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Today is Friday, May 15, 2026.
The Early Bird Index today is 88.83.
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The AI Chip Boom Isn't Over 🤖
Applied Materials $AMAT ( ▲ 0.91% ) posted good financial earnings results on Thursday, proving that the era of artificial intelligence chips is still going strong.
Financials: Applied Materials reported earnings of $2.86 per share in the past quarter and revenue of $7.91 billion. Both were better than expected.
Powering the Story: The company said it now expects the semiconductor equipment business to grow more than 30% in 2026.
Quote: “The rapid global build-out of AI computing infrastructure combined with Applied’s strong leadership positions in leading-edge logic, DRAM and advanced packaging provide an exceptionally strong foundation for sustained, multi-year revenue and profit growth.” - CEO Gary Dickerson.
Early Bird’s Nest Egg Gains: Some people say the AI boom trade is over because valuations got re-rated, investors are more skeptical about immediate monetization, and some of the most crowded AI names have started to move sideways even while earnings keep growing.
That said, the “trade is over” narrative is too early. The data center buildout is still accelerating, and hyperscaler spending estimates keep rising.
Final Thoughts: Shares of Applied Materials were already up 63% this year.
The 10 Best AI Stocks to Own in 2026
AI is moving from experiment… to essential.
Every major industry is integrating it.
Every major company is investing in it.
By late 2025, AI was already an $800B market — growing at a pace that could push it well beyond $1 trillion in the years ahead.
Cloud infrastructure is scaling fast.
AI-enabled devices are multiplying.
Automation is becoming standard.
But here’s the real question…
When trillions flow into this transformation — which stocks stand to benefit most?
Our new report reveals 10 AI stocks positioned across the backbone of this shift — from the companies powering the infrastructure… to those embedding intelligence into everyday systems.
If you want exposure to one of the defining growth trends of this decade, start here.
Notables
Notable Earnings Today: RBC Bearings (NYSE: RY), A2Z Cust2Mate Solutions (Nasdaq: AZ), ARS Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SPRY), H World Group (Nasdaq: HTHT), Mastech Digital (NYSE American: MHH), Sachem Capital (NYSE American: SACH), Super League Enterprise (Nasdaq: SLE).
Notable IPOs Today: Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BFH), Energy Transition Special Opportunities (NYSE: ETSS), Patriot Acquisition Corp. Units (Nasdaq: PTACU).
Notable Equity Crowdfunding Campaigns Ending Today: N/A.
Notable Economic Events Today: NY Empire State Manufacturing Index (8:30 a.m. ET), Industrial Production (9:15 a.m. ET).
Figma's "Early Traction”
Design tool Figma $FIG ( ▲ 6.86% ) surged 11.66% in after-hours trading on Thursday after posting strong financial earnings results.
Financials: Figma reported earnings of 10 cents per share in the past quarter and revenue of $333.4 million. Both were better than expected.
Quote: “We are raising our guidance for the year based on promising early traction on AI monetization and strength across the core platform, a testament to the team’s execution and our confidence in the road ahead.” - CFO Praveer Melwani.
Final Thoughts: It’s a comeback for Figma after the stock started 2026 with a 46% decline.
Papa John’s Potential Buyout Bid
Papa John’s $PZZA ( ▲ 0.06% ) jumped 8.28% in after-hours trading on Thursday after a report suggested a big change in the company's future.
Details: Reuters reported Thursday that Qatari-backed investment fund Irth Capital and Papa John’s largest franchisee are teaming up for a bid to buy the company.
Final Thoughts: Papa John’s stock is down 66% in the past 5 years.
Trends to Watch
Blunt Mistake, High Returns: Bitcoin trader recovers $400,000 using Claude AI after getting 'stoned' and losing wallet password 11 years ago (Tom’s Hardware)
Outperformance: XRP edges higher while bitcoin, ether and dogecoin slip, keeping focus on $1.49 breakout zone (CoinDesk)
Massive IPO: A.I. Chip Maker Soars 68% in Market Debut, as Tech I.P.O.s Ramp Up (New York Times)
Capital Injection: Gemini surges after Winklevoss Capital Fund invests $100 million in the crypto exchange (CNBC)
No Cuts Expected: Wall Street no longer believes Kevin Warsh can do what President Trump wants (Fortune)
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The contents of Early Bird are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute trade or investment recommendations, and they are not financial or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult licensed professionals for personalized guidance regarding their financial or legal situations.
