JC Penney names Bill Wafford as CFO - CNBC

Lockheed Martin and RTX Corporation are two of the most prominent names in the aerospace and defense industry, both positioned to benefit from heightened global security concerns and sustained U.S. military spending.

Ondas Holdings (ONDS) is a wireless technology company focused on delivering secure, long-range communications for industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and data networking applications. Its solutions are built to support mission-critical operations across sectors such as rail, energy, maritime, infrastructure, and industrial automation.

Ciena’s growth is driven by expanding offerings in optical networking, network automation software, and 5G transport infrastructure, complemented by services designed to help customers modernize and future-proof their networks. Its evolving technology portfolio addresses the rising complexity, speed, and reliability requirements of today’s communications environment.

Roivant Sciences has delivered strong year-to-date performance, with shares up roughly 82%, driven by encouraging pipeline developments and increased investment in high-potential subsidiaries such as Immunovant.

MP Materials Corp. (MP) and USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) are central to the United States’ push to establish a secure, domestic supply of rare earth elements—materials critical to electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense technologies. As geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities intensify, these two companies offer distinct approaches to addressing U.S. dependence on foreign sources.

Pioneer Power's 2025 highlights include the expansion of its mobile power and charging footprint with new orders and partnerships; the launch of a new suite of e-Boost solutions for off-grid EV charging; the rebranding of HomeBoost as PowerCore with events in December; the introduction of PRYMUS in December; and a new five-year contract for network transformers with a regional utility provider.

An AI-driven comparison between Palantir (PLTR) and Oracle (ORCL) points to Palantir as the more compelling investment heading into 2026. The analysis highlights PLTR’s AI-native platforms, which enable real-time, data-driven decision-making across fast-growing sectors such as government, defense, and enterprise analytics.

An AI-driven comparison between D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) and IonQ (IONQ) points to IonQ as the stronger opportunity heading into 2026. The analysis highlights IONQ’s gate-based, trapped-ion quantum architecture, which supports a wide range of algorithms and positions the company for broader adoption across AI, simulation, and cryptography.

An AI-driven comparison of Rigetti Computing (RGTI) and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) points to Rigetti as the more compelling opportunity heading into 2026. The analysis highlights RGTI’s gate-based quantum architecture, which supports universal quantum computing and a wide range of complex algorithms. While D-Wave remains a leader in quantum annealing for optimization problems, Rigetti’s full-stack, gate-based approach offers greater scalability and broader long-term applications.

An AI-driven comparison of Rigetti Computing (RGTI) and TeraWulf (WULF) points to TeraWulf as the more attractive investment heading into 2026. The analysis emphasizes WULF’s large-scale digital infrastructure supporting Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing (HPC), which generates immediate revenue in expanding digital asset and AI-driven markets.

An AI-driven comparison between Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) and Planet Labs (PL) identifies Rocket Lab as the more compelling investment heading into 2026. The analysis highlights RKLB’s vertically integrated space services and consistent launch performance, which position the company to benefit from rising demand for satellite deployment and space infrastructure.

An AI-driven comparison of Tempus AI (TEM) and Doximity (DOCS) points to Tempus AI as the more compelling investment opportunity heading into 2026. The analysis highlights TEM’s AI-powered precision medicine platform, which applies advanced analytics and genomic data to transform diagnostics and treatment in oncology and cardiology.

An AI-driven comparison of UnitedHealth Group (UNH) and CVS Health (CVS) points to UnitedHealth as the stronger investment heading into 2026. The analysis emphasizes UNH’s deeply integrated healthcare model, combining insurance, data analytics, pharmacy services, and care delivery into a single ecosystem. This structure provides resilience and earnings stability in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

An AI-driven comparison of Netflix (NFLX) and Disney (DIS) points to Netflix as the more attractive investment heading into 2026. The analysis emphasizes Netflix’s focused, pure-play streaming model and its continued investment in original content, which support strong subscriber engagement as viewing habits shift further toward digital platforms.

An AI-driven comparison of Coca-Cola (KO) and PepsiCo (PEP) points to PepsiCo as the more compelling investment for 2026. The analysis emphasizes PepsiCo’s diversified business model, which combines beverages with a broad snack portfolio and provides greater resilience as consumer preferences evolve.

An AI-driven comparison of Philip Morris (PM) and British American Tobacco (BTI) points to Philip Morris as the more attractive investment for 2026. The analysis highlights PM’s accelerated transition toward smoke-free products, which positions the company for sustainable growth as global regulations continue to pressure traditional combustible tobacco.

SoundThinking, Inc. (SSTI), a developer of precision-policing and security technologies, has faced a difficult trading environment in recent weeks. With shares trading in the single digits, the stock reflects broader investor hesitation toward small-cap tech amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The company’s market capitalization stands near $100 million, and its valuation metrics suggest skepticism around its growth outlook.

Lionheart Holdings (CUB) has traded quietly in recent sessions, reflecting the typical behavior of a SPAC still in its pre-merger search phase. Shares have hovered close to the company’s IPO price, supported by low volatility and thin trading volumes. This pattern mirrors broader trends across the SPAC market, where investor engagement often remains subdued until a definitive acquisition agreement is announced.

Astronics Corporation has delivered solid share price performance in recent sessions, benefiting from renewed enthusiasm for aerospace and defense equities. The stock has demonstrated resilience despite broader market volatility, drawing consistent investor interest due to its exposure to mission-critical avionics, power systems, and test equipment.

Recent analyst upgrades from Piper Sandler and Morgan Stanley underscore improving valuation and renewed confidence in Motorola Solutions’ growth outlook. Third-quarter 2025 results exceeded expectations, with revenue increasing 7.8% year over year, driven by land mobile radio (LMR) and video security demand.