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Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Russell 2000 Stocks Worth Your Attention
The Russell 2000 (^RUT) may be overshadowed by larger indexes, but it's full of companies with the potential to deliver high returns. A select few have the right mix of innovation, market opportunity, and execution to outperform over time. Spotting the best opportunities in the Russell 2000 takes research, and we're here to do the heavy lifting for you. That said, here are three Russell 2000 stocks that could be the next big thing. Market Cap: $3.39 billion Founded by Caltech professor Carver Mead and one of his students Chris Diorio, Impinj (NASDAQ:PI) is a maker of radio-frequency identification (RFID) hardware and software. Why Does PI Catch Our Eye? Annual revenue growth of 11.9% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were extremely profitable, as its annual earnings per share growth of 38.1% outpaced its revenue gains Free cash flow margin expanded by 23.7 percentage points over the last five years, providing additional flexibility for investments and share buybacks/dividends Impinj is trading at $117 per share, or 73x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? Find out in our full research report, it's free. Market Cap: $12.97 billion Focused on the future of autonomous military combat, AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV) specializes in advanced unmanned aircraft systems and electric vehicle charging solutions. Why Do We Watch AVAV? Annual revenue growth of 23.2% over the past two years was outstanding, reflecting market share gains this cycle Exciting sales outlook for the upcoming 12 months calls for 144% growth, an acceleration from its two-year trend Earnings growth has massively outpaced its peers over the last two years as its EPS has compounded at 63.4% annually At $263.71 per share, AeroVironment trades at 68.2x forward P/E. Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it's free. Market Cap: $1.34 billion Founded in 1884 and serving communities from Mendocino County in the north to Kern County in the south, Westamerica Bancorporation (NASDAQ:WABC) provides banking services to individuals and small businesses throughout Northern and Central California. Why Could WABC Be a Winner? Solid 9.7% annual net interest income growth over the last four years indicates its offerings are gaining share Efficiency ratio improved by 11.4 percentage points over the last four years as it scaled Performance over the past five years was turbocharged by share buybacks, which enabled its earnings per share to grow faster than its revenue Westamerica Bancorporation's stock price of $51.12 implies a valuation ratio of 1.4x forward P/B. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it's free. Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election sent major indices to all-time highs, but stocks have retraced as investors debate the health of the economy and the potential impact of tariffs. While this leaves much uncertainty around 2025, a few companies are poised for long-term gains regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate, like our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Unprofitable Stock Worth Your Attention and 2 to Approach with Caution
Running at a loss can be a red flag. Many of these businesses face mounting challenges as competition increases and funding becomes harder to secure. Unprofitable companies face an uphill battle, but not all are created equal. Luckily for you, StockStory is here to separate the promising ones from the weak. Keeping that in mind, here is one unprofitable company investing heavily to secure market share and two best left off your radar. Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -37.5% Taking a new twist at video gaming, Skillz (NYSE:SKLZ) offers developers a platform to create and distribute mobile games where players can pay fees to compete for cash prizes. Why Should You Sell SKLZ? Struggled with new customer acquisition as its paying monthly active users averaged 33.6% declines Suboptimal cost structure is highlighted by its history of EBITDA margin losses Cash burn makes us question whether it can achieve sustainable long-term growth At $6.69 per share, Skillz trades at 1.3x forward price-to-gross profit. If you're considering SKLZ for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more. Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -1% Founded in Toronto, Canada in 2014, The Real Brokerage (NASDAQ:REAX) is a technology-driven real estate brokerage firm combining a tech-centric model with an agent-centric philosophy. Why Is REAX Risky? Historical operating margin losses point to an inefficient cost structure Incremental sales over the last five years were much less profitable as its earnings per share fell by 9% annually while its revenue grew Poor free cash flow margin of 3.3% for the last two years limits its freedom to invest in growth initiatives, execute share buybacks, or pay dividends The Real Brokerage is trading at $4.15 per share, or 15.5x forward EV-to-EBITDA. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including REAX in your portfolio, it's free. Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -1.3% Founded by Caltech professor Carver Mead and one of his students Chris Diorio, Impinj (NASDAQ:PI) is a maker of radio-frequency identification (RFID) hardware and software. Why Do We Watch PI? Impressive 11.9% annual revenue growth over the last two years indicates it's winning market share this cycle Incremental sales significantly boosted profitability as its annual earnings per share growth of 49.5% over the last five years outstripped its revenue performance Free cash flow margin expanded by 23.7 percentage points over the last five years, providing additional flexibility for investments and share buybacks/dividends Impinj's stock price of $108 implies a valuation ratio of 66.4x forward P/E. Is now the time to initiate a position? See for yourself in our full research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
US Air Force wants to develop smarter mini-drones powered by brain-inspired AI chips
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Although neuromorphic computing was first proposed by scientist Carver Mead in the late 1980s, it is a field of computer design theory that is still in development. | Credit:Scientists are developing an artificial intelligence (AI) chip the size of a grain of rice that can mimic human brains — and they plan to use it in miniature drones. Although AI can automate monotonous functions, it is resource-intensive and requires large amounts of energy to operate. Drones also require energy for propulsion, navigation, sensing, stabilization and communication. Larger drones can better compensate for AI's energy demands by using an engine, but smaller drones rely on battery power — meaning AI energy demands can reduce flying time from 45 minutes to just four. But this may not be a problem forever., Suin Yi and his team at the University of Texas have been awarded funding by the 2025 Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Program (part of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research ) to develop an energy-efficient AI for drones. Their goal is to build a chip the size of a grain of rice with various AI capabilities — including autonomous piloting and object recognition — within three years. AI-powered miniature drones To build a more energy-efficient AI chip, the scientists propose using conducting polymer thin films. These are (so far) an underused aspect of neuromorphic computing; this is a computer system that mimics the brain's structure to enable highly efficient information processing. The researchers intend to replicate how neurons learn and make decisions, thereby saving energy by only being used when required, similar to how a human brain uses different parts for different functions. Although neuromorphic computing was first proposed by scientist Carver Mead in the late 1980s, it is a field of computer design theory that is still in development. In 2024, Intel unveiled their Hala Point neuromorphic computer , which is powered by more than 1,000 new AI chips and performs 50 times faster than conventional computing systems. RELATED STORIES —Intel unveils largest-ever AI 'neuromorphic computer' that mimics the human brain —Tiny AI chip modeled on the human brain set to boost battery life in smart devices —New brain-like transistor goes 'beyond machine learning' Meanwhile, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center develops AI software and neuromorphic hardware. Their particular focus is on developing systems for sharing all sensor information with every member of a network of neuromorphic-enabled units. This technology could allow for greater situational awareness, with applications so far including headsets and robotics. Using technology developed through this research, drones could become more intelligent by integrating conducting polymer material systems that can function like neurons in a brain. If Yi's research project is successful, miniature drones could become increasingly intelligent. An AI system using neuromorphic computing could allow smaller and smarter automated drones to be developed to provide remote monitoring in confined locations, with a much longer flying time.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Unprofitable Stock Worth Investigating and 2 to Question
Running at a loss can be a red flag. Many of these businesses face mounting challenges as competition increases and funding becomes harder to secure. Unprofitable companies face an uphill battle, but not all are created equal. Luckily for you, StockStory is here to separate the promising ones from the weak. Keeping that in mind, here is one unprofitable company that could turn today's losses into long-term gains and two that could struggle to survive. Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -33.1% Founded by a former CEO and Harvard-educated entrepreneur Scott Keeneyn, nLIGHT (NASDAQ:LASR) offers semiconductor and fiber lasers to the industrial, aerospace & defense, and medical sectors. Why Do We Avoid LASR? Annual sales declines of 9.4% for the past two years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle Cash-burning tendencies make us wonder if it can sustainably generate shareholder value Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management's recent investments are destroying value nLIGHT is trading at $8.80 per share, or 2x forward price-to-sales. Read our free research report to see why you should think twice about including LASR in your portfolio, it's free. Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -1.6% Founded in 2011 to transform how healthcare is delivered to patients with complex needs, Evolent Health (NYSE:EVH) provides specialty care management services and technology solutions that help health plans and providers deliver better care for patients with complex conditions. Why Does EVH Worry Us? Sales are projected to tank by 18.9% over the next 12 months as demand evaporates Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of 0.3% for the last five years Negative returns on capital show that some of its growth strategies have backfired Evolent Health's stock price of $10.50 implies a valuation ratio of 16.3x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why EVH doesn't pass our bar. Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: -1.3% Founded by Caltech professor Carver Mead and one of his students Chris Diorio, Impinj (NASDAQ:PI) is a maker of radio-frequency identification (RFID) hardware and software. Why Is PI on Our Radar? Annual revenue growth of 11.9% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle Performance over the past five years shows its incremental sales were extremely profitable, as its annual earnings per share growth of 48.4% outpaced its revenue gains Free cash flow margin increased by 23.7 percentage points over the last five years, giving the company more capital to invest or return to shareholders At $102 per share, Impinj trades at 61.7x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? Find out in our full research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like United Rentals (+322% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Impinj (NASDAQ:PI) Exceeds Q1 Expectations, Stock Jumps 11.9%
RFID manufacturer Impinj (NASDAQ:PI) beat Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, but sales fell by 3.3% year on year to $74.28 million. The company expects next quarter's revenue to be around $93.5 million, close to analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.21 per share was significantly above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy Impinj? Find out in our full research report. Revenue: $74.28 million vs analyst estimates of $71.6 million (3.3% year-on-year decline, 3.7% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.21 vs analyst estimates of $0.08 (significant beat) Revenue Guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $93.5 million at the midpoint, roughly in line with what analysts were expecting Adjusted EPS guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $0.72 at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $0.57 EBITDA guidance for Q2 CY2025 is $24.75 million at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $21.38 million Operating Margin: -12.9%, up from -15.3% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow was -$13.01 million, down from $53.94 million in the same quarter last year Inventory Days Outstanding: 238, up from 199 in the previous quarter Market Capitalization: $2.12 billion Founded by Caltech professor Carver Mead and one of his students Chris Diorio, Impinj (NASDAQ:PI) is a maker of radio-frequency identification (RFID) hardware and software. Demand for analog chips is generally linked to the overall level of economic growth, as analog chips serve as the building blocks of most electronic goods and equipment. Unlike digital chip designers, analog chip makers tend to produce the majority of their own chips, as analog chip production does not require expensive leading edge nodes. Less dependent on major secular growth drivers, analog product cycles are much longer, often 5-7 years. A company's long-term sales performance is one signal of its overall quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but many enduring ones grow for years. Over the last five years, Impinj grew its sales at an excellent 16.8% compounded annual growth rate. Its growth beat the average semiconductor company and shows its offerings resonate with customers, a helpful starting point for our analysis. Semiconductors are a cyclical industry, and long-term investors should be prepared for periods of high growth followed by periods of revenue contractions. Long-term growth is the most important, but short-term results matter for semiconductors because the rapid pace of technological innovation (Moore's Law) could make yesterday's hit product obsolete today. Impinj's annualized revenue growth of 11.9% over the last two years is below its five-year trend, but we still think the results suggest healthy demand. This quarter, Impinj's revenue fell by 3.3% year on year to $74.28 million but beat Wall Street's estimates by 3.7%. Company management is currently guiding for a 8.8% year-on-year decline in sales next quarter. Looking further ahead, sell-side analysts expect revenue to grow 1.9% over the next 12 months, a deceleration versus the last two years. This projection doesn't excite us and implies its products and services will see some demand headwinds. At least the company is tracking well in other measures of financial health. Software is eating the world and there is virtually no industry left that has been untouched by it. That drives increasing demand for tools helping software developers do their jobs, whether it be monitoring critical cloud infrastructure, integrating audio and video functionality, or ensuring smooth content streaming. Click here to access a free report on our 3 favorite stocks to play this generational megatrend. Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO) is an important metric for chipmakers, as it reflects a business' capital intensity and the cyclical nature of semiconductor supply and demand. In a tight supply environment, inventories tend to be stable, allowing chipmakers to exert pricing power. Steadily increasing DIO can be a warning sign that demand is weak, and if inventories continue to rise, the company may have to downsize production. This quarter, Impinj's DIO came in at 238, which is 69 days above its five-year average, suggesting that the company's inventory has grown to higher levels than we've seen in the past. We were impressed by how significantly Impinj blew past analysts' EPS expectations this quarter. We were also happy its revenue outperformed Wall Street's estimates. Looking ahead, EBITDA and EPS guidance for the next quarter came in ahead. Overall, this quarter was quite strong. The stock traded up 11.9% to $86.25 immediately following the results. Impinj had an encouraging quarter, but one earnings result doesn't necessarily make the stock a buy. Let's see if this is a good investment. The latest quarter does matter, but not nearly as much as longer-term fundamentals and valuation, when deciding if the stock is a buy. We cover that in our actionable full research report which you can read here, it's free. Sign in to access your portfolio
