GE Vernova Inc., an energy company, engages in the provision of various products and services that generate, transfer, orchestrate, convert, and store electricity in the United States, Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through three segments: Power, Wind, and Electrification. The Power segment designs, manufactures, and services gas, nuclear, hydro, and steam technologies. The Wind segment offers wind generation technologies, including onshore and offshore wind turbines and blades. The Electrification segment provides grid solutions, power conversion, solar, and storage solutions; and electrification software for the transmission, distribution, conversion, storage, and orchestration of electricity from point of generation to point of consumption. The company was incorporated in 2023 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

GE Vernova Inc.

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – December 15, 2025 – Today, Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights GE Vernova GEV, Constellation Energy CEG, Nvidia NVDA, NextEra Energy NEE and Meta META.
2 AI Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy bNow Before They Soar Like GEV
GE Vernova stock soared to an all-time high earlier this week after it wowed Wall Street again with updated artificial intelligence-boosted guidance and beyond, including doubling its dividend and boosting buybacks.
Long-term investors should consider buying GEV stock right now at its records since playing the stock market timing game is exceedingly difficult. GE Vernova’s big breakout should also have investors looking to buy other best-in-class AI energy stocks before they soar to new highs.
The two top AI energy stocks we dive into are Constellation Energy and NextEra Energy.
GEV’s Breakout: Why Investors Must Buy AI Energy Stocks
GEV has skyrocketed ~400% since its April 2024 IPO, crushing Nvidia’s 100% and nearly all the S&P 500 in the process as Wall Street clamors to buy the companies powering the AI age.
The natural gas turbine giant and small modular nuclear reactor standout finally broke out of a trading range it’s been stuck in since early August after its latest bullish investor update.
The GE spinoff’s massive growth runway is fueled by AI’s unquenchable thirst for power. It said its “electrification backlog will double in the next 3 years” as AI hyperscalers and the U.S. government race to support the AI boom that’s projected to increase U.S. electricity demand by 75% to 100% by 2050.
AI is driving the electricity boom because generative AI like Chat GPT use 10x the energy of an average Google search, with large data centers consuming as much electricity as a midsize city.
The biggest companies in the world are all-in on AI, with AI hyperscalers Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta set to spend ~$400 billion on capital expenditures in 2025 alone—up over 300% against 2018 levels.
Globally, companies are set to spend $7 trillion in capex for data center infrastructure by 2030. This backdrop is why the U.S. government is aiming to quadruple nuclear energy capacity and help spark an all-of-the-above energy boom.
Without more power and a robust grid, electricity prices will soar more than they already have, and AI innovation will falter.
The need to expand the U.S. power base and the grid is the most critical challenge that AI hyperscalers, the government, and Wall Street are racing to solve.
No one can be certain which AI hyperscalers will eventually dominate or which artificial intelligence upstarts will start churning out massive profits.
Wall Street is growing increasingly confident that the AI boom will be powered by next-generation energy companies across various industries.
Buy Nuclear Energy Giant CEG Now and Hold for AI Growth?
Constellation Energy has established itself as one of the undisputed heavyweight champions of the AI energy era. CEG is the pioneering force behind the growing relationship between AI companies and nuclear power via its groundbreaking 20-year power deals with Microsoft and Meta.
The AI hyperscalers and the U.S. Department of Energy are helping CEG restart nuclear reactors that were shuttered for economic reasons and pursue its SMR growth plans.
CEG, already the largest U.S. nuclear power plant operator, is about to get dramatically bigger and broader with its $27 billion acquisition of natural gas and geothermal powerhouse Calpine. The deal, which cleared the final DOJ regulatory hurdle on December 5, will also help Constellation expand into tech-heavy Texas and California.
Constellation raised its dividend by 10% in 2025 and 25% in 2024 as part of a plan to consistently boost its payout. The nuclear energy powerhouse is expected to grow its adjusted EPS by ~8% in 2025 and ~22% in 2026. CEG’s near-term trajectory is part of “visible, double-digit long-term base EPS growth backed by the Nuclear Production Tax Credit.”
CEG shares have soared 615% since their debut in early 2022, matching AI powerhouse Nvidia and blowing away the rest of the Mag 7 tech stocks. The stock briefly broke out to new highs in October before sliding down and finding support near its previous 2025 peaks.
The nuclear energy giant trades around 8% below its highs after Constellation jumped above its 50-day on Thursday. Now might be the time to buy CEG before it possibly breaks out to new all-time highs heading into 2026.
NEE is the Next Great AI Energy Stock on the Verge of a Breakout
NextEra Energy is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in the U.S., with a growing portfolio across solar, battery storage, nuclear energy, and beyond. NEE crushed the S&P 500 over the past 25 years (810% vs. 460%), and outpaced the benchmark in the last 15 years.
The renewable energy and Florida-based utility powerhouse outperformed during these long-term horizons, even though it is up just 10% in the past five years while the S&P 500 soared 95%.
Yet, it could finally be ready to break out in 2026 after the Fed lowered interest rates again, making its dividend yield more attractive. It trades around 15% below its highs, which it has been rejected near several times since 2021, including recently. Thankfully, it found support at its long-term 21-week moving average.
More importantly, its AI energy credentials are growing. NEE said earlier this month that it expects to add 15 gigawatts of new power generation for data centers by 2035 (and upwards of 30 GWs) via deals with Google, Meta, Exxon Mobil, and beyond.
NEE’s NextEra Energy Resources division is one of the biggest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in the world, and its Florida Power & Light segment is one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S.
All in, NEE is one of the largest producers of wind and solar energy, a battery storage leader, and a nuclear energy company. Plus, FPL “continues to operate and invest in the nation's largest gas-fired fleet.”
The energy giant is projected to grow its revenue by 13% this year and 14% next year, helping boost its adjusted earnings by 7% and 8%, respectively, following a 10% average expansion in the past five years. NextEra’s near-term EPS outlook is part of a longer-term growth trend.
NEE’s dividend yield sits at 2.8% and it is one of roughly 70 S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats (meaning it’s paid and raised dividends for at least 25 straight years).
It’s time for investors to consider buying NextEra as a potential best-in-class AI energy stock that boasts strong earnings and revenue growth, dividends, and breakout potential.
Free: Instant Access to Zacks' Market-Crushing Strategies
Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.
Today you can tap into those powerful strategies – and the high-potential stocks they uncover – free. No strings attached.
Get all the details here >>
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
https://www.zacks.com
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
5 Stocks Set to Double
Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include
Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience
Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip
Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market
Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth
Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring
Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%.
Download Atomic Opportunity: Nuclear Energy's Comeback free today.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Zacks Investment Ideas feature highlights: GE Vernova, Constellation Energy, Nvidia, NextEra and Meta

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Friday closed down by -1.07%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down by -0.51%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down by -1.91%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) fell -1.07%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) fell -1.94%.
Stock indexes sold off sharply on Friday, with the S&P 500 posting a 1.5-week low, the Nasdaq 100 a 2-week low, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average retreating from a new all-time high. Friday’s slump in technology shares weighed on the broader market.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Broadcom plunged more than -11% to lead chip makers and tech stocks lower Friday after its sales outlook fell short of lofty expectations and the company failed to provide an AI revenue forecast for 2026. This week’s disappointing outlooks from Oracle and Broadcom have also prompted some investors to rotate out of the tech sector amid lofty valuations and uncertainty over whether vast spending on AI infrastructure will ultimately pay off. However, investor rotation out of tech stocks into industrial stocks is providing support to the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Hawkish Fed comments on Friday pushed T-note yields higher and undercut stocks. The 10-year T-note yield rose about +3 bp after Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, who voted against a Fed rate cut on Wednesday, said, "Given that inflation has been above our target for 4.5 years, further progress on it has been stalled for several months, and almost all the business people and consumers we have spoken to identify prices as a main concern, I felt the more prudent course would have been to wait for more information." Also, Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid said he dissented against the FOMC's decision to cut interest rates on Wednesday and prefers to keep policy "modestly restrictive" because inflation remains too high and the economy continues to show momentum.
In addition, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said, "I would prefer for the Fed to be on a slightly more restrictive stance to help continue to put pressure" on the inflation side of its mandate.
On the dovish side, Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson said, "On net, I am still a little more concerned about labor market weakness than about upside risks to inflation."
The markets are discounting a 24% chance that the FOMC will cut the fed funds target range by 25 bp at the next FOMC meeting on January 27-28.
Q3 corporate earnings season is virtually over as 497 of the 500 S&P companies have released results. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, 83% of reporting S&P 500 companies exceeded forecasts, on course for the best quarter since 2021. Q3 earnings rose +14.6%, more than doubling expectations of +7.2% y/y.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Friday. The Euro Stoxx 50 fell from a 4-week high and closed down -0.58%. China’s Shanghai Composite recovered from a 2.5-week low and closed up +0.41%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 rallied to a 4-week high and closed up +1.37%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) on Friday closed down by -9 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +3.5 bp to 4.192%. Hawkish Fed comments on Friday weighed on T-note prices. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said that, given higher inflation, the more prudent course would have been for the Fed to wait for more information before cutting rates. Also, Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said they prefer to keep policy "modestly restrictive" because inflation remains too high and the economy continues to show momentum. T-note prices had underlying support from safe-haven demand amid Friday’s stock weakness.
T-notes are also under pressure due to steepening trades, where bond investors buy short-term government debt and sell long -term debt. The yield curve has steepened since Wednesday’s FOMC meeting, when the Fed said it would begin purchasing up to $40 billion of short-term T-bills a month, starting today, to boost liquidity in the financial system. Longer-term Treasury securities are also under pressure from concerns about inflation and the Fed’s independence.
European government bond yields moved higher on Friday. The 10-year German bund yield rose +1.4 bp to 2.857%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose +3.3 bp to 4.517%.
UK Oct manufacturing production rose +0.5% m/m, weaker than expectations of +1.1% m/m.
Swaps are discounting a 0% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on December 18.
US Stock Movers
Broadcom (AVGO) sank more than -11% to lead chip stocks lower after its sales outlook fell short of lofty expectations and the company failed to provide an AI revenue forecast for 2026. Also, Micron Technology (MU) closed down by more than -6%, and Marvell Technology (MRVL) and Lam Research (LRCX) closed down by more than -5%. In addition, KLA Corp (KLAC), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Applied Materials (AMAT) closed down more than -4%. Finally, Intel (INTC), Nvidia (NVDA), ASML Holding NV (ASML), GlobalFoundries (GFS), and ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) closed down more than -3%.
AI-linked power stocks retreated on Friday after Broadcom’s sales outlook failed to impress. Vertiv Holdings (VRT) closed down more than -9%, and Amphenol (APH) and Constellation Energy (CEG) closed down more than -7%. Also, Eaton Corp Plc (ETN) closed down by more than -5%, and GE Vernova (GEV) closed down by more than -4%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks were under pressure Friday as Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) fell more than -3%. Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) closed down more than -10%, and Strategy (MSTR) closed down more than +3%. Also, Riot Platforms (RIOT) and MARA Holdings (MARA) closed down more than -2%, and Coinbase Global (COIN) closed down -0.58%.
Sandisk (SNDK) closed down more than -14% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after GF Securities downgraded the stock to hold from buy.
Netskope (NTSK) closed down more than -11% after reporting a Q3 adjusted net loss of -10 cents per share and forecasting a full-year adjusted net loss of -51 cents to -53 cents.
Ciena Corp (CIEN) closed down more than -9% after Northland Securities downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform.
Roblox (RBLX) closed down more than -6% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to neutral from overweight.
Veeva Systems (VEEV) closed down more than -2% after KeyBanc Capital Markets downgraded the stock to sector weight from overweight.
Lululemon Athletica (LULU) closed up more than +9% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q3 EPS of $2.59, stronger than the consensus of $2.22, and raising its 2026 EPS forecast to $12.92-$13.02 from a previous forecast of $12.77-$12.97, above the consensus of $12.89.
Quanex Building Products (NX) closed up more than +9% after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of 83 cents, well above the consensus of 52 cents.
General Electric (GE) closed up more than +3% after Citigroup initiated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of buy and a price target of $386.
Linde Plc (LIN) closed up more than +3% after Citigroup said the stock is a new top pick with a buy recommendation and a price target of $520.
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) closed up more than +2% after Guggenheim Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $62.
Allegiant Travel (ALGT) closed up more than +1% after Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $105.
Earnings Reports(12/15/2025)
Dakota Gold Corp (DC), Lifezone Metals Ltd (LZM), Lionsgate Studios Corp (LION), Triller Group Inc (ILLR).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Sink as Chip Stocks Retreat and Bond Yields Climb

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down by -0.86%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down by -0.39%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down by -1.85%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) are down -0.85%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) are down -1.87%.
Stock indexes are falling today, with the Dow Jones Industrials retreating from a new all-time high and the Nasdaq 100 dropping to a 1.5-week low. Today’s retreat in technology shares is weighing down the broader market.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Broadcom is down more than -10% to lead chip makers and tech stocks lower today after its sales outlook fell short of lofty expectations and the company failed to provide an AI revenue forecast for 2026. This week’s disappointing outlooks from Oracle and Broadcom have also prompted some investors to rotate out of the tech sector amid lofty valuations and uncertainty over whether vast spending on AI infrastructure will ultimately pay off. However, investor rotation out of tech stocks into industrial stocks is providing support to the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Hawkish Fed comments today have pushed T-note yields higher and are weighing on stocks. The 10-year T-note yield up about +2 bp after Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, who voted against a Fed rate cut on Wednesday, said, "Given that inflation has been above our target for 4.5 years, further progress on it has been stalled for several months, and almost all the business people and consumers we have spoken to identify prices as a main concern, I felt the more prudent course would have been to wait for more information." Also, Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid said he dissented against the FOMC's decision to cut interest rates on Wednesday and prefers to keep policy "modestly restrictive" because inflation remains too high and the economy continues to show momentum.
In addition, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said, "I would prefer for the Fed to be on a slightly more restrictive stance to help continue to put pressure" on the inflation side of its mandate.
On the dovish side, Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson said, "On net, I am still a little more concerned about labor market weakness than about upside risks to inflation."
The markets are discounting a 24% chance that the FOMC will cut the fed funds target range by 25 bp at the next FOMC meeting on January 27-28.
Q3 corporate earnings season is virtually over as 496 of the 500 S&P companies have released results. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, 83% of reporting S&P 500 companies exceeded forecasts, on course for the best quarter since 2021. Q3 earnings rose +14.6%, more than doubling expectations of +7.2% y/y.
Overseas stock markets are higher today. The Euro Stoxx 50 rose to a 4-week high and is up +0.05%. China’s Shanghai Composite recovered from a 2.5-week low and closed up +0.41%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 rallied to a 4-week high and closed up +1.37%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are down by -7 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +2.4 bp to 4.180%. Hawkish Fed comments today are weighing on T-note prices. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said that, given higher inflation, the more prudent course would have been for the Fed to wait for more information before cutting rates. Also, Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said they prefer to keep policy "modestly restrictive" because inflation remains too high and the economy continues to show momentum. T-note prices have underlying support from safe-haven demand with today’s weakness in stocks.
T-notes are under pressure due to steepening trades, where bond investors buy short-term government debt and sell long -term debt. The yield curve has steepened since Wednesday’s FOMC meeting, when the Fed said it would begin purchasing up to $40 billion of short-term T-bills a month, starting today, to boost liquidity in the financial system. Longer-term Treasury securities are under pressure from concerns about inflation and the Fed’s independence.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +2.1 bp to 2.864%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +3.4 bp to 4.518%.
UK Oct manufacturing production rose +0.5% m/m, weaker than expectations of +1.1% m/m.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on December 18.
US Stock Movers
Broadcom (AVGO) is down more than -10% to lead chip stocks lower after its sales outlook fell short of lofty expectations and the company failed to provide an AI revenue forecast for 2026. Also, Micron Technology (MU) is down more than -5%, and Lam Research (LRCX) is down more than -4%. In addition, KLA Corp (KLAC), Marvell Technology (MRVL), and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are down more than-3%. Finally, ASML Holding NV (ASML), GlobalFoundries (GFS), ARM Holdings Plc (ARM), and Applied Materials (AMAT) are down more than -2%.
AI-linked power stocks are under pressure today after Broadcom’s sales outlook failed to impress. Vertiv Holdings (VRT) is down more than -6%, and GE Vernova (GEV) and Amphenol (APH) are down more than -4%. Also, Eaton Corp Plc (ETN) is down by more than -3%, and Constellation Energy (CEG) is down more than -2%.
Sandisk (SNDK) is down more than -11% after GF Securities downgraded the stock to hold from buy.
Netskope (NTSK) is down more than -11% after reporting a Q3 adjusted net loss of -10 cents per share and forecasting a full-year adjusted net loss of -51 cents to -53 cents.
Ciena Corp (CIEN) is down more than -8% after Northland Securities downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform.
Roblox (RBLX) is down more than -3% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to neutral from overweight.
Veeva Systems (VEEV) is down more than -2% after KeyBanc Capital Markets downgraded the stock to sector weight from overweight.
Quanex Building Products (NX) is up more than +16% after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of 83 cents, well above the consensus of 52 cents.
Lululemon Athletica (LULU) is up more than +8% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q3 EPS of $2.59, stronger than the consensus of $2.22, and raising its 2026 EPS forecast to $12.92-$13.02 from a previous forecast of $12.77-$12.97, above the consensus of $12.89.
General Electric (GE) is up more than +4% after Citigroup initiated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of buy and a price target of $386.
Phathom Pharmaceuticals (PHAT) is up more than +3% after Raymond James initiated coverage on the stock with a strong buy recommendation and a price target of $28.
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) is up more than +2% after Guggenheim Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $62.
Linde Plc (LIN) is up more than +2% after Citigroup said the stock is a new top pick with a buy recommendation and a price target of $520.
Earnings Reports(12/12/2025)
Johnson Outdoors Inc (JOUT), SR Bancorp Inc (SRBK), Value Line Inc (VALU).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Tumble on Tech Stock Weakness and Higher Bond Yields

GE Vernova GEV stock soared to an all-time high earlier this week after it wowed Wall Street again with updated artificial intelligence-boosted guidance and beyond, including doubling its dividend and boosting buybacks.
Long-term investors should consider buying GEV stock right now at its records since playing the stock market timing game is exceedingly difficult. GE Vernova’s big breakout should also have investors looking to buy other best-in-class AI energy stocks before they soar to new highs.
The two top AI energy stocks we dive into are Constellation Energy and NextEra Energy.
GEV’s Breakout: Why Investors Must Buy AI Energy Stocks
GEV has skyrocketed ~400% since its April 2024 IPO, crushing Nvidia’s 100% and nearly all the S&P 500 in the process as Wall Street clamors to buy the companies powering the AI age.
The natural gas turbine giant and small modular nuclear reactor standout finally broke out of a trading range it’s been stuck in since early August after its latest bullish investor update.
The GE spinoff’s massive growth runway is fueled by AI’s unquenchable thirst for power. It said its “electrification backlog will double in the next 3 years” as AI hyperscalers and the U.S. government race to support the AI boom that’s projected to increase U.S. electricity demand by 75% to 100% by 2050.
AI is driving the electricity boom because generative AI like Chat GPT use 10x the energy of an average Google search, with large data centers consuming as much electricity as a midsize city.
The biggest companies in the world are all-in on AI, with AI hyperscalers Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta set to spend ~$400 billion on capital expenditures in 2025 alone—up over 300% against 2018 levels.
Globally, companies are set to spend $7 trillion in capex for data center infrastructure by 2030. This backdrop is why the U.S. government is aiming to quadruple nuclear energy capacity and help spark an all-of-the-above energy boom.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Without more power and a robust grid, electricity prices will soar more than they already have, and AI innovation will falter.
The need to expand the U.S. power base and the grid is the most critical challenge that AI hyperscalers, the government, and Wall Street are racing to solve.
No one can be certain which AI hyperscalers will eventually dominate or which artificial intelligence upstarts will start churning out massive profits.
Wall Street is growing increasingly confident that the AI boom will be powered by next-generation energy companies across various industries.
Buy Nuclear Energy Giant CEG Now and Hold for AI Growth?
Constellation Energy CEG has established itself as one of the undisputed heavyweight champions of the AI energy era. CEG is the pioneering force behind the growing relationship between AI companies and nuclear power via its groundbreaking 20-year power deals with Microsoft and Meta.
The AI hyperscalers and the U.S. Department of Energy are helping CEG restart nuclear reactors that were shuttered for economic reasons and pursue its SMR growth plans.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CEG, already the largest U.S. nuclear power plant operator, is about to get dramatically bigger and broader with its $27 billion acquisition of natural gas and geothermal powerhouse Calpine. The deal, which cleared the final DOJ regulatory hurdle on December 5, will also help Constellation expand into tech-heavy Texas and California.
Constellation raised its dividend by 10% in 2025 and 25% in 2024 as part of a plan to consistently boost its payout. The nuclear energy powerhouse is expected to grow its adjusted EPS by ~8% in 2025 and ~22% in 2026. CEG’s near-term trajectory is part of “visible, double-digit long-term base EPS growth backed by the Nuclear Production Tax Credit.”
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CEG shares have soared 615% since their debut in early 2022, matching AI powerhouse Nvidia NVDA and blowing away the rest of the Mag 7 tech stocks. The stock briefly broke out to new highs in October before sliding down and finding support near its previous 2025 peaks.
The nuclear energy giant trades around 8% below its highs after Constellation jumped above its 50-day on Thursday. Now might be the time to buy CEG before it possibly breaks out to new all-time highs heading into 2026.
NEE is the Next Great AI Energy Stock on the Verge of a Breakout
NextEra Energy NEE is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in the U.S., with a growing portfolio across solar, battery storage, nuclear energy, and beyond. NEE crushed the S&P 500 over the past 25 years (810% vs. 460%), and outpaced the benchmark in the last 15 years.
The renewable energy and Florida-based utility powerhouse outperformed during these long-term horizons, even though it is up just 10% in the past five years while the S&P 500 soared 95%.
Yet, it could finally be ready to break out in 2026 after the Fed lowered interest rates again, making its dividend yield more attractive. It trades around 15% below its highs, which it was rejected near several times since 2021, including recently. Thankfully, it found support at its long-term 21-week moving average.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
More importantly, its AI energy credentials are growing. NEE said earlier this month that it expects to add 15 gigawatts of new power generation for data centers by 2035 (and upwards of 30 GWs) via deals with Google, Meta META, Exxon Mobil, and beyond.
NEE’s NextEra Energy Resources division is one of the biggest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in the world, and its Florida Power & Light segment is one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S.
All in, NEE is one of the largest producers of wind and solar energy, a battery storage leader, and a nuclear energy company. Plus, FPL “continues to operate and invest in the nation's largest gas-fired fleet.”
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The energy giant is projected to grow its revenue by 13% this year and 14% next year, helping boost its adjusted earnings by 7% and 8%, respectively, following a 10% average expansion in the past five years. NextEra’s near-term EPS outlook is part of a longer-term growth trend.
NEE’s dividend yield sits at 2.8% and it is one of roughly 70 S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats (meaning it’s paid and raised dividends for at least 25 straight years).
It’s time for investors to consider buying NextEra as a potential best-in-class AI energy stock that boasts strong earnings and revenue growth, dividends, and breakout potential.
Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double"
Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

2 AI Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Now Before they Soar like GEV

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Wednesday closed up by +0.67%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up by +1.05%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up by +0.42%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) rose +0.66%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) rose +0.44%.
Stock indexes shook off early weakness on Wednesday and settled higher, with the S&P 500 posting a 6-week high, the Nasdaq 100 a 5-week high, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average a 3.5-week high. Stocks rallied on Wednesday after the Fed cut interest rates by 25 bp and Fed Chair Powell took a less hawkish tone than anticipated. Stocks also found support after the Fed raised its US 2025 GDP forecast and lowered its core PCE price forecast. In addition, the Fed boosted market liquidity by saying it will purchase $40 billion of T-bills per month to rebuild reserves.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks found some support today amid signs of easing wage pressures, which are dovish for Fed policy, after the US Q3 employment cost index rose by +0.8% q/q, slightly weaker than the +0.9% q/q expected.
US MBA mortgage applications rose +4.8% in the week ended December 5, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -2.4% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +14.3%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose +1 bp to 6.33% from 6.32% in the prior week.
The FOMC, as expected, cut the fed funds target range by 25 bp to 3.50%-3.75% in a 9-3 vote and said it will consider "the extent and timing of additional adjustments" to interest rates. The FOMC noted that "job gains have slowed this year" and "downside risks to employment rose in recent months." Also, "inflation has moved up since earlier in the year and remains somewhat elevated."
The Fed's "dot plot" of interest rate projections shows the median forecast for the fed funds rate is 3.375% for the end of 2026, implying one 25 bp rate cut next year, unchanged from September.
The FOMC raised its 2025 GDP estimate to 1.7% from 1.6% in September and raised its 2026 GDP estimate to 2.3% from 1.8% in September. The FOMC cut its 2025 core PCE price estimate to 3.0% from 3.1% in September and cut its 2026 core PCE price estimate to 2.5% from 2.6% in September.
The Fed said it will begin buying $40 billion of Treasury bills per month starting December 12 to rebuild reserves in the financial system, which shrank as it tightened its balance sheet.
Fed Chair Powell signaled the Fed may now pause its interest rate cutting campaign when he said the Fed is now "within a range of plausible estimates of neutral and leave us well positioned to determine the extent and timing of additional adjustments" to rates. He added that he doesn't think a rate hike is anybody's base case for the Fed's next policy move.
The markets this week will focus on Thursday’s weekly initial unemployment claims, expected to increase by +29,000 to 220,000.
The markets are discounting a 22% chance that the FOMC will cut the fed funds target range by 25 bp at the January 27-28 FOMC meeting.
Q3 corporate earnings season is drawing to a close as 495 of the 500 S&P companies have released results. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, 83% of reporting S&P 500 companies exceeded forecasts, on course for the best quarter since 2021. Q3 earnings rose +14.6%, more than doubling expectations of +7.2% y/y.
Overseas stock markets settled lower on Wednesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down -0.18%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed down -0.23%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 fell from a 3.5-week high and closed down -0.10%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) on Wednesday closed up +4 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -4.1 bp to 4.147%. Mar T-note futures rebounded from a 3-month low on Wednesday and moved higher, and the 10-year T-note yield fell from a 3-month high of 4.207%. T-notes found support after the US Q3 employment index rose less than expected, a dovish factor for Fed policy. T-notes added to their gains after the FOMC cut its 2025 and 2026 US core PCE price estimates and after Fed Chair Powell said that he doesn't think a rate hike is anybody's base case for the Fed's next policy move.
T-notes were initially under pressure early Wednesday amid concerns that a divided FOMC will signal a hawkish rate cut of -25 bp, but then signal policy will remain on hold for an extended period. T-notes also saw some negative carryover from hawkish ECB comments on Wednesday, which pushed the German 10-year bund yield to an 8.75-month high.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield climbed to an 8.75-month high of 2.895% and finished up by +0.1 bp to 2.851%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose to a 2.5-week high of 4.554% and is up by +0.1 bp to 4.506%.
ECB President Lagarde said the ECB will likely raise its economic growth forecasts at next week's policy meeting, reflecting a more optimistic outlook.
ECB Governing Council member Simkus said, "We have an inflation rate that is more or less close to the 2% target in the medium term, which suggests no need for a change in interest rates, not only at the next ECB meeting in December but also in further meetings."
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on December 18.
US Stock Movers
Chip makers rallied on Wednesday, helping lift the broader market. Micron Technology (MU) and Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed up more than +4%, and Applied Materials (AMAT) and Qualcomm (QCOM) closed up more than +3%. Also, Analog Devices (ADI), Broadcom (AVGO), GlobalFoundries (GFS), Lam Research (LRCX), Microchip Technology (MCHP), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), KLA Corp (KLAC), and Texas Instruments (TXN) closed up more than +1%.
Mobile grocery delivery service companies retreated on Wednesday after Amazon.com said it has expanded same-day delivery for perishable groceries to over 2,300 cities and towns, with more coming next year. Maplebear (CART) closed down more than -6% and Uber Technologies (UBER) closed down more than -5% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, DoorDash (DASH) closed down more than -4%.
Photronics (PLAB) closed up more than +45% after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of 60 cents, well above the consensus of 45 cents, and forecasting Q1 adjusted EPS of 51 cents to 59 cents, better than the consensus of 46 cents.
GE Vernova (GEV) closed up more than +15% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after boosting its stock buyback program to $10 billion and doubling its quarterly dividend to 50 cents.
EchoStar (SATS) closed up more than +10% after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight with a price target of $110.
Middleby Corp. (MIDD) closed up more than +9% after Jeffries upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $175.
American International Group (AIG) closed up more than +6% after Insurance Inside reported that Chubb made an informal takeover offer for the company.
PepsiCo (PEP) closed up more than +3% after JPMorgan Chase upgraded the stock to overweight from neutral with a price target of $164.
Waters Corp. (WAT) closed up more than +2% after Wolfe Research upgraded the stock to outperform from peer perform with a price target of $480.
AeroVironment (AVAV) closed down -13% after cutting its 2026 adjusted EPS forecast to $3.40-$3.55 from a previous forecast of $3.60-$3.70, below the consensus of $3.63.
Netflix (NFLX) closed down more than -4% after Paramount said in a letter to Warner Bros. Discovery holders that its offer of $30 per share is superior to Netflix’s offer.
GameStop (GME) closed down more than -4% after reporting Q3 net sales fell -4.6% y/y to $821.0 million.
Noble Corp Plc (NE) closed down more than -2% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to neutral from overweight.
T Rowe Price Group (TROW) closed down more than 1% after reporting that assets under management in Nov fell -0.2% m/m to $1.79 trillion.
Earnings Reports(12/11/2025)
Broadcom Inc (AVGO), Ciena Corp (CIEN), Costco Wholesale Corp (COST), Lululemon Athletica Inc (LULU), RH (RH).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Rally as Fed Cuts Interest Rates and Boosts Liquidity

Key Points
Wednesday brought gains for major stock benchmarks.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates but signaled a slowing in expected future reductions.
Earnings caused several stocks to make big moves.
Wednesday finally broke the logjam that the stock market had been in earlier in the week, as the Federal Reserve's two-day meeting on interest rates finally ended. Fed Chair Jerome Powell announced a quarter-percentage-point cut in the Federal Funds rate to a new range of 3.5% to 3.75%. However, the Federal Open Market Committee decision suggested that the central bank would make just a single rate cut in 2026, which is somewhat more hawkish than many economists had expected. Nevertheless, the news resulted in gains for major benchmarks, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) leading the way and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) and S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) following suit.
Index
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »
Daily Percentage Change
Daily Point Change
Dow
+1.05%
+497
S&P 500
+0.67%
+46
Nasdaq
+0.33%
+78
The peak of earnings season was well over a month ago, but a few companies are still reporting their latest results. Many of those companies were among the stocks making the biggest moves today. Let's take a closer look.
Top Stock Gainers Today
PLAB: +45%
Photronics (NASDAQ: PLAB) was the top stock market gainer on Wednesday after the semiconductor circuit-design technology leader reported fiscal fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results. At first glance, the numbers didn't seem to be much cause for celebration, as revenue fell 2% year over year in fiscal 2025 and adjusted earnings of $2.01 per share were also down slightly from 2024's figures. However, most investors had expected a much worse showing from the tech company, and CEO George Macricostas said that strength in its core U.S. business and encouraging signs from its expansion into South Korea could play a big role in making fiscal 2026 better yet.
GEV: +16%
Natural gas turbine specialist GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) was also a big winner on Wednesday. The company held an investor event late Tuesday at which it dramatically boosted its sales and free cash flow estimates for 2028. GE Vernova is counting on rising demand for electrical power from new data centers for artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities to drive hyperscalers, utilities, and other businesses to purchase more gas turbines. And with the company now expecting its backlog to rise from $135 billion today to $200 billion three years from now, it's clear that GE Vernova expects the AI boom to continue indefinitely into the future.
Top Stock Losers Today
AVAV: -13%
AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) was one of the top stock losers on the day, having disappointed investors with its fiscal second-quarter financial results late Tuesday and seen substantial declines in after-hours trading. The drone maker did manage to report greater revenue growth than most investors had anticipated. However, adjusted earnings per share were down more than 6% year over year to $0.44, missing the consensus forecast among investors for $0.79 per share. AeroVironment also cut its projected full-year fiscal 2026 earnings forecast by $0.15 to $0.20 per share, setting a new yearly range of $3.40 to $3.50 per share.
DNLI: -11%
Finally, Denali Therapeutics (NASDAQ: DNLI) finished Wednesday down 11%. After having seen shares climb sharply in November and early December, the biopharmaceutical company chose to raise capital through a secondary offering of stock and warrants. Denali announced the pricing of that offering this morning, collecting $17.50 per share. That should add $200 million in gross proceeds to Denali's war chest for future research and development expenses, but it represented much weaker pricing than the $19.66 closing price for the stock Tuesday afternoon. Investors will need to hope that the company's pipeline of candidate treatments yields good results in the future.
Should you invest $1,000 in Photronics right now?
Before you buy stock in Photronics, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Photronics wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $521,550!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,133,904!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 981% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 194% for the S&P 500. Don’t miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor.
*Stock Advisor returns as of December 8, 2025
Dan Caplinger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AeroVironment. The Motley Fool recommends Ge Vernova. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Biggest Stock Movers Today, Dec. 10: PLAB, AVAV, & More

Looking at the sectors faring best as of midday Wednesday, shares of Consumer Products companies are outperforming other sectors, up 0.9%. Within that group, LKQ Corp (Symbol: LKQ) and PepsiCo Inc (Symbol: PEP) are two large stocks leading the way, showing a gain of 5.1% and 3.3%, respectively. Among consumer products ETFs, one ETF following the sector is the iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (Symbol: IYK), which is up 0.5% on the day, and up 3.92% year-to-date. LKQ Corp, meanwhile, is down 16.20% year-to-date, and PepsiCo Inc is up 1.92% year-to-date. PEP makes up approximately 8.8% of the underlying holdings of IYK.
The next best performing sector is the Industrial sector, higher by 0.8%. Among large Industrial stocks, GE Vernova Inc (Symbol: GEV) and Axon Enterprise Inc (Symbol: AXON) are the most notable, showing a gain of 14.6% and 3.4%, respectively. One ETF closely tracking Industrial stocks is the Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI), which is up 0.8% in midday trading, and up 18.40% on a year-to-date basis. GE Vernova Inc, meanwhile, is up 118.09% year-to-date, and Axon Enterprise Inc, is down 4.92% year-to-date. Combined, GEV and AXON make up approximately 5.2% of the underlying holdings of XLI.
Comparing these stocks and ETFs on a trailing twelve month basis, below is a relative stock price performance chart, with each of the symbols shown in a different color as labeled in the legend at the bottom:
Here's a snapshot of how the S&P 500 components within the various sectors are faring in afternoon trading on Wednesday. As you can see, seven sectors are up on the day, while two sectors are down.
Technology & Communications
+0.1%
Also see:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Wednesday Sector Leaders: Consumer Products, Industrial

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down up +0.34%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.67%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down by -0.01%.
In a divided vote, the Federal Reserve approved a third 25-basis-point interest rate reduction this year, setting the benchmark to a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The decision faced opposition from both hawks, who preferred no change, and a dove who argued for a larger, half-percentage-point cut. Despite inflation remaining above the 2% target, officials anticipate only one further cut in 2026, consistent with previous projections, citing a softening job market.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Before the rate cut was announced, stocks found some support today amid signs of easing wage pressures, which are dovish for Fed policy, after the US Q3 employment cost index rose by +0.8% q/q, slightly weaker than the +0.9% q/q expected.
US MBA mortgage applications rose +4.8% in the week ended December 5, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -2.4% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +14.3%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose +1 bp to 6.33% from 6.32% in the prior week.
On Thursday, weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to increase by +29,000 to 220,000.
Q3 corporate earnings season is drawing to a close as 495 of the 500 S&P companies have released results. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, 83% of reporting S&P 500 companies exceeded forecasts, on course for the best quarter since 2021. Q3 earnings rose +14.6%, more than doubling expectations of +7.2% y/y.
Overseas stock markets are lower today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.21%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed down -0.23%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 fell from a 3.5-week high and closed down -0.10%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are up +2 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.2 bp to 4.166%. Mar T-note futures rebounded from a 3-month low today and moved higher, and the 10-year T-note yield fell from a 3-month high of 4.207%. T-notes found support after the US Q3 employment index rose less than expected, a dovish factor for Fed policy. Short covering also emerged in T-notes today after crude oil prices stumbled to a 2-week low, which lowered inflation expectations. In addition, position squaring ahead of this afternoon’s FOMC results helped push T-note prices higher.
T-notes today were initially under pressure amid concerns that a divided FOMC will signal a hawkish rate cut of -25 bp, but then signal policy will remain on hold for an extended period. T-notes also saw some negative carryover from hawkish ECB comments today, which pushed the German 10-year bund yield to an 8.75-month high.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield climbed to an 8.75-month high of 2.895% and is up by +1.2 bp to 2.862%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose to a 2.5-week high of 4.554% and is up by +1.3 bp to 4.518%.
ECB President Lagarde said the ECB will likely raise its economic growth forecasts at next week's policy meeting, reflecting a more optimistic outlook.
ECB Governing Council member Simkus said, "We have an inflation rate that is more or less close to the 2% target in the medium term, which suggests no need for a change in interest rates, not only at the next ECB meeting in December but also in further meetings."
Swaps are discounting a 0% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on December 18.
US Stock Movers
Mobile grocery delivery service companies are sliding today after Amazon.com said it has expanded same-day delivery for perishable groceries to over 2,300 cities and towns, with more coming next year. Maplebear (CART) is down more than -6% and Uber Technologies (UBER) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, DoorDash (DASH) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are under pressure today with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) down nearly -1%. MARA Holdings (MARA) is down more than -3%, and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) and Riot Platforms (RIOT) are down more than -2%. Also, Strategy (MSTR) and Coinbase Global (COIN) are down more than -1%.
AeroVironment (AVAV) is down more than -10% after cutting its 2026 adjusted EPS forecast to $3.40-$3.55 from a previous forecast of $3.60-$3.70, below the consensus of $3.63.
GameStop (GME) is down more than -6% after reporting Q3 net sales fell -4.6% y/y to $821.0 million.
T Rowe Price Group (TROW) is down more than -3% after reporting assets under management in Nov fell -0.2% m/m to $1.79 trillion.
Noble Corp Plc (NE) is down more than -3% after JPMorgan Chase downgraded the stock to neutral from overweight.
Biogen (BIIB) is down more than -1% after HBSC downgraded the stock to reduce from hold with a price target of $143.
Photronics (PLAB) is up more than +42% after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of 60 cents, well above the consensus of 45 cents, and forecasting Q1 adjusted EPS of 51 cents to 59 cents, better than the consensus of 46 cents.
GE Vernova (GEV) is up more than +9% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after boosting its stock buyback program to $10 billion and doubling its quarterly dividend to 50 cents.
EchoStar (SATS) is up more than +5% after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight with a price target of $110.
Middleby Corp. (MIDD) is up more than +5% after Jeffries upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $175.
Chewy (CHWY) is up more than +2% after reporting Q3 net sales of $3.12 billion, better than the consensus of $3.10 billion.
PepsiCo (PEP) is up more than +2% after JPMorgan Chase upgraded the stock to overweight from neutral with a price target of $164.
Waters Corp. (WAT) is up more than +1% after Wolfe Research upgraded the stock to outperform from peer perform with a price target of $480.
Earnings Reports(12/10/2025)
Adobe Inc (ADBE), Chewy Inc (CHWY), Nordson Corp (NDSN), Oracle Corp (ORCL), Synopsys Inc (SNPS), Vail Resorts Inc (MTN).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Fed Cuts Rates for Third Time This Year, Signals One More in 2026

Looking at options trading activity among components of the S&P 500 index, there is noteworthy activity today in GE Vernova Inc (Symbol: GEV), where a total volume of 61,922 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 6.2 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 203.7% of GEV's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.0 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $850 strike call option expiring February 20, 2026, with 1,920 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 192,000 underlying shares of GEV. Below is a chart showing GEV's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $850 strike highlighted in orange:
Synopsys Inc (Symbol: SNPS) options are showing a volume of 10,430 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 1.0 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 50.9% of SNPS's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.0 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $500 strike call option expiring December 19, 2025, with 2,125 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 212,500 underlying shares of SNPS. Below is a chart showing SNPS's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $500 strike highlighted in orange:
And United Parcel Service Inc (Symbol: UPS) saw options trading volume of 25,789 contracts, representing approximately 2.6 million underlying shares or approximately 42.3% of UPS's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 6.1 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $100 strike call option expiring January 16, 2026, with 1,845 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 184,500 underlying shares of UPS. Below is a chart showing UPS's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $100 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for GEV options, SNPS options, or UPS options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
HUDA market cap history
FWP YTD Return
Funds Holding MUG
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Noteworthy Wednesday Option Activity: GEV, SNPS, UPS

Key Points
GE Vernova foresees significant growth in backlog, revenue, and cash flows through 2028.
It has also doubled its dividend and upped its share buyback program.
One analyst expects GE Vernova stock to rally to $1,000 per share.
Shares of GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) sizzled in trading today, surging 15.9% to a 52-week high of $725 per share within minutes of the stock market's opening on Wednesday.
The manufacturer of gas turbines stunned the markets today with ambitious financial goals through 2028 and moves to double its dividend per share and significantly increase its share repurchase program. That's not all. GE Vernova is also reportedly collaborating with the U.S. government to boost rare earth supplies.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »
Here's all you need to know.
Solid growth visibility through 2028
A spinoff from the former General Electric (known as GE Aerospace now), GE Vernova is the world's largest manufacturer of natural gas turbines. With hyperscalers and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers operators driving demand for power like never before, GE Vernova is making the most of the boom as its latest outlook reveals.
GE Vernova hosted its 2025 investor update event on Dec. 9 to announce its long-term outlook. Here are the key takeaways from the event:
Revenue estimate for 2025: $36 billion to $37 billion.
Revenue estimate for 2028: $52 billion, up from previous guidance of $45 billion.
Free cash flow (FCF) estimate for 2025: $3.5 billion to $4 billion.
Cumulative FCF estimate for 2025-2028: $22 billion, up from earlier guidance of $14 billion.
Backlog estimate for 2028: $200 billion versus current backlog of $135 billion.
GE Vernova also doubled its quarterly dividend payout from $0.25 per share to $0.50 a share and increased its share repurchase program from $6 billion to $10 billion. As of Dec. 3, it had repurchased shares worth $3.3 billion.
Why GE Vernova stock could become unstoppable
In another interesting development that was overshadowed by headlines applauding GE Vernova's numbers, the company is collaborating with the U.S. government to increase stockpiles of the rare earth element yttrium, according to Reuters. Yttrium is used in ceramic applications such as jet engines and turbines, electronics, semiconductors, and lasers. The U.S. currently imports nearly all of its yttrium from China.
Rare earths have been a top priority for the U.S. government under President Donald Trump's leadership, who wants to shore up domestic supplies to reduce reliance on China for critical metals and minerals. The government has even acquired stakes in domestic producers, such as MP Materials, to expedite the mining and production of rare earth elements.
GE Vernova has clearly given investors many reasons to get excited. Several analysts also raised their price targets on GE Vernova, including Mark Strouse from J.P. Morgan, who believes the stock could reach $1,000 per share. Going by today's updates, GE Vernova looks like a stock worth investing in.
Should you invest $1,000 in Ge Vernova right now?
Before you buy stock in Ge Vernova, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Ge Vernova wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $521,550!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,133,904!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 981% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 194% for the S&P 500. Don’t miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor.
*Stock Advisor returns as of December 8, 2025
JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Neha Chamaria has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool recommends GE Aerospace, Ge Vernova, and MP Materials. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.