KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (KLC) Q3 Earnings Surpass Estimates

Rocket Lab (RKLB) said it won a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to develop, launch, and operate multiple Flatellites for the SB-AMTI program. Flatellites are slimmer, stackable satellites intended to increase deployments per launch and integrate with Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket. The article cites analyst forecasts for revenue rising from $602M (2025) to $1.7B (2028).

Diversified Energy (LSE:DEC, NYSE:DEC) said it will shift from acquisition-led growth to drilling its own wells, launching a one-rig operated development programme in Oklahoma in 2H, spending $35m to $50m. It expects drilling to materially affect 2027 production. Q2 adjusted EBITDA fell 14% to $240m; guidance calls for $960m-$1.01b adjusted earnings and ~$440m free cash flow.

Bloomberg reports the Pentagon will buy laser-based counter-drone systems from AeroVironment Inc. in a deal valued at at least $400 million. The contract is expected to supply the Army with dozens of Locust systems, described as an AI-enabled laser system for tracking and disabling small and medium UAVs. AeroVironment shares rose 8.1% intraday, according to the report.

Sunrise Energy Metals said the US Pentagon will provide a conditional $400 million loan commitment to develop Syerston, a proposed scandium mine in Fifield, NSW. The project targets Western supply of scandium used in defence and other sectors amid China’s export restrictions. Sunrise also said it has a deal with Lockheed Martin for 25% of output for five years.

Applied Digital (APLD) shares rose more than 7% after hours after the company said it surpassed 1 GW of contracted capacity for its AI data centers. It signed a 15-year take-or-pay lease for Polaris Forge 3 with a U.S. investment-grade hyperscaler, valued at about $7.5B base-term contracted revenue and up to $18.2B with renewals. Total contracted lease revenue across four campuses is $31B.

President Trump said the US will invest $3 billion in critical minerals and battery projects to expand domestic supply chains for national security. He announced Defence Department Office of Strategic Capital conditional loans totaling $1.4B to Sila Nanotechnologies, $400M to Sunrise Energy Metals, and $150M to Niron Magnetics, plus $58M Export-Import Bank loans. The plan also includes $100M in mining-school grants and $80M for three schools.