meta, nvidia and palantir Updates

Artificial intelligence continues to drive significant activity across various sectors, fueling near-record dealmaking and substantial capital spending. Meta Platforms recently acquired AI startup Manus for $1.1 billion, while SoftBank sold its chip designer Arm Ltd. to Nvidia Corp. for a massive $70 billion. Nvidia is also reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Israel's AI21 Labs for up to $3 billion, highlighting the ongoing consolidation and investment in AI capabilities. The AI boom is pushing capital spending, particularly for chips, data centers, and advanced AI models. Companies like NVIDIA, Marvell Technology, and Micron Technology are poised for substantial growth as AI integration becomes central to business operations. Wedbush Securities has even labeled Nvidia a "must-own" stock, raising its price target to $1,100, anticipating its data center business will capture a large share of a projected $1 trillion AI data center market. While Nvidia remains a dominant force, other AI stocks are also showing strong performance. Micron Technology, a key supplier of high-bandwidth memory chips, exceeded Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue and earnings predictions, reporting $13.64 billion in revenues and a 99.5% growth in its cloud memory business. Palantir Technologies Inc. is also thriving, with third-quarter revenues reaching $1.18 billion, driven by a 121% surge in its US commercial segment due to demand for its Artificial Intelligence Platform. Investor confidence in AI infrastructure, however, faces scrutiny. CoreWeave's stock recently dropped amid concerns about the costs and execution of building AI data centers, especially after lowering its 2025 revenue forecast. Despite these jitters, Micron's strong earnings helped renew overall confidence in the AI stock market. Meanwhile, HIVE Digital Technologies is strategically expanding into AI data centers, leveraging its Bitcoin mining infrastructure and access to clean energy for more stable revenue. New funding rounds are also bolstering specialized AI applications. Insilico, an AI drug discovery company, successfully raised $293 million in its Hong Kong IPO, planning to accelerate clinical research and develop new generative AI models. Additionally, $230 million was invested in industrial AI startups like Kargo, which uses AI for warehouse automation, and Neurable, focused on brain-signal processing. Insurance tech firms like Nirvana and Lucidean also secured funding for their AI platforms, while Danish healthcare AI startup Corti, despite processing 250,000 patient interactions daily, has no plans for an IPO in 2026, preferring private market funding.

Key Takeaways

• AI is driving significant dealmaking, with Meta acquiring Manus for $1.1 billion and SoftBank selling Arm Ltd. to Nvidia for $70 billion.
• Insilico, an AI drug discovery company, raised $293 million in its Hong Kong Stock Exchange debut to accelerate clinical research and develop new generative AI models.
• NVIDIA is considered a "must-own" stock by Wedbush, with a $1,100 price target, due to strong demand for AI-powered computing and its rapidly growing data center business.
• Micron Technology reported $13.64 billion in Q1 fiscal 2026 revenues, with its cloud memory business growing 99.5%, renewing confidence in AI stocks.
• Palantir Technologies Inc. achieved $1.18 billion in third-quarter revenues, with its US commercial segment soaring by 121% due to demand for its AI platform.
• The intense competition in AI is causing a huge increase in capital spending for chips, data centers, and AI models, benefiting companies like NVIDIA, Marvell Technology, and Micron Technology.
• CoreWeave's stock dropped due to investor concerns about the costs and execution of building AI data centers, highlighting market sensitivity to AI infrastructure investments.
• HIVE Digital Technologies is strategically expanding into the AI data center market, leveraging its Bitcoin mining infrastructure and clean energy access for growth.
• New funding rounds totaling $230 million supported industrial AI startups like Kargo and Neurable, as well as insurance technology firms like Nirvana and Lucidean.
• Corti, a Danish healthcare AI startup, processes 250,000 patient interactions daily but plans no IPO in 2026, opting for private market funding instead.

Insilico AI Drug Company Raises $293 Million in Hong Kong Debut

Insilico, an AI drug discovery company, successfully launched its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The initial public offering raised $293 million, with shares priced at HK$24.05 each. CEO Alex Zhavoronkov stated the company plans to significantly increase its drug discovery efforts and may double its AI-discovered drug candidates. Insilico will use the funds to accelerate clinical research and develop new generative AI models. The company, founded in 2014, also earns revenue by selling its AI software and partnering with other pharmaceutical firms.

AI Fuels Near Record Holiday Spending for Dealmakers

Artificial intelligence is driving a significant increase in company deals during the holiday season, making it one of the busiest year-ends for Wall Street. Meta Platforms announced it is buying AI startup Manus for $1.1 billion. SoftBank also sold its chip designer Arm Ltd. to Nvidia Corp. for $70 billion. Even BP's $3.3 billion acquisition of Archaea Energy Inc. was influenced by AI's potential. This surge in AI-related transactions is pushing holiday dealmaking close to a new record.

AI Boom Drives Capital Spending Three Top Stocks for 2026

The intense competition in artificial intelligence is causing a huge increase in capital spending, especially for chips, data centers, and AI models. Experts believe 2026 will be a key year for companies to integrate AI into their core business. Three companies expected to benefit greatly are NVIDIA, Marvell Technology, and Micron Technology. NVIDIA leads with its powerful GPUs and full-stack approach, showing strong revenue and earnings growth. Marvell Technology develops custom AI silicon and partners with major cloud providers. Micron Technology is gaining from high demand for its AI-driven memory and storage solutions like HBM3E.

Micron and Palantir Outpace NVIDIA in AI Stock Race

While NVIDIA is a strong player, two other AI stocks, Micron Technology and Palantir Technologies Inc., are currently outperforming it in 2025. Micron Technology is seeing huge demand for its high-bandwidth memory chips, reporting $13.64 billion in revenues for Q1 fiscal 2026. Its cloud memory business alone grew by 99.5%. Palantir Technologies is also thriving due to strong demand for its Artificial Intelligence Platform from both US commercial and government clients. Palantir's third-quarter revenues reached $1.18 billion, with its US commercial segment soaring by 121%. Both companies show strong financial performance and positive outlooks for future growth.

CoreWeave Shares Drop Due to AI Infrastructure Nerves

CoreWeave's stock fell about 2% after hours on Monday, December 29, 2025, closing at $74.92. This drop reflects investor concerns about the costs and execution of building AI data centers, especially during thin year-end trading. CoreWeave is a key indicator for investor confidence in AI infrastructure. The company previously lowered its 2025 revenue forecast due to a partner delay and recently offered $2 billion in convertible notes. Investors are now looking forward to the company's next earnings update in mid-February for the December quarter.

HIVE Stock Targets Growth in Bitcoin and AI Data Centers

HIVE Digital Technologies is strategically positioning itself for major growth by focusing on both Bitcoin mining and the expanding AI data center market. The company is leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise from Bitcoin mining to offer high-density computing solutions for AI workloads. This move into AI aims to provide more stable revenue and higher profits. While Bitcoin mining remains a core business, HIVE is actively upgrading its data centers to support the massive computing power needed for AI. Access to affordable, clean energy is crucial for HIVE's profitability in both sectors.

Micron Technology Earnings Spark New Life in AI Stocks

Micron Technology's stock rose 10% after the company exceeded its Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue and earnings predictions. As a major supplier of memory and storage for AI data centers, Micron's strong performance has renewed confidence in the AI stock market. Before these positive results, investors worried about high debt levels in other AI tech companies like CoreWeave. This good news from Micron helped to offset recent soft labor market data and inflation reports. The S&P 500 is currently on track for its third straight year of double-digit returns.

New Funding Boosts Industrial AI and Insurance Companies

Investors have poured $230 million into startups focused on industrial artificial intelligence and insurance technology. Kargo, a warehouse automation startup, uses AI and computer vision to inspect freight and streamline dock operations. Neurable received funding for its brain-signal processing platform, which provides cognitive performance insights through devices like its MW75 Neuro LT headset. In the insurance sector, Nirvana's AI platform uses driving data to improve underwriting and claims processing. Lucidean also secured funding for its AI computing infrastructure designed for data centers.

Corti AI Healthcare CEO Says IPO Not Happening in 2026

Corti, a Danish healthcare AI startup, plans to go public eventually but not in 2026, according to CEO Andreas Cleve. Cleve explained that the private market remains attractive for raising funds right now. Founded in 2016, Corti develops AI infrastructure for healthcare that processes text and audio data. The company currently supports 250,000 patient interactions daily in Europe and the US, including work with the NHS. Corti aims to use AI to automate paperwork, which would free up healthcare professionals and lower costs.

Wedbush Calls Nvidia a Must Own Stock with Big AI Growth

Nvidia Corp. has become a "must-own" stock, according to analysts at Wedbush Securities. The firm raised its price target for Nvidia to $1,100, suggesting a 35% increase from its current trading level. This positive outlook comes from the huge demand for AI-powered computing, which is expected to greatly boost Nvidia's revenue and earnings. Nvidia's data center business is growing rapidly due to generative AI technologies. Wedbush estimates the AI data center market could reach $1 trillion in the next ten years, with Nvidia capturing a large part of it.

AI Stocks Buzz With Nvidia Buyout Talks and Meta Deal

AI stocks saw significant activity today with news of potential acquisitions. Nvidia's shares remained mostly flat after reports suggested it is in advanced talks to buy Israel's AI21 Labs for up to $3 billion. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms' shares rose after it announced the acquisition of Manus, an AI startup from Singapore, for an estimated $2 billion to $3 billion. Meta plans to integrate Manus's "agentic AI" technology across its products. These developments occurred during a quiet holiday trading week, with investors also watching for Federal Reserve meeting minutes.

Sources

• AI Drug Firm Insilico Debuts in Hong Kong After $293 Million IPO
• AI Lifts Dealmakers’ Holiday Spending Near Record
• AI Arms Race Drives Capex Boom: 3 AI Stocks to Watch in 2026
• 2 AI Stocks Outpacing NVIDIA in 2025 With Bigger Gains Ahead
• CoreWeave stock slips after-hours as year-end trading thins and AI-infra nerves linger
• How HIVE Stock Can Win Big With Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centres
• Micron Technology Earnings Breathe New Life into the AI Trade
• Investors Pour $230 Million Into Industrial AI and Insurance
• Corti will go public but not in 2026, AI healthcare CEO tells CNBC
• Nvidia Becomes a 'Must Own' Stock as AI Boom Fuels 35% Upside Potential
• AI stocks today: Nvidia AI21 buyout talk hits tape as Meta climbs on Manus deal