The artificial intelligence sector continues to see significant investment and development across various companies. Nvidia, a key player in AI hardware, is making substantial investments, including a potential $100 billion commitment to OpenAI and a strategic investment in AI audio startup ElevenLabs, which is expanding into AI music generation. Meanwhile, Palantir is experiencing growth from government AI defense programs, though its high valuation is noted, contrasting with IBM's more stable approach to hybrid cloud and AI. Emerging from former Palantir engineers, Distyl AI has achieved a $1.8 billion valuation after raising $175 million in Series B funding, focusing on helping businesses operationalize their AI models. Celestica, a Canadian electronic manufacturing services provider, is outperforming both Nvidia and Palantir in stock performance, driven by demand for AI data centers and its services to tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple. Other companies are also leveraging AI for growth: Quo (formerly OpenPhone) raised $105 million for its AI-driven business phone solutions, and MindWalk Holdings Corp. (formerly ImmunoPrecise Antibodies) is rebranding to focus on AI-driven drug discovery, reporting a 45% revenue increase. In the cybersecurity space, CrowdStrike projects significant growth for its AI-powered Falcon platform. Micron Technology is also benefiting from AI tailwinds, with analysts raising its price target due to anticipated growth in High Bandwidth Memory. Investments in AI infrastructure are widespread, with Meta securing cloud deals with Google and investing in Scale AI, while Tesla sources chips from Samsung.
Key Takeaways
- Celestica's stock has significantly outperformed Nvidia and Palantir over one, three, and five-year periods, driven by demand for AI data centers.
- Distyl AI, founded by former Palantir engineers, has raised $175 million in Series B funding at a $1.8 billion valuation to help businesses operationalize AI.
- Nvidia is investing up to $100 billion in OpenAI and has also invested in AI audio startup ElevenLabs.
- Palantir and IBM are both benefiting from increased government spending on AI-driven defense programs.
- Celestica provides design, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions to major tech companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple.
- Quo (formerly OpenPhone) secured $105 million in financing for its AI-driven business phone solutions, aiming to help small businesses turn conversations into growth.
- MindWalk Holdings Corp. is rebranding to focus on AI-driven drug discovery and reported a 45% year-over-year revenue increase.
- CrowdStrike projects its AI-powered Falcon platform could reach $20 billion in annual recurring revenue by fiscal 2036.
- Micron Technology's price target has been raised to $180 due to strong AI tailwinds and anticipated growth in High Bandwidth Memory.
- Meta has invested in Scale AI and secured a significant cloud computing deal with Google.
Celestica stock outperforms Nvidia and Palantir
Celestica, a Canadian electronic manufacturing services provider, has significantly outperformed Nvidia and Palantir in stock performance over one, three, and five-year periods. The company's growth is driven by the high demand for AI data centers and its services. Celestica provides design, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions to major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple. Despite being based in Canada, its stock is easily accessible to U.S. investors on the New York Stock Exchange. The company's financial performance has been strong, with revenue and net income increasing significantly in the first half of 2025.
Celestica stock outperforms Nvidia and Palantir
Celestica, a Canadian electronic manufacturing services provider, has significantly outperformed Nvidia and Palantir in stock performance over one, three, and five-year periods. The company's growth is driven by the high demand for AI data centers and its services. Celestica provides design, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions to major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple. Despite being based in Canada, its stock is easily accessible to U.S. investors on the New York Stock Exchange. The company's financial performance has been strong, with revenue and net income increasing significantly in the first half of 2025.
Palantir vs. IBM: Which defense AI stock is a better long-term bet?
Both Palantir and IBM are benefiting from increased government spending on AI-driven defense programs. Palantir, a high-growth stock, has seen its value skyrocket over the past year, driven by its data analytics platforms for government and commercial clients. However, its high valuation may pose a risk. IBM, a more stable company, is focusing on its hybrid cloud and AI businesses, showing steady revenue and earnings growth. While Palantir offers rapid expansion, IBM presents a more reasonable valuation and a stable dividend, making it a potentially better long-term investment.
Ex-Palantir engineers' startup Distyl AI valued at $1.8 billion
Distyl AI, a startup founded by former Palantir engineers, has raised $15 million in Series A funding, valuing the company at $1.8 billion. The company focuses on helping businesses manage and deploy their own AI models, differentiating itself by emphasizing the 'operationalization' of AI. Distyl AI aims to automate complex tasks in AI deployment, allowing businesses to use AI more effectively. The funding will support team expansion, product development, and sales efforts. This valuation highlights investor confidence in Distyl AI's approach to AI operationalization.
Distyl AI raises $175M Series B at $1.8B valuation
Distyl AI, a startup focused on making companies AI-native, has secured $175 million in Series B funding at a $1.8 billion valuation. This marks a significant increase from its previous valuation. The company works with various sectors, including healthcare and finance, to help them operationalize AI at scale. Distyl AI reported substantial revenue growth in 2024 and projects even higher growth for 2025. The company was founded by former Palantir employees and aims to transform how enterprises work with AI.
3 AI infrastructure stocks to buy instead of Nvidia
For investors who missed out on Nvidia's stock surge, three alternative AI stocks offer exposure to the growing AI market. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP.UN) provides AI infrastructure exposure with a dividend yield, focusing on data centers and other essential services. WELL Health Technologies (WELL) uses AI in the healthcare sector for e-documents and telehealth, showing strong revenue growth and potential for expansion through mergers and acquisitions. Celestica (CLS) supports AI growth through hardware manufacturing, offering direct exposure to AI compute cycles, though it comes with higher valuation risks. This trio offers a balance of income, valuation, and growth potential in the AI space.
CrowdStrike AI cybersecurity stock could soar 325% by 2036
CrowdStrike's AI-powered Falcon platform offers an all-in-one cybersecurity solution that automates threat detection and response. The company projects its annual recurring revenue (ARR) could reach $20 billion by fiscal 2036, representing a 325% increase. This growth is driven by emerging themes like agentic AI, which creates new security challenges and opportunities. While CrowdStrike's valuation is high, its innovative approach and market potential suggest significant long-term upside for investors. The company's focus on protecting both human and digital identities is key to its future growth.
Nvidia invests in AI audio startup ElevenLabs
AI audio startup ElevenLabs has received strategic investment from chip giant Nvidia. ElevenLabs recently expanded into AI music generation with Eleven Music, differentiating itself through licensing agreements with music rights holders. Nvidia's investment, value undisclosed, follows a previous partnership between the two companies. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang praised ElevenLabs' technology for its artistry in text-to-speech generation. The investment supports ElevenLabs' expansion in the UK and US, utilizing Nvidia software and systems for its AI voice technology.
Wolfe raises Micron price target to $180 on AI tailwinds
Wolfe Research has reiterated its 'Outperform' rating on Micron Technology (MU) and raised its price target to $180 per share, citing strong AI tailwinds in the memory market. The firm anticipates significant growth in High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) content for Micron in 2027. Wolfe has increased its revenue and earnings per share estimates for Micron for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Despite recent stock gains, Wolfe remains constructive on Micron due to its increasing HBM content and resilient DRAM pricing, driven by server trends.
Companies invest billions in AI infrastructure
Companies are investing heavily in AI infrastructure, with Nvidia planning to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and supply it with data center chips. Other major deals include Nvidia's investment in Intel, Oracle's cloud computing talks with Meta and OpenAI, and CoreWeave's agreement with Nvidia. Meta has also secured a significant cloud computing deal with Google and invested in Scale AI. Tesla is sourcing chips from Samsung for its AI chips, and Intel received a capital injection from SoftBank. These investments highlight the rapid growth and demand for AI technology and its supporting infrastructure.
OpenPhone rebrands to Quo, secures $105 million for AI-driven solutions
OpenPhone, a business phone solution provider, has rebranded to Quo and secured $105 million in growth financing. The company aims to redefine the business phone category using AI to help small and growing businesses turn conversations into growth. Quo's new name signifies its commitment to reinventing the status quo in business communication. The company has seen significant customer growth, with over 30,000 new businesses signing on in six months. Quo's AI-powered features, like the Sona AI phone agent, help businesses manage customer interactions more effectively.
MindWalk Holdings Corp. rebrands, shows 45% revenue growth
MindWalk Holdings Corp., formerly ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, is rebranding to reflect its focus on AI-driven drug discovery. The company reported a 45% year-over-year increase in first-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue, reaching $7.6 million. MindWalk utilizes its LensAI platform and HYFT technology to accelerate therapeutic development for pharmaceutical and biotech partners. The company has strengthened its financial position through a strategic divestiture, allowing for a sharper focus on AI initiatives. MindWalk is advancing its dengue vaccine program and validating LensAI for predicting Anti-Drug-Antibody risk.
Sources
- This Top AI Stock Has Clobbered Nvidia Stock Over 1 Year, 3 Years, and 5 Years (It's Also Beaten Palantir in Every Period)
- This Top AI Stock Has Clobbered Nvidia Stock Over 1 Year, 3 Years, and 5 Years (It's Also Beaten Palantir in Every Period)
- Palantir vs. IBM: Which Defense AI Stock Is the Better Long-Term Bet? @themotleyfool #stocks $PLTR $IBM
- Startup Founded by Ex-Palantir Employees Raises at $1.8 Billion Valuation
- Distyl AI Raises $175M Series B At $1.8B Valuation, Up 9x From Last Funding
- Missed Nvidia? 3 Picks-and-Shovels AI Stocks I’d Buy Instead
- 1 Unstoppable Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock That Could Soar 325% by 2036 @themotleyfool #stocks $CRWD
- AI audio startup ElevenLabs – a rival to Suno – just secured strategic investment from the world’s most-valuable company, NVIDIA
- Wolfe Raises Micron (MU) Price Target to $180, Citing AI Memory Tailwinds
- Companies pouring billions to advance AI infrastructure
- OpenPhone Becomes Quo: New Name, Updated Products and $105 Million in Growth Financing Mark Major Inflection Point for AI-Driven Front Office Solution
- MindWalk Holdings Corp. (HYFT) Surges with 45% Revenue Growth and Strategic AI-Focused Rebrand