Veteran mine builder Matthew Gili will join American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR, OTCQX:ARRNF)'s board as a non-executive director as the company advances the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming and prepares for a planned Nasdaq compliance listing in H2 2026.
Gili is currently president and CEO of Ur-Energy Inc, a NYSE American and TSX-listed Wyoming uranium producer, and brings more than 25 years of mine development and operational experience across major global mining groups including Rio Tinto and Barrick.
His appointment remains subject to completion of Australian regulatory formalities, which American Rare Earths expects to be completed shortly.
Once formally appointed, Gili will join the company’s Technical Committee and contribute to the Definitive Feasibility Study workstream at Halleck Creek, which American Rare Earths describes as the largest known rare earth deposit in the United States on a total rare earth oxide basis.
Board renewal ahead of US listing plans The appointment forms part of a broader board renewal process as ARR works toward a Nasdaq compliance dual-listing in H2 2026, while retaining the ASX as its primary listing.
The company is also considering a full US domicile in 2027, subject to a prospective shareholder vote.
CEO Mark Wall said Gili’s operational experience and Wyoming background would strengthen the board as Halleck Creek moves toward construction and production.
“The intended addition of Matt to our Board of Directors further demonstrates our commitment to advancing the largest rare earth element deposit on a total contained rare earths basis in the United States toward construction and operations. Matt brings a tremendous blend of mining technical expertise and Wyoming-specific experience to both the Board and the Technical Committee. His depth of operational knowledge, his relationships in Wyoming, and his proven track record of delivering world-class mining projects, including building the first new copper mine in the United States in a decade, make him exactly the right person to help us get Halleck Creek built.
“As we progress toward our NASDAQ listing later this year, appointments of this calibre send a clear message to U.S. investors about the quality of the team and the seriousness of our intent. Matt's experience managing ISR uranium operations in Wyoming gives him first-hand knowledge of the hydrometallurgical processing chemistry that will be central to bringing Halleck Creek into production. The parallels between uranium and rare earth processing are substantial and practically meaningful. This is not simply a credential; it is operational expertise that will directly benefit our Technical Committee and Feasibility Study.”
Wyoming experience to support Halleck Creek Gili is based in Casper, Wyoming, and has direct operational experience in the state’s regulatory, permitting and community environment.
American Rare Earths said that experience was directly relevant to Halleck Creek, which is in Albany and Platte counties, and to the Cowboy State Mine area within the broader project.
The company has started its 2026 feasibility-study-level drilling program at Cowboy State Mine, targeting geological and geotechnical data to support ore reserve estimates, engineering, environmental baseline studies and pilot-scale metallurgical test-work.
Gili said the company was at an important point in the development of a domestic rare earths supply chain.
“ARE is at a pivotal moment for the domestic rare earths industry. The strategic mandate for secure, reliable supply chains has never been stronger, and assets of Halleck Creek's scale and quality come along once in a generation. Throughout my career I have focused on building safe, high-performing mines and operational teams that execute.
“My experience leading ISR uranium operations in Wyoming has given me a direct understanding of the hydrometallurgical processing disciplines acid leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange that are at the heart of rare earth extraction and separation. I have seen how these technologies operate at scale in a Wyoming regulatory and environmental context, and I believe that experience will be genuinely useful as American Rare Earths advances toward its Definitive Feasibility Study and processing pilot programmes at Halleck Creek.
“Wyoming is my home. I am proud to bring this experience to American Rare Earths and to work with the team to advance this world-class deposit into production for the benefit of our state, our investors, and our nation's supply chain security.”
Processing crossover with uranium ISR American Rare Earths said Gili’s background in uranium in-situ recovery, or ISR, was relevant because the processing route shares core chemistry with rare earth hydrometallurgy.
The company pointed to common processes including sulfuric acid leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, precipitation, drying and solution management.
Gili has overseen ISR uranium hydrometallurgy at Lost Creek, an operating Wyoming ISR facility, giving him experience in similar processing disciplines in the same state regulatory and environmental setting.
The company said the appointment would also add US public company experience as American Rare Earths works through the governance, disclosure and investor relations requirements associated with a Nasdaq listing.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) invites shareholders and investors to listen to its second quarter 2026 earnings conference call on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. EDT, with executives of Garmin. The call will be held in conjunction with the company's earnings release, which will be distributed prior to market open on July 29, 2026.
The conference call can be accessed by registering online at GRMN Q2 2026 Earnings Call Webcast, at which time registrants will receive dial-in information as well as a conference ID.
The live webcast will be accessible from the Garmin Ltd. investor relations website on the News & Events page. An archive of the live webcast will be available for one year after the webcast date.
Contact: [email protected]
About Garmin Ltd.:
For more than 35 years, Garmin has developed innovative technology for the fitness, outdoor, aviation, marine and automotive OEM markets. Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products are purpose built to help people make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions. Garmin is committed to building products known for quality, reliability, and durability across its global portfolio of connected devices and services. Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN) is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's Newsroom, email [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn.
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Teri Seck
Garmin International, Inc.
Phone | +1 913-397-8200
Email | [email protected]
MEDIA CONTACT:
Krista Klaus
Garmin International, Inc.
Phone | +1 913-397-8200
Email | [email protected]
Last month, the U.S. government announced plans to acquire equity stakes in nine different quantum computing companies, providing $2 billion in total funding to help America build a leadership position in this important industry. Rigetti Computing (RGTI 7.10%) will receive a $100 million investment over three years, and its stock has jumped by 20% since the news broke.
Quantum computers can use a concept called superposition to simulate multiple solutions to a given problem at once, so they are more efficient at processing specific workloads compared to traditional computers, especially in areas like science and cryptography. Rigetti makes some of the industry's best quantum systems, but they still make far too many errors to solve most real-world problems.
While the U.S. government's backing is great news, Rigetti still generates a very small amount of revenue relative to its market capitalization. Here's why I predict its elevated valuation will lead to a 50% (or more) decline in its stock price during the second half of this year.
Image source: Getty Images.
It could be decades before quantum computers are truly useful Rigetti is uniquely positioned to lead the quantum industry because it has built its own supply chain, which means it can bring new computers to market much faster than its competitors. It operates its own fabrication facility, developed its own quantum programming language called Quil, and it has also built a cloud platform where it rents quantum computing capacity to other businesses for a fee.
Rigetti's flagship Cepheus-1-108Q quantum computer is the industry's largest multichip system. With 108 qubits, it delivers three times the scale of the company's previous Cepheus-1-36Q system, while boasting a median single-qubit gate fidelity of 99.9%. That means it makes just one error per every 1,000 quantum operations. But its two-qubit gate fidelity is 99.1%, implying nine errors per 1,000 operations, so it's still impractical for solving many real-world problems.
Making multiple qubits work together in harmony is one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing, because they are highly sensitive to noise and interference. Rigetti believes it can upgrade Cepheus-1-108Q to achieve a two-qubit fidelity of 99.5% this year, but the company says a system with a two-qubit fidelity of 99.9% could be three years away.
According to an estimate by Ark Investment Management, it could take somewhere between 20 and 40 years before quantum systems are accurate enough to disrupt areas like cryptography, so even as one of the industry leaders, Rigetti still has a long way to go.
Inconsistent revenue growth and steep losses Rigetti's revenue soared by 198% year over year in the first quarter to reach $4.4 million. The company intends to deliver an $8.4 million order for Cepheus-1-108Q to India's Center for Development of Advanced Computing later this year, so that alone would result in revenue growth for 2026 relative to the prior year.
However, Rigetti's revenue declined in 2025, so there isn't a sustained upward trend just yet. This is a common trait of companies in the start-up phase, but that only makes Rigetti's $7 billion market capitalization all the more problematic in my opinion (more on that in a moment).
Today's Change
(
-7.10
%) $
-1.51
Current Price
$
19.77
The company's bottom line is the main concern right now because it isn't generating anywhere near enough sales to cover all of its costs. Its operating expenses totaled $27.3 million in the first quarter, resulting in a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) net loss of $20.5 million. That followed a $216 million net loss in 2025.
Based on these numbers, the government's $100 million investment over three years won't stretch very far. Fortunately, Rigetti had $569 million in cash, equivalents, and short-term investments on hand as of March 31, so it can sustain its losses for now. But I think a capital raise is likely within the next couple of years, which would dilute existing shareholders and hurt their future returns.
Rigetti's sky-high valuation opens the door to downside Elon Musk's space transportation and satellite internet company, Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX +0.69%), went public last Friday, and its stock currently trades at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 137.8. It's wildly expensive when you consider the Nasdaq-100 index trades at a P/S ratio of just 6.9.
But brace yourself, because Rigetti's P/S ratio is currently an eye-popping 663. Even if we value Rigetti based on Wall Street's consensus 2026 revenue estimate of $23.6 million (provided by Yahoo! Finance), its forward P/S ratio is still almost 300.
RGTI PS Ratio data by YCharts
That means even if Rigetti's stock plummeted by 50% in the second half of 2026, it would still be more expensive than SpaceX is today. I think a loss of that magnitude is entirely possible given the company's lumpy revenue growth and steep losses. In fact, if it doesn't hit Wall Street's revenue target, its stock might fall even more sharply.
In summary, despite the long-term potential of quantum computing, Rigetti stock probably isn't a great buy at the current price.
In October 2025, quantum computing company Rigetti Computing (RGTI 7.10%) skyrocketed to an all-time high of $58 per share. Since then, the stock has cooled considerably and is trading around $21 per share as of this writing. The pullback raises an obvious question for investors. Is Rigetti a buy right now, or has the hype surrounding quantum computing moved on for good?
Today's Change
(
-7.10
%) $
-1.51
Current Price
$
19.77
Quantum computing ambitions backed by the government For quantum computing bulls, Rigetti is one of the most exciting enterprises in the space. That was further reinforced in May, when the U.S. government announced it would provide Rigetti with up to $100 million in additional funding as part of a broader quantum computing initiative.
There could be a lot of strings attached to that $100 million, but overall, it is a positive development for the industry as a whole.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
The company's financials paint a picture of growth, but profitability remains a distant hope. In the first quarter of 2026, Rigetti's revenue tripled year over year to $4.4 million, thanks to research deals and sales of experimental systems, but the operating losses piled up, too.
Rigetti has solid liquidity, with more than $400 million in cash and equivalents on the balance sheet. This means the company has enough runway to continue developing while seeking commercial applicability.
Rigetti investors should be cautiously optimistic Rigetti's stock is down over 4% in 2026, but is still up nearly 85% in the past 12 months. The stock is volatile with a beta of 1.9. Analysts are generally optimistic, with an average price target of $29, significantly higher than the stock's price as of June 17.
The long-term success of Rigetti rests on the commercial use cases for quantum computing. Investors are still years away from knowing the answer to that question, but for the true believers in its power, Rigetti seems positioned to be one of the winners.
The competition in quantum computing is fierce as well. Pure-play quantum companies such as IonQ, D-Wave, and the newly publicly traded Quantinuum are in similar positions. Tech giants such as Alphabet's Google and IBM have nearly unlimited resources to allocate to quantum ambitions and could pose a real threat.
With government backing and plenty of cash, the stock is speculative but promising. If you're considering an investment in Rigetti, you'll need to hold the stock through the early 2030s to see if the company can generate real revenue and find profitability. Until then, the stock rises and falls on sentiment, and you'll likely be in for a wild roller coaster ride.
Catie Hogan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, International Business Machines, and IonQ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.
Over the past month, shares of this company have returned -3.1%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.4% change. During this period, the Zacks Internet - Software industry, which Rigetti Computing falls in, has lost 0.7%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Rigetti Computing is expected to post a loss of $0.03 per share, indicating a change of +40% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$0.18 points to a change of +71.9% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.18 indicates a change of +0.9% from what Rigetti Computing is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Rigetti Computing is rated Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
In the case of Rigetti Computing, the consensus sales estimate of $4.91 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +173%. The $25.32 million and $52.04 million estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +257.3% and +105.5%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryRigetti Computing reported revenues of $4.4 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +199.3%. EPS of -$0.04 for the same period compares with -$0.08 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.24 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +35.59%. The EPS surprise was +20%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Rigetti Computing is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Rigetti Computing. However, its Zacks Rank #4 does suggest that it may underperform the broader market in the near term.
Last month, the Department of Commerce announced plans to invest up to $2 billion across nine quantum computing businesses over the next three years. Among these companies is Rigetti Computing (RGTI 7.10%), which is set to receive $100 million in CHIPS Act funding tied to certain research and development (R&D) milestones for its superconducting quantum systems.
This gives a level of credibility to Rigetti's technology and is a strategic alignment with national priorities related to artificial intelligence (AI).
Smart investors are asking whether this news alone makes the stock an immediate buy. A closer examination of the funding's purpose, its potential applications, and Rigetti's current valuation reveals a more nuanced picture.
Image source: Getty Images.
Why is the government investing in quantum computing stocks? The Commerce Department's $100 million commitment to Rigetti is notable because it forms part of a broader effort to secure leadership in quantum AI technologies amid global competition. Unlike traditional grants, the underlying structure ties the funding to specific R&D milestones while giving the U.S. government an equity stake in Rigetti.
Today's Change
(
-7.10
%) $
-1.51
Current Price
$
19.77
For the company, the capital arrives at an important moment since scaling up quantum processors increasingly demands hefty investment in hardware, error mitigation, and integration with classic computing systems. The CHIPS Act funding should help reduce reliance on dilutive equity raises from public markets.
Moreover, specifically choosing Rigetti among such a small cohort of recipients signals confidence from policymakers who view quantum computing as essential for economic competitiveness and security applications.
How will CHIPS Act funding help Rigetti? Additional government funding could accelerate Rigetti's progress toward building fault-tolerant quantum architectures at scale. A successful outcome could enable hybrid quantum-classic solutions for crucial applications in drug discovery, financial services, energy modeling, and cryptography.
Beyond research, partnering with the government could strengthen the company's position in public sector and enterprise contracts, fostering ecosystem development around its full-stack approach. With that said, quantum computing remains in a pre-commercial phase where meaningful revenue growth is still years away.
Rigetti's financial profile paints a high-risk, high-reward picture. Currently, the company has a market capitalization of roughly $7 billion with trailing-12-month sales of only $10 million. Under these parameters, the stock trades at a price-to-sales ratio (P/S) of nearly 700. Simply put, this multiple surpasses standard benchmarks even for high-growth technology companies in disruptive markets.
RGTI PS Ratio data by YCharts.
While financial support from the government adds a non-dilutive element to Rigetti's balance sheet, it does not alter the reality of the company's ongoing operating losses amid a modest sales base and a business model with heavy capital expenditures.
All told, the $100 million commitment from the federal government provides important strategic support and capital for the company's road map. At best, this funding potentially accelerates breakthroughs in scalable quantum hardware.
However, Rigetti's abnormally high valuation and early-stage fundamentals indicate that the funding alone does not justify buying the stock right now.
Key Takeaways Rigetti says dilution refrigeration is mature and can support 1,000-qubit and larger systems.Management cites 50-70 nanosecond gate speeds, about 1,000 times faster than some rivals.Rigetti says its speed edge and chiplet scaling could help reach quantum advantage in about three years. The sharp focus of Rigetti Computing's (RGTI - Free Report) first-quarter 2026 earnings call was not merely on its newly launched 108-qubit Cepheus system but also on addressing a long-standing concern surrounding superconducting quantum computing — the dependence on dilution refrigeration. Management argued that while superconducting systems require cooling to around 10 millikelvin, dilution refrigeration is a mature technology that has existed for decades and is now being commercialized for quantum applications.
The company emphasized that multiple vendors already supply these systems and that existing technology roadmaps support scaling to 1,000-qubit and even tens-of-thousands-of-qubit systems, suggesting that cooling infrastructure is unlikely to constrain its growth trajectory.
More importantly, Rigetti contends that the tradeoff is worthwhile because superconducting quantum computing offers substantial advantages in speed and scalability. Management noted that its systems currently achieve gate speeds of roughly 50-70 nanoseconds, making them approximately 1,000 times faster than certain competing modalities, such as trapped-ion and neutral-atom systems.
The company believes this speed advantage, coupled with the chiplet-based scaling approach, positions it favorably to reach quantum advantage in roughly three years. By directly challenging the notion that refrigeration requirements could hamper commercialization, Rigetti is attempting to strengthen investor confidence in its superconducting roadmap and reinforce the long-term viability of the technology platform.
Peers UpdatesD-Wave Quantum (QBTS - Free Report) also recently announced that it has signed an LOI with the U.S. Department of Commerce for $100 million in proposed funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to accelerate the development and scaling of the annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies. The funding, which would be accompanied by a $100 million equity stake for the U.S. government, is expected to support quantum system development at D-Wave’s upcoming Boca Raton, FL, facility and its existing R&D centers.
The initiative could help accelerate the delivery of advanced quantum systems, including a 100,000-qubit annealing computer and a 10,000-qubit gate-model system, while strengthening the company’s position in the growing quantum computing market and supporting broader U.S. technology leadership objectives.
IonQ (IONQ - Free Report) recently opened a new 22,000-square-foot quantum computing R&D laboratory and semiconductor chip testing facility in Boulder, CO, to support the development of future generations of its trapped-ion quantum computing systems. The facility will enable the company to design, test and refine advanced semiconductor ion-trap chips, with plans to install its first quantum computer later this year. By expanding presence in Colorado's growing quantum technology ecosystem and leveraging the region's deep-tech talent pool, IONQ aims to accelerate innovation, scale production capabilities and advance its roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.
Rigetti’s Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of RGTI have lost 3.6% in the year-to-date period compared with the industry’s decline of 13.8%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Rigetti trades at a price-to-book ratio of 12.16, above the industry average. RGTI carries a Value Score of F.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Rigetti’s 2026 earnings implies a significant 70.3% improvement from the year-ago period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways IonQ posted strong revenue growth, raised 2026 guidance and expanded its quantum technology capabilities.RGTI nearly tripled revenues, launched a 108-qubit system and ended the quarter with no debt. IonQ and RGTI face pressure from elevated valuations, higher rates and delayed profitability. IonQ (IONQ - Free Report) and Rigetti Computing (RGTI - Free Report) remain among the leading names in the quantum computing industry, but that has not insulated the stocks from recent selling pressure. With interest rates expected to stay elevated and profitability still years away, investors have turned cautious, sending IonQ shares down 11.1% and Rigetti shares down 19.2% over the past month.
The recent pullback reflects changing investor sentiment rather than a deterioration in business fundamentals. Both companies continue to execute on their technology roadmaps and expand commercial traction.
One-Month Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation remains another concern. Even after the recent correction, both stocks continue to trade at a substantial premium to the broader technology sector. IonQ currently trades at about 64.2x forward 12-month sales, while Rigetti trades at roughly 186.9x, compared with the Computer and Technology sector average of 6.77x. Such elevated multiples leave little room for execution missteps and make the stocks particularly vulnerable during periods of rising interest rates.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Strong Execution ContinuesIonQ's first-quarter 2026 revenues of $64.7 million increased more than eightfold year over year. The company raised its full-year revenue outlook to $260-$270 million and expanded its remaining performance obligations to $470 million. Management noted about accelerating demand for quantum computing systems, progress on its 256-qubit platform, expanding quantum networking capabilities and continued momentum across government contracts and enterprise customers. IonQ also completed its acquisition of SkyWater, adding domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Rigetti likewise reported encouraging operational progress. The company launched its 108-qubit Cepheus-1 system across major cloud platforms, nearly tripled revenues year over year to $4.4 million, continued expanding deployments of its Novera quantum processing units and systems and reiterated its roadmap to achieve quantum advantage in roughly three years. It also ended the quarter with approximately $569 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments and no debt, providing ample financial flexibility to support continued research and development.
Macro Headwinds Affect Strong ExecutionThe pressure is largely coming from outside the companies. The latest macroeconomic data point to a less supportive backdrop for speculative growth stocks. Going by BLS’ May 2026 report, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 4.2% year over year in May, marking the fastest pace of inflation since April 2023, while core CPI increased 2.9%.
Meanwhile, the unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% in May and nonfarm payrolls increased by 172,000, underscoring a still-resilient labor market. In response, the Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50%-3.75% at its June 17 meeting and signaled a more hawkish outlook as inflation remains above its 2% target. Higher Treasury yields and expectations that rates could stay elevated for longer have reduced investor appetite for long-duration growth stocks.
Companies like IonQ and Rigetti, whose valuations depend heavily on earnings expected years into the future, are particularly sensitive to higher discount rates and changing monetary policy expectations.
Bottom LineIonQ and Rigetti remain well-positioned to capitalize on the long-term growth of the quantum computing industry, supported by technological advancements, expanding commercial partnerships and solid balance sheets. However, their lofty valuations, lack of near-term profitability and an unfavorable macro environment could continue to weigh on their shares in the coming months.
Given the limited near-term upside and elevated risks, both stocks currently carry a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Investors may consider trimming their holdings or taking partial profits while awaiting a more attractive entry point as commercialization and earnings visibility improve.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways Rigetti appears better positioned for near-term upside after Quantinuum's IPO reset sector valuations.RGTI's 108-qubit Cepheus-1-108Q and $569M cash balance support its chiplet-based roadmap.IonQ leads commercialization with $64.7M in Q1 revenues, but its sharp rally may limit near-term gains. After a volatile start to 2026, quantum computing stocks have staged an impressive comeback. Since April 1, shares of IonQ (IONQ - Free Report) have surged 109.9%, while Rigetti Computing (RGTI - Free Report) has rallied 58.4%, both significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 14.5% gain. The recovery reflects renewed investor optimism toward the quantum computing industry as commercialization milestones accelerate and governments and enterprises increase investments in next-generation computing technologies.
The latest catalyst fueling enthusiasm is the Quantinuum's (QNT - Free Report) blockbuster public listing. The company has emerged as one of the largest pure-play quantum computing firms, and its public debut is resetting valuation expectations across the industry. Investors now have a new benchmark for assessing publicly traded quantum names, sparking fresh interest in companies with credible technology road maps, growing commercial traction and sufficient capital to scale their platforms.
With the quantum sector entering a new phase of price discovery following Quantinuum's listing, investors must determine which stock is better positioned to capitalize on the industry's next leg of growth. Let's find out.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Rigetti's Chiplet Progress and Adoption Fuel GrowthRigetti continues to strengthen its position in superconducting quantum computing through its differentiated chiplet-based architecture and improving commercial traction. In the first quarter of 2026, the company reported revenue growth of nearly 199% year over year to $4.4 million, driven primarily by on-premises Novera QPU deliveries and related contracts.
The company recently achieved general availability of its 108-qubit Cepheus-1-108Q system, one of the largest modular quantum computers currently available. Rigetti's chiplet architecture has been validated through the successful integration of 12 interconnected chiplets, marking an important step toward scaling higher-qubit systems. Customer momentum is also improving, supported by expanding availability across Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure Quantum and qBraid, as well as an $8.4 million order from India's C-DAC. With $569 million in cash and no debt, Rigetti remains well-funded to execute its long-term roadmap.
Risks to ConsiderHowever, risks remain considerable. Revenues are still relatively small and heavily dependent on the timing of system deliveries and government contracts. The company remains unprofitable and must continue improving fidelities while proving that its chiplet-based approach can scale to commercially relevant, fault-tolerant systems with more than 1,000 qubits. Execution risks could also intensify as competition in the quantum computing industry heats up following Quantinuum's IPO.
IonQ's Quantum Platform and Demand Drive OptimismIonQ has emerged as one of the quantum industry's early commercialization leaders. In the first quarter of 2026, the company generated a record $64.7 million in revenues, up 755% year over year. Management also raised its 2026 revenue guidance to $260-$270 million, reflecting strong demand across its quantum computing platform.
Commercial momentum remains impressive. Remaining performance obligations surged 554% year over year to $470 million, providing strong revenue visibility. About 60% of first-quarter revenues came from commercial customers, while 35% originated from international markets. The company has also presold its first chip-based 256-qubit system and expects customer commissioning to begin in the second quarter of 2027. Its proposed SkyWater Technology acquisition is likely to further strengthen manufacturing capabilities and support long-term scaling ambitions.
Risks to ConsiderHowever, risks remain significant. IonQ continues to invest heavily in manufacturing expansion and next-generation system development, which could keep profitability under pressure. The company also faces execution risks in translating its growing backlog into sustainable earnings. Additionally, the stock's massive rally has elevated valuation expectations, potentially capping near-term upside.
2026 EstimatesRGTI expects to record earnings growth of 71.9% in 2026. Revenues are expected to increase 257.3% in 2026.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
IONQ expects record earnings growth of 42.9% in 2026. Revenues are projected to surge 101.9% in 2026.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Short-Term Price Targets Favor Rigetti Over IonQBased on short-term price targets offered by 10 analysts, the average price target of RGTI of $31 represents an increase of 45.1% from the last closing price of $21.36.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Based on short-term price targets offered by 11 analysts, the average price target of IONQ of $69.95 represents an increase of 23.7% from the last closing price of $56.55.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Which Stock Offers Higher Upside Potential After Quantinuum's IPO?Both companies stand to benefit from the renewed investor interest generated by Quantinuum's public debut. Quantinuum's IPO is likely to act as a valuation reset for the sector, drawing additional institutional capital toward publicly traded quantum computing companies with credible technology road maps and commercialization strategies.
However, Rigetti appears better positioned for near-term upside in a post-Quantinuum environment. Although both stocks currently carry a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), RGTI offers substantially higher analyst-implied upside potential, a sizeable cash position with no debt, and growing momentum around its chiplet-based architecture and system deployments.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Meanwhile, IonQ remains the sector's commercial leader and arguably possesses the strongest long-term platform strategy. However, its shares have already more than doubled since April, resulting in richer valuation multiples and potentially limiting additional gains in the near term.
Investors seeking exposure to the next phase of enthusiasm following Quantinuum's IPO may find Rigetti's risk-reward profile more attractive at current levels. Long-term investors may continue to monitor IonQ's commercialization progress closely, but after its extraordinary rally, RGTI appears to offer the better upside opportunity as the quantum sector enters its next chapter.
New offering to help developers prototype applications, model quantum processor behavior and explore advanced workflows as they prepare for access to forthcoming D-Wave™ gate-model systems
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS), (“D-Wave” or the “Company”), the only dual-platform quantum computing company providing both annealing and gate-model systems, software and services, today announced its forthcoming gate-model quantum computing simulator, which is expected to be the first of its kind designed for error-aware programming.
The announcement marks the next step in D-Wave’s gate-model roadmap and comes just weeks after the Company outlined its differentiated approach to fault-tolerant quantum computing. Built around D-Wave’s dual-rail technology, the simulator is expected to enable error-aware programming, giving developers visibility into errors so they can design applications and workflows that respond to real processor behavior. By combining error detection and real-time control, the simulator will give developers new tools and data to better understand quantum behavior, prototype quantum applications and error-correction routines and explore advanced workflows.
D-Wave will offer new quantum development bundles that provide access to its forthcoming gate-model quantum simulator and systems. Designed to support customer success, the bundles will include Starter and Premium packages, with monthly access allocations and guidance from D-Wave’s team of experts to streamline onboarding, perform flexible R&D and maximize customer value. Pricing is available upon request.
“D-Wave’s gate-model quantum simulator is an important step in bringing our gate-model roadmap to customers,” said Dr. Trevor Lanting, chief development officer at D-Wave. “What makes our approach different is that error awareness is built into the architecture through dual-rail technology, giving developers access to error-detection data and real-time control capabilities that can help them design more resilient quantum applications. This simulator is intended to help customers start building that expertise now, in advance of our forthcoming gate-model quantum systems.”
Once available in D-Wave's Leap™ cloud platform, the simulator will provide a rich quantum programming toolkit with error-aware capabilities, including tools for modeling quantum processor behavior, error detection and real-time control. This includes support for up to 21 qubits, ideal and hardware emulation modes, Monte Carlo simulation of real-time quantum system dynamics and integration with familiar development tools, including D-Wave’s Ocean™ SDK. Access to the simulator is scheduled to begin in September 2026.
The quantum development bundles are designed to support a range of customer needs, from initial exploration to more advanced research and development. D-Wave’s simulator and systems bundles are expected to give customers the budget predictability and dedicated access needed to run more workloads, iterate more freely and accelerate quantum application progress, while helping them spend less time managing usage and more time advancing algorithm and application development.
Customers can sign up here to request future access to D-Wave’s forthcoming gate-model quantum simulator and systems.
About D-Wave Quantum Inc.
D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software and services. It is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers and the first and only to offer dual-platform quantum computing products and services, spanning both annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies. D-Wave’s mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum today through enterprise-grade systems available on-premises and via its Leap™ quantum cloud service, which offers 99.9% availability and uptime. More than 100 organizations across commercial, government and research sectors trust D-Wave to address complex computational challenges using quantum computing. Learn more about realizing the value of quantum computing today and how D-Wave is shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow: www.dwavequantum.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “believe,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “trend,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “projection,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.
Key Takeaways QBTS signs $100M LOI under CHIPS Act, signaling U.S. Commerce Department interest in its quantum tech.The funding would back D-Wave's R&D facility in Florida, Connecticut and Canada to scale quantum systems.QBTS aims for 100,000-qubit annealing and 10,000-qubit gate-model systems for AI and chemistry. D-Wave Quantum (QBTS - Free Report) , or D-Wave, received a major boost last month that could advance its superconducting annealing and gate-model technology development. The company signed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) for $100 million in proposed funding under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. The LOI signals federal interest in D-Wave’s annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies and their potential economic impact. If the award is finalized, the company would issue $100 million in shares of its common stock to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The funding is set to support D-Wave’s work at its forthcoming research and development (R&D) facility in Boca Raton, FL, as well as its R&D centers in New Haven, Connecticut and Burnaby, BC, Canada. Specifically, it aims to help speed up the delivery of advanced superconducting quantum computers, including a 100,000-qubit annealing system and a 10,000-qubit gate-model system.
While D-Wave’s annealing quantum computers are already commercial, its gate-model system is expected to reach commercial viability with 10,000 physical qubits, enabling 100 logical qubits.
With the larger-scale and higher coherence annealing quantum computing systems, the company expects stronger performance gains for solving computational problems in optimization, materials simulation, blockchain and artificial intelligence applications. The larger-scale dual-rail gate-model quantum computer will allow dozens of logical qubits, providing a robust application development platform for a broad range of quantum chemistry and quantum artificial intelligence use cases.
Taken together, these efforts are aimed at building a more resilient, end-to-end quantum computing ecosystem, in line with the CHIPS and Science Act objectives to build domestic capacity in critical technologies and establish a robust and reliable pipeline for the components required to bring state-of-the-art quantum computing systems into the market.
Latest Development From QBTS’ PeersIBM (IBM - Free Report) has announced an expanded collaboration with ServiceNow to address two of the biggest barriers blocking enterprise AI at scale: the AI-ready data problem and the legacy application layer. The partnership aims to combine IBM’s AI, data and automation capabilities with the ServiceNow AI Platform to help enterprises break through outdated systems and put their data to work for AI.
IonQ (IONQ - Free Report) announced Clavis XG Multiplex, a new addition to its Clavis XG Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) portfolio to make quantum security more practical and deployable across metropolitan fiber networks. The system enables high-performance, physics-based key distribution on a customer’s existing network infrastructure without requiring operators to redesign, isolate or dedicate optical networks for quantum security. IONQ also opened a new laboratory suite in Boulder, CO, which will house Quantum Computing R&D and semiconductor chip testing facilities.
QBTS’ Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesYear to date, QBTS shares have plunged 11.5%, underperforming the industry’s 11.6% fall.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
D-Wave is trading at a forward, two-year, price/sales (P/S) of 132.67X, higher than its median and industry average.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Here’s how estimates for D-Wave’s 2026 and 2027 loss per share are shaping up.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
D-Wave currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX +1.61%) may be the most exciting stock on the market right now, but I think there are plenty of better investment opportunities outside of SpaceX. One of those areas is quantum computing, a field that's starting to gain serious momentum and could reach viability status by 2030. If that's the case, investors need to position themselves to take advantage of a massive, growing trend that could pay off big time.
I've got three quantum stocks that look like excellent buys now, and investors should consider buying them instead of SpaceX, as the upside is greater.
Image source: Getty Images.
IonQ IonQ (IONQ 5.96%) is one of the top quantum computing pure plays available, and has reached that level due to its unique approach. Instead of using a superconducting quantum computing technique, it uses trapped ions, which yield superior accuracy. In fact, IonQ holds the world record for two-qubit gate fidelity -- the most commonly used measurement for accuracy in the quantum computing industry.
Today's Change
(
-5.96
%) $
-3.45
Current Price
$
54.40
This has led to strong demand for its products, and several researchers and early adopters are starting to purchase some early-stage systems so they are ready when more commercially viable systems are available. IonQ's revenue is booming as a result, with it rising 755% in Q1 to $65 million.
With industry-leading accuracy and a large, 256-qubit system available, IonQ looks poised to be a frontrunner in the quantum computing arms race.
D-Wave Quantum D-Wave Quantum (QBTS 6.83%) is also taking a different approach than most quantum companies. Its initial quantum offering is an annealing quantum computer, which helps solve optimization problems. This product is already being utilized in some industries to create schedules and optimize supply chains. However, applications are far more limited compared to a general-purpose quantum computer, and D-Wave is also developing one of those.
Today's Change
(
-6.83
%) $
-1.71
Current Price
$
23.32
This two-faced approach makes D-Wave a bit less risky of a bet compared to some competitors in the industry, but it still has a long way to go before becoming a viable business. However, it did show signs of strength thanks to two orders for its quantum computers. Combined, those deals are worth about $20 million, which represents significant growth for D-Wave.
D-Wave may be a bit more of a long shot than IonQ, but if it works out, the upside is immense.
Nvidia Last is Nvidia (NVDA 0.01%), which may seem like an odd inclusion on a quantum computing stock list, since it has explicitly stated that it has no plans to build a quantum processing unit. However, that doesn't mean it's ignoring the field. Nvidia sees a future where quantum computing and traditional computing methods are used side by side. Nvidia already has a grip on the traditional computing market, so it modified its NVLink (its networking hardware) to the NVQLink, with the "Q" indicating that quantum computing can easily connect to existing networks.
Today's Change
(
-0.01
%) $
-0.02
Current Price
$
200.02
It also launched an AI model that's used for quantized error correction and adopted its CUDA software to include quantum functions, renaming it CUDA-Q. All of this shows that Nvidia isn't ignoring quantum computing; it's just creating an environment where quantum companies must work with Nvidia once their products have reached commercial scale.
With massive demand for traditional computing power already at record levels, Nvidia will be able to continue its dominance as the world's largest company for the foreseeable future. Additionally, if it finds a quantum company with huge potential, it may buy them out at a premium to gain access to the technology. We'll see what the future holds for Nvidia, but even if quantum computing takes over, Nvidia will still be a major part of the computing landscape.
In the last month, shares of D-Wave Quantum Inc. NYSE: QBTS have fallen by about 13% amid a broader selloff in the AI space that has impacted many firms across the tech space.
D-Wave Quantum Today
$23.03 -2.00 (-8.00%)
As of 10:43 AM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$12.75▼
$46.75Price Target$36.80
One bright spot during this time, though, was the days immediately following the quantum computing firm's announcement of an upcoming gate-model quantum computing simulator. In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, QBTS shares spiked by about 8%.
In a landscape governed by companies racing to bring technological advances to the public, it might be easy for investors to overlook the latest update from D-Wave. However, doing so in this case may mean missing out on a real advantage that D-Wave seems to be building over some of its rivals in the quantum space.
Get D-Wave Quantum alerts:
This latest development could help to accelerate the company's ability to bring its quantum tech to a broader customer base.
What Makes the Simulator a Key Development for D-WaveIt's unlikely that the simulator will be an immediate, significant revenue generator for D-Wave. Rather, its primary value for the company in the near-term is as evidence of its seriousness in the dual-platform space. D-Wave was, for much of its history, a firm focused on annealing tech, a different approach to quantum computing with advantages but also significant drawbacks. The simulator immediately bolsters D-Wave's move toward a dual focus on annealing and the more common gate-model approach. The company moved in this direction with its early-2026 acquisition of Quantum Circuits, but has not made major progress towards gate-model since.
Beyond this important element, the simulator may be a major draw for potential customers outside of D-Wave's typical base of government agencies, academic institutions, and other large-scale organizations. The simulator enables developers to test applications before large-scale hardware is available, without having to invest heavily in advance. Add to this the "error-aware" element of the simulator—providing users with error visibility so they can redesign workflows as needed—and D-Wave's new product may have wide appeal, distinguishing it from peers' offerings.
How This Changes (Or Doesn't Change) D-Wave's Status Among RivalsAfter a disappointing Q1 earnings report, D-Wave has been in need of a win. While the company reported a strong $33.4 million in Q1 bookings and impressive cash reserves totaling more than $588 million, it also posted a sharp year-over-year (YOY) decrease in revenue to $2.9 million, sending skittish investors running.
Analysts are still broadly bullish on QBTS, with 14 out of 17 asserting that the stock is a Buy, including several new optimistic ratings this month. However, the success of the simulator could go a long way to helping D-Wave distinguish itself amid intensifying competition.
IonQ Inc. NYSE: IONQ, for instance, seems to have a much stronger recent revenue trajectory, including close to 750% YOY improvement in Q1 2026. Rigetti Computing NASDAQ: RGTI has smaller sales in absolute terms but still saw a notable improvement on a YOY basis.
D-Wave's hope may lie in its ability to set itself apart as a dual-focus quantum player at a time when the entire industry is facing increasing threats from major tech companies as well. In recent weeks, Intel Corp. NASDAQ: INTC and IBM Corp. NYSE: IBM have each made clear moves into the quantum space that could significantly challenge the dominance of the emerging field held by much smaller pure-play quantum names.
While D-Wave still cannot hope to rival the scale of a larger competitor like IBM or Intel, it does stand out for its new product. Still, the significant catch for investors is that there is not yet an obvious pathway from engagement with the simulator to noteworthy revenue ramp-up.
Current Price$25.02High Forecast$45.00Average Forecast$36.80Low Forecast$22.00D-Wave Quantum Stock Forecast Details
It may still be some time yet until the company is able to offer an easy-access product that appeals broadly to the same consumers who may be inclined to utilize the simulator. While investors wait for that time to approach, D-Wave runs the risk of revenue continuing to stagnate—all while rivals are seeing increased momentum.
Including the rocky June performance, shares of D-Wave are down about 2% year-to-date (YTD). Analysts expect that the company will turn this around, predicting some 46% in potential upside to reach a consensus price target of $36.80. Importantly, that price target is massively optimistic compared to most of D-Wave's prior trading history—the stock has only exceeded that level for a brief period in October 2025 when it traded at an all-time high.
Should You Invest $1,000 in D-Wave Quantum Right Now?Before you consider D-Wave Quantum, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and D-Wave Quantum wasn't on the list.
While D-Wave Quantum currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
View The Five Stocks Here
Click the link to see MarketBeat's list of seven stocks and why their long-term outlooks are very promising.
SummaryD-Wave Quantum Inc. is rated "Buy," but only for small, speculative positions due to high risk and overvaluation.Recent U.S. executive orders have elevated quantum computing to a national security and procurement priority, catalyzing QBTS’s potential government contract opportunities.QBTS’s dual-platform strategy—commercial annealing today, gate-model quantum roadmap for tomorrow—underpins the investment thesis despite negative EPS and FCF.Bookings surged to $33.4M in Q1 2026, but QBTS stock valuation remains steep; my $37 price target implies ~50% upside from current levels. akinbostanci/E+ via Getty Images
Executive Summary D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS), as a general rule, is a stock I would typically take on with a great deal of skepticism: negative (EPS), negative (FCF), extremely overvalued, highly volatile, and a business model that is not big enough to
4.85K Followers
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in QBTS over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
RBC Capital Markets has trimmed its price target for Rathbones Group PLC (LSE:RAT, OTC:RTBBF) to 1,950 pence from 2,400 pence, reflecting a surprise regulatory update that adds near-term uncertainty to the wealth manager's turnaround narrative.
The company disclosed on 16 June that it will cease charging investment management fees on client cash and pause onboarding of new enhanced due diligence clients for the next twelve months.
Existing EDD client inflows will also moderate. RBC's earnings per share forecasts have been downgraded 5% for 2026, 2% for 2027 and 6% for 2028, reflecting these headwinds.
The regulatory announcement arguably complicated Rathbones' investment case by injecting uncertainty around reviews into client outcomes and aspects of pricing.
It will likely delay the inflexion to positive organic growth, forcing the market to scrutinise net flows excluding EDD clients as evidence of underlying improvement. That pivot toward closer monitoring of non-EDD flows represents a tactical setback for the narrative around execution quality.
Yet RBC retained its 'outperform' rating, arguing the shares trade at fewer than 9 times 2027 estimated earnings, placing Rathbones among the cheapest wealth managers globally.
The bank highlighted a material valuation discount to peers, which trade at roughly 15 times earnings despite Rathbones delivering solid earnings growth of 5% annually through 2028.
RBC's thesis hinges on multi-year operational improvement under chief executive Jonathan Sorrell as the integration of the Investec Wealth business matures and delivers synergies.
The bank also flagged potential acquisition appeal, noting Rathbones' market positioning in UK wealth and the group's distressed valuation could attract buyers seeking scale in the domestic sector.
The dividend yield stands at 6.2%, with RBC forecasting a combined ordinary dividend and share buyback generating approximately 8% total yield in 2026.
RBC's upside scenario of 3,000 pence assumes the stock re-rates to 16.5 times 2026 earnings, which the ten-year peak multiple of 18 times suggests is not unreasonable. However, the regulatory update has plainly shifted sentiment in the near term, making near-term catalysts less obvious.
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Equity Group Investments (“EGI”), the private investment firm founded by Sam Zell, today announced it exited its investment in Cross Border Xpress (“CBX”), a binational pedestrian bridge connecting San Diego directly to Tijuana International Airport, through the sale of its stake in CBX to Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: PAC) (“GAP”). Based in Guadalajara, Mexico, GAP is an airport operator managing a portfolio of airports across Mexico and the Caribbean, including Tijuana International Airport.
“Investments with high barriers to entry and significant growth potential are a core focus for EGI, and our global network of trusted partners helps us identify, develop, and execute transactions like this one,” said Mark Sotir, President of EGI. “We are proud to have partnered with CBX since its earliest stages, and we believe GAP is well-positioned to build on CBX’s success and continue enhancing the travel experience for its millions of passengers.”
As a member of the original investment consortium focused on addressing growing demand for a binational U.S.-Mexico transportation solution, EGI supported CBX’s development into a world-class operation, its adoption of advanced technologies to enhance the customer experience, and the recruitment of CBX’s high-performance management team. Today, CBX serves as a critical pillar of travel infrastructure, facilitating commerce and travel on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border and serving as an economic engine for the Southern California and Baja Mexico region.
See announcement link here: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/05/07/3289938/0/en/grupo-aeroportuario-del-pacifico-announces-completion-of-business-combination-process-of-cbx-and-the-provision-of-technical-assistance-services.html
About EGI
Equity Group Investments (EGI) is the private investment firm founded by Sam Zell in 1968. Backed by private capital, EGI is flexible and opportunistic with a focus on control investments in middle-market operating businesses. EGI actively partners with portfolio company executives to execute strategic planning, implement operational efficiencies, and scale businesses. EGI has grown companies across numerous industries into multi-billion-dollar businesses throughout economic cycles. EGI’s current portfolio includes investments in healthcare, transportation and logistics, infrastructure, energy, consumer, industrial, manufacturing, and agri-business. For more information, visit www.egizell.com.
SummaryCompaniesTD will use WorkiQ software to track some employeesSoftware tracks time spent on browsers, chat, meeting applications, according to meeting recordingEmployees raised concerns about consent, privacyTORONTO, June 19 (Reuters) - Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD.TO), opens new tab told some employees working in its financial crimes and risk management team that it would run software to track their work, prompting questions around consent and privacy in the workplace as the Canadian lender tries to increase productivity, according to a recording of a team call reviewed by Reuters and a document TD shared with employees.
The program will track the time employees spend on browsers and internal chat and meeting applications, according to the recording.
The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.
Companies are increasingly facing employee pushback over the deployment of software to monitor their work.
TD said in a statement to Reuters the deployment is "standard practice across the industry." "In various parts of our business, we use automated solutions to improve insights and better allocate resources," the company said. "This is not AI and not specific to any business or matter, the tool allows managers to more accurately manage workflows, team capacity and performance. Where deployed, colleagues are informed about where they are used and for what purpose."
TD said it has safeguards in place to protect colleagues' privacy.
ActiveOps, the company providing the software, describes WorkiQ as a tool for "employee and wellbeing intelligence" on its website. ActiveOps did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"The idea is it's going to show pain points, where do we spend too much time ... We know we have a lot of pain points across our systems," Deanna Pacitti, TD's associate vice president of high-risk investigations, told her team on the call on Thursday.
"It is running in the background and it did go through privacy review," Pacitti said of WorkiQ in response to employee questions about privacy concerns. The tool will not listen to conversations if employees are in a meeting, but will show if the employee is active, she said. She subsequently clarified that being active referred to an employee being in a meeting. In another example, Pacitti said the tool will capture the employee working in Excel, but will not track what they are doing in the spreadsheet application.
INTERNET DURING LUNCH?TD has expanded its financial crimes and compliance unit in recent years, after paying a record fine for money laundering violations in the U.S., and the largest such fine paid by a major bank in Canada.
Most TD employees have worked on a hybrid basis between the office and home since the pandemic.
In an undated Frequently Asked Questions document shared with Reuters, TD told employees WorkiQ will help managers regain transparency lost in a remote work environment. The document responded to questions such as "Can I use the Internet during my lunch hour?" and "How much time is a colleague expected to have accounted for during the day?" TD said in the document there is an acceptable amount of unaccounted-for time and the company is working to determine those time expectations.
Reuters could not determine how many employees would be affected or if they would only be in Canada. A source who spoke anonymously because of the matter's sensitivity said 90 to 100 people were on the call, which Reuters could not confirm.
TD employees raised questions on the call about privacy, what the tool would track, and if it could be used for performance management. They also inquired if they would be asked for consent and how the data would be used.
One employee said it would be more helpful if the resources used to monitor how workers use their time could instead be used to alleviate some manual processes.
"I totally agree with you. We have way too much manual stuff," Pacitti said. "We're spending way too much time on that manual effort. I can only hope that this will further prove that point."
The Financial Times reported in March that JPMorgan (JPM.N), opens new tab, the biggest U.S. bank, was starting to monitor the hours of its junior investment bankers, saying it was for their own well-being. The bank could not be immediately reached on Juneteenth, the U.S. holiday marking the end of slavery in the U.S.
Meta META.O is dialing back elements of its plan to collect employee mouse movements, keystrokes and other actions for use as AI training data, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters this month, following weeks of pushback from staffers.
Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Toronto; Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Rod Nickel
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Nivedita Balu is a correspondent for Reuters based in Toronto, where she reports on Canadian banks and financial services. She previously covered U.S. tech, media and telecom companies, and consumer and retail companies in Bengaluru.
Even with a recent pullback, Micron Technology's (MU +0.32%) stock remains sizzling hot. Shares of the memory chipmaker have soared roughly 750% over the past 12 months. Micron is up more than 250% year to date, ranking it No. 4 among top performers in the S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.44%).
Can this high-flying stock's momentum continue? Probably. I predict that Micron's stock will skyrocket after the company reports its third-quarter earnings on June 24.
Image source: Micron Technology.
The numbers behind the prediction Micron has set new quarterly revenue records for four consecutive quarters. It will almost certainly do so again with its Q3 results. The company projects Q3 revenue of $33.5 billion, roughly 3.6 times its revenue in the prior-year period and a 40% increase from the previous quarter.
Analysts are even more optimistic. The consensus Wall Street Q3 revenue estimate is $34.5 billion, roughly 270% higher than Micron's revenue in the same period in 2025.
Micron's Q3 earnings should also be spectacular. The company expects adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $19.15 at the midpoint of its guidance range. Wall Street looks for adjusted EPS of $19.72. To put those numbers in context, Micron posted adjusted EPS of only $1.91 for the third quarter of 2025.
Today's Change
(
0.32
%) $
3.36
Current Price
$
1055.13
Will Micron be able to top these lofty estimates? I think so. The company has beaten consensus earnings expectations in eight of the past nine quarters. Its business is in the strongest position it has ever been in. Micron's 2026 high-bandwidth memory (HBM) supply is entirely sold out. Management says that demand is so great that the company can "fulfill only 50% to two-thirds" of memory orders for key customers.
There's one other key indicator that boosts my confidence that Micron's stock will take off after its Q3 update: Analysts are raising their price targets on the stock. As a case in point, TD Cowen (TD 0.39%) increased its 12-month price target for Micron last week from $660 to $1500.
What could go wrong Admittedly, my prediction could be a bust. Several things could go wrong and prevent Micron's shares from skyrocketing after June 24. If the company delivered disappointing Q3 results, its stock will almost certainly sink. If management gives any reason to suspect that demand will soften in the near term, expect a sell-off.
Micron remains a cyclical stock, as it always has been. However, I think the current exceptionally strong up cycle still has plenty of room to run. And so does Micron's stock.
Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Micron Technology. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
FREMONT, Calif. & CLEARWATER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TD SYNNEX (NYSE:SNX) today announced the appointment of Douglas Britt to its Board of Directors (the “Board”), effective June 17, 2026, increasing the size of the Board from ten to eleven members. Britt will serve on the Board’s Audit Committee and Technology Committee.
A seasoned technology executive, Britt brings more than 30 years of experience leading global technology, manufacturing and supply chain businesses and a strong track record of driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Britt currently serves as Executive Chairman of Boyd, where he previously served as Chief Executive Officer and led the sale of Boyd Thermal business to Eaton Corporation in 2026. He currently oversees the Boyd Thermal business within Eaton.
“TD SYNNEX has built a strong reputation for helping partners navigate complexity across the technology landscape,” said Britt. “I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team as the company continues to strengthen its position, adapt to industry change and deliver value across the ecosystem.”
Britt currently serves on the boards of Helios Technologies and Benchmark Electronics and has played a key role in numerous value-creation initiatives throughout his career including the development and strategic growth of Nextracker eventually leading to its separation into an independent public company and the expansion of Boyd’s Thermal business into a global leader in liquid cooling technologies.
“We are pleased to welcome Doug to our Board of Directors,” said Ann Vezina, Chair of TD SYNNEX’s Board. “Doug’s deep expertise across technology, manufacturing and supply chain operations, along with his experience scaling global businesses, will further strengthen our governance and strategic oversight. His perspective will be valuable as we continue to advance our strategy, including our growing hyperscale digital infrastructure capabilities, and deliver for our partners around the world.”
Prior to Boyd, Britt served as President of the Integrated Solutions division of Flex Ltd., a global design, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain solutions provider. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Future Electronics, Silicon Graphics and Solectron. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Chico, and has completed executive education programs in Europe, including at the University of London.
About TD SYNNEX
TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor, solutions aggregator, and original design and contract manufacturer that plays a central role in connecting the technology ecosystem. We support more than 150,000 customers across over 100 countries with a comprehensive edge-to-cloud portfolio spanning cybersecurity, analytics, artificial intelligence, mobility, and Everything-as-a-Service. We are a Fortune 100 company that helps partners maximize the value of technology investments and achieve measurable business outcomes through our global reach, expertise and enablement capabilities.
Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, the Company's distribution business brings together a broad portfolio of IT hardware, software and systems, providing access to products across the global IT ecosystem. The Company's Hyve Solutions business partners with technology companies to design, manufacture, and deliver traditional and accelerated compute, cloud, and connected infrastructure.
For more information, visit www.TDSYNNEX.com, follow our newsroom or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this news release that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance that may be suggested in this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release.
Copyright 2026 TD SYNNEX Corporation. All rights reserved. TD SYNNEX, the TD SYNNEX Logo, and all other TD SYNNEX company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks of TD SYNNEX Corporation. Other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
It's a good question: Could Applied Digital (APLD 4.84%) shares triple in value by 2030? After all, its shares have more than quadrupled in price over the past year!
My answer to the question is this: It could. No one can know for sure how any stock will perform in the short term, and there's both a bullish and a bearish case for Applied Digital.
Image source: Getty Images.
Applied Digital is operating in a sweet spot these days, as it specializes in building data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) processing. That's a promising field, as Goldman Sachs has projected that U.S. data center energy demand will double by next year. Applied Digital builds and then leases out lots of data centers, and projects at least $36 billion in lifetime lease revenue from its contracts so far -- and potentially as much as $86 billion.
Today's Change
(
-4.84
%) $
-2.19
Current Price
$
43.08
The company is growing briskly. Its third quarter featured revenue up 139% year over year, and a net loss of $101 million, down 179%. If it keeps signing contracts, it might end up raking in far more than that $86 billion in revenue mentioned above.
Why might Applied Digital not triple by 2030? A key reason why Applied Digital might not triple within a few years is that it's quite richly valued at recent levels. Its price-to-sales ratio recently hit a very high 31, for example. So it might retract on its own if there's some bad or even potentially bad news (such as a customer backing out of a contract), and it might fall sharply if there's a market downturn -- as many growth stocks might.
On top of that, Applied Digital has been taking on a lot of debt in order to build its data centers, and so far, it's not turning a profit. Overall, it looks like a risky proposition to me. If you want a piece of it, perhaps bite off a small piece, invest in it over time, or just wait for a more compelling stock price.
Selena Maranjian has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
, /PRNewswire/ -- MDU Resources Group, Inc.'s (NYSE: MDU) subsidiary, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., has entered into an electric service agreement (ESA) with Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: APLD) to provide power to Polaris Forge 3, an AI Factory near Center, North Dakota.
At full capacity, the campus would require 430 megawatts of electricity. Under the ESA, Applied Digital would be responsible for the costs of purchasing the energy directly from the market or through other power supply arrangements. Applied Digital anticipates initial operations to commence in August 2027.
Polaris Forge 3 will expand Applied Digital's footprint in North Dakota, where the company is developing purpose-built campuses designed to support high-density artificial intelligence workloads. Applied Digital has previously announced a 15-year lease with a U.S. based high investment-grade hyperscaler for this site.
"Polaris Forge 3 is another example of how Applied Digital is turning power into operational AI capacity through disciplined execution and long-term partnerships," said Wes Cummins, Chairman and CEO of Applied Digital. "This campus is expected to create approximately 200 full-time jobs, generate meaningful property tax revenue and support long-term growth across Oliver County and the surrounding region. We believe AI infrastructure should create value well beyond the campus, and we're proud to continue building in North Dakota."
Montana-Dakota Utilities currently serves Applied Digital at Polaris Forge 1, its AI Factory near Ellendale, North Dakota, where the companies have worked together to integrate significant power demand while maintaining reliable, cost-effective service for customers, crediting $38.4 million back to North Dakota customers over the past three years.
"This proposed project reflects the growing interest in North Dakota as a location for large energy users," said Nicole Kivisto, president and CEO of MDU Resources. "We are committed to serving these customers in a way that benefits our communities, supports the regional grid and delivers value to our customers."
Approval of the ESA and other regulatory filings by the North Dakota Public Service Commission is required for the company to provide power under the agreement with Applied Digital.
About MDU Resources Group, Inc.
MDU Resources Group, Inc., a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 index, strives to deliver safe, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible electric utility and natural gas distribution services to more than 1.2 million customers across the Pacific Northwest and Midwest. In addition to its utility operations, the company's pipeline business operates a more than 3,800-mile natural gas pipeline network and storage system, ensuring reliable energy delivery across the Northern Plains. With a legacy spanning over a century, MDU Resources remains focused on energizing lives for a better tomorrow. For more information about MDU Resources, visit www.mdu.com or contact the investor relations department at [email protected].
About Applied Digital Corporation
Applied Digital (Nasdaq: APLD) named Best Data Center in the Americas 2025 by Datacloud — designs, builds, and operates high-performance, sustainably engineered data centers and colocation services for artificial intelligence, cloud, networking, and blockchain workloads. Headquartered in Dallas, TX, and founded in 2021, the company combines hyperscale expertise, proprietary waterless cooling, and rapid deployment capabilities to deliver secure, scalable compute at industry-leading speed and efficiency, while creating economic opportunities in underserved communities through its award-winning Polaris Forge AI Factory model. Learn more at applieddigital.com or follow @APLDdigital on X and LinkedIn.
Summit Therapeutics is a highly volatile, single-asset company with a binary outcome. SMMT exhibits unusually concentrated ownership and heightened short interest, creating conditions for a short squeeze to take place. Recent pullbacks, driven by mixed market receptions to events do not fundamentally alter the investment narratives, present investors with an attractive entry point ahead of key catalysts.
Key Takeaways Snap-on is benefiting from its franchise network, innovation and strong customer relationships. SNA is using the RCI process to improve efficiency, lower costs and support sales and margin growth. Higher operating costs, technology investments and tariffs remain near-term challenges for SNA. Snap-on Incorporated (SNA - Free Report) is making solid progress on its strategic priorities. SNA’s strengths are rooted in its powerful brand, differentiated business model and strong customer relationships. The company benefits from a well-established franchise network that enables direct, frequent engagement with repair professionals, allowing it to closely align product development with customer needs.
SNA has been enhancing the franchise network, improving relationships with repair shop owners and managers, and expanding into critical industries in emerging markets. Management’s emphasis on the RCI process has been on track. The RCI process is designed to enhance organizational effectiveness and minimize costs, along with helping Snap-on to boost sales and margins and generate savings. Savings from the RCI initiative reflect gains from the continuous productivity and process improvement plans.
Snap-on is witnessing robust business trends, supported by the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. New models entering the market feature advanced drivetrains, evolving motor configurations and sophisticated electrical architectures that integrate a neural network of sensors, enabling driver-assisted autonomy. It remains focused on strengthening customer connections and driving innovation. Management continues to expect a resilient vehicle repair market, as the growing technological complexity of vehicles sustains demand for specialized tools, diagnostics and repair solutions.
However, Snap-on has been witnessing higher operating expenses for a while. Operating expenses, as a percentage of sales, came in at 29.6%, up 20 basis points, primarily owing to higher personnel costs and technology investments, partly offset by favorable sale volumes. SNA continues to invest in strengthening its core technology infrastructure while expanding the use of large language models across key business functions. Such costs, along with tariff pressures, might add up to extra costs and hurt overall profits.
Nevertheless, Snap-on is well-positioned, supported by its innovative hardware offerings, particularly its proprietary and comprehensive database. The company’s specialty torque business within the Commercial & Industrial Group continues to progress steadily. The company is also benefiting from a robust pipeline of new products. Management expects SNA’s markets and operations to have considerable resilience against the uncertainties of the operating landscape. It anticipates continued progress by leveraging capabilities in the automotive repair arena, as well as expanding its customer base in automotive repair and across geographies, including critical industries.
SNA’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of Snap-on have gained 10.7% in the past six months compared with the industry’s growth of 12.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, SNA trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 19.29X compared with the industry’s average of 19.08X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SNA’s 2026 and 2027 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year rise of 0.8% and 5.9%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimate for 2026 and 2027 has been stable in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Snap-on stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Key Picks in the Consumer Discretionary SpaceColumbia Sportswear Company (COLM - Free Report) , which engages in the sourcing, marketing and distribution of outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
COLM delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 44.1%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Columbia Sportswear’s current financial-year sales indicates growth of 2.6% from the year-ago number.
Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL - Free Report) , which is a designer, marketer and distributor of premium lifestyle products, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
RL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 9.1%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ralph Lauren’s current financial-year sales indicates growth of 6.7% from the year-ago number.
Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL - Free Report) , which is a designer and marketer of premium quality branded basic activewear, currently has a Zacks Rank of 2.
GIL delivered a negative trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 1.1%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Gildan Activewear’s current financial-year sales indicates growth of 68.3% from the year-ago number.
Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Aptiv PLC (APTV - Free Report) .
APTIV PLC currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.24, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 23 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.24 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 23 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 20 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 87% and 8.7% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for APTV
Check price target & stock forecast for APTIV PLC here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying APTIV PLC, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is APTV a Good Investment?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for APTIV PLC, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has declined 0.6% over the past month to $6.32.
Analysts' growing pessimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates lower, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to plunge in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) for APTIV PLC. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, it could be wise to take the Buy-equivalent ABR for APTIV PLC with a grain of salt.
Companies collaborate on innovative approach to Machine Learning-based perception and functional safety with Aptiv PULSE™ Sensor
SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV), a global industrial technology leader, today announced that Robust.AI, a leader in AI-driven warehouse automation, has selected Aptiv’s intelligent perception solutions, including AI and Machine Learning (ML) based sensor fusion powered by the Aptiv PULSE™ sensor for its Gen 3 Carter™ collaborative mobile robot. This selection builds on the companies’ existing collaboration to combine Aptiv’s proven solutions with Robust.AI’s robotics expertise and human-centered design to accelerate scalable, AI-powered robotic workflows, while also establishing the foundation for Performance Level d – or PL(d) - certification across relevant industrial safety use cases.
Scale adoption of robotics requires safety critical perception that spans the dynamic conditions experienced in the real world,” said Jay Bellissimo, Senior Vice President and President, Intelligent Systems, Software and Services, Aptiv.
Share For the Gen 3 Carter, Aptiv fuses radar and vision using AI/ML on raw sensor detections delivered by the PULSE sensor. Early fusion of sensor inputs enables Aptiv to efficiently support depth map creation and occupancy grid population for navigation and functional safety. Further, by combining a surround-view camera with ultra-short-range radar, PULSE enables reliable 360-degree sensing while reducing blind spots, cost and system complexity. Paired with Robust.AI’s industry-leading vSLAM and state-of-the-art AI perception technologies, this solution delivers reliable performance for the complex environmental applications in which the Carter robot is designed to operate.
“Scale adoption of robotics requires safety critical perception that spans the dynamic conditions experienced in the real world,” said Jay Bellissimo, Senior Vice President and President, Intelligent Systems, Software and Services, Aptiv. “By bringing PULSE to the Gen 3 Carter robot, we’re helping enable a more comprehensive and scalable approach to warehouse automation, while supporting a path toward the functional safety requirements increasingly demanded by these applications and the broader market of Physical AI.”
For robotics and industrial automation applications, reliability across operating environments such as warehouses, manufacturing floors and cold storage is critical. These environments are dynamic and frequently contain obstructions, dust, glare, moisture changes and reflective surfaces that can degrade conventional perception systems. By combining the strengths of radar and vision, Aptiv enables better decision making and reliability when operating around people, equipment and other obstacles.
“Carter is built to work with people in real warehouse and manufacturing environments, so perception quality, system reliability and ease of deployment matter enormously,” said Anthony Jules, Co-founder and CEO at Robust.AI. “Aptiv’s PULSE sensor brings a differentiated camera-and-radar approach that further enables Carter to drive market leading performance and productivity in complex environments.”
As part of this next phase of collaboration, Aptiv is advancing towards PL(d) certification for PULSE across relevant industrial safety use cases. PL(d), part of the ISO 13849-1 standard, is a high-reliability safety classification used for hazardous robotics applications. Functional-safety certification is paramount as robots operate with higher degrees of automation near people and equipment. This means devices must not only deliver safe operation in practice, but also support recognized safety frameworks.
Robust.AI's Carter™ is a collaborative mobile robot designed to augment existing warehouse operations and workforces. Carter's software-defined functionality allows facilities to operate via order fulfillment picking, point-to-point transport, and mobile sorting without additional hardware investment. Its drop-in automation capabilities and performance-based RaaS model allows customers to deploy quickly and scale flexibly in response to shifting demand.
Carter will be on display at Aptiv booth #3291 at Automate 2026, along with other innovative solutions for robotics and industrial automation. Learn more at https://lp.aptiv.com/automate-2026.
About Aptiv
Aptiv PLC (NYSE: APTV) is a global industrial technology leader delivering advanced solutions people trust when it matters most across automotive, commercial vehicle, aerospace and defense, telecom and datacom, and other diversified industrial end markets. Our differentiated portfolio enables devices and systems to sense, think, act, and continuously optimize performance. Building on decades of innovation, Aptiv brings global scale and a resilient, localized value chain to customers across the globe. Learn more at Aptiv.com.
About Robust.AI
Founded in 2019, Robust.AI brings together real-world physical AI and user-centric design to make robots that work for people. The company’s flagship robot, Carter™, combines industry-leading commercial robotics and groundbreaking human-robot interaction to make it broadly useful, effortless to adopt, and delightful to use. Robust.AI’s solutions prioritize seamless, safe human-robot collaboration to drive higher productivity across picking, putaway, value-added service and material handling, no infrastructure changes required. For more information, visit www.robust.ai.
Aptiv PLC (APTV - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $61.42, demonstrating a -3.38% change from the preceding day's closing price. This change lagged the S&P 500's 1.44% loss on the day. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 0.09%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 2.22%.
The company's stock has climbed by 10.83% in the past month, exceeding the Business Services sector's loss of 2.49% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.08%.
The upcoming earnings release of Aptiv PLC will be of great interest to investors. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of $1.41, marking a 33.49% fall compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $3.3 billion, down 36.68% from the prior-year quarter.
Regarding the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $6.32 per share and revenue of $15.05 billion, indicating changes of -19.18% and -26.19%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Any recent changes to analyst estimates for Aptiv PLC should also be noted by investors. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.
Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 0.55% fall in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. At present, Aptiv PLC boasts a Zacks Rank of #5 (Strong Sell).
From a valuation perspective, Aptiv PLC is currently exchanging hands at a Forward P/E ratio of 10.05. This valuation marks a discount compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 15.4.
Investors should also note that APTV has a PEG ratio of 1.07 right now. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. The Technology Services industry currently had an average PEG ratio of 1.37 as of yesterday's close.
The Technology Services industry is part of the Business Services sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 171, finds itself in the bottom 30% echelons of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.
On June 23, 2026, Aptiv PLC APTV shares fell 3.4% to a current price of $61.42. This decline comes amidst a challenging period for the stock, which is currently trading within a 52-week range of $51.68 to $78.49. Despite today's drop, the stock has seen some positive movement over the past month, gaining 7.1%.
GF Value™ verdict: APTV's current price is $61.42, which is 12.9% below the GF Value™ estimate of $70.55.GF Score™: APTV holds a score of 85/100, indicating a strong overall investment quality.Most notable signal: Insider activity has shown equal buying and selling, with insiders buying $0.4M and selling $0.4M in the last three months. Is APTV Overvalued or Undervalued? Aptiv PLC APTV is currently trading at $61.42, which is 12.9% below its GF Value™ estimate of $70.55. This suggests that the stock is undervalued, providing a margin of safety for potential investors. The GF Valuation label indicates that APTV is considered "Modestly Undervalued," highlighting an opportunity for those looking for value in the market. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
While being undervalued may present an opportunity, it's essential to consider potential risks associated with the market environment and the company's financial performance. Investors should keep an eye on market trends and changes in the automotive sector, which could influence Aptiv's stock performance moving forward.
How Does APTV's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 36.3x 35.6x (5-Year Median) Forward P/E 10.0x N/A The current P/E (TTM) of Aptiv at 36.3x is slightly above its 5-year median P/E of 35.6x, suggesting that the stock is trading at a higher valuation compared to its historical levels. However, with a forward P/E of 10.0x, there may be potential for growth that is not yet reflected in the current price. This P/E analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, indicating that while the stock is undervalued based on intrinsic value estimates, it is trading at a higher valuation relative to its historical performance.
What Does APTV's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 85 Financial Strength 5/10 Profitability 9/10 Growth 7/10 Valuation 10/10 Momentum 5/10 The GF Score™ of 85/100 indicates strong investment potential for Aptiv PLC, particularly in terms of profitability and valuation, where it scored 9/10 and 10/10 respectively. However, the financial strength score of 5/10 suggests that there may be some concerns regarding the company's overall financial stability. The growth rank of 7/10 indicates a positive outlook, but the momentum rank of 5/10 shows that the stock's recent performance may not be as robust as desired. Overall, while Aptiv demonstrates strong profitability and valuation metrics, it faces challenges in financial strength and momentum.
What Are Insiders Doing with APTV Stock? In the past three months, insider activity for Aptiv PLC has shown a balanced approach, with insiders buying $0.4M worth of shares while also selling an equal amount of $0.4M. This pattern suggests that insiders may have a neutral outlook on the stock's current valuation, indicating they see both potential and risks in the existing price level. Such activity can often be interpreted as insiders wanting to maintain liquidity while still believing in the company's future prospects.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Aptiv PLC is currently undervalued with a fair value estimate of $70.55 compared to the current price of $61.42. This presents a potential buying opportunity for those looking to invest in a company with strong profitability and valuation metrics, despite some concerns regarding financial strength and momentum.
For the complete analysis, visit the Aptiv PLC APTV 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 APTV's GF Score™?
APTV's GF Score™ is 85/100, indicating a strong overall investment quality based on various key financial metrics.
Is APTV overvalued or undervalued?
APTV is currently undervalued, with a GF Value™ of $70.55 compared to its current price of $61.42, suggesting a potential upside.
What is APTV's P/E ratio?
APTV's P/E (TTM) is 36.3x, which is slightly above its 5-year median P/E of 35.6x, indicating a higher valuation compared to its historical performance.
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].
CleanSpark (CLSK - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.
Over the past month, shares of this company have returned +9%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.3% change. During this period, the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry, which CleanSpark falls in, has gained 0.6%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, CleanSpark is expected to post a loss of $0.29 per share, indicating a change of -137.2% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$3.2 points to a change of -550.7% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.6 indicates a change of +81.1% from what CleanSpark is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +1.1%.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for CleanSpark.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
In the case of CleanSpark, the consensus sales estimate of $158.26 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of -20.3%. The $642.95 million and $767.7 million estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of -16.1% and +19.4%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryCleanSpark reported revenues of $136.41 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -24.9%. EPS of -$0.52 for the same period compares with -$0.02 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $136.59 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of -0.13%. The EPS surprise was -108%.
Over the last four quarters, CleanSpark surpassed consensus EPS estimates times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
CleanSpark is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about CleanSpark. However, its Zacks Rank #4 does suggest that it may underperform the broader market in the near term.
In the latest trading session, CleanSpark (CLSK - Free Report) closed at $17.24, marking a +2.71% move from the previous day. The stock's change was more than the S&P 500's daily gain of 1.09%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a rise of 0.14%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw an increase of 1.91%.
The company's shares have seen an increase of 8.96% over the last month, surpassing the Finance sector's gain of 4.44% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.29%.
The upcoming earnings release of CleanSpark will be of great interest to investors. The company is expected to report EPS of -$0.29, down 137.18% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, the latest consensus estimate predicts the revenue to be $158.26 million, indicating a 20.33% decrease compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$3.2 per share and a revenue of $642.95 million, signifying shifts of -550.7% and -16.1%, respectively, from the last year.
Additionally, investors should keep an eye on any recent revisions to analyst forecasts for CleanSpark. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the business outlook.
Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained steady. Right now, CleanSpark possesses a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).
The Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry is part of the Finance sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 109, putting it in the top 45% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Be sure to use Zacks.com to monitor all these stock-influencing metrics, and more, throughout the forthcoming trading sessions.
One of the first large-scale commercial high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) supply agreements that could include prepayments from Oklo. Centrus to provide Oklo with enough HALEU to support multiple years of Oklo reactor cores, covering up to five Aurora powerhouses as part of Oklo's planned 1.2 GW Clean Energy Campus. Oklo and Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Co. ("Kiewit") have entered into an MOU intended to support engineering, procurement, and construction planning for the initial planned Aurora powerhouse deployments in southern Ohio. Work expected to bring multi-billion-dollar private clean energy investment and hundreds of jobs to southern Ohio. PIKETON, Ohio, /PRNewswire/ -- Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) ("Oklo"), an advanced nuclear technology company, and Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE: LEU) ("Centrus"), a uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel services provider, announced today a Letter of Intent under which Centrus agrees to supply enough domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to power up to five Aurora powerhouses for multiple years, with deliveries to Oklo scheduled to begin in 2029. Centrus will supply HALEU from its American Centrifuge Plant in Pike County, Ohio to support Oklo's planned 1.2 GW power campus in the region.
The agreement, which anticipates a further definitive contract, brings together domestic fuel supply, planned advanced nuclear power generation, customer demand, and project execution in southern Ohio while strengthening fuel certainty for Oklo's planned Aurora powerhouse deployments at a time when access to domestically sourced HALEU remains one of the central constraints facing the advanced nuclear sector.
The Letter of Intent could include prepayments from Oklo to Centrus to support fuel supply for Oklo's planned campus buildout and will be further negotiated in a future definitive agreement. It follows Oklo's January 2026 announcement with Meta, which included prepayment to advance project certainty for Oklo's planned Aurora powerhouse campus. Centrus plans to leverage billions in private capital along with the previously announced $900 million HALEU task order from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The development advances Oklo's broader southern Ohio deployment strategy by aligning Centrus' enrichment capabilities at Piketon, Oklo's planned Aurora powerhouse campus, established customer demand, and engineering and construction experience from Kiewit, one of North America's largest construction and engineering organizations.
"This agreement aligns core elements of advanced nuclear deployment: power generation, fuel, and customer demand," said Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte. "Southern Ohio brings together decades of nuclear experience and a highly qualified workforce that can move advanced nuclear from planning to deployment."
"Today's announcement is an important step toward ensuring reliable HALEU supply for next generation reactors and represents a crucial milestone as we work to restore America's ability to enrich uranium at scale," said Centrus President and CEO Amir Vexler. "By connecting advanced nuclear power generation and customer demand with domestic HALEU production in southern Ohio, this agreement helps establish a foundation for a new U.S. advanced nuclear energy hub."
The work to establish a commercial supply chain for advanced nuclear fuel and build a campus of Aurora powerhouses will require over 700 full-time construction employees for multiple years across the deployment of sequential units. Oklo also expects each planned powerhouse to support approximately 40 to 50 permanent, well-paying jobs, including technical support, engineering, administration, warehouse and logistics, routine maintenance, and periodic refueling activities. For every eight Aurora powerhouses, an additional 80 to 120 permanent roles will be created to support site-wide operations.
Centrus' expansion, which launched late last year, is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs and 300 new operating jobs in Ohio alone, while retaining the 150 jobs that existed at the Piketon plant when the expansion began.
Oklo's fast fission Aurora powerhouses are designed to provide reliable clean power under a build-own-operate model, using liquid-metal cooling with low-water requirements, low emissions, and inherent safety characteristics that make the technology well suited to support new industrial growth in southern Ohio.
About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, affordable energy at global scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical isotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert used nuclear fuel into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.
About Centrus: Centrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal. With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America's uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which in this context means statements that express Oklo's and Centrus' opinions, expectations, objectives, beliefs, plans, intentions, strategies, assumptions, forecasts or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements." The words "may," "will," "could," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continue," "might," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "goal," "would," "commit," or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this press release and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the markets in which Oklo and/or Centrus operates. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties.
As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the actual results or performance of Oklo may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following important risk factors could affect Oklo's future results and cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements: risks related to the development and deployment of Oklo's powerhouses, fuel fabrication and fuel recycling facilities, and radioisotope production activities; the risk that Oklo is pursuing an emerging market with no commercial project operating and regulatory uncertainties; risks related to acquisitions, divestitures, or joint ventures we may engage in; the need for financing to construct plants, which remain subject to market, financial, political, and legal conditions; risks related to an inability to raise additional capital to support our business and sustain our growth on favorable terms; the effects of competition; risks related to accessing high-assay low-enriched uranium, plutonium, and other fuels (including recycled fuels) at acceptable costs and under acceptable timelines; risks related to our supply chain; risks related to power purchase agreements; risks related to human capital; risks related to our intellectual property; risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy; changes in applicable laws or regulations, including tariffs; the outcome of any government and regulatory proceedings and investigations and inquiries; and the other factors set forth in our documents we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties of the other documents filed by Oklo from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Oklo. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Oklo will be those that Oklo has anticipated. Oklo undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation, except as may be required by law.
For Centrus Energy Corp., particular factors that involve uncertainty and could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements and which are, and may be, exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment include but are not limited to the following: our ability to conclude negotiations with our customers, including with Oklo, Inc. regarding the Letter of Intent; the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical conflicts; our government contracts, including related to changes to the U.S. government's appropriated funding levels for HALEU and the government's inability to satisfy its obligations, our lease to our facility in Piketon, Ohio; whether or when government demand for HALEU or LEU for government or commercial uses will materialize and at what level; the impact and potential extended duration of a supply/demand imbalance in the market for LEU; significant competition from major LEU producers, including foreign competitors, who may be less cost sensitive then we are; limitations on our ability to compete in foreign markets; pricing trends and demand in the uranium and enrichment markets, especially in light of the potential of limited supply and our dependence on others for deliveries of LEU; and our ability to successfully implement our planned expansion projects in Piketon, Ohio and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this news release and in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part II, Item 1A – "Risk Factors" in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
Centrus:
Media -- Dan Leistikow [email protected]
Investors -- Neal Nagarajan [email protected]
Media Contact for Oklo:
Bonita Chester, Head of Communications and Media at [email protected]
Investor Contact:
Sam Doane, Senior Director of Investor Relations at [email protected]
PIKE COUNTY, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) (“Oklo”), an advanced nuclear technology company, and Centrus Energy Corp. (NYSE: LEU) (“Centrus”), a uranium enrichment and nuclear fuel services provider, announced today a Letter of Intent under which Centrus agrees to supply enough domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to power up to five Aurora powerhouses for multiple years, with deliveries to Oklo scheduled to begin in 2029. Centrus will supply HALEU from its American Centrifuge Plant in Pike County, Ohio to support Oklo’s planned 1.2 GW power campus in the region.
The agreement, which anticipates a further definitive contract, brings together domestic fuel supply, planned advanced nuclear power generation, customer demand, and project execution in southern Ohio while strengthening fuel certainty for Oklo’s planned Aurora powerhouse deployments at a time when access to domestically sourced HALEU remains one of the central constraints facing the advanced nuclear sector.
The Letter of Intent could include prepayments from Oklo to Centrus to support fuel supply for Oklo’s planned campus buildout and will be further negotiated in a future definitive agreement. It follows Oklo's January 2026 announcement with Meta, which included prepayment to advance project certainty for Oklo’s planned Aurora powerhouse campus. Centrus plans to leverage billions in private capital along with the previously announced $900 million HALEU task order from the U.S. Department of Energy.
The development advances Oklo’s broader southern Ohio deployment strategy by aligning Centrus’ enrichment capabilities at Piketon, Oklo’s planned Aurora powerhouse campus, established customer demand, and engineering and construction experience from Kiewit, one of North America’s largest construction and engineering organizations.
“This agreement aligns core elements of advanced nuclear deployment: power generation, fuel, and customer demand,” said Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte. “Southern Ohio brings together decades of nuclear experience and a highly qualified workforce that can move advanced nuclear from planning to deployment.”
“Today’s announcement is an important step toward ensuring reliable HALEU supply for next generation reactors and represents a crucial milestone as we work to restore America’s ability to enrich uranium at scale,” said Centrus President and CEO Amir Vexler. “By connecting advanced nuclear power generation and customer demand with domestic HALEU production in southern Ohio, this agreement helps establish a foundation for a new U.S. advanced nuclear energy hub.”
The work to establish a commercial supply chain for advanced nuclear fuel and build a campus of Aurora powerhouses will require over 700 full-time construction employees for multiple years across the deployment of sequential units. Oklo also expects each planned powerhouse to support approximately 40 to 50 permanent, well-paying jobs, including technical support, engineering, administration, warehouse and logistics, routine maintenance, and periodic refueling activities. For every eight Aurora powerhouses, an additional 80 to 120 permanent roles will be created to support site-wide operations.
Centrus’ expansion, which launched late last year, is expected to create 1,000 construction jobs and 300 new operating jobs in Ohio alone, while retaining the 150 jobs that existed at the Piketon plant when the expansion began.
Oklo’s fast fission Aurora powerhouses are designed to provide reliable clean power under a build-own-operate model, using liquid-metal cooling with low-water requirements, low emissions, and inherent safety characteristics that make the technology well suited to support new industrial growth in southern Ohio.
About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, affordable energy at global scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical isotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert used nuclear fuel into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. National Laboratories.
About Centrus: Centrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal. With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America’s uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which in this context means statements that express Oklo’s and Centrus’ opinions, expectations, objectives, beliefs, plans, intentions, strategies, assumptions, forecasts or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements.” The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continue,” “might,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “goal,” “would,” “commit,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this press release and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the markets in which Oklo and/or Centrus operates. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties.
As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the actual results or performance of Oklo may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following important risk factors could affect Oklo’s future results and cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements: risks related to the development and deployment of Oklo’s powerhouses, fuel fabrication and fuel recycling facilities, and radioisotope production activities; the risk that Oklo is pursuing an emerging market with no commercial project operating and regulatory uncertainties; risks related to acquisitions, divestitures, or joint ventures we may engage in; the need for financing to construct plants, which remain subject to market, financial, political, and legal conditions; risks related to an inability to raise additional capital to support our business and sustain our growth on favorable terms; the effects of competition; risks related to accessing high-assay low-enriched uranium, plutonium, and other fuels (including recycled fuels) at acceptable costs and under acceptable timelines; risks related to our supply chain; risks related to power purchase agreements; risks related to human capital; risks related to our intellectual property; risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy; changes in applicable laws or regulations, including tariffs; the outcome of any government and regulatory proceedings and investigations and inquiries; and the other factors set forth in our documents we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties of the other documents filed by Oklo from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Oklo. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Oklo will be those that Oklo has anticipated. Oklo undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation, except as may be required by law.
For Centrus Energy Corp., particular factors that involve uncertainty and could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements and which are, and may be, exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment include but are not limited to the following: our ability to conclude negotiations with our customers, including with Oklo, Inc. regarding the Letter of Intent; the war in Ukraine and other geopolitical conflicts; our government contracts, including related to changes to the U.S. government’s appropriated funding levels for HALEU and the government’s inability to satisfy its obligations, our lease to our facility in Piketon, Ohio; whether or when government demand for HALEU or LEU for government or commercial uses will materialize and at what level; the impact and potential extended duration of a supply/demand imbalance in the market for LEU; significant competition from major LEU producers, including foreign competitors, who may be less cost sensitive then we are; limitations on our ability to compete in foreign markets; pricing trends and demand in the uranium and enrichment markets, especially in light of the potential of limited supply and our dependence on others for deliveries of LEU; and our ability to successfully implement our planned expansion projects in Piketon, Ohio and Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this news release and in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part II, Item 1A – “Risk Factors” in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.
Key Takeaways OKLO's YTD decline has made investors reassess whether the advanced nuclear stock is a better bet.Project progress, fuel fabrication, recycling plans and customer momentum support OKLO's long-term story.OKLO's valuation has compressed, but pre-revenue risks, cash burn and milestone timing remain concerns. Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) has lost about 18% year to date, making investors ask whether the pullback has created a better entry point into one of the most-watched advanced nuclear names. The broader nuclear trade has cooled as well, with NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) down 27% and NANO Nuclear (NNE - Free Report) off 5.4%.
YTD Price Performance Comparison Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
All three companies are benefiting from the same long-term theme of rising demand for reliable, carbon-free power from data centers, industrial customers and government users.
However, investors should recognize that OKLO remains at a much earlier stage of commercialization than many traditional energy companies. As a pre-revenue business, its investment case depends less on current financial performance and more on whether management can successfully convert development progress into commercial deployment.
OKLO’s Pullback Looks Less Extreme Than NuScale’s
OKLO’s decline this year is meaningful, but it is less severe than NuScale Power’s drop. NANO Nuclear has held up better, but it is also at an early stage, with investors watching licensing, fuel logistics and microreactor commercialization milestones. The decline in OKLO shares appears to reflect a reset after strong enthusiasm for advanced nuclear stocks.
Investors still like the long-term theme, but they are being more selective about companies that need regulatory approvals, financing, fuel access and customer conversion before meaningful revenue arrives. OKLO’s correction may make the stock more balanced, but not necessarily low risk.
Execution Progress Strengthens the OKLO Story
OKLO has made several moves that support its long-term plan. The company has advanced its Aurora-INL project, including DOE-related safety and authorization work, and is pushing fuel fabrication readiness through its Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility. It has also built customer momentum across data centers, industrials, energy and government users. The company’s model is broader than simply building reactors. OKLO wants to connect power generation, fuel fabrication, fuel recycling and isotope production into one integrated platform. This could prove valuable as fuel supply is becoming a key bottleneck for advanced nuclear deployment.
The MOU with Standard Nuclear adds another important piece. The companies plan to explore nuclear fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing, including the potential use of recycled materials as feedstock for domestic TRISO fuel production. OKLO and Standard Nuclear are also advancing DOE discussions tied to surplus plutonium utilization. This fits OKLO’s strategy of turning used or surplus nuclear materials into productive energy assets. It also differentiates OKLO from NuScale Power, which is built around a light-water small modular reactor design, and from NANO Nuclear, which is developing microreactor and fuel-related capabilities.
Earnings Estimates Show the Risk
The main caution is that OKLO remains pre-revenue. That makes earnings estimates less useful than they would be for a mature power producer, but they still show how far the company is from profitability. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OKLO’s 2026 loss per share has moved 8% lower, while the 2027 estimate has moved 17% lower. Analysts expect a bigger loss than before. That is not surprising for a company investing in first-of-a-kind nuclear assets, fuel facilities and regulatory work. However, investors must be comfortable with cash burn, uncertain timelines and possible future capital raises. NuScale Power and NANO Nuclear face similar early-stage risks.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
OKLO’s Valuation Is Better, But Still Requires Patience
OKLO now trades at about 3.9 times book value, only slightly above its subindustry and far below its earlier peak of more than 35 times. That sharp valuation reset is one reason the stock looks more interesting after the correction. A lower price-to-book multiple gives investors less exposure to the aggressive nuclear expectations previously built into the stock. Even so, OKLO is not a simple value play. Book value does not fully capture uncertainty around licensing, construction, fuel qualification, customer contracts and project economics. In particular, the stock remains highly sensitive to milestone timing.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Conclusion
After a reasonable year-to-date correction, OKLO looks like a better-balanced bet than when expectations were higher. The company has visible progress in Aurora-INL, fuel fabrication, recycling, customer development and strategic partnerships, while its valuation has compressed.
However, OKLO is still pre-revenue. Earnings estimates have weakened and commercialization remains a long, regulated and capital-intensive process. For investors seeking exposure to advanced nuclear power, OKLO deserves attention alongside NuScale Power and NANO Nuclear, but the risk-reward is not yet strong enough to call it an outright buy. OKLO stock is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
One standout stock in the energy sector on Thursday was next-generation nuclear company Oklo (OKLO 5.09%). Its shares closed the trading session up 4%, trouncing the bellwether S&P 500 index's barely over 1% gain. A new supply agreement was the key catalyst behind that price rise.
The nuclear option for a social media king Before market open that day, Oklo and nuclear fuel supplier Centrus Energy Group unveiled a letter of intent, under which Centrus will provision up to five powerhouses currently under construction in southern Ohio.
Image source: Getty Images.
Those small nuclear reactors (SMRs) will be used to supply power for data centers owned by social media company Meta Platforms, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The SMRs are presently being built by Oklo in partnership with Meta.
The letter of intent stipulates that Centrus will supply sufficient quantities of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for Oklo's Ohio project. Deliveries of the nuclear fuel will begin in 2029, and last for "multiple years." The two companies didn't put a number, or even a range, on that time frame. They also didn't provide detailed financial particulars of the arrangement.
Today's Change
(
-5.09
%) $
-2.91
Current Price
$
54.28
Justifiably happy with the headline The Meta project is critical, high-profile work for Oklo. As such, any agreement or contract that pushes it forward is a boon to the company's fortunes, and this letter of intent -- although it's not as strong or durable as an official supply contract -- certainly qualifies.
Investors buying into Oklo on Thursday were right to be satisfied with this news, and I share their bullish view of the company's potential.
Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The artificial intelligence (AI) data center boom is pushing hyperscalers to demand more electricity, particularly from "carbon-free" sources such as nuclear power. However, the traditional process of building new nuclear power plants is costly, time-consuming, and risky for utility companies.
Duke Energy (DUK 0.09%) is proposing a creative alternative. The large utility, which operates mainly in the U.S. southeast, is proposing that big tech companies help fund the construction of new nuclear power plants.
If the big tech hyperscalers buy into this idea, this could create a win-win scenario for many stakeholders. Utilities can capitalize on the data center trend while minimizing downside risk. Data center build-outs could accelerate.
Alongside this, early-stage nuclear companies, which have so far struggled to turn their technology into tangible projects, could also get a boost. In particular, one nuclear start-up, which is already well connected to the hyperscalers, stands to benefit greatly.
Image source: Getty Images.
Duke Energy and its nuclear proposition to big tech Historically, the construction of new electric power plants has been solely the domain of regulated utility companies. Regulated utilities borrow or raise additional equity capital to build a plant, with regulator-approved rate hikes helping to pay off construction costs.
This model may work fine for traditional coal- and gas-fired plants, but it's a risky strategy for nuclear power plant construction. Nuclear power plant projects often fall behind schedule, with final costs exceeding initial forecasts. Worse yet, the time lag between putting up the capital for these new plants and recovering costs through rate increases puts regulated utilities in a financial bind.
That's why, despite the robust and still-growing demand for new nuclear power capacity, utilities remain cautious about pursuing new projects. Moreover, that's why Duke, looking to capitalize on the trend yet at the same time limit downside risk, is making its "nuclear proposition" to the hyperscalers.
If this proposal helps to spur a more rapid development of nuclear power capacity, the greatest beneficiaries could be nuclear technology start-ups, especially developers of small modular reactors (SMRs). There are numerous public companies involved in the SMR sector. Nuclear energy stocks NuScale Power and Nano Nuclear Energy may come to mind first, but one stock that may benefit from this proposal is Oklo (OKLO 5.09%).
Oklo: Well positioned for this idea Just like its competitors, Santa Clara, California-based Oklo is an early-stage, pre-revenue company. Yet while its shares have declined like those of its competitors, they have held up relatively well. Recent regulatory progress with its first major project may be a big reason for this, but Oklo has other strengths as well.
Namely, the company already has existing ties with tech giants like Meta Platforms. If Duke is successful in getting Meta and other big tech companies to agree to its customer-financed power plant idea, these companies could look to Oklo rather than NuScale or Nano Nuclear Energy to provide the technology and know-how to build these plants.
Don't get me wrong. Oklo remains in start-up mode, relying on dilutive stock sales to fund operations and growth. Moreover, the company's $10 billion market cap already reflects potential upside from commercialization opportunities.
However, if Duke's idea gains traction and companies like Meta start funding the construction of utility infrastructure, such as SMRs, to power their data centers, Oklo could once again become one of the most popular speculative growth stocks. The stock may not climb back to its high-water mark, which was nearly three times its current trading price. However, don't rule out the potential for a catalyst like this to have a dramatic impact on the Oklo stock price.
The SpaceX (SPCX +1.61%) IPO is complete. Now, the spending spree begins. What will SpaceX be spending all of its newfound IPO cash on? The answer is obvious if you read through the company's IPO prospectus: artificial intelligence (AI).
"We believe we have identified the largest actionable total addressable market in human history," SpaceX's IPO prospectus boldly claims. The company values its total addressable market at an astounding $28.5 trillion. More than 90% of that total opportunity set, however, deals exclusively with AI. Therefore, SpaceX's long-term growth prospects hinge heavily on how well the company scales its AI division.
There's just one problem: a lack of new energy supply. AI technology relies on data centers to function, infrastructure that is highly energy-intensive. For the AI industry to grow, massive amounts of new energy systems will need to come online. "Energy supply is constrained globally due to the significant increase in demand for, and limited availability of, energy to power AI compute," SpaceX's IPO prospectus points out.
Long term, SpaceX's solution appears to be orbital data centers. That is, data centers placed in orbit around the Earth, harnessing the sun's energy to operate. But many industry experts are skeptical as to when -- or even if -- orbital data centers will ever be successfully commercialized.
In the meantime, AI companies like SpaceX will need to rely on terrestrial power sources to fuel their data center build-outs. Traditional renewable energy sources like wind and solar will surely play a part in the energy mix. But there's also a novel form of nuclear energy that could spark mounting interest from major AI players.
Today's Change
(
1.61
%) $
2.51
Current Price
$
158.62
These 2 nuclear energy stocks could help SpaceX and other AI companies grow Big tech firms are already showing renewed interest in nuclear energy as a way to provide large amounts of reliable baseload power while limiting additional carbon emissions. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, for example, is directly involved in the construction and rehabilitation of several nuclear energy sites.
The issue with conventional nuclear power plants (NPPs), however, is that they take too long to build. Often, these larger systems can take a decade or more until power is actually produced and delivered. That's where SMRs -- small modular reactors -- come into play.
"When compared to traditional, large-scale NPPs, SMRs require less land, shorter construction periods, and have enhanced safety features," stresses a recent report from Bank of America. "In the context of energy demand, advancements in technology like SMRs could likely reshape nuclear power supply chains over the next decade, given the major benefits over conventional powerplants."
Image source: Getty Images.
There are a variety of companies globally pursuing the development and commercialization of SMR systems. Many of the companies are private. Others are diversified industrial conglomerates, making it difficult for investors to bet specifically on the scaling of SMR technology worldwide.
There are, however, two pure-play SMR stocks that every AI and nuclear energy investor should add to their watchlists: NuScale Power (SMR 4.56%) and Oklo (OKLO 5.09%).
These two companies are taking slightly different approaches to SMRs. NuScale is mostly focused on partnering with electric utilities for grid-scale deployments. Oklo, meanwhile, is focused more on selling directly to data center operators. That's not a surprising approach, given that one of Oklo's early investors was Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT.
To be sure, neither NuScale nor Oklo has actually ever commercialized one of their SMR systems. Both companies have an impressive pipeline of customers. But whether those deals will ever move from theory to reality remains to be seen. And while SMRs have cost benefits on paper, we still don't know whether AI companies like Alphabet or SpaceX will ever be willing to go all in on the relatively unproven technology.
"The economics of SMRs are a bit complex," warn Bank of America analysts, continuing:
Proponents highlight potential cost and construction advantages (modular design); however, critics point to current cost unpredictability. SMRs often face cost overruns and delays in demonstration projects, raising concerns about their economic viability. This challenge is underscored by the fact that renewable energy technologies, like solar and wind, are becoming increasingly cost-competitive, potentially making SMRs less attractive economically.
Investing in SMR stocks like NuScale and Oklo should be reserved for long-term investors only. An appetite for greater risk in exchange for higher potential returns is also a must for SMR investors.
Key Takeaways SpaceX's debut may broaden focus to OKLO and NuScale as AI data centers drive electricity demand.OKLO is pursuing reactors, fuel fabrication and recycling while still needing approvals and revenues.NuScale has NRC approval for its SMR design and uses conventional low-enriched uranium. The successful public debut of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SPCX - Free Report) earlier this month may have implications beyond the aerospace sector. As investors evaluate SpaceX’s long-term growth opportunities, attention could also shift toward companies that may help support the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-center expansion. Two companies that fit that theme are Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) and NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) .
The connection comes down to electricity demand. SpaceX is increasingly being viewed as more than a rocket-launch and satellite-internet company. Investors see potential opportunities in areas such as AI infrastructure, defense technology, communications and data centers. While these markets offer significant growth potential, they also require large amounts of reliable power. AI data centers, in particular, need a continuous electricity supply to support their high computing workloads.
As a result, energy availability is becoming an important part of the AI investment story. While renewable sources such as solar and battery storage can help meet some demand, they may not be enough to provide consistent power around the clock. Small modular reactors (“SMR”) are attracting interest because they could deliver reliable, carbon-free electricity on a large scale. This growing focus on dependable power generation could increase investor interest in companies such as OKLO and NuScale Power.
Why OKLO Fits the Theme
OKLO could benefit if SpaceX’s public-market debut increases investor focus on the infrastructure needed to support AI, data centers and other power-intensive technologies. As investors look beyond SpaceX’s core rocket-launch and satellite businesses and consider its potential role in communications, defense technology and AI-related infrastructure, attention may increasingly turn to companies capable of supplying the reliable electricity needed to support that growth. In that environment, OKLO may be viewed as a potential solution to rising demand for around-the-clock power.
At the same time, OKLO remains an early-stage company, so the investment case is based more on future potential than current earnings. The company still needs to secure regulatory approvals, develop its fuel strategy, build projects and convert customer interest into commercial revenue. However, OKLO’s strategy extends beyond reactor development. It is also pursuing fuel fabrication, fuel recycling and other nuclear-related services. If fuel availability becomes a key challenge for the advanced nuclear industry, these additional capabilities could strengthen OKLO’s long-term position.
Why NuScale Power Could Also Gain
NuScale Power may benefit from the same power-demand trend, but its appeal is different. NuScale Power has a more established regulatory story, with its SMR design already backed by U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval. NuScale Power also uses conventional low-enriched uranium, which is more available than some advanced nuclear fuels.
This could make NuScale Power attractive to investors who want exposure to the SMR theme but prefer a technology path that appears closer to commercial use. The company is also working with utilities and international partners, while positioning its reactors as a possible solution for data centers and grid power needs.
Bottom Line
SpaceX may be the headline story, but the broader investment theme extends beyond aerospace. If AI, satellites, data centers and defense technologies continue to expand, electricity demand is likely to rise alongside them. OKLO and NuScale Power — both carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) — could benefit from increased investor focus on energy infrastructure because both are developing technologies aimed at delivering clean, reliable around-the-clock power.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
However, investors should remain careful. OKLO and NuScale Power are still speculative stocks. Their long-term success will depend on approvals, financing, customer contracts and actual project delivery — not just SpaceX-related excitement.
Oklo stock is showing upward movement. What’s driving OKLO shares up? What Is the Catalyst for Oklo’s Growth?Centrus Energy Corp last week signed a Letter of Intent with Oklo covering domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) supply, a deal framed as one of the early large-scale HALEU arrangements and one that may include prepayment structures from Oklo.
The parties are working toward a definitive contract that could align Centrus’ enrichment capacity with Oklo’s generation plans, with deliveries potentially beginning in 2029 to support up to five Aurora powerhouses over multiple years.
Critical Price Levels for OKLO to WatchToday’s bounce is happening inside a bigger downtrend: the stock is trading 4.4% below its 20-day SMA ($62.06), 9.3% below its 50-day SMA ($65.43), and 30.1% below its 200-day SMA ($84.92). With the 20-day SMA below the 50-day SMA and the 50-day SMA below the 200-day SMA (the death cross that formed in February), rallies can still run into "sell-the-rip" pressure unless price can reclaim those mid-term averages.
Momentum looks more range-bound than trending right now, with RSI at 47.61 (neutral), which typically signals the stock isn’t stretched enough to force either capitulation selling or chase buying. In plain terms, RSI helps gauge whether recent moves are getting overextended; here, it suggests OKLO is still searching for direction after the March breakdown and the April swing low/high churn.
Key Resistance: $66.00 — a round-number area that also sits near the 50-day SMA ($65.43), making it a logical spot where rebounds can stall Key Support: $53.50 — a nearby prior demand zone that sits above the $44.88 52-week low, where buyers may try to defend pullbacks What Is Oklo and Its Business Model?Oklo is developing fission power plants to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale, with a strategy that pairs commercial power sales with used nuclear fuel recycling services for the U.S. market. The company’s Aurora powerhouse product line is built around liquid metal fast reactor technology.
The first commercial Aurora powerhouse is designed to produce up to 15 megawatts of electricity (MWe) using recycled nuclear fuel and fresh fuel, which makes fuel sourcing a gating item for execution. That’s why the HALEU supply LOI with Centrus, and the expectation of potential deliveries beginning in 2029, matters to the longer-term commercialization narrative.
OKLO Stock Price Action on TuesdayOKLO Stock Price Activity: Oklo shares were up 1.64% at $59.36 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Image: Shutterstock
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Oklo stock is showing downward pressure. What’s ahead for OKLO stock? What Is Driving Oklo’s Recent Progress?The latest focus is a Letter of Intent signed last week between Centrus Energy Corp and Oklo covering domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) supply, framed as one of the early large-scale HALEU arrangements and one that may include prepayment structures from Oklo. The parties are working toward a definitive contract, with deliveries potentially beginning in 2029 to support up to five Aurora powerhouses over multiple years.
Oklo’s bid for credibility on execution is also tied to build-readiness work, including an MOU with Kiewit Nuclear Solutions to support engineering, procurement and construction planning for initial deployments in southern Ohio. That "fuel plus build plan" pairing has helped keep buyers engaged even when broader tape action turns risk-off.
Critical Price Levels for OKLO StockThe bigger-picture chart still leans bearish: at $57.90, the stock is trading about 7% below its 20-day SMA ($61.95), about 11.9% below its 50-day SMA ($65.39), about 9% below its 100-day SMA ($63.28), and about 32.2% below its 200-day SMA ($84.91). That positioning keeps rallies vulnerable to "sell-the-rip" behavior, especially with the 20-day SMA below the 50-day SMA and the death cross (50-day below 200-day) that formed in February.
Momentum also isn’t confirming a clean upside turn yet: MACD is below its signal line and the histogram is negative, which points to fading upside pressure versus the prior upswing unless buyers can rebuild momentum. In plain terms, MACD compares faster and slower trend signals—when it’s below the signal line, it often means the rebound is losing steam.
Key Resistance: $66.00 — a round-number area that also lines up closely with the 50-day SMA ($65.39), making it a logical spot where rebounds can stall Key Support: $53.50 — a nearby prior demand zone that sits above the $44.88 52-week low, where buyers may try to defend pullbacks How Oklo Plans to Deliver Clean EnergyOklo is developing fission power plants to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale. It’s pursuing two tracks: supplying commercial-scale power to customers and selling used nuclear fuel recycling services to the U.S. market.
The company plans to commercialize its liquid metal fast reactor technology through its Aurora powerhouse product line. Its first commercial Aurora powerhouse is designed to produce up to 15 megawatts of electricity (MWe) using either recycled nuclear fuel or fresh fuel—so fuel-supply agreements like HALEU sourcing matter because they tie directly into whether deployment timelines (like the 2029 delivery target) look achievable.
OKLO Stock Price Movement in PremarketOKLO Stock Price Activity: Oklo shares were up 0.54% at $57.50 during premarket trading on Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Image: Shutterstock
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
Key Takeaways OKLO is using flexible regulatory pathways to support fast fission reactor deployments at scale.Aurora-INL has completed key DOE milestones tied to reactor safety and project design agreements.NRC approval of OKLO's design criteria report supports future licensing and repeatable reactor approvals. Regulatory execution is becoming a key factor in bringing advanced nuclear technologies to market. For Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) , progress with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) and the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) is central to its plan to deploy fast fission reactors at scale. By engaging early with regulators and using pathways suited to each asset, the company aims to reduce uncertainty, improve timeline visibility and support a more repeatable deployment model.
OKLO is taking a flexible approach to regulatory approvals rather than relying on a single process. For its Aurora-INL project, the company has already completed several important DOE milestones, including agreements related to reactor safety and project design. The next major steps involve final safety reviews, readiness assessments and approval to begin operations. Progress under the DOE's Reactor Pilot Program is important because it could help OKLO gain practical operating experience before expanding into broader commercial deployments.
OKLO is also making progress with the NRC. The agency recently approved the company's Principal Design Criteria topical report, an important step that supports future licensing work. OKLO has indicated that some of the technical and regulatory work completed for Aurora can be reused for future projects, which could help shorten approval timelines. At the same time, the company's Aurora-Ohio project is moving toward the combined license application stage. Together, these efforts suggest that OKLO is building a repeatable process for licensing future reactors while continuing to advance development, procurement and commercialization activities.
How Nuclear Peers Are Managing Licensing and Fuel Risk
NuScale Power (SMR - Free Report) stands out for having one of the most advanced regulatory positions in small modular nuclear power. NuScale Power says its design received U.S. NRC standard design approval in 2020, design certification in 2023 and a second standard design approval in 2025. NuScale Power also highlights an NRC-approved safety case, including passive safety features and a site-boundary emergency planning zone. This regulatory head start supports NuScale Power as projects such as RoPower and TVA/ENTRA1 move ahead.
NANO Nuclear Energy (NNE - Free Report) is at an earlier but active regulatory stage. NANO Nuclear expects to begin the Part 50 NRC licensing process after formal acceptance of the construction permit application for its KRONOS MMR deployment at the University of Illinois, with about 12 months of review expected. NANO Nuclear also lists regulatory progress in the United States and Canada as a key catalyst. For NANO Nuclear, early licensing work is important to reduce project risk and support future deployment.
The Zacks Rundown on OKLO
From a valuation standpoint, OKLO trades at a price-to-book ratio of 3.77, below the industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
OKLO currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.96 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 23 brokerage firms.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for OKLO’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Cramer recommended buying SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFI). “We got back to $18 and I said, time to buy. It’s hanging around that level,” he added.
SoFi Technologies shares traded higher on Thursday as investors reacted to continued insider buying from CEO Anthony Noto, with the broader tape also leaning risk-on in tech.
Innodata Inc. (NASDAQ:INOD) is a “data engineering company, and this market likes data engineering, so I’m gonna say it’s fine,” Cramer said. “It’s a little too speculative for me.”
Cramer said he is not recommending buying Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) as it is losing too much money.
Needham analyst Chris Pierce reiterated a Buy rating on Rivian Automotive on June 10 and maintained a $23 price target.
The Mad Money host said he can’t think of a reason to own Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO).
Cramer recommended selling SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOUN), calling it a “meme stock.”
On the earnings front, SoundHound reported first-quarter revenue of $44.20 million on May 7, beating the consensus estimate of $42.56 million. The conversational AI company reported an adjusted loss of six cents per share for the quarter, missing estimates for a loss of four cents per share, according to Benzinga Pro.
Cramer said no to Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX).
Price Action:
SoFi shares gained 2.8% to settle at $17.91 on Thursday. Rivian Automotive shares gained 1.6% to close at $16.52. Tractor Supply shares rose 1.7% to close at $30.24 on Thursday. Innodata shares declined 6.9% to settle at $95.50. SoundHound shares gained 2.3% to close at $7.12 on Thursday. Boston Scientific shares gained 0.8% to settle at $45.29. Photo via Shutterstock
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Further to the announcement made on 20 May 2026, Smurfit Westrock (NYSE: SW) today announces that: (i) the secondary listing of its ordinary shares on the equity shares (international commercial companies secondary listing) category of the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority; and (ii) the admission to trading of its ordinary shares on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange, have been cancelled with effect from 8:00 a.m. (UK time) on 22 June 2026 (the “LSE Delisting”).
Smurfit Westrock’s ordinary shares are now solely listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Smurfit Westrock has prepared answers to Frequently Asked Questions (the “FAQs”) in connection with the LSE Delisting, which are available at https://www.smurfitwestrock.com/-/m/files/Investors/FAQs-Ordinary-Shareholders.pdf. A helpline is also available to assist shareholders, the contact details for which are included in the FAQs.
HARTSVILLE, S.C., June 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoco Products Company (“Sonoco” or the “Company”)(NYSE: SON), a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, will announce second quarter 2026 results on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 after the market closes. The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
A live audio webcast of the call along with supporting materials will be available on the Sonoco Investor Relations website at https://investor.sonoco.com/. A webcast replay will be available on the Company's website for at least 30 days following the call.
Event:Q2 2026 Sonoco Earnings Conference Call Time:Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time Audience Dial-In:To listen via telephone, please register in advance at https://events.q4inc.com/analyst/818434126?pwd=xd1mxKQrAnalysts and Participants will receive their unique dial-in details with a PIN by email to join the conference call upon registration.
Webcast Link:https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/818434126
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco (NYSE: SON) is a global leader in value-added, sustainable metal and paper consumer and industrial packaging. As a member of the Fortune 500, the Company had net sales of $7.5 billion from continuing operations in 2025 and has approximately 22,000 employees working in 265 operations in 37 countries, serving some of the world’s best-known brands. Guided by our purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life., we strive to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence to provide solutions that better serve all our stakeholders and support a more sustainable future. Sonoco was proudly named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune in 2026 as well as one of America’s Most Admired and Responsible Companies by Fortune and Newsweek and by USA TODAY’s list of America’s Climate Leaders in 2025. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.
When rate-cut timing is murky and equity volatility spikes, retirees need cash-generative anchors. Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON | SON Price Prediction) is one of the most boring, most dependable income stocks on the board. The South Carolina packaging maker just authorized its 43rd consecutive annual dividend increase and has paid dividends without interruption for more than 100 years. The question I am answering today: is the yield as bulletproof as the streak suggests?
Dividend Snapshot Metric Value Annual Dividend $2.12 (run-rate ~$2.16) Dividend Yield 4.19% Consecutive Years of Increases 43 years Most Recent Hike $0.53 to $0.54 (Q2 2026) Dividend Aristocrat Yes Payout Ratios Leave Plenty of Room FY2025 EPS came in at $5.71 against a $2.12 annual payout, which is a comfortable earnings payout ratio. On the cash side, Sonoco paid roughly $210M in dividends (98.87M shares x $2.12) against $392.7M of free cash flow.
Metric Value Assessment Earnings Payout 37% Healthy FCF Payout 53% Healthy OCF Coverage 3.3x Strong Q1 2026 FCF was -$428.3M, but that reflects ~$103M of one-time divestiture tax payments and seasonal working capital. Management still guides $700M to $800M in 2026 operating cash flow.
Leverage Is the One Number to Watch Metric Value Assessment Debt-to-Equity 2.1x Moderate Net Debt/EBITDA 3.0x Elevated Cash on Hand $224.5M Adequate Post-Eviosys leverage is the legitimate risk, but Sonoco already reduced net debt by approximately 40% year-over-year in FY2025 using ThermoSafe and TFP divestiture proceeds.
43 Years of Increases and Counting Year Annual Dividend 2026 (run-rate) ~$2.16 2025 ~$2.11 2024 ~$2.07 2023 ~$2.02 2022 ~$1.92 No dividend cuts in the 27-year dataset. Growth is slow but reliably positive, which is exactly what an income portfolio wants.
Management Calls Out the Streak CEO Howard Coker on the Q1 2026 call: “Our disciplined capital allocation strategy remains focused on reducing debt and returning capital to our shareholders… Despite current uncertainties, we remain confident in our portfolio, our strategy and our ability to execute through economic cycles.” The language is firm and confident.
The Verdict: Safe, With Eyes on Leverage Dividend Safety Rating: Safe. A 37% earnings payout, 53% FCF payout, 3.3x cash coverage, and a 43-year streak make this one of the more durable yields you can buy at 9x forward earnings. The dividend thesis strengthens if the Profitability Performance Plan delivers $150M to $200M in cost savings and leverage drifts below 2.5x. The risk profile worsens if a recession hits Industrial Paper Packaging before debt comes down further. On balance, this is the kind of boring 4%-plus yield income-focused retirees typically seek.
Higher interest rates for a longer time and easing lending standards are brightening the outlook for the Zacks Consumer Loans industry. The Federal Reserve has paused rate cuts and signaled a hike amid signs of higher inflation. Yet, decent economic growth is expected to continue and even boost loan demand, supporting top-line growth.
While looser lending criteria and increased usage of technology are expanding the borrower base, subdued consumer confidence is a headwind. Nonetheless, industry players like Credit Acceptance Corporation (CACC - Free Report) , Enova International, Inc. (ENVA - Free Report) and Encore Capital Group, Inc. (ECPG - Free Report) are worth considering.
About the Industry The Zacks Consumer Loans industry comprises companies that provide mortgages, refinancing, home equity lines of credit, credit card loans, automobile loans, education/student loans and personal loans, among others. These help the industry players generate net interest income (NII), which forms the most important part of total revenues. The prospects of the companies in this industry are highly sensitive to the nation’s overall economic condition and consumer sentiments. In addition to offering the above-mentioned products and services, many consumer loan providers are involved in businesses like commercial lending, insurance, loan servicing and asset recovery. These support the companies in generating fee revenues. Furthermore, this helps the firms diversify revenue sources and be less dependent on the vagaries of the economy.
3 Themes Driving the Consumer Loan Industry's Future Interest Rates & Loan Demand: After lowering interest rates by 175 basis points since 2024, the Federal Reserve has paused its easing cycle and adopted a more hawkish stance. This shift reflects inflation remaining well above the central bank’s 2% target, exacerbated by the recent oil price shock stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, consumer sentiment has remained weak since late 2025, with the Expectations Index staying below 80 for 16 consecutive months through May, a threshold that has historically signaled an elevated risk of recession. Despite these headwinds, demand for consumer loans is expected to remain resilient and gradually improve, supported by solid economic growth and a still-low unemployment rate. Consequently, industry participants are likely to benefit from continued expansion in net interest margins (NIM) and NII in the coming quarters.
Automation to Improve Operating Efficiency: Consumer loan providers are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotic process automation and digital platforms to streamline loan origination, underwriting, servicing and customer onboarding. AI-driven credit assessment models analyze vast amounts of customer data in real time, enabling faster and more accurate lending decisions while reducing manual intervention, while digital onboarding tools lower acquisition costs and enhance customer experience. Meanwhile, AI-powered servicing and collections platforms improve operational efficiency and risk monitoring. These initiatives are expected to reduce processing expenses, support scalable growth and ultimately boost profitability through higher operating leverage and stronger returns.
Asset Quality: While lower interest rates have helped borrowers stay current on loan and interest repayments, persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds have kept inflation elevated. This has prompted the central bank to signal a potential rate hike later this year, which could somewhat weaken borrowers’ repayment capacity. As a result, consumer loan providers are likely to set aside substantial reserves for potential delinquencies. Moreover, several credit quality metrics are already trending above pre-pandemic levels.
Zacks Industry Rank Reflects an Optimistic Stance The Zacks Consumer Loans industry is a 12-stock group within the broader Zacks Finance sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #30, which places it in the top 12% of more than 245 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates outperformance in the near term. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are confident in this group’s earnings growth potential. Over the past year, the industry’s earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have been revised upward by 2.9% and 9.6%, respectively.
Before we present a few stocks that you may want to add to your portfolio, let's take a look at the industry’s recent stock market performance and valuation picture.
Industry vs. Broader Market The Zacks Consumer Loans industry has impressively outperformed the Zacks S&P 500 composite and its sector over the past two years.
The stocks in this industry have collectively soared 67.6% over this period, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite and the Zacks Finance sector have risen 42.4% and 37.2%, respectively.
Two-Year Price Performance
Industry Valuation One might get a good sense of the industry’s relative valuation by looking at its price-to-book ratio (P/B), commonly used for valuing consumer loan stocks because of significant variations in their financial performance from one quarter to the next.
The industry currently has a trailing 12-month P/B of 0.74X, below the median level of 0.76X over the past five years. This compares with the highest level of 1.04X and the lowest level of 0.55X over this period. The industry is trading at a considerable discount compared with the market at large, as the trailing 12-month P/B for the S&P 500 is 8.11X and the median level is 8.01X.
Price-to-Book Ratio (TTM)
As finance stocks typically have a lower P/B, comparing consumer loan providers with the S&P 500 may not make sense to many investors. However, comparing the group’s P/B ratio with that of its broader sector ensures that the group is trading at a decent discount. The Zacks Finance sector’s trailing 12-month P/B of 4.53X for the same period is way above the Zacks Consumer Loan industry’s ratio, as the chart below shows.
Price-to-Book Ratio (TTM)
3 Consumer Loan Stocks to Bet on Credit Acceptance Corporation: Headquartered in Southfield, MI, CACC offers financing programs and related products and services to automobile dealers across the United States, enabling them to sell vehicles to consumers irrespective of their credit history. Further, it is engaged in the business of reinsuring coverage under vehicle service contracts sold to consumers by dealers on vehicles financed by the company.
Revenue growth remains a major positive for Credit Acceptance, with the same witnessing a five-year (2020-2025) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. Growth is primarily attributable to a steady rise in finance charges, which is also the main revenue component (accounting for almost 93% of total revenues in the first quarter of 2026). While finance charges are likely to witness headwinds from macroeconomic factors in the near term, solid dealer engagement will offer much-needed support. A steady rise in dealer enrolments and active dealers is expected to support the company’s top-line growth.
CACC continues to execute on a product roadmap aimed at reducing friction for dealers and scaling underwriting and servicing capacity without a proportional increase in expenses. The company is witnessing a steady rise in inbound customer service and account solutions calls routed to the AI-enabled agent, with plans to expand its usage going forward. Additionally, dealer-facing digitization is gaining traction. Over time, these are expected to support higher dealer engagement and improve operating efficiency.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings for 2026 and 2027 suggests growth of 20.1% and 13.7%, respectively. Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have jumped 25.8% over the past six months. It has a market cap of $6.1 billion. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Price and Consensus: CACC
Enova International: Based in Chicago, IL, Enova is a leading financial technology company focused on providing online financial services. The company caters to small businesses and capitalizes on its proprietary technology, analytics and customer service capabilities to underwrite and fund loans.
Being an early entrant into online lending, the company has completed almost 65 million customer transactions and collected approximately 66 terabytes of consumer behavior data since its launch in 2004. This has enabled Enova to better analyze its specific customer base and expand small and medium businesses (SMB) lending. This Zacks Rank #2 company’s proprietary underwriting systems leverage advanced risk analytics, including ML and AI.
Moreover, the company has been diversifying its operations, which will support its long-term growth. In December 2025, Enova agreed to acquire Grasshopper Bancorp, which will boost its earnings over time. This will also expand the company’s ability to deliver a more comprehensive suite of financial products through a national bank charter, expanding access to credit to those who were traditionally underserved by banks.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings for 2026 and 2027 indicates an increase of 26.8% and 23.7%, respectively. ENVA’s shares have gained 24.1% over the past six months. It has a market cap of $5 billion.
Price and Consensus: ENVA
Encore Capital: Based in San Diego, CA, ECPG provides debt recovery and related financial services worldwide. Through its global subsidiaries, the company acquires portfolios of charged-off consumer receivables from leading banks, credit unions and utility providers, leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize collections and portfolio performance.
Encore Capital plans to leverage its leadership position in portfolio purchasing and recovery as well as credit management services to bolster its market share worldwide. Over the years, the company’s portfolio purchases and collections have increased, which supported its top-line expansion.
With rising delinquency/charge-off rates in the United States due to higher rates, there is more supply of non-performing loans. This offers Encore Capital an additional opportunity to purchase portfolios and apply its analytics and collections capabilities for higher returns. With scale, funding access and demonstrated execution, the company is expected to continue capturing high-return supply, extending collections growth beyond tax seasonality into subsequent quarters.
The company’s operating engine is delivering consistent overperformance that is now beginning to embed into forward estimates. Encore Capital is witnessing steadily higher collections than the forecasts, as technology, digital and operational innovations lift early-stage collections. Over the next few quarters, management expects the mix to transition from cash overs to higher portfolio revenue as ERC curves adjust upward.
Shares of this Zacks Rank #1 company has soared 52.4% over the past six months. ECPG’s earnings are expected to rise 19.3% in 2026 and 6.5% in 2027. The company has a market cap of $1.8 billion.
BrainChip Holdings Ltd. (ASX: BRN, OTCQX: BRCHF, BCHPY), the first commercial producer of neuromorphic artificial intelligence technology, today announced the Akida Communication Reference Platform, a physical development platform for RF signal classification using BrainChip’s Akida AKD1500 neuromorphic processor.
The platform is a critical tool for defense contractors and government agencies who need real-time, on-device signal intelligence at the edge but are constrained by power budgets, thermal limits and SWaP-C requirements that GPU- and FPGA-based solutions cannot meet.
The Akida Communications Reference Platform is designed to fuel the exploding demand for on-device signal intelligence worldwide and is a key component of extending BrainChip's core ‘Always-On AI at the Edge’ strategy to RF at the edge.
Akida Communications detects RF threats for operators at the edge
The platform provides fully on-device processing for personnel operating in environments where they cannot rely on wired power, large and/or heavy form-factors and cloud server connections for signal classification.
Powered by BrainChip’s Akida AKD1500 chip, the platform delivers sub-watt continuous inference versus multi-watt power consumed by competitive FPGA or GPU-based edge AI modules.
Rule-based digital signal processing (DSP) systems are challenged to adapt to novel or adversarial modulated signals. The Akida model classifies more than 20 modulation types in real time while consuming sub-watt inference power, with an accuracy of greater than 85% accuracy at a signal-to-noise ratio of 30 decibels. As new wireless emitter threats emerge, the platform can capture data of unrecognized waveforms to retrain the model to recognize them, extending the operational utility of the platform to adapt in the field.
This closes a gap left by DSP classifier algorithms that are difficult to adapt, power-hungry and too large for deployment in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), handheld SIGINT devices or satellite terminals.
The platform is ideal to prototype SIGINT applications
Available for evaluation and partner integration, the platform can be used as a hardware reference design kit intended for defense contractors, government agencies, SDR vendors and edge AI system integrators who want to evaluate or prototype neuromorphic AI-based RF signal classification. The platform, which provides real-time threat detection in battery-powered devices, integrates with software-defined radio (SDR) front ends, such as the USRP B205mini or the EPIQ Sidekiq using a host system such as the Raspberry Pi 5 computer. Engineering and product teams can use it to develop custom intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions and SIGINT applications.
“BrainChip's Akida Communication Reference Platform proves that real-time signal intelligence can be condensed into a portable battery powered solution to extend the range of deployment options,” said Sean Hehir, BrainChip’s CEO. “This extends BrainChip's reference platform strategy (alongside radar and other sensor-fusion platforms) to demonstrate that Akida is a broadly applicable edge AI processing engine for many use cases.”
About BrainChip Holdings Ltd.
BrainChip Holdings Ltd. is the worldwide leader in edge AI on-chip processing and learning. The company’s first-to-market, fully digital, event-based AI processor, Akida™, uses neuromorphic principles to mimic the human brain, analyzing only essential sensor inputs at the point of acquisition and processing data with unmatched efficiency, precision and energy economy. BrainChip’s Temporal Event-based Neural Networks (TENNs) build on State-Space Models (SSMs), deliver time-aware, event-driven intelligence optimized for scalable, real-time streaming applications. These innovations make low-power Edge AI deployable across industries such as aerospace, autonomous vehicles, robotics, industrial IoT, consumer devices, and wearables. BrainChip is advancing the future of intelligent computing, bringing AI closer to the sensor and closer to real-time. Explore more at www.brainchip.com.
Nasdaq-100 InclusionThe Cantor Fitzgerald CallRecord MLPerf ResultsCoreWeave announced record-breaking results in the MLPerf Training v6.0 benchmark suite. Running on the same cloud infrastructure available to customers today, CoreWeave trained DeepSeek-V3 671B, one of the most computationally demanding AI models ever benchmarked, in approximately two minutes on 8,192 NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 GPUs, the largest GB300 cluster submitted in this benchmark round.
The results demonstrated near-linear scaling efficiency as cluster size doubled, a validation of CoreWeave’s full-stack optimization approach. Crucially, the company emphasized these were not benchmark-only configurations—the same infrastructure customers use in production today.
CoreWeave Shares Edge HigherCRWV Price Action: At the time of publication, CoreWeave shares are trading 3.16% higher at $118.85, according to data from Benzinga Pro.
Image via Shutterstock
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
At $117.03, CoreWeave (NASDAQ:CRWV) looks fully valued near current levels, with a more attractive risk/reward setup on any macro-induced pullback to $105 or below. The stock has ripped 18.87% in the past week as traders front-run Nasdaq-100 inclusion on June 22, 2026, making this an awkward spot to chase but a dangerous one to short.
CoreWeave operates a purpose-built AI cloud platform renting GPU compute to model developers, hyperscalers, and enterprise customers. The company surpassed 1 GW of active power in Q1 and positioned itself as the preferred infrastructure layer for inference workloads, with CEO Michael Intrator saying CoreWeave sits “between the models and the silicon.”.
The stock IPO’d at $40 in March 2025, ran to $187, and now trades near its 50-day moving average of $108.98 as the market digests a backlog explosion alongside escalating losses.
The Bull Case: Backlog Math CoreWeave booked $99.4 billion of revenue backlog, including a $21 billion Meta commitment and $6 billion from Jane Street. Management signed more than $40 billion of new commitments in Q1 alone and now counts ten customers committed to spending at least $1 billion. Guidance for 2026 sits at $12 billion to $13 billion in revenue with an exit run rate of $18 billion to $19 billion, and management flagged a 2027 run rate above $30 billion, of which more than 75% is already contracted. NVIDIA’s $2 billion equity investment validates the moat. Cantor Fitzgerald carries a $167 target, and the June 22 Nasdaq-100 inclusion mechanically forces passive funds to buy.
The Bear Case: Debt Load Total liabilities hit $50.81 billion, quarterly interest expense doubled to $536 million, and Q2 interest expense is guided to $650 million to $730 million. Q1 free cash flow was negative $4.71 billion on $7.7 billion of CapEx, with full-year 2026 CapEx guided to $31 billion to $35 billion.
Net loss widened to $740 million from $315 million a year earlier, and EPS of -$1.40 missed consensus by 16.26%. Insiders unloaded over $100 million in May and June, with CEO Intrator selling up to $37.65 million in shares. A securities fraud class action alleging concealed data center construction delays still hangs over the name.
Valuation at $117 At 8.81x trailing sales and 11.53x book, the stock prices in flawless backlog conversion. The Nasdaq-100 catalyst is real, yet much appears in the 18.87% one-week rally. Buying after that move and ahead of inclusion day risks a classic “sell the news” reversal.
A pullback toward the 200-day moving average of $100.09 or the $105 buy zone would offer cleaner risk/reward into Q2 results. Leaked bond memoranda reportedly show 90% of 2027 ARR is already secured, which would validate the bull math, but the stock needs to digest its move first.
Analyst Consensus Shares trade at $117.03 against a consensus analyst target of $140.18, implying 19.78% upside. Of the 35 analysts covering the stock:
Strong Buy: 3 Buy: 19 Hold: 11 Sell: 1 Strong Sell: 1 CRWV is up 63.43% year to date against the broader S&P 500, yet still sits 26.16% below where it traded a year ago. Q1 revenue of $2.08 billion grew 111.69% year over year and beat consensus by 5.80%.
Where Things Stand at $117 The Nasdaq-100 inclusion bid is largely priced in after a near 19% weekly surge. Chasing a known-date catalyst punishes latecomers when passive funds finish rebalancing. The fundamental setup is constructive, with a $99.4 billion backlog and 2027 run rate guidance above $30 billion, but entry matters when the company burns $4.71 billion of free cash flow per quarter.
A constructive re-rating signal would be a macro-driven pullback to the $105 zone, aligning with the 200-day moving average and improving risk/reward. A bearish signal would be a Q2 print showing margin recovery stalling or interest expense outrunning the $650 to $730 million guide, either calling the backlog conversion thesis into question.
Watch contracted power conversion, adjusted operating margin (guided to low double digits by Q4), and customer diversification beyond hyperscalers. At $105, the same backlog would be available roughly 10% cheaper with a defined invalidation level, offering a cleaner setup for risk-conscious entries.