Is Applied Digital Stock a Smart Buy Before Q4 Earnings Report?

Core Insights - Applied Digital (APLD) is expected to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results on July 30, with revenues estimated at $42.99 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 3.09% [1] - The consensus estimate for loss is projected at 12 cents per share, which is a slight increase from previous estimates, compared to a loss of 52 cents in the same quarter last year [1] Financial Performance - APLD has missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of negative 113.42% [2] - The Data Center Hosting segment is gaining momentum despite a 7% year-over-year revenue decline in the fiscal third quarter, operating at full capacity across two locations in North Dakota [6] Market Dynamics - Increased spending by hyperscalers like Microsoft and Meta Platforms is a significant driver for APLD, with Meta planning to invest between $64 billion and $72 billion and Microsoft expected to reach $80 billion in capital expenditures in 2025 [5] - APLD's HPC and data center growth plans are further supported by a 250MW lease agreement with CoreWeave [10] Strategic Initiatives - APLD is building out its Ellendale campus with 400MW of critical IT load, backed by financing agreements totaling $5.375 billion, with the first 100MW facility expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2025 [15] - The company plans to divest its Cloud Services business to streamline operations and potentially convert to a REIT, which could lower capital costs and enhance valuation [17] Stock Performance - APLD shares have increased by 40.7% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Finance sector's return of 11% [8] - The stock is currently trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bullish trend [18]