Ventyx Biosciences Shares Up 61.7% as Eli Lilly Nears Acquisition Deal
Equity futures were mixed after the major averages closed broadly higher for the second day in a row. Despite the strong start to the first trading week of 2026, some reluctance remains from traders as they await fresh near-term catalysts, especially as they look ahead to key economic data including employment reports later this week.Check out this evening's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.HIGHER -Ventyx Biosciencesup 61.7% after the Wall Street Journal reported that Eli Lillyis near a deal to acquire Ventyx for over $1BNetcapitalup 35.1% after acquiring Iverson DesignMobileyeup 10.8% after agreeing to acquire Mentee Robotics in a cash and stock dealLOWER -Curtiss-Wrightdown 10.5% after CGO John Watts disclosed the sale of 107 common shares
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U.S. Space Force Budget Increased to $40 Billion
- Significant Budget Increase: The U.S. Space Force secured a nearly $14 billion budget boost for fiscal 2026, raising its total allocation to approximately $40 billion, which is more than double its initial independent budget of $15 billion in fiscal 2021, indicating a strong governmental commitment to space defense.
- Military Spending Proposal: The administration has proposed increasing total annual military spending to $1.5 trillion by fiscal 2027, with a specific focus on expanding the Golden Dome space-based defense architecture and satellite constellations, aimed at enhancing national security and technological superiority.
- Operational Expansion: Starfighters Space is expanding its operations at Midland International Air & Space Port, planning to double its fleet of F-104 aircraft and GE J-79 engines within 18 months, which will enhance its mission flexibility and responsiveness across the U.S. Southwest, solidifying its position in the aerospace testing sector.
- Economic Impact and Job Creation: AeroVironment plans to invest over $30 million in New Mexico to establish a vertically integrated manufacturing campus, expected to generate over $670 million in economic impact and create more than 450 high-wage jobs over the next decade, thereby strengthening the domestic defense industrial base.
Trump to Meet with Defense Executives Today; Potential Beneficiaries Among Weapons Firms.
- Trump's Meeting with Defense Executives: President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with defense executives on Friday.
- Potential Increase in Weapons Spending: This meeting may lead to an increase in U.S. weapons spending.
Lockheed and 5 Other Defense Stocks Poised for Growth Regardless of War or Peace
Fund Performance: The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has increased by 12% this year, following a significant 47% rise in 2025.
Market Influences: The fund's growth has been driven by heightened expectations of global conflict, particularly concerning potential war in Iran.
Investor Sentiment: There is growing concern among investors about the implications of a potential shift towards peace, which could impact future gains.
Future Outlook: The current geopolitical climate continues to shape investor strategies and expectations regarding defense-related investments.
6 Defense Stocks Poised for Growth
Fund Performance: The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has increased by 12% this year, following a significant 47% gain in 2025.
Market Influences: The fund's growth has been driven by heightened expectations of global conflict, particularly concerning potential war in Iran.
Investor Sentiment: There is growing concern among investors about the implications of a potential shift towards peace, which could impact future gains.
Future Outlook: The current geopolitical climate continues to shape investor strategies and expectations regarding defense-related investments.
Geopolitical Conflict Boosts Drone Demand
- Drone Market Growth: Analysts indicate that the Ukraine-Russia war has driven demand for drone systems, which is expected to enhance the sector's attractiveness, particularly as U.S. investment in unmanned systems increases.
- Rising Demand for Counter-Drone Tech: With Iran deploying low-cost long-range drones against U.S. targets, BTIG analysts note that production and distribution of counter-drone systems are increasing to address escalating threats, with AeroVironment and Leonardo DRS positioned as primary beneficiaries.
- Increased Defense Budget: The fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act raised the budget for counter-drone programs by approximately $336 million, reflecting the U.S. government's commitment to unmanned systems, especially in countering emerging threats.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: AeroVironment is projected to capture hundreds of millions in market opportunities, particularly after the U.S. military selected its counter-drone systems, and analysts' strong buy ratings reflect confidence in the company's future growth prospects.
Top Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Now
- Stock Recommendations: Motley Fool contributors Jason Hall and Tyler Crowe advocate for Rolls-Royce and Curtiss-Wright as the top nuclear energy stocks to buy now, reflecting strong confidence in these companies amid a growing nuclear market.
- Market Performance: As of February 27, 2026, Rolls-Royce's stock price stood at $2.60, while Curtiss-Wright saw a 3.23% increase, indicating rising investor interest in the nuclear sector, which could drive future investment returns.
- Competitive Analysis: Although Oklo and NuScale Power are also recognized as pure-play nuclear companies, Motley Fool's analysis suggests that Rolls-Royce and Curtiss-Wright possess superior technology and market potential, likely offering better long-term returns for investors.
- Industry Outlook: With the global demand for clean energy on the rise, the potential of nuclear energy as a sustainable source is being reassessed, and investing in these two companies could benefit from policy support and increasing market demand in the coming years.
U.S. Space Force Budget Increased to $40 Billion
- Significant Budget Increase: The U.S. Space Force secured a nearly $14 billion budget boost for fiscal 2026, raising its total allocation to approximately $40 billion, which is more than double its initial independent budget of $15 billion in fiscal 2021, indicating a strong governmental commitment to space defense.
- Military Spending Proposal: The administration has proposed increasing total annual military spending to $1.5 trillion by fiscal 2027, with a specific focus on expanding the Golden Dome space-based defense architecture and satellite constellations, aimed at enhancing national security and technological superiority.
- Operational Expansion: Starfighters Space is expanding its operations at Midland International Air & Space Port, planning to double its fleet of F-104 aircraft and GE J-79 engines within 18 months, which will enhance its mission flexibility and responsiveness across the U.S. Southwest, solidifying its position in the aerospace testing sector.
- Economic Impact and Job Creation: AeroVironment plans to invest over $30 million in New Mexico to establish a vertically integrated manufacturing campus, expected to generate over $670 million in economic impact and create more than 450 high-wage jobs over the next decade, thereby strengthening the domestic defense industrial base.
Trump to Meet with Defense Executives Today; Potential Beneficiaries Among Weapons Firms.
- Trump's Meeting with Defense Executives: President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with defense executives on Friday.
- Potential Increase in Weapons Spending: This meeting may lead to an increase in U.S. weapons spending.
Lockheed and 5 Other Defense Stocks Poised for Growth Regardless of War or Peace
Fund Performance: The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has increased by 12% this year, following a significant 47% rise in 2025.
Market Influences: The fund's growth has been driven by heightened expectations of global conflict, particularly concerning potential war in Iran.
Investor Sentiment: There is growing concern among investors about the implications of a potential shift towards peace, which could impact future gains.
Future Outlook: The current geopolitical climate continues to shape investor strategies and expectations regarding defense-related investments.
6 Defense Stocks Poised for Growth
Fund Performance: The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has increased by 12% this year, following a significant 47% gain in 2025.
Market Influences: The fund's growth has been driven by heightened expectations of global conflict, particularly concerning potential war in Iran.
Investor Sentiment: There is growing concern among investors about the implications of a potential shift towards peace, which could impact future gains.
Future Outlook: The current geopolitical climate continues to shape investor strategies and expectations regarding defense-related investments.
Geopolitical Conflict Boosts Drone Demand
- Drone Market Growth: Analysts indicate that the Ukraine-Russia war has driven demand for drone systems, which is expected to enhance the sector's attractiveness, particularly as U.S. investment in unmanned systems increases.
- Rising Demand for Counter-Drone Tech: With Iran deploying low-cost long-range drones against U.S. targets, BTIG analysts note that production and distribution of counter-drone systems are increasing to address escalating threats, with AeroVironment and Leonardo DRS positioned as primary beneficiaries.
- Increased Defense Budget: The fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act raised the budget for counter-drone programs by approximately $336 million, reflecting the U.S. government's commitment to unmanned systems, especially in countering emerging threats.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: AeroVironment is projected to capture hundreds of millions in market opportunities, particularly after the U.S. military selected its counter-drone systems, and analysts' strong buy ratings reflect confidence in the company's future growth prospects.
Top Nuclear Energy Stocks to Buy Now
- Stock Recommendations: Motley Fool contributors Jason Hall and Tyler Crowe advocate for Rolls-Royce and Curtiss-Wright as the top nuclear energy stocks to buy now, reflecting strong confidence in these companies amid a growing nuclear market.
- Market Performance: As of February 27, 2026, Rolls-Royce's stock price stood at $2.60, while Curtiss-Wright saw a 3.23% increase, indicating rising investor interest in the nuclear sector, which could drive future investment returns.
- Competitive Analysis: Although Oklo and NuScale Power are also recognized as pure-play nuclear companies, Motley Fool's analysis suggests that Rolls-Royce and Curtiss-Wright possess superior technology and market potential, likely offering better long-term returns for investors.
- Industry Outlook: With the global demand for clean energy on the rise, the potential of nuclear energy as a sustainable source is being reassessed, and investing in these two companies could benefit from policy support and increasing market demand in the coming years.
