Yahoo Finance·2026-01-27 22:25Core Viewpoint - Nebius, formerly known as Yandex, has transformed into a cloud-based AI infrastructure provider and has seen significant stock price appreciation and revenue growth since its rebranding [1][2]. Company Overview - Nebius resumed trading under its new ticker at $14.29 per share on October 21, 2024, and has since increased to approximately $97 [2]. - The company has a market capitalization of $23 billion, which is considered reasonably valued at less than seven times this year's sales [2]. Financial Performance - Nebius's revenue surged 462% in 2024 and increased another 437% year over year in the first nine months of 2025 [2]. - Analysts project a revenue rise of 373% for the full year and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 274% over the next two years as it expands its data center operations [2]. Strategic Partnerships - Nebius has secured significant deals with major companies like Microsoft and Meta Platforms, positioning itself well in the growing AI market [3]. Operational Challenges - Currently, Nebius operates only one first-party data center in Finland and relies on colocation agreements in various countries, which may limit its growth potential [4]. - To expand its data center footprint, Nebius will need to increase its spending significantly, leading to expected steep losses in 2026 and 2027 [4]. - The company's heavy reliance on large clients like Microsoft and Meta could hinder its ability to negotiate favorable pricing amid intense competition from other AI infrastructure providers [4]. Alternative Investment Consideration - DigitalOcean is presented as a potentially better investment option for those seeking exposure to the AI market with less risk, as it offers a more sustainable business model and is reasonably valued [5][6].