Nvidia, PDD Holdings, XPeng and nVent Lead $15 Billion+ Deals, Earnings and AI Expansion

Mumbai, Aug 25: Global markets saw a broad mix of corporate earnings, acquisitions, funding rounds and strategic partnerships. Major developments spanned AI, defence, energy, technology, mining and healthcare, with companies announcing billion-dollar transactions, record revenues, new contracts and expansion plans. The activity highlighted continued investment in infrastructure, digital technologies and strategic growth opportunities. 

Nvidia in Talks to Invest in Perplexity at $30 Billion Valuation 

Nvidia is in discussions to invest in artificial intelligence startup Perplexity as part of a funding round that would value the company at more than $30 billion. The financing round would be worth billions of dollars and would increase Perplexity’s valuation by more than 50% from its previous funding round a year ago.  

Perplexity’s annualised revenue has grown to more than $750 million from less than $250 million at the start of the year, driven in part by Perplexity Computer, an AI agent that professionals use to automate computer tasks. 

NVIDIA shares fell 2.37% to $209.62, trading between a high of $215.59 and a low of $208.62. The stock opened at $215.53, with the session’s trading range showing a notable decline from the opening level. 

PDD Holdings Revenue Rises 8% to RMB112.4 Billion, While Net Income Falls 12% 

PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PDD) reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of RMB112.4 billion (US$16.6 billion), up 8% year-over-year from RMB104.0 billion, driven by a 13% increase in transaction services revenue to RMB54.7 billion (US$8.1 billion).  

Online marketing services and others rose to RMB57.6 billion (US$8.5 billion) from RMB55.7 billion. However, net income attributable to ordinary shareholders declined 12% to RMB27.2 billion (US$4.0 billion), while non-GAAP net income fell 13% to RMB28.5 billion.  

Operating profit increased 8% to RMB27.8 billion (US$4.1 billion), with non-GAAP operating profit rising 5% to RMB29.1 billion. Total operating expenses climbed 13% to RMB36.6 billion, primarily due to higher sales and marketing costs, which rose to RMB29.7 billion. Research and development expenses increased to RMB4.6 billion, while general and administrative expenses reached RMB2.3 billion.  

As of June 30, 2026, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments stood at RMB456.4 billion (US$67.3 billion), up from RMB422.3 billion at the end of 2025. Management highlighted continued ecosystem investments, stronger governance and support for merchants amid evolving global trade and regulatory conditions. 

PDD Holdings shares declined 1.01% to $87.36 at 1:30 p.m. GMT-4. The stock traded between a high of $91.90 and a low of $86.19, reflecting increased intraday volatility. 

XPeng Revenue Rises 52% QoQ to RMB19.74 Billion as Gross Margin Exceeds 20% 

XPeng Inc. (NYSE: XPEV; HKEX: 9868) reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of RMB19.74 billion (US$2.91 billion), up 8% year-over-year and 51.5% quarter-over-quarter, driven by a 55% QoQ increase in vehicle deliveries to 103,295 units. Vehicle sales revenue rose 1% YoY to RMB17.05 billion, while gross margin expanded to 20.7%, from 17.3% a year earlier. However, vehicle margin declined to 12.1% from 14.3%, reflecting product generation transitions.  

Net loss widened to RMB1.34 billion (US$0.20 billion) from RMB0.48 billion, while non-GAAP net loss stood at RMB1.24 billion. R&D expenses rose 32.1% to RMB2.91 billion, driven by new models and AI technologies. Cash stood at RMB40.48 billion as of June 30, 2026. XPeng expects Q3 deliveries of 115,000–121,000 units and revenue of RMB21.7–23.4 billion. 

XPeng shares declined 8.26% to $11.18 after earnings announcement. The stock traded between a high of $12.00 and a low of $11.16, marking a sharp intraday decline. 

NAPCO Security Technologies Q4 Revenue Hits Record $55.8 Million as Net Income Jumps 53% 

NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSSC) reported fourth-quarter 2026 net revenue of $55.8 million, up 10% year-over-year from $50.7 million, driven by a 12.9% increase in recurring service revenue (RSR) to $25.3 million and a 7.7% rise in equipment revenue to $30.5 million.  

Gross profit margin expanded to 61.3%, supported by approximately 600 basis points from tariff refunds. Net income rose 52.7% to a record $17.8 million, while diluted EPS increased 51.5% to $0.50. For full-year 2026, revenue increased 11.4% to a record $202.3 million, with RSR rising 13% to $97.5 million and equipment revenue growing 10% to $104.8 million.  

Adjusted EBITDA increased 27.9% to a record $66.7 million, with a 33% margin. Non-GAAP net income rose 32% to $57.3 million, despite a $16 million litigation settlement charge during the third quarter. Management highlighted continued double-digit RSR growth, stronger equipment sales and rising demand for door-locking and intrusion products. 

NAPCO Security Technologies shares rose 2.34% to $38.98, with the stock trading between a high of $51.77 and a low of $38.62, indicating a wide intraday trading range. 

Also Read: How to Invest in the US Stocks From India

Gogoro Q2 Revenue Rises 7.3% to $70.6 Million as Gross Margin Hits Five-Year High 

Gogoro reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $70.6 million, up 7.3% year-over-year, marking its first year-over-year sales growth in several quarters. Gross margin climbed to 22.6% , the highest quarterly level in more than five years, reflecting lower battery depreciation, improved manufacturing efficiency and better network utilisation. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $19.3 million, showing stronger operating leverage.  

The company reported that net loss improved by more than $21.6 million from a year earlier. Operating cash flow in the first half of 2026 rose more than 70% year-over-year. The company reaffirmed full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $285 million to $305 million. Gogoro Network subscribers reached approximately 677,000, and market share in Taiwan recovered to about 6%. 

Gogoro shares surged 23.45% to $2.79, with the stock trading between a high of $3.27 and a low of $2.02, marking a sharp intraday move and substantial price volatility. 

nVent Electric, Booz Allen Hamilton Announce Strategic Acquisitions Worth $2.47 Billion 

nVent Electric plc (NYSE: NVT) announced plans to acquire data centre equipment maker Maverick Power for $1.75 billion in cash, with an additional $550 million potentially payable if the company meets performance targets in 2027 and 2028.  

Maverick Power provides engineered power distribution and infrastructure solutions, including low- and medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards and modular systems. nVent expects to finance the transaction through cash and new debt, with completion targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.  

Meanwhile, Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) completed its $720 million acquisition of Ultra I&C Mission Solutions. The deal expands Booz Allen’s defence technology portfolio with software, encryption and edge-computing products, complementing its AI-driven battle management and communications capabilities.  

Ultra Mission Solutions will operate within Booz Allen’s defence technology business, strengthening its product and solutions offering for the US and allied defence markets.  

nVent Electric shares rose 1.53% to $154.30, while Booz Allen Hamilton shares fell 1.01% to $76.27. nVent traded between $149.57 and $154.86, while Booz Allen traded between $74.90 and $76.83. 

Starry Sea, Silver Bow Mining Announce $79 Million and $28.6 Million Strategic Deals 

Starry Sea Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: SSEA) announced a merger agreement with SuperiorMed Holdings Limited, a longevity medicine and wellness company operating clinics and wellness facilities in Dubai.  

The transaction will create a new publicly listed Cayman Islands entity, with SuperiorMed becoming its wholly owned subsidiary. Starry Sea has a market capitalisation of $79 million, while SuperiorMed shareholders will receive shares in the new company, subject to a 180-day lock-up period.  

The transaction remains subject to SEC and stock exchange approvals. Separately, Silver Bow Mining Corp. (NYSE American: SBMT) agreed to acquire the Jefferson County Metallurgical Complex in Montana through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy sale involving approximately $28.6 million in cash payments to creditors.  

This includes $4.27 million to Jefferson County and $20.8 million to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The complex has processing capacities of 15,000 tonnes per day and 1,000 tonnes per day, with the acquisition subject to court, shareholder and NYSE American approvals. 

Starry Sea Acquisition shares rose 0.19% to $10.35, trading between a high of $10.35 and a low of $10.34. Silver Bow Mining shares surged 9.94% to $9.07, trading between a high of $9.25 and a low of $8.41. 

Bunker Hill Mining, USA Rare Earth Secure $326 Million and $1.55 Billion Strategic Transactions 

Bunker Hill Mining agreed to acquire all outstanding common shares of Silver47 Exploration through a plan of arrangement, with the combined company to be renamed Bunker Hill Silver and continue trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Silver47 shareholders will receive 0.1724 Bunker Hill shares for each share held, with Bunker Hill shareholders expected to own 57% of the combined company and Silver47 shareholders 43%.  

The merged group will have a pro forma basic market capitalisation of $326 million and control four US silver projects with 80 million ounces of measured and indicated silver equivalent resources.  

Separately, USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ: USAR) announced $1.55 billion in capitalisation arrangements for an SPV ahead of its planned Serra Verde Group acquisition. The package includes $750 million from the Department of War, a $500 million revolving credit facility and a $300 million government forward purchase contract. 

Bunker Hill Mining shares fell 2.90% to C$4.67, trading between a high of C$5.15 and a low of C$4.67. USA Rare Earth shares declined 5.87% to $18.13, trading between a high of $18.94 and a low of $17.68. 

Google Cloud, Tersis Technologies and Cyber Enviro-Tech Announce 3 Strategic Technology Partnerships 

Google Cloud announced a strategic partnership with Verizon to accelerate enterprise AI adoption and deliver more responsive consumer and business experiences nationwide. Verizon plans to deploy Google Cloud’s full-stack AI capabilities, including Gemini Enterprise, to modernise customer experiences, unify enterprise data and scale AI across its operations.  

Gemini’s conversational and multimodal capabilities are already supporting Verizon’s customer care operations, while Google Cloud will also support an autonomous network intelligence framework designed to predict and resolve network anomalies before they affect customers. 

Separately, Tersis Technologies, Inc. (OTCID: TERS) entered into an MOU with Ameri-Green Environmental Recycling to pursue a joint venture focused on deploying and commercialising its SynGenic V3 resource-recovery technology in Americus, Georgia. The parties will collaborate on engineering, permitting, feedstock assessment, licensing and commercialisation planning. 

Meanwhile, Cyber Enviro-Tech, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement with Air Power USA to accelerate the commercialisation, manufacturing and deployment of its clean-air power generation technology across the US. The agreement aims to combine operational and manufacturing capabilities and establish a scalable US manufacturing and distribution platform. 

Alphabet shares rose 1.15% to $345.67, trading between $339.62 and $348.08. Tersis Technologies shares fell 1.14% to $0.69, ranging from $0.60 to $0.75. Cyber Enviro Tech shares gained 4.40% to $0.023, trading between $0.020 and $0.027. 

Also Read: How to Invest in S&P 500 Stocks Through Index Funds

Altria and Philip Morris International Sign Contract Manufacturing Deals 

Altria and Philip Morris International (PMI) have entered into contract manufacturing arrangements as Altria seeks to expand cigarette imports and exports and benefit from the U.S. “double duty drawback” tax rebate.  

The programme allows U.S. tobacco companies exporting products abroad to recover federal excise taxes previously paid on products sold domestically. Altria, which manufactures Marlboro cigarettes in the U.S. but does not sell tobacco products overseas, is expanding partnerships with international manufacturers.  

PMI said its agreement with Altria does not alter its strategy and that it has no plans to sell cigarettes in the U.S. First shipments are expected in 2027. Altria shares gained over 2%, while PMI rose 1.5%. 

Altria shares rose 3.13% to $68.16, trading between a high of $68.73 and a low of $66.70. Philip Morris International shares gained 1.46% to $190.97, trading between a high of $193.47 and a low of $189.17. 

Net Power Secures Rights to 123 MW of Generation Capacity for Project Permian 

Net Power Inc. (NYSE: NPWR) announced two agreements related to Project Permian in Texas, including rights to acquire 123 MW of gas-fired power generation equipment and a cost reimbursement arrangement with a prospective customer.  

Under a deposit and exclusivity agreement, Net Power paid a $20 million deposit, which will be credited towards the purchase price at closing. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter and would increase the company’s total potential generation capacity for the first phase of Project Permian to nearly 200 MW.  

Separately, a prospective customer may reimburse approved and documented third-party costs related to the proposed acquisition and project development. 

NET Power shares surged 20.88% to $2.06, with the stock trading between a high of $2.12 and a low of $1.81, reflecting a significant increase from the previous session’s closing price. 

Alvotech, KLX Energy Services and Applied Optoelectronics Announce Deals Worth Up to $150 Million, $31 Million and $600 Million 

Alvotech (NASDAQ: ALVO) entered a licensing and commercialisation agreement with Lotus Pharmaceutical covering AVT34, a proposed biosimilar to Imfinzi® (durvalumab), and AVT87, a proposed biosimilar to Hemlibra® (emicizumab), across the US and selected Asian markets. Imfinzi generated approximately $6.1 billion in global sales in 2025, while Hemlibra generated CHF4.8 billion ($5.8 billion).  

The agreement could provide Alvotech with up to $150 million in upfront and milestone payments, plus product-supply revenue. Lotus will have exclusive rights in eight Asian markets, while Alvotech retains US commercialisation rights alongside Lotus. 

KLX Energy Services launched a transferable rights offering, allowing eligible holders to purchase 3.885 shares per right at $1.49 per share. Rights trade under KLXER through September 23, 2026, with up to $31 million in proceeds available for fees and corporate purposes. 

Meanwhile, Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ: AAOI) shares fell 12% to $109.94 after announcing a planned $600 million at-the-market equity offering. Proceeds will support debt repayment, working capital and capital expenditure. The company reported record Q2 revenue of $191.92 million, up 86.4% YoY, with adjusted EPS of $0.06. 

Alvotech shares rose 19.64% to $5.30, trading between a high of $5.36 and a low of $4.72. KLX Energy Services shares fell 3.50% to $1.52, with a high of $1.56 and low of $1.48. Applied Optoelectronics shares declined 11.91% to $109.96, ranging between $112.46 and $102.10. 

Expion Energy Raises $9M; Metaplanet’s Super League Raises $2.3M in $134.6M Acquisition 

Expion Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON), formerly Expion360 Inc., entered into a definitive agreement for an initial $9.0 million private placement involving 8% convertible debentures and warrants to purchase up to 2,117,219 common shares at $4.25 per share.  

Subject to shareholder approval, investors may also purchase up to $91.0 million of additional convertible preferred stock. The lead investor is Five Narrow Lane LP, affiliated with Joseph Hammer, the company’s interim Chairman. Expion plans to use the net proceeds to acquire certain oil and gas assets in Eastern Louisiana and for general corporate purposes. 

Super League Enterprise, the US subsidiary being acquired by Metaplanet (Tokyo: 3350), raised $2.3 million through an at-the-market offering. Metaplanet has agreed to acquire approximately 95.7% of Super League for about $134.6 million, comprising 2,100 BTC valued at $132.1 million based on the August 14 Coinbase closing price and $2.5 million in cash.  

The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2026, after which Super League will be renamed Superplanet, Inc. and operate as Metaplanet’s US-based Bitcoin treasury platform. 

Expion360 shares surged 112.08% to $7.29, trading between a high of $9.26 and a low of $6.31. Super League Enterprise shares rose 9.38% to $4.41, with the stock trading between a high of $4.80 and a low of $3.72. Both stocks recorded significant intraday movements. 

RUM Group Secures $13.7 Billion AI Chip Contract as Shares Jump 8% 

RUM Group (NASDAQ: RUM), which hosts US President Donald Trump’s Truth Social platform, signed a contract worth approximately $13.7 billion with an unnamed US-based cloud customer to supply AI chips.  

Shares rose more than 8% in premarket trading. The agreement will provide the customer with GPUs and related services from RUM Group’s Maysville, Georgia facility, which is under development.  

The customer will purchase $13.7 billion of GPU services over six years in three parts and will receive an option to acquire approximately 51 million RUM shares at $0.01 each, with the option becoming available gradually over six years. 

RUM Group shares rose 5.64% to $9.56, trading between a high of $9.79 and a low of $8.98. The stock opened at $8.99, remaining near its session high during the reported trading period.  

Leidos, Parsons Secure $301 Million and $514 Million US Defence Contracts 

Leidos Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LDOS) was awarded a $301 million, five-year contract to provide continuous cyber defence operations for US Army networks. Under the agreement, Leidos will monitor military networks around the clock to detect and respond to cyber threats, supporting the Department of Defense Information Network, which serves US military organisations globally.  

The contract extends Leidos’ existing defensive cyber work with the Army, with the company planning to deploy AI-enabled technologies for cyber defence and response coordination. Leidos employs approximately 50,000 people globally and reported fiscal 2026 revenue of about $17.2 billion. 

Separately, Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) received a $514 million contract option from the Missile Defense Agency for two additional years of engineering and technical support. The option is the second under Parsons’ TEAMS-Next Missile Defense System Engineering contract, initially awarded in 2021.  

The work will cover studies, analysis, evaluation and oversight supporting missile defence programmes designed to counter ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons. 

Leidos Holdings shares fell 2.13% to $138.48, trading between a high of $141.12 and a low of $137.95. The stock opened at $140.91, remaining below the opening price during the reported session. 

Parsons shares fell 1.55% to $48.29, trading between a high of $49.89 and a low of $48.25. The stock opened at $49.12, remaining below its opening level during the session.  

Also Read : US Stock Market Timings 

Blue Cloud, Innovative Eyewear and TRISO-X Advance $150 Million Deal, 150-Store Rollout and Nuclear Fuel Facility 

Blue Cloud Softech Solutions commenced service delivery under its $150 million (₹1,260 crore), 18-month agreement with SpaceX International (Malaysia). The contract includes $70 million for AI compute infrastructure, $30 million for data centre solutions, $25 million for telecommunications and approximately $25 million for cybersecurity. Billing is expected to begin in the current quarter, with execution through Blue Cloud’s US operations. The Hyderabad-headquartered company reported consolidated revenue of ₹1,002 crore for 2025-26. 

Meanwhile, Innovative Eyewear (NASDAQ: LUCY) began a test rollout of its Lucyd Armor smart eyewear in more than 150 stores of a major US big-box retailer, with sales expected to start in October. The products combine protective eyewear with hands-free communication, translation and AI access. 

Separately, TRISO-X, a subsidiary of X-Energy (NASDAQ: XE), began the next construction phase of its advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The phase includes auxiliary buildings, interior buildout and equipment installation. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce 700,000 TRISO-X fuel pebbles annually, equivalent to 5 metric tonnes of uranium, enough to supply up to 11 Xe-100 reactors. 

Blue Cloud Softech Solutions shares rose 4.07% to ₹23.01, trading between a high of ₹23.54 and a low of ₹22.81. Innovative Eyewear shares surged 53.53% to $1.05, trading between a high of $1.30 and a low of $0.88. 

The day’s corporate developments reflect significant capital deployment across AI infrastructure, defence, energy and technology sectors. Investors should monitor the progress of these strategic transactions and contract wins, as they may influence the competitive positioning and operational scale of the companies involved. Regulatory approvals, execution timelines and integration milestones remain key factors to watch in the coming quarters. 

Source 

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