Group 1 - SiTime (SITM) has experienced a significant surge of 65% in 2025, driven by increasing demand from AI chip designers for precise timing devices [1] - The stock has gained 3% in the new year, indicating continued investor interest [1] - SiTime has been selected as one of the IBD 50 Stocks To Watch, highlighting its strong performance and potential [1] Group 2 - The IBD 50's SiTime has resonated with investors, showing an increase of more than 40% [1] - The company has reported a Q3 earnings beat and raised its Q4 guidance, further boosting investor confidence [1] - SiTime's relative strength rating has jumped to 95, reflecting its strong market position [1]

Core Insights - The small-cap defense stocks have seen significant growth in 2025, driven by rising demand for AI-powered drones and unmanned vehicles, which are cost-effective and reduce reliance on ground forces [2][3] - The NYSE Arca Defense Index has increased by 31.24% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 13.70% return [1] - Companies investing in adaptable, technology-backed combat systems are expected to benefit from changing trends in defense spending [3] Industry Trends - The Department of War's 2026 budget request for drones and counter-drones is 53% higher than the actual spend in fiscal 2024 and 78% more than fiscal 2025 funding [3] - Traditional defense contractors are expanding capabilities through mergers and acquisitions, particularly in AI, communications, and cybersecurity [4] Company Highlights - **Cadre Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CDRE)**: - Share price upside potential of 12.90% as of November 14 [9] - Q3 net sales increased by 42.5% year-over-year to $155.9 million, driven by strong demand for armor and duty gear [11] - Gross profit margin improved from 36.6% to 42.7% year-over-year [11] - Full-year 2025 net sales expected between $624 million and $630 million [12] - **Ducommun Incorporated (NYSE:DCO)**: - Share price upside potential of 18.20% as of November 14 [14] - Q3 net revenue reached $212.6 million, a 6% year-over-year increase, attributed to strong defense business performance [15] - Reported a net loss of $64.4 million due to litigation costs, but adjusted net income was $15.2 million, exceeding estimates [17] - Stock has gained 43.53% year-to-date as of November 14 [19]

Core Insights - Rocket Lab is set to announce its earnings results, with analysts expecting a revenue growth of 45% year on year to $151.9 million, a slowdown from the previous year's 54.9% increase [2] - The company reported revenues of $144.5 million last quarter, exceeding analysts' expectations by 7% and showing a year-on-year growth of 36% [1] - Rocket Lab has missed Wall Street's revenue estimates twice in the past two years, but analysts have generally reconfirmed their estimates leading into the upcoming earnings [3] Revenue Expectations - Analysts anticipate Rocket Lab's revenue for the upcoming quarter to be $151.9 million, reflecting a 45% year-on-year growth [2] - The adjusted loss per share is expected to be -$0.06 [2] Peer Performance - In the aerospace segment, Howmet reported a year-on-year revenue growth of 13.8%, beating expectations, while Astronics reported a 3.8% increase, in line with estimates [4] - Howmet's stock rose by 1.1% post-results, whereas Astronics saw a decline of 1.1% [4] Market Sentiment - The aerospace sector has experienced positive sentiment, with average share prices up 2.2% over the last month [5] - In contrast, Rocket Lab's stock has decreased by 18.3% during the same period, with an average analyst price target of $59.50 compared to its current share price of $52.48 [5]

Group 1 - Ouster (OUST) has shown a rebound from a critical support level, indicating potential growth ahead of its third-quarter earnings report [1] - The stock is highlighted as one of the best names to watch as the market reaches record highs [1] - Ouster specializes in high-performance lidar technology, which is gaining traction in the artificial intelligence sector [4] Group 2 - The company has received an 85 Relative Strength (RS) rating, indicating strong market performance [4] - Ouster's stock has seen its relative strength ratings climb over 90, reflecting renewed technical strength [4] - The CEO emphasizes the expanding reach of lidar technology in the physical AI space [4]