Meme stocks back with a bang as investors pile into these 2 names

Group 1: Meme-Stock Trend - The meme-stock phenomenon is resurging in 2025, with investors focusing on unprofitable companies for investment opportunities [1] - Among the Russell 3000 stocks, 10 out of 14 that have tripled since the market bottom on April 8 are unprofitable [1] - By late June, the 858 money-losing stocks in the index gained an average of 36%, outperforming profitable stocks [1] Group 2: Avis Budget Group - Avis Budget Group has seen a significant stock increase of 161% since April, driven by operational improvements and tariff-driven demand shifts [2][6] - In Q1, Avis reported a 4.7% year-over-year revenue decline to $2.43 billion but exceeded EBITDA expectations with a smaller loss of $93 million [6] - Q2 adjusted EBITDA is projected to exceed $200 million, supported by a focus on higher-margin rentals and better vehicle utilization [6] Group 3: Carvana - Carvana's stock has surged 108% since April, with Q1 revenue increasing by 38% to $4.2 billion and retail sales up 46% to nearly 134,000 vehicles [2][10] - The company achieved a net income of $373 million and a record adjusted EBITDA of $488 million in Q1, while operating with lower inventory and reduced costs [10] - Carvana's stock was up 73% for 2025, trading at $346, benefiting from the proposed 25% tariff on imported cars, which is expected to boost used-car demand [11]