Ten stocks capped off the trading week, climbing by double digits on Friday, mirroring an overall market optimism on renewed confidence for the AI industry.
The Nasdaq led the charge among Wall Street’s main indices, jumping 1.31 percent. The S&P 500 followed with a 0.88 percent gain, and the Dow Jones was last, up 0.38 percent.
In this article, we focus on the 10 top-performing stocks and detail the reasons behind their gains.
To come up with the list, we focused on the stocks with a $2 billion market capitalization and 5 million shares in trading volume.
10. AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS)
AST SpaceMobile saw its share prices jump by 15.03 percent on Friday to close at $75.84 apiece, tracking an overall market rally and placing bets ahead of the launch of its next-generation satellite.
On the same day, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the launch of AST SpaceMobile Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ASTS) BlueBird 6 satellite has been pushed back anew to Christmas Eve, December 24.
Originally set for launch on December 15, AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS) announced earlier this week that the takeoff has been pushed back to Sunday, December 21.
The ISRO did not divulge the reason for the second reschedule.
As compared with the BlueBirds 1 to 5, the 6th generation features the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit at nearly 2,400 square feet.
It is also nearly four times bigger than the previous generations, and supports 10 times the data capacity.
The December 24 launch targets to enable ubiquitous cellular broadband coverage from space directly to mobile phones.
According to AST SpaceMobile Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTS), it would ramp up the production of its BlueBird 6 satellites, with planned manufacturing expansion in its Florida and Texas facilities.
9. Applied Digital Corp. (NASDAQ:APLD)
Applied Digital extended its winning streak to a second day on Friday, surging 16.53 percent to close at $27.85 apiece as investors loaded positions early ahead of the results of its earnings performance.
In an update on Thursday, Applied Digital Corp. (NASDAQ:APLD) said that it would announce the results of its second quarter earnings performance for the fiscal year 2026 after market close on Jan. 7, 2026. An investor call will be held to elaborate on the results.
In other news this week, Applied Digital Corp. (NASDAQ:APLD) announced the successful raising of $100 million in fresh funds from a term loan facility with Macquarie Group’s Commodities and Global Markets business.
Proceeds from the facility will be used for the pre-lease development of new data center projects.
“This development facility strengthens our ability to move quickly on high-quality sites while maintaining capital flexibility,” said Applied Digital Corp. (NASDAQ:APLD) Chairman and CEO Wes Cummins.
In line with the development, Applied Digital Corp. (NASDAQ:APLD) is also underway with negotiations with another investment-grade hyperscaler for the potential lease of its several campuses.
8. Carnival Corp. & PLC (NYSE:CUK)
Carnival Corp. soared to a new five-year high on Friday, as investors took heart from its robust earnings performance and upbeat outlook for next year.
At intra-day trading, the stock climbed to its highest price of $31.24 before trimming gains to finish the session just up by 17.63 percent at $30.96 apiece.
In an updated report, Carnival Corp. & PLC (NYSE:CUK) said that it grew its net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 by 39 percent to $422 million from $303 million in the same period last year.
Total revenues increased by 6.8 percent to $6.3 billion from $5.9 billion year-on-year, on the back of strong revenues from passenger tickets, onboarding, and other services.
“2025 was a truly phenomenal year. We set new records across our business, achieved investment grade leverage metrics and, as announced … reinstated our dividend. These milestones reflect the collective strength of our cruise line portfolio and confidence in our long-term future,” said Carnival Corp. & PLC (NYSE:CUK) Josh Weinstein.
Following the results, the company said its board of directors approved the distribution of $0.15 dividend for shareholders as of Feb. 13, 2026 record, payable on Feb. 27, 2026.
For next year, Carnival Corp. & PLC (NYSE:CUK) is targeting to hit a 12 percent year-on-year growth in adjusted net income. Net yields, in constant currency, are expected to grow by 2.5 percent year-on-year compared with 2025.
For the first quarter, net yields are pegged at a 1.6 percent growth versus the same period in 2025.
7. Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB)
Rocket Lab rallied for a second day on Friday, surging 17.69 percent to close at $70.52 apiece after bagging a potential billion-dollar contract to develop and produce satellites for the US Space Development Agency.
Touted as its largest single contract to date, Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) said that the partnership includes an $806 million base contract, $10.45 million in options, and opportunities for the supply of other items.
Under the base contract, Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) would manufacture 18 satellites equipped with advanced missile warning, tracking, and defense sensors to provide global, persistent detection and tracking of emerging missile threats, including hypersonic systems.
Each satellite will feature its Phoenix infrared sensor payload, a wide field-of-view (WFOV) solution designed to meet the evolving missile defense needs of national security space, as well as advanced StarLite space protection sensors, designed to safeguard the constellation against directed energy threats.
Meanwhile, it would also supply items such as payloads, solar solutions, attitude determination and control components (ACDS), software, among others.
The contract forms part of the Tracking Layer Tranche 3 (TRKT3) program under the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).
“Demand for resilient, scalable, and affordable space systems continues to grow, and this award demonstrates that Rocket Lab is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in delivering solutions that meet the needs of national security,” said Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) CEO Peter Beck.
6. BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN)
BioMarin Pharmaceutical extended its winning streak to a third straight day on Friday, surging 17.71 percent to finish at $61.15 apiece, as investors took heart from its expansion initiatives following the acquisition of Amicus Therapeutics for nearly $5 billion.
In a statement, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) said that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Amicus Therapeutics in an all-cash transaction at a price of $14.50 apiece, or a 33 percent premium over the latter’s closing price on Thursday, December 18.
The transaction will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and approximately $3.7 billion of non-convertible debt financing.
The acquisition would support its commercial portfolio with the addition of Galafold, an oral treatment for Fabry disease, and Pombiliti + Opfolda, a two-component therapy for Pompe disease.
Upon completion of the transaction, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) expects to increase its long-term CAGR through 2030, with both treatments having generated combined net product revenues of $599 million in the past year alone.
“Immediately upon close, this transaction is expected to accelerate BioMarin’s revenue growth and strengthen our financial outlook, delivering significant value to patients, employees and stockholders. The transaction is expected to be accretive to Non-GAAP Diluted EPS in the first 12 months following close,” said BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) President and CEO Alexander Hardy.
5. Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS)
Ondas Holdings jumped by 18.21 percent on Friday to close at $9.22 apiece as investors took heart from the creation of a key executive role and the appointment of a retired US Army general for the position, as the company advances the scale and integration of its multi-domain autonomous systems platform.
In a statement, Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) said that it created a Chief Operating Officer (COO) role to be held by Brigadier General Patrick Huston.
Apart from his COO role, he would also continue to serve as general counsel of Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS).
Huston joined the Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) advisory board in September 2025 and would now lead operational execution through driving disciplined programs, integrating acquisitions, and scaling operations across the company’s subsidiaries.
Additionally, he would oversee legal, regulatory, compliance, and corporate governance functions, supporting Ondas Holdings Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ONDS) expanding engagement with the US and allied government customers, as well as ensuring rigorous alignment with defense procurement, contracting, and regulatory requirements.
“Patrick’s expanded role … reflects the increasing importance of integrated legal and operational leadership as Ondas continues to scale across defense, security, and government markets,” said Chairman and CEO Eric Brock. ”His depth of experience in military operations, procurement, governance, and emerging technologies provides a valuable perspective as we execute on our strategy and integrate recent acquisitions.”
4. CoreWeave Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWV)
CoreWeave surged by 22.64 percent on Friday to close at $83 apiece as investors took path from an investment firm’s renewed coverage, but were generally optimistic for the stock.
In a market report, Citigroup issued a “buy” recommendation on shares of CoreWeave Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWV), albeit it slashed its price target by 30 percent to $135 from $192 previously.
Still, the new price target marked a 62 percent upside potential from its latest closing price.
“Coreweave continued to see strong bookings in 3Q with 85% QoQ and 270% Y/Y growth, but supply constraints and specifically powershell capacity delays resulted in a timing issue with revenue + CapEx (Capital Expenditure) pushed from Q4 into 1Q26. Shares have been under pressure post quarter, amidst broader AI market + financing concerns,” Citigroup said.
However, it said that recent management check indicates that CoreWeave Inc.’s (NASDAQ:CRWV) capacity and bookings would continue to expand in the fourth quarter of the year, which could support growth acceleration in 2026.
“Financially, [CoreWeave Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWV)] is in a strong position with over 60% of its revenue attached to investment-grade customers and plans to announce a new credit facility in the first half of next year, which should further reduce its cost of capital,” Citigroup said.
3. Firefly Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ:FLY)
Firefly Aerospace jumped by 22.82 percent to close at $24.65 apiece as investors took heart from an analyst’s initial coverage for the stock.
In a market report, Keybanc issued a “sector weight” rating on shares of Firefly Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ:FLY) on optimism for the company’s spacecraft operations, albeit achieving profitability could take some time.
Keybanc also noted that the company remains in the process of establishing a consistent launch track record, but noted that it was already making strides with the medium-lift rocket.
In other news, Firefly Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ:FLY) announced on the same day that certain shareholders are planning to dispose of more than 11 million of their shares in the company at a price of $50 for a total of $555.6 million.
Firefly Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ:FLY) said that it would not receive any proceeds from the sale, which will entirely go to the selling shareholders.
The sale followed the company’s successful acquisition in November this year of SciTec Innovations, LLC, a US space and defense technology company specializing in advanced national security technologies, missile warning systems, and remote sensing, among others.
2. Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:FOLD)
Amicus Therapeutics soared to a new 52-week high on Friday, jumping 30.21 percent to close at $14.18 apiece as investors gobbled up shares following announcements that it would merge with Biomarin Pharmaceutical for nearly $5 billion.
At intra-day trading, the stock climbed to its highest price of $14.36 before trimming gains to finish the day just up by 30.21 percent at $14.18 apiece.
This followed news on the same day that Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:FOLD) is set to be acquired by BioMarin in an all-cash transaction at a price of $14.50 apiece, representing a 33 percent premium over its closing price of $10.89 on Thursday, December 18.
The agreement has already been approved by both firms’ board of directors, but remains subject to other regulatory approvals, including shareholders.
“Together with our partners in the rare disease community, we created a truly patient-centric biotech and successfully developed two transformative medicines for people living with rare diseases, which impacted the lives of more than 3,400 patients around the world,” said Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:FOLD) President and CEO Bradley Campbell.
“With BioMarin’s unwavering commitment to patients, along with greater resources and scale, Amicus’ medicines will reach even more patients around the world, faster. We are confident that this agreement is in the best interests of our shareholders by providing compelling, certain and premium value, and will accelerate progress for the rare disease community,” he added.
1. Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR)
Intuitive Machines rallied for a second day on Friday, soaring 37.70 percent to close at $14.94 apiece as investors took heart from a bullish rating and price target from an investment firm.
In its initial coverage of the stock, Keybanc issued a “buy” recommendation and $20 price target on Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR). The figure marked a 34 percent upside potential from its latest closing price.
According to the investment firm, its coverage reflected Intuitive Machines Inc.’s (NASDAQ:LUNR) leadership in Lunar Terrain Vehicle and robust opportunities for lunar services in the space sector.
At present, Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:LUNR) holds nearly $1 billion in backlog.
In the third quarter of the year, the company narrowed its net loss attributable to shareholders by 87.7 percent to $7 million from $55.5 million in the same period last year.
Total revenues declined by 10 percent to $52.4 million from $58.4 million year-on-year.
While we acknowledge the potential of LUNR to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LUNR and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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