597 MW of IT capacity at two hyperscale AI campuses. The Beacon Point deal alone is a 15-year, 352 MW lease worth $9.8 billion, with the broader development pipeline totaling 8,375 MW.

Why the Move Matters Now HUT stock closed at $108.94 on May 6 after a 53% one-week surge tied to the Beacon Point announcement. Hut 8 shares have climbed 673% over the past year.

Long-duration AI co-location contracts produce predictable lease-based cash flow, a structural upgrade from volatile Bitcoin mining revenue. Hut 8’s existing power agreements and substations uniquely position it to capture this shift.

Hut 8’s $3.25 billion senior secured notes offering closed May 1 at a 6% rate. That HUT financing earned an investment-grade BBB- rating, a first for a single-sponsor data center construction bond.

What It Means for Your Portfolio Prudent investors should weigh the bullish catalysts against meaningful execution risk. Hut 8 stock carries a beta of 5.72, and concentration on a small number of large AI tenants amplifies any tenant setback.

Hut 8’s Q1 2026 results still showed a $219.8 million net loss, driven largely by unrealized digital asset writedowns. The adjusted loss of $0.12 per share beat the $0.28 consensus loss estimate, though revenue of $71 million missed the $77.7 million estimate.

For long-term portfolios, the Canaccord upgrade reframes Hut 8 stock as a premier AI data center infrastructure operator rather than a crypto miner with optionality. The research case is stronger, yet position sizing should reflect the volatility that comes with a high-beta name still printing GAAP losses.

Asher Genoot, Hut 8 CEO, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss demand the company is seeing, how much power the company has to sell and much more.

The Lease Structure Is What Investors Should Actually Price

On May 6, Hut 8 signed a 15-year, triple-net, take-or-pay lease at its Beacon Point campus in Nueces County, Texas. The base-term contract value is $9.8 billion. The tenant remains confidential but carries a high-investment-grade credit rating.

Hut 8 shares jumped more than 30% on the day. Needham subsequently raised its price target on HUT to $12.

Fluence's Hyperscaler Agreements Signal a Category Shift

Before May 7, Fluence was a battery storage company trying to break into the data center market. After May 7, it is a pre-qualified global supplier to at least two of the world's largest AI infrastructure spenders. That distinction is what investors should focus on, not the quarterly revenue miss.

Here is what actually happened. Two separate hyperscalers each ran structured competitive processes to find an energy storage partner. One process started with 26 vendors. Fluence cleared every round first and signed a global master supply agreement before any competitor, per CEO Julian Nebreda on the May 7 earnings call. The other customer set requirements so specific that most rivals could not meet them. Fluence qualified there too.

The first order under one of these agreements is expected in Q3 fiscal 2026. That is the moment the agreements become revenue. Until then, they represent access, not income. However, access to a hyperscaler's procurement pipeline is itself a structural position. Once a supplier qualifies at this level, switching costs for the customer are high. Fluence now sits inside that relationship.

The record $5.6 billion contracted backlog and the doubled year-to-date order intake support the momentum story. But the hyperscaler agreements are the signal that changes the nature of what Fluence is, from a grid-scale storage vendor into a named supplier for the AI infrastructure build-out.

Why Power Quality Is the Bottleneck Both Companies Are Solving

Hut 8 and Fluence both operate at the base of that stack. Every AI query running on Nvidia hardware traces back to a grid connection and a stable power supply. Without those, every layer above stops. That is the problem both companies are solving, and they are solving it from different angles.

The Orbital Risk That Changes the Long-Duration Case

Orbital compute directly removes the two constraints that Hut 8 and Fluence exist to solve. Space-based data centers draw on continuous solar power with no grid required. They also eliminate land acquisition, ERCOT interconnection queues, and the ground-level power volatility that makes Fluence's battery systems necessary. If that model scales, both companies lose the structural advantage their current contracts are built on.

What to Watch

For Hut 8: Q1 2027 energization at Beacon Point is the first hard delivery date. Any delay pushes the $655 million average annual NOI contribution further out. Also watch for Phase 2 leasing at the 1,000 MW campus and any announcements from Hut 8's 7,500 MW broader pipeline.

For Fluence: The Q3 fiscal 2026 first hyperscaler order is the single most important near-term catalyst. A confirmed order converts the MSAs into booked revenue. Watch the Q3 earnings call for any upward revision to full-year guidance of $3.2 billion to $3.6 billion in revenue or $40 million to $60 million in adjusted EBITDA.

Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga’s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

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This marks Pizza Hut's latest crust innovation alongside new "For the Love of Hut Crust" program offering consumers a chance to win big

, /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Pizza Hut announces its latest innovation in crust as part of its Hut Crust platform. Introducing the new Crispy Parm Pan Pizza, available nationwide at participating locations starting at $101 for a medium, 1-topping pizza. This all-new pizza takes Pizza Hut's iconic Original Pan Pizza that fans have loved since 1980 and makes it even more indulgent with the addition of crispy parmesan on the outer crust and extra cheese on the entire pizza. It's crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, highly craveable and unmistakably Pizza Hut.

PIZZA HUT DEBUTS NEW CRISPY PARM PAN PIZZA AND TURNS CRUST LEAVERS INTO CRUST LOVERS When it comes to pizza, crust might just be the ultimate hot take. On one side: the crust lovers who savor every bite. On the other: those who leave it behind - with nearly 19% of consumers saying they skip the crust altogether2.  Pizza Hut believes the right crust can change minds, and the new Crispy Parm Pan Pizza is poised to do just that. To celebrate its new crust innovation, Pizza Hut is launching "For the Love of Hut Crust," a new program inviting crust lovers and crust leavers to officially declare where they stand when it comes to crust preferences. Share your take on social media with an Instagram or TikTok post and head to www.pizzahutcrust.com for a chance to win free crust for a year.3

The "For the Love of Hut Crust" debut builds upon Pizza Hut's Hut Crust platform, celebrating the bold, recognizable crusts that have defined the brand for generations. Pizza Hut recently introduced its first-of-its-kind Hut Crust Connoisseur awarded to the ultimate crust lover. Now, the brand aims to convert crust leavers into crust lovers with a chance to win free pizza and an array of delicious crust options.

"Crust has always been at the heart of what makes Pizza Hut iconic. With its bold, parmesan-baked edge, we are confident the Crispy Parm Pan Pizza is a crust that can change minds and turn everyone into a crust lover," said Melissa Friebe, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. "As we continue to build our Hut Crust platform, 'For the Love of Hut Crust' celebrates crust lovers everywhere, from lifelong fans to new converts discovering what they've been missing."

The Crispy Parm Pan Pizza is available to order now starting at $101 for a medium, 1-topping pizza on the Pizza Hut app, online, or in-store at participating locations nationwide. For the latest announcements and promotions from Pizza Hut, visit https://www.pizzahut.com/ and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @PizzaHut.

1 Limited time offer at participating locations only. Additional charge for extra toppings, extra cheese, and recipe pizza upgrade. Includes medium pizza. Available in large for additional cost. Product availability, prices & participation vary. Priced higher in some locations, including CA. Taxes, tip & fees extra. 

2 YouGov, 2023. Pizza Poll Results. https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/45715-americans-favorite-pizza-topping-pepperoni-poll

3 NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C. 18+ years or older. Begins 5:00 a.m. ET on May 27, 2026 and ends at 7:00 p.m. ET on June 15, 2026. Prize/Odds: Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Subject to Official Rules located at https://www.pizzahutcrust.com/rules

About Pizza Hut® 
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, and is a global leader in the pizza category with nearly 20,000 restaurants in more than 110 markets and territories. The brand has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in innovation with the creation of icons like Original Pan® and Original Stuffed Crust® pizzas. In 1994, Pizza Hut pizza was the very first online food order, and today Pizza Hut continues leading the way in the digital and technology space with over half of transactions worldwide coming from digital orders. In addition, Pizza Hut has Hut Rewards®, the brand's loyalty program in the U.S. that offers points for every dollar spent on food any way you order. Leveraging its global presence, Pizza Hut also works to positively impact restaurant employees, the communities they serve and the environment through commitments across three priority areas: More Equity, Less Carbon and Better Packaging.

Media Contact:
ALISON BROD MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
[email protected]

SOURCE Pizza Hut

Asher Genoot, Hut 8 CEO, joins 'The Exchange' to discuss concerns around competition, where Hut 8 is building and much more.

New Hut Originals Platform Celebrates the Fans Who Grew Up with Pizza Hut and the Return of Iconic Moments All Summer Long IYKYK: Hut Originals Can Bring Back Their Classic BOOK IT! Button on June 10 for a Free Personal Pan Pizza®* Pizza Hut and Box Tops for Education Team Up to Bring Back BOOK IT!® Summer of Stories™ with New Ways for Families to Earn Cash for Schools , /PRNewswire/ -- This summer, Pizza Hut is celebrating the fans who made the brand iconic with the launch of Hut Originals, a new platform dedicated to Pizza Hut's iconic food, fun and fans. From the unmistakable red roof, red cups and checkered tablecloths to birthday parties, arcade tables and summers spent earning free pizza through BOOK IT!®, Hut Originals is a celebration of the generations of fans who grew up with Pizza Hut.

PIZZA HUT ANNOUNCES THE SUMMER OF HUT ORIGINALS – A NEW PLATFORM CELEBRATING THE ICONIC FOOD, EXPERIENCES AND FANS THAT MADE THE BRAND

PIZZA HUT ANNOUNCES THE SUMMER OF HUT ORIGINALS – A NEW PLATFORM CELEBRATING THE ICONIC FOOD, EXPERIENCES AND FANS THAT MADE THE BRAND To kick off the Summer of Hut Originals, Pizza Hut put a new spin on one of its most iconic menu items with the launch of the new Crispy Parm Pan Pizza, available now at participating Pizza Hut locations nationwide*. Hut Originals should also keep an eye out all summer long for fan-favorite menu items offered at throwback value, unexpected merch partnerships and collections, Pizza Hut Classic location experiences and more.

And because no Pizza Hut memory is more iconic than earning free pizza for reading, Pizza Hut is celebrating generations of BOOK IT! fans with a one-day-only reward. On Wednesday, June 10, guests who bring in a BOOK IT! button from any year to participating Pizza Hut locations can receive a free Personal Pan Pizza®*. Whether you earned yours in the '80s, '90s, 2000s or beyond, Pizza Hut is inviting fans to relive one of the brand's most beloved traditions. See full offer terms at: https://www.pizzahut.com/c/content/book-it-personal-pan-pizza-event.

Pizza Hut is also bringing back its beloved BOOK IT!® Summer of Stories™ program running June through August, inviting parents with children in pre-K through sixth grade to set monthly reading goals through the BOOK IT! mobile app. Once goals are met, kids can earn a free Personal Pan Pizza® from participating Pizza Hut locations, bringing back a nostalgic tradition loved by generations while encouraging reading all summer long.

Additionally, for the first time ever, Pizza Hut is teaming up with General Mills and Box Tops for Education to give families an easy way to support local schools. Families can earn Box Tops for eligible schools by scanning receipts from Pizza Hut's BOOK IT! Family Meal** — which includes one medium one-topping pizza and two one-topping Personal Pan Pizzas for $14.99. For every BOOK IT! Family Meal purchased, a portion of proceeds will go towards supporting the BOOK IT! program and educational literacy. Together, BOOK IT! and Box Tops encourage families to unplug, create impactful summer memories and support literacy at home and in classrooms nationwide.

"After seeing so much excitement from customers around our Classic locations and the Pizza Hut originals people still know and love today, we knew it was the perfect time to launch Hut Originals," said Melissa Friebe, Chief Marketing Officer at Pizza Hut. "The platform celebrates the moments, memories and menu items generations of fans share with Pizza Hut. BOOK IT! continues to be one of the most beloved and talked-about programs tied to the brand, and this summer we're excited to bring fans new partnerships, experiences and nostalgic moments all summer long."

Parents can sign their children up to participate in Pizza Hut's BOOK IT! Summer of Stories by downloading the BOOK IT! app for free on the App Store or Google Play and setting reading goals for their child throughout June, July and August. To learn more about Pizza Hut's BOOK IT! Program, visit www.bookitprogram.com and for the latest brand announcements and promotions visit www.pizzahut.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @PizzaHut. Families can also earn cash for their schools by downloading the Box Tops for Education app for free on the App Store or Google Play.

* No Purchase Necessary. Offer ends 11:00 p.m. CT 6/10/26, or when supplies are exhausted, whichever is sooner. Open to individuals who are (1) legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia at least the age of majority in their state of residence at time of entry; and (2) Book It! Pin owners prior to 6/10/26. Void where prohibited. Subject to full Terms and Conditions: https://www.pizzahut.com/c/content/book-it-personal-pan-pizza-event. Sponsored by Pizza Hut, LLC, 7100 Corporate Dr., Plano, TX 75024.

** Additional charge for extra toppings, Pan, and extra cheese. Product availability, combinability of discounts and specials, prices, and participation vary. Priced higher in some locations, including CA. Taxes, tip and delivery fees not included. 

About Pizza Hut®
Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), was founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, and is a global leader in the pizza category with nearly 20,000 restaurants in more than 110 markets and territories. The brand has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in innovation with the creation of icons like Original Pan® and Original Stuffed Crust® pizzas. In 1994, Pizza Hut pizza was the very first online food order, and today Pizza Hut continues leading the way in the digital and technology space with over half of transactions worldwide coming from digital orders. In addition, Pizza Hut has Hut Rewards®, the brand's loyalty program in the U.S. that offers points for every dollar spent on food any way you order. Leveraging its global presence, Pizza Hut also works to positively impact restaurant employees, the communities they serve and the environment through commitments across three priority areas: More Equity, Less Carbon and Better Packaging.

About Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education, founded by General Mills in 1996, is a school earnings program that enables families to support their local schools through everyday purchases. By using the Box Tops app, families can earn cash for schools by scanning receipts or linking store accounts. To date, schools have earned nearly $1 billion through the program. For more information, visit www.boxtops4education.com.

About General Mills
General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names like Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino's, Annie's, Wanchai Ferry and more. General Mills generated fiscal 2025 net sales of U.S. $19 billion. In addition, the company's share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1 billion. For more information, visit www.generalmills.com.

Media Contact:
ALISON BROD MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
[email protected]

SOURCE Pizza Hut

Hut 8 Corp (HUT) is executing a power-first, repeatable AI infrastructure model, securing power before tenants to de-risk and monetize capacity flexibly. HUT's Beacon Point and River Bend projects demonstrate rapid scaling, with $16.8B in contracted revenue and long-term, triple-net, take-or-pay leases underpinning predictable cash flows. The recent $4.25B project-level, non-recourse debt for Beacon Point, backed by an AA-rated tenant, signals institutional confidence and reduces refinancing risk.

Nuclear energy is ready to explode. That's the conclusion of Bank of America analysts following the publication of their new report on nuclear energy.

"[N]uclear energy has, in many ways, been recently 'rediscovered' amid surging electricity demand," the bank's analysts observe. "Compared with other energy sources, it offers reliable baseload power, a smaller carbon footprint, and a higher energy return on investment."

How big will the nuclear energy renaissance be? In total, nuclear energy is a $10 trillion opportunity that could hold "the answer to the world's power shortages," the bank concluded.

Morgan Stanley analysts largely agree, though with slightly differing forecasts. "Global nuclear capacity could more than double to 860 gigawatts (GW) by 2050," a recent Morgan Stanley report predicts. "Investments in the nuclear value chain could reach $2.2 trillion in the next 25 years."

Image source: Getty Images.

Bank of America cited "surging electricity demand" as a reason for building more nuclear power plants. And there's one major reason for this rise in demand: artificial intelligence. U.S. electricity use hit new highs last year, with 2026 and 2027 also expected to reach record highs. "Demand is surging due in large part to data centers dedicated to ​artificial intelligence," concludes a recent Reuters report.

If you're invested in AI stocks or data center stocks, you'll want to pay very close attention to nuclear energy. That's because without nuclear, it may be difficult for the AI and data center industries to source new power generation, limiting overall growth potential. There are two nuclear stocks in particular that I'd monitor closely.

AI investors should monitor these two nuclear energy stocks Oklo (OKLO +4.42%) is the most obvious nuclear company for AI investors to track. The company is backed by Sam Altman, the founder of OpenAI. Altman was an early investor in the company, acting as chairman for a number of years.

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Oklo specializes in small modular reactors, or SMRs. Oklo calls them "microreactors." The miniature nuclear power plants can be co-located directly with data center infrastructure, allowing these data centers to operate for decades without refueling or needing to rely on grid power. Oklo already has an impressive list of data center customers in its pipeline, including a major deal with Meta Platforms.

NuScale Power (SMR +2.80%) also specializes in SMRs. Its customer acquisition strategy differs, however. Whereas Oklo is focused on closing deals directly with AI and data center companies, NuScale is focused on larger systems that tie in directly to the grid. Its customer base, therefore, is comprised mostly of electric utilities.

Importantly, neither NuScale nor Oklo have any plants currently in operation. Construction on NuScale's biggest project, however -- its 6 gigawatt system in the eastern U.S. in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority, or TVA -- could begin later this year. "We're hopeful that TVA can come across the line at some point later this year," NuScale's CFO commented in May.

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SMR technology may be years away from attaining a fully commercialized and operational facility in the U.S. But interest is growing quickly among data center operators, electric utilities, and AI companies.

The Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX +0.36%) provides a lower-cost, high-yield alternative to the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR +3.94%), which focuses on growth-oriented nuclear power and mining companies.

Investors seeking energy sector exposure often choose between stable income and thematic growth. These two funds represent distinct corners of the market: the steady midstream infrastructure of master limited partnerships versus the specialized, high-growth potential of the global nuclear power industry and uranium mining companies. This analysis examines how their underlying strategies and risk profiles differ.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricNLRMLPXIssuerVanEckGlobal XExpense ratio0.52%0.45%1-yr return (as of May 29, 2026)40.50%24.60%Dividend yield2.29%4.13%Beta0.810.58AUM$4.9 billion$3.5 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.

With an expense ratio of 0.45%, the Global X fund is slightly more affordable than the VanEck fund. Income-focused investors may prefer the Global X fund for its 4.20% distribution yield, which significantly outpaces the 2.40% yield of its nuclear-focused peer.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricNLRMLPXMax drawdown (5 yr)(30.50%)(19.70%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)$2,754$2,668What's insideThe Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX +0.36%) concentrates almost entirely on the energy sector at 99.00%, specifically targeting midstream companies and master limited partnerships. This fund tracks a Solactive index of infrastructure providers, holds 30 positions, and was launched in 2013. Its largest positions include TC Energy (TRP +1.31%) at 8.54%, Enbridge (ENB +0.86%) at 8.50%, and Williams Cos (WMB +0.12%) at 8.03%. The fund has a trailing-12-month dividend of $3.04 per share and manages $3.5 billion in assets under management (AUM).

In contrast, the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR +3.94%) is more diversified across sectors, with 46.00% in energy, 37.00% in utilities, and 15.00% in industrials. This older fund, launched in 2007, and holds 29 positions. Its top holdings include Constellation Energy (CEG +1.69%) at 8.07%, Cameco (CCJ +3.78%) at 8.07%, and BWX Technologies (BWXT +4.44%) at 6.46%. It paid $3.17 per share over the trailing 12 months and manages $4.9 billion in AUM.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

Which looks like the better buyThe Global X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) and the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) are both energy sector exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Here’s how they match up with one another.

First, there’s MLPX. This fund focuses on midstream energy companies. These are the companies that transport, store, and process energy products such as crude oil and natural gas. Top holdings for the fund include Kinder Morgan (KMI 0.30%), Enterprise Products Partners (EPD 0.32%), and Energy Transfer (ET 0.26%). Income-seeking investors will appreciate the fund’s stout 4.1% dividend yield. However, the fund’s expense ratio of 0.45% might be higher than some cost-conscious investors would prefer.

Then, there’s NLR. This fund focuses on the nuclear energy sub-sector. Its top holdings include Oklo (OKLO +4.42%) and NuScale Power (SMR +2.80%). NLR has an expense ratio of 0.52% and a dividend yield of 2.3%.

As for performance, NLR has been the clear winner over the last five years. Since 2021, NLR has delivered a total return of 146%, equating to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.7%. MLPX, meanwhile, has posted a total return of 106%, with a CAGR of 15.5%. Both funds have bested the S&P 500, which has recorded a total return of 80% over this same period, with a CAGR of 12.5%.

In summary, both funds have performed well. Strictly income-focused investors may prefer MLPX given its much higher dividend yield. However, those with a keen interest in the nuclear subsector, or simply those who prefer growth to value, may prefer NLR given its better long-term track record.

Jake Lerch has positions in Enterprise Products Partners. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BWX Technologies, Cameco, Constellation Energy, Enbridge, and Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool recommends Enterprise Products Partners, NuScale Power, and Tc Energy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Oklo (NYSE:OKLO | OKLO Price Prediction) is the ticker dominating retail feeds right now, riding a 14 GW pipeline of non-binding data-center letters of intent and a wave of small modular reactor euphoria.

The fundamentals tell a different story than the price action.

The Oklo Trade Is a Speculative Story With No Underlying Business Oklo reported $0 in revenue for FY2024 and posted a $73.62 million net loss, with operating cash burn of $38.39 million against just $275.30 million in cash and marketable securities. The company carries a market cap near $11.46B, trailing EPS of -$0.84, and no P/E because there are no earnings to divide into. Its own filings warn the company is a “Pre-revenue company with no commercial operations to date” with a “Potential need for additional financing to construct plants.”

The timeline is the kill shot. First power from the Aurora powerhouse is targeted for late 2027 to early 2028, and the 12 GW Switch Master Power Agreement and Equinix 500 MW LOI remain non-binding letters of intent that generate no cash today.

The macro is openly hostile to this profile. The 10-Year Treasury yield sits at 4.57%, in the 98th percentile of the past year, and new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is defending a high-for-longer bond yield environment. Pre-revenue stories funded by equity raises face brutal discount-rate math and catastrophic dilution risk. Oklo shares are already down 15.32% from the January open and 9.02% over the past month. The air is leaking from the trade.

Southern Company Is Already Selling the Electrons Southern Company (NYSE:SO) sells the same data-center thesis, except it monetizes the thesis right now under regulated rate structures. Three points make the case.

The data-center growth is already in the financials. Q1 2026 adjusted EPS came in at $1.32, up from $1.23 a year earlier, on revenue of $8.40B (+8.0% YoY). Wholesale kWh sales rose 12.9%, Southern Power revenue climbed 20.1%, and Southern Company Gas expanded 19.1%. CEO Chris Womack cited “projected significant growth in electricity demand driven primarily by data centers and other large load customers” as the primary growth driver.

The scale gap dwarfs the comparison. Southern serves 9.037 million customers, generated $29.553B in FY2025 revenue (+10.59% YoY), and commands a $106.59B market cap. FY2025 EPS of $4.30 beat the $4.2869 consensus, and Q4 2025 revenue topped estimates by 15.61%. The forward P/E is 21 with a beta of 0.357, the low-volatility profile that retirement portfolios are built around.

The dividend is real. The board raised the quarterly payout to $0.76 from $0.74 (ex-dividend May 18, 2026), extending a 78-year streak of uninterrupted quarterly payments. The annual payout of $2.96 yields roughly 3.14%. Oklo pays zero and its filings warn of further equity dilution.

What to Watch Next SO is up 10.19% YTD while OKLO has given ground, and Wall Street’s $101.76 average target on Southern points to more room. With SO trading near $94.55, the regulated, dividend-compounding utility is already monetizing the data-center buildout that Oklo is still pitching.

Oklo Inc (NYSE:OKLO) has acquired ARMEC, a manufacturing and engineering firm specializing in high-precision machining and prototyping for the nuclear industry, the company announced, in a move that further integrates engineering, manufacturing, and deployment capabilities across its operations.

ARMEC brings more than two decades of nuclear industry experience to Oklo, spanning high-precision machining, prototyping, fabrication, inspection, procurement support, and mechanical engineering, along with an established network of nuclear supply chain relationships.

ARMEC had already been working alongside Oklo on maturing nozzle manufacturing processes, including drawing development, inspection planning, quality assurance procedures, and supplier troubleshooting.

The firm generated positive free cash flow in its most recent fiscal quarter, which Wedbush analysts say will add a catalyst to Oklo's margin profile going forward.

"We view this as an accretive acquisition that adds complementary capabilities to OKLO's focus on its existing nuclear buildout while bringing new customer and supplier relationships to the company, which will further position OKLO in a better spot as nuclear energy projects see incremental demand," Wedbush wrote.

The acquisition is the latest in a series of strategic moves by Oklo, which held $2.54 billion in cash and marketable securities as of the first fiscal quarter of 2026. Wedbush noted the company has sufficient liquidity to pursue additional M&A over the coming quarters as it looks to expand its nuclear capabilities and solidify its supply chain ahead of rising demand from both federal and commercial customers.

Key Takeaways Oklo acquired ARMEC to bring manufacturing and engineering capabilities in-house for reactor deployment.ARMEC adds precision machining, fabrication, inspection & engineering expertise to support project execution.ARMEC's supplier network and free-cash-flow generation support Oklo's growth and execution plans. Advanced nuclear technology company Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) has strengthened its path toward commercialization through the acquisition of ARMEC, a precision manufacturing and engineering firm based in Oak Ridge, TN. The move reflects Oklo’s strategy of bringing critical manufacturing capabilities in-house as it advances from reactor design to deployment. By integrating engineering, fabrication, inspection and procurement capabilities under one roof, Oklo is positioning itself to execute projects more efficiently and maintain greater control over key milestones.

The acquisition is particularly significant as the company seeks to accelerate the development of its advanced reactor and fuel-manufacturing programs while reducing reliance on external suppliers.

OKLO Expands Manufacturing & Engineering ExpertiseWith ARMEC’s acquisition, Oklo is gaining more than two decades of experience in precision manufacturing and engineering. ARMEC’s team of engineers, machinists, welders, fabricators and technical specialists brings extensive expertise in supporting nuclear and advanced energy projects.

The company’s capabilities include high-precision machining, prototyping, fabrication, inspection, procurement support and mechanical engineering. These skills complement Oklo’s existing operations and provide valuable resources for advancing reactor development and fuel-related initiatives.

By adding this experienced workforce, Oklo gains direct access to specialized manufacturing knowledge that can help streamline production processes and improve execution across its projects.

OKLO Enhances Vertical Integration & Operational ControlOne of the key benefits of the acquisition is the increased level of vertical integration it provides. Advanced nuclear projects often require close coordination between design teams and manufacturing partners. Bringing ARMEC into the organization enables faster feedback between engineering and production, helping identify and resolve issues earlier in the development process.

ARMEC has already demonstrated value through its work with Oklo’s engineering teams, helping refine nozzle manufacturing processes, inspection planning, quality assurance procedures and supplier troubleshooting. These capabilities can improve manufacturing consistency while reducing delays and execution risks.

Greater operational control may also help Oklo manage deployment schedules more effectively as it moves closer to commercial reactor deployment.

OKLO Strengthens Supply-Chain VisibilitySupply-chain challenges remain one of the most significant hurdles for many advanced energy projects. ARMEC’s established network of customers, suppliers and industry partners provides Oklo with deeper visibility into potential supply constraints.

These relationships can help the company identify bottlenecks earlier, coordinate more effectively with vendors and secure critical components required for reactor construction and fuel manufacturing. Improved supply-chain management may enhance project execution and reduce uncertainty as Oklo scales its operations.

The acquisition also creates opportunities for stronger collaboration across the nuclear industry, supporting efforts to address broader manufacturing and supply-chain limitations.

OKLO Supports Long-Term Growth With Proven CapabilitiesARMEC has built a strong reputation across nuclear, energy, defense and research markets. The company has contributed to high-precision manufacturing programs, including U.S. ITER components for the international fusion project in France.

Importantly, ARMEC was a free-cash-flow-generating business during its most recent fiscal year. This financial strength highlights the value of its specialized capabilities and suggests that the acquisition can contribute not only operational benefits but also economic value to Oklo over time.

With ARMEC’s leadership remaining in place, Oklo can preserve critical technical expertise, customer relationships and supplier partnerships while integrating the business into its broader growth strategy.

Final Thoughts on OKLOOklo’s acquisition of ARMEC represents more than a manufacturing expansion—it is a strategic move aimed at strengthening execution capabilities, improving supply-chain coordination and accelerating commercialization efforts. The addition of skilled talent, specialized manufacturing expertise and established industry relationships enhances Oklo’s ability to manage key aspects of reactor and fuel production internally.

As demand for advanced nuclear technologies continues to grow, the ARMEC acquisition positions Oklo to move forward with greater operational efficiency, stronger manufacturing capabilities and increased confidence in its long-term deployment plans.

OKLO’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksOklo is an advanced nuclear energy company focused on developing, owning and operating small nuclear power plants under its Aurora product line. Currently, OKLO has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the nuclear energy sector may consider some better-ranked stocks like Bloom Energy Corporation (BE - Free Report) and Crescent Energy Company (CRGY - Free Report) . Bloom Energy and Crescent Energy sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Bloom Energy generates and distributes renewable energy. It supplies electricity to the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BE’s 2026 earnings indicates 151.3% year-over-year growth.

Crescent Energy is an independent oil and natural gas company that acquires, explores, develops, exploits and produces crude oil and natural gas properties, primarily in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRGY’s 2026 earnings indicates 39.4% year-over-year growth.

Over the last six months, pressure has mounted on Oklo (OKLO +4.42%), with shares dropping 44% as of this writing. The company keeps burning cash, and with no meaningful revenue, there hasn't been much to be excited about.

What's needed for shares to rally is more positive updates, which can reignite investor confidence. We just saw an example of that on May 26, as Oklo says it's in advanced negotiations to be a part of a new government program.

Image source: Getty Images.

Used fuel equals opportunity In addition to setting up reactors, Oklo's business plans also include fuel recycling. "The more than 94,000 metric tons of used nuclear fuel stored at power plant sites around the country contain considerable reserves of recyclable fuel. The energy that can be unlocked from this material via recycling is equivalent to about 1.3 trillion barrels of oil, or five times the reserves of Saudi Arabia," Oklo said in a press release.

Its solution to that issue will be the construction of a $1.6 billion nuclear fuel recycling facility in Tennessee. Initial construction is expected to begin in 2027, with commissioning starting by the early 2030s.

Getting reactors up and running sooner On May 26, Oklo announced that it had been selected, along with four other companies, by the U.S. Department of Energy for advanced negotiations under the government's Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program.

Under the program, the plutonium would be turned into fuel for advanced reactors. If selected, Oklo will work with the European nuclear reactor developer, newcleo. Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte said in the announcement that the material could serve as "bridge fuel," helping to "bring more reactors online sooner."

On the day of the announcement, the news was well received, and the Oklo stock price opened 9% above its previous close. The excitement quickly fizzled out, however, and the stock price has dropped noticeably since that quick rally.

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It's still an early-stage investment Broadly, there's plenty of promise and upside with Oklo, as evidenced by its partnership with Meta Platforms and its potential involvement in more U.S. government initiatives. But Oklo is still in the early stages of becoming operational, which is what makes the stock so volatile. Just looking at its projected timeline for its fuel recycling facility, construction alone isn't expected to start until 2027, and it's still in advanced talks for that plutonium program with no official deal locked down. If the company is selected to participate in the program, it may help create a short-term price spike in the stock, as it did on May 26, but it's unlikely to lead to a sustained rally to reverse the recent losses.

The bigger issue is that the company does not generate revenue, and for its 2026 first-quarter results, its net loss increased from $9.8 million in the prior year to over $33 million. For shares to find their footing, investors will need to see more signs that Oklo's potential is translating into actual revenue. The upside is there if Oklo executes on its ambitions, but the risk is also sky-high as it continues to prove itself.

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A rendering of Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse, which is set to be constructed on the grounds of Idaho National Laboratory. ((COURTESY OKLO, INC.))

Nuclear start-up Oklo has taken another step toward commercializing its technology, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for its coming Aurora powerhouse at Idaho National Laboratory.

CENTENNIAL, CO / ACCESS Newswire / April 6, 2026 / NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:NB) announced voting result details from the election of directors at its 2025 Annual General Meeting (the "AGM"), held on April 6, 2026 in Denver, CO.

At the AGM, the following six nominees were elected as Directors of the Company to serve until its next annual meeting of shareholders, or until their successors are elected or appointed: Tony Fulton, Nilsa Guerrero-Mahon, Dean Kehler, Michael Maselli, Peter Oliver and Mark A. Smith.

Shareholders also voted in favor of: (i) setting the number of directors at six; (ii) appointing Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's auditors for the ensuing year; (iii) approving, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's named executive officers; (iv) approving the amendment and restatement of the Company's Long Term Incentive Plan; and (v) approving the amendment and extension of the Company's Shareholder Rights Plan until its 2027 AGM.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jim Sims, Chief Communications Officer, NioCorp Developments Ltd., (720) 334-7066, [email protected]

Alex Guthrie, Director, Investor Relations, NioCorp Developments Ltd., (647) 999-0527, [email protected]

@NioCorp $NB #Niobium #Scandium #rareearth #neodymium #dysprosium #terbium #ElkCreek

ABOUT NIOCORP

NioCorp is developing the Elk Creek Project that is expected to produce niobium, scandium, and titanium. The Company also is evaluating the potential to produce several rare earths from the Elk Creek Project. Niobium is used to produce specialty alloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a specialty metal that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium is also a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various lightweight alloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor, and medical implants. Magnetic rare earths, such as neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium are critical to the making of neodymium-iron-boron magnets, which are used across a wide variety of defense and civilian applications.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, NioCorp's expectation of producing niobium, scandium, and titanium, and the potential of producing rare earths, at the Elk Creek Project; and NioCorp's ability to secure sufficient project financing to complete construction of the Elk Creek Project and move it to commercial operation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "continue," "could," "may," "might," "possible," "potential," "predict," "should," "would" and other similar words and expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of NioCorp and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstances and their potential effects and speak only as of the date of such statement. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. Forward-looking statements reflect material expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, expectations and assumptions relating to: NioCorp's ability to receive sufficient project financing for the construction of the Elk Creek Project on acceptable terms, or at all; the future price of and demand for metals, including aluminum scandium alloy; and the stability of the financial and capital markets. Such expectations and assumptions are inherently subject to uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and, as such, are subject to change. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed and identified in public filings made by NioCorp with the SEC and with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the following: NioCorp's ability to consummate the Offering; NioCorp's ability to use the net proceeds of the Offering in a manner that will increase the value of shareholders' investment; NioCorp's requirement of significant additional capital; NioCorp's ability to receive sufficient project financing for the construction of the Elk Creek Project on acceptable terms, or at all; NioCorp's ability to achieve the required milestones and receive the full $10.0 million in reimbursement under the Project Sub-Agreement with Advanced Technology International, an entity acting on behalf of the Defense Industrial Base Consortium under the authority of the U.S. Department of Defense; NioCorp's ability to receive a final commitment of financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States or other debt financing or financial support on acceptable timelines, on acceptable terms, or at all; NioCorp's ability to access the full amount of the expected net proceeds under the standby equity purchase agreement (the "Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement") with YA II PN, Ltd., an investment fund managed by Yorkville Advisors Global, LP; NioCorp's ability to continue to meet the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC; risks relating to NioCorp's common shares, including price volatility, lack of dividend payments and dilution or the perception of the likelihood of any of the foregoing; the extent to which NioCorp's level of indebtedness and/or the terms contained in agreements governing NioCorp's indebtedness, if any, the Yorkville Equity Facility Financing Agreement or other agreements may impair NioCorp's ability to obtain additional financing, on acceptable terms, or at all; covenants contained in agreements with NioCorp's secured creditors that may affect its assets; NioCorp's limited operating history; NioCorp's history of losses; the material weaknesses in NioCorp's internal control over financial reporting, NioCorp's efforts to remediate such material weaknesses and the timing of remediation; the possibility that NioCorp may qualify as a passive foreign investment company under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); the potential that the business combination with GX Acquisition Corp. II and other related transactions could result in NioCorp becoming subject to materially adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences as a result of the application of Section 7874 and related sections of the Code; cost increases for NioCorp's exploration and, if warranted, development projects; a disruption in, or failure of, NioCorp's information technology systems, including those related to cybersecurity; equipment and supply shortages; variations in the market demand for, and prices of, niobium, scandium, titanium and rare earth products; current and future offtake agreements, joint ventures, and partnerships, including NioCorp's ability to negotiate extensions to existing agreements or to enter into new agreements, on favorable terms or at all; NioCorp's ability to attract qualified management; estimates of mineral resources and reserves; mineral exploration and production activities; feasibility study results; the results of metallurgical testing; the results of technological research; changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; competition in the mining industry; changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments, including changes in federal and/or state laws that may significantly affect the mining and scandium alloy industries; trade policies and tensions, including tariffs; inflationary pressures; the impacts of climate change, as well as actions taken or required by governments related to strengthening resilience in the face of potential impacts from climate change; the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the timing and reliability of sampling and assay data; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of NioCorp's projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns, and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining, development, or scandium alloy production activities; management of the water balance at the Elk Creek Project site; land reclamation requirements related to the Elk Creek Project; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; claims on the title to NioCorp's properties; the infringement or loss of NioCorp's intellectual property rights; potential future litigation; and NioCorp's lack of insurance covering all of NioCorp's operations.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should any of the assumptions made by the management of NioCorp prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements.

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the matters addressed herein and attributable to NioCorp or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, NioCorp undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE: NioCorp Developments Ltd.