Workflow
The Motley Fool
icon
Search documents
Prediction: 2026 Will Be the Year of Upstart
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 07:30
Core Insights - Upstart Holdings has faced a challenging four years, with stock performance stagnating since its peak in late 2021, despite a return to growth in 2023 [1][2] - The company utilizes an AI algorithm that assesses over 2,500 variables to evaluate creditworthiness, resulting in 43% more loan approvals without additional defaults compared to traditional methods [4][3] - Upstart's revenue increased nearly 80% year-over-year through the first three quarters of 2025, indicating a positive trajectory moving forward [5] Company Overview - Upstart is a unique lending platform that differentiates itself from traditional credit scoring agencies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by employing advanced AI technology [3] - The platform has gained traction, with over 100 banks and credit unions as regular customers [5] Financial Performance - Despite a recent downturn in loan originations due to economic headwinds, analysts project a per-share profit of $2.38 for the current year, with the stock trading at less than 20 times this figure, suggesting it is undervalued [9][6] - The company's gross margin stands at an impressive 97.61%, reflecting strong operational efficiency [7] Market Sentiment - The stock has not reacted positively to recent warnings about economic challenges affecting loan origination, leading to market panic [6] - Analysts expect that as the year progresses, investors will recognize the company's actual profit potential, which has been understated in recent earnings reports [9]
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock That's Quietly Building the Future of Cloud Computing
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 06:53
CoreWeave has built a compelling AI cloud product despite the stiff competition in the space.When it comes to cloud computing, Amazon was the pioneer, and it remains the leading company in the industry: Amazon Web Services still has a 29% market share. Over time, though, companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, and many others have emerged as competitors. Nonetheless, when it comes to the next generation of data center technology, CoreWeave (CRWV 2.61%) seems to be emerging as a leader, particularly when it come ...
The Motley Fool Interviews Redwire CEO Peter Cannito
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 06:37
Company Overview - Redwire is a space technology company focused on building infrastructure for the space economy, formed through acquisitions and public since 2021 [3][4] - The company operates in what is considered a second golden age of space, primarily driven by commercial companies rather than just government initiatives [2][6] Market Potential - The global space industry is projected to reach a value of one trillion dollars by 2040, indicating significant growth potential [7] - Redwire aims to provide fundamental building blocks for space missions, including subsystems and components necessary for various applications [7][10] Strategic Direction - Redwire has shifted its strategy to move up the value chain, evolving from a provider of subsystems to a platform provider, now offering seven platforms including spacecraft and drones [7][10] - The acquisition of Edge Autonomy has expanded Redwire's capabilities and positioned it for larger opportunities in the national security sector, as it combines space and drone technologies [10][11] Technology and Innovation - Redwire is involved in early-stage breakout technologies, such as solar arrays for commercial space stations and quantum secure constellations in partnership with Honeywell [13] - The company has a strong intellectual property portfolio, developed through significant government funding and years of investment in critical technologies [17] Future Outlook - Redwire envisions itself as a high-growth, non-traditional company capable of scaling in a controlled manner, with a focus on innovation and addressing challenges in the space industry [19] - The company is excited about the potential for breakthroughs in space that could create value on Earth, including advancements in manufacturing and data centers in space [19][20]
Silver Prices Have Soared. Does That Make First Majestic Stock a Buy in 2026?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 06:05
Core Viewpoint - Silver prices have significantly increased due to demand outpacing supply, benefiting companies like First Majestic Silver, which has seen substantial stock price growth [1][2]. Industry Overview - Silver prices have surged 280% since the start of 2025, with First Majestic's stock rising 364% in the same period [1][2]. - Industrial silver demand has increased by 33% since 2020, with expectations of double-digit growth driven by applications in technology such as AI, solar panels, and electric vehicles [4]. Company Performance - First Majestic Silver has a market capitalization of $13 billion, with a current stock price of $26.25 and a gross margin of 25.72% [3]. - The company reported mine operating earnings of $99 million in Q3, attributed to higher silver production and a 31% increase in the average realized silver price [7]. - The company generates 57% of its revenue from silver, with precious metals accounting for 90% of total revenue [5]. Production and Reserves - First Majestic acquired a 70% stake in the Cerra Los Gatos Mine, which adds significant production capacity, contributing 2.1 million silver equivalent ounces in Q3 [6]. - The company faces a silver deficit, with annual consumption at approximately 1,150 million ounces against production of about 835 million ounces, marking the fifth consecutive year of shortfall [4]. Future Outlook - Analysts project earnings growth of 52% in 2026 and 47% in 2027 for First Majestic, as rising silver prices are expected to enhance earnings and margins [8]. - The company is positioned as a leveraged play on silver prices, benefiting from the ongoing demand and supply dynamics in the silver market [8].
Why I Keep Buying More Shares of This Amazing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chip Stock for 2026
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 05:45
Advanced Micro Devices has numerous catalysts in 2026.In today's video, I discuss recent updates affecting Advanced Micro Devices (AMD +0.28%) and other AI stocks. To learn more, check out the short video, consider subscribing, and click the special offer link below. *Stock prices used were the after-market prices of Jan. 20, 2026. The video was published on Jan. 20, 2026. ...
Does This Recent Acquisition Make BigBear.ai Stock a Good Buy?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 05:30
Core Viewpoint - BigBear.ai is experiencing a strong start in 2026, but its financial performance does not yet support comparisons to Palantir Technologies, as it remains unprofitable and lacks consistent top-line growth [1][2]. Company Overview - BigBear.ai has a current market capitalization of $2.6 billion, positioning it at the smaller end of the mid-cap stock range [2][7]. - The company recently completed a $250 million acquisition of Ask Sage, which is expected to enhance its AI offerings and expand its presence in the defense sector and other regulated markets [3][5]. Acquisition Impact - The acquisition of Ask Sage is anticipated to broaden BigBear.ai's portfolio of AI solutions and complement existing services, potentially leading to increased sales in its AI offerings [3][4]. - The combined platform from the acquisition allows government and enterprise customers to utilize AI while ensuring data sovereignty and security compliance [4]. Market Performance - Following the announcement of the acquisition, BigBear.ai's stock has risen approximately 15% year to date, indicating positive investor sentiment regarding future growth opportunities [5]. - Despite the recent stock performance, BigBear.ai's shares are down about 30% from their 52-week high of $10.36, reflecting ongoing investor caution regarding the company's valuation and prospects [8]. Financial Performance - BigBear.ai has reported net losses of $426.3 million over the last four quarters, with revenue of only $144.2 million, highlighting the need for improved earnings alongside revenue growth [8]. - The company has a gross margin of 27.28%, but the high costs associated with running and managing AI models raise concerns about its profitability [7][8].
XLK vs. CHAT: Broad Tech Exposure or a Focused AI Bet?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 04:56
Core Viewpoint - The comparison between the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) and the Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF (CHAT) highlights the importance of understanding the differences in their investment strategies, particularly in the context of fluctuating AI valuations [1][10]. Cost and Size - XLK has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to CHAT's 0.75%, making XLK a more cost-effective option for investors [4][5]. - As of January 27, 2026, XLK has a total return of 30.91% over the past year, while CHAT has significantly outperformed with a return of 63.06% [4]. Performance and Risk Comparison - CHAT has a higher maximum drawdown of -31.35% over two years compared to XLK's -25.65%, indicating greater volatility associated with CHAT [6]. - Despite its recent strong performance, CHAT's elevated beta suggests it carries higher risk, which may be a consideration for investors attracted to its AI focus [6]. Holdings and Strategy - CHAT is actively managed with 52 holdings, focusing heavily on generative AI, with 85% of its portfolio in technology [7]. - XLK offers a broader exposure with 70 holdings, including major U.S. tech companies, and does not apply an ESG screen, reflecting a more traditional investment approach [8]. Investor Implications - Investors seeking steady tech exposure without reliance on a single narrative may prefer XLK, while those intentionally targeting AI growth and willing to accept higher volatility may opt for CHAT [11][12]. - The choice between XLK and CHAT ultimately hinges on whether investors prioritize broad earnings power or a concentrated bet on a specific trend [12].
Forget Intel: This AI Infrastructure Stock is a Better Bet for 2026
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 04:30
Core Viewpoint - Intel's stock has seen significant gains recently, but the company still lags behind its manufacturing competitor, TSMC, in terms of growth and profitability [1][4]. Intel Overview - Intel's stock has more than doubled in the last six months, despite a pullback after disappointing fourth-quarter earnings guidance [1]. - The U.S. government acquired a 9.9% stake in Intel, and Nvidia invested $5 billion, providing crucial capital for Intel's foundry business and AI product development [2][3]. - Under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Intel is focusing on cost-cutting, streamlining operations, and cultural changes to enhance competitiveness [3]. Financial Performance - In Q4, Intel's revenue fell 4% to $13.7 billion, with a GAAP loss of $591 million, although it was profitable on an adjusted basis [4]. - For Q1, Intel expects revenue between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion, indicating a sharp sequential decline, with adjusted earnings per share projected to break even [5]. Comparison with TSMC - TSMC, with a market cap of $1.8 trillion, is the leading contract manufacturer of semiconductors, producing over half of the world's contract chips and 90% of advanced contract chips [6][7]. - TSMC's Q4 revenue rose 25.5% to $33.7 billion, with an operating margin of 54%, translating to $18.2 billion in operating income [7]. - TSMC generates 77% of its revenue from advanced chips (7nm or less) and has a price-to-earnings ratio of 32, making it slightly more expensive than the S&P 500 [8]. Future Outlook - Intel's future in the foundry business relies on advanced processes like 18A (1.8nm), but meaningful competition with TSMC is likely years away [10]. - TSMC is expected to grow revenue at a compound annual rate of around 25% through 2029, maintaining a strong operating income [11]. - Despite Intel's turnaround narrative, TSMC is viewed as a safer investment, especially amid the ongoing AI boom [11].
1 Surprising Reason Why Japanese Stocks Are Going Up
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 04:30
Core Viewpoint - Japan's stock market has reached all-time highs in 2026 due to significant regulatory changes and improvements in corporate governance [1][3]. Group 1: Market Performance - The Nikkei 225 index achieved a new all-time high in January 2026, recovering from the "lost decades" post-1989 crash [2]. - Over the past five years, the TOPIX index has increased by 93.3%, while the Nikkei 225 index has risen by 84.3%, both outperforming the S&P 500 index, which is up 79.2% [2]. Group 2: Corporate Governance Changes - Recent reforms in Japan's corporate governance have been pivotal in driving stock market performance [4][7]. - The traditional keiretsu system, characterized by interlinked partnerships and cross shareholdings, has been criticized for inefficiency and lack of competition [5][6]. - The Financial Supervision Agency (FSA) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange have implemented reforms to discourage cross shareholdings, leading to a trend of companies selling off these holdings since fiscal year 2020 [7]. Group 3: Investment Opportunities - The new corporate governance reforms are fostering a more competitive and dynamic economy in Japan, encouraging companies to focus on shareholder value [8]. - American investors can consider the iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) as a means to invest in Japan, which has outperformed the S&P 500 index with a 25.9% increase compared to the S&P 500's 13.7% [9]. - The iShares MSCI Japan ETF includes 181 holdings in top Japanese companies, such as Toyota, Sony, Hitachi, and major financial firms, with an expense ratio of 0.49% [10].
How Texas Instruments Stock Jumped 9.9% Wednesday
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-29 03:44
Core Insights - Texas Instruments (TI) reported Q4 2025 earnings that included a slight revenue miss but saw a positive market reaction with shares rising 9.9% [1][2][3] Financial Performance - TI's revenue increased by 10% year over year to $4.42 billion, slightly below the analyst consensus of $4.45 billion [2] - Unadjusted earnings per diluted share fell by 2% to $1.27, missing the expected $1.29 due to unexpected charges of $0.06 per share related to goodwill impairment and tax items [2] Market Reaction - Despite the earnings miss, investors focused on positive aspects, leading to a significant increase in stock price [1][3] - Guidance for the next quarter was above current market projections, indicating confidence in future performance [3] Strategic Developments - TI is ramping up production at a new chip-making facility in Sherman, Texas, ahead of schedule, which will produce voltage regulators for high-powered computers [3][4] - Data center orders surged by 70% year over year, highlighting a growing segment for TI that was not previously reported [3] Competitive Advantage - TI's in-house manufacturing capabilities allow it to produce high volumes of products, contrasting with third-party manufacturers that are currently booked with AI-related orders [5] - The company's manufacturing operations are based in Texas and Utah, providing a strategic advantage without concerns over tariffs [5] Future Outlook - The market's positive response to TI's earnings reflects confidence in the company's pivot towards data centers and its in-house manufacturing strategy [6]