Applied Digital vs Zhejiang Century Huatong: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Applied Digital Corporation (APLD)

Q3 202623 Jul – 6 Oct 2026

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APLD's Q4 Revenue Soars 407%, Backlog Hits $36B on AI Demand

Fiscal Q4 Revenue Surges 407% to $258.7M Applied Digital's fiscal Q4 revenue jumped 407% to $258.7 million, beating expectations. This shows the AI data center business is growing rapidly and becoming more profitable, which excited investors and pushed the stock higher.
This is a new financial result for the period, showing accelerating growth that directly boosts investor confidence.
Contracted Lease Backlog Reaches $36B Across 1.41 GW Applied Digital's signed lease backlog hit $36 billion across 1.41 gigawatts, with over 70% from investment-grade hyperscalers. This huge backlog gives visibility into future revenue and validates strong demand for its AI data centers.
This is a new milestone for the period, highlighting the scale of future revenue and demand.
Management Expects $1B NOI Target Three Years Early Management now expects to hit its $1 billion net operating income target three years early, helped by a 1.2 GW turbine order, a $2.4 billion North Dakota build deal, and up to 1 GW of power in Finland. This signals faster growth and execution.
This is a new forward-looking guidance update that shows accelerating progress and expansion.
Financing Risks and High Valuation Weigh on Sentiment Morgan Stanley flagged lower returns on invested capital and financing risks. APLD carries $1.59 billion in 7% notes and a 526x forward P/E, leaving little cushion. Peer impairments and customer concentration also weigh on sentiment.
This is a new counterweight for the period, highlighting risks that could pressure the stock.

September 202610 Sep – 6 Oct 2026

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APLD expands power and analyst coverage, but earnings loom

1.2 GW steam turbine order and $2.4B build deal Applied Digital ordered 1.2 GW of steam turbines and signed a $2.4B design/build agreement for its North Dakota AI data center. This locks in power equipment despite industry-wide gas turbine delays, supporting future revenue and showing execution progress.
This is a major new contract that directly advances APLD's core data center buildout and addresses power supply constraints.
Analyst fair value cut and split ratings Fair value trimmed to $68.35 as analysts split: Wells Fargo Overweight $50, B. Riley $75, Morgan Stanley $37.50, Rothschild Neutral $22. The debate centers on funding risk and how much AI growth is already priced in, creating uncertainty for the stock.
This reflects changing market expectations and highlights the key bull-bear debate that influences APLD's valuation.
UBS initiates with Buy and $38 target UBS started coverage with a Buy rating and $38 price target, implying 35% upside. The analyst sees strong growth from AI data center demand and notes APLD's legacy crypto operations provide valuable grid access, boosting confidence in future earnings.
A new bullish analyst rating adds a fresh positive voice and highlights APLD's competitive advantage in power access.
Secures up to 1 GW power in Finland Applied Digital signed an agreement for up to 1 GW of power capacity in Finland, its first AI Factory campus outside the US. Initial power is expected in 2028, expanding the long-term growth runway and diversifying beyond the US.
This is a new international expansion that increases APLD's potential scale and addresses future demand.

Latest10 Sep – 6 Oct 2026

▲3

APLD expands power and analyst coverage, but earnings loom

1.2 GW steam turbine order and $2.4B build deal Applied Digital ordered 1.2 GW of steam turbines and signed a $2.4B design/build agreement for its North Dakota AI data center. This locks in power equipment despite industry-wide gas turbine delays, supporting future revenue and showing execution progress.
This is a major new contract that directly advances APLD's core data center buildout and addresses power supply constraints.
Analyst fair value cut and split ratings Fair value trimmed to $68.35 as analysts split: Wells Fargo Overweight $50, B. Riley $75, Morgan Stanley $37.50, Rothschild Neutral $22. The debate centers on funding risk and how much AI growth is already priced in, creating uncertainty for the stock.
This reflects changing market expectations and highlights the key bull-bear debate that influences APLD's valuation.
UBS initiates with Buy and $38 target UBS started coverage with a Buy rating and $38 price target, implying 35% upside. The analyst sees strong growth from AI data center demand and notes APLD's legacy crypto operations provide valuable grid access, boosting confidence in future earnings.
A new bullish analyst rating adds a fresh positive voice and highlights APLD's competitive advantage in power access.
Secures up to 1 GW power in Finland Applied Digital signed an agreement for up to 1 GW of power capacity in Finland, its first AI Factory campus outside the US. Initial power is expected in 2028, expanding the long-term growth runway and diversifying beyond the US.
This is a new international expansion that increases APLD's potential scale and addresses future demand.

August 20261 Aug – 28 Aug 2026

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AI demand and $36B backlog drive APLD, but financing and peer risk weigh

AI data center demand remains red-hot Applied Digital's $36 billion lease pipeline and 167% revenue growth show strong demand for AI data centers. Goldman Sachs estimates $7.6 trillion in AI infrastructure spending through 2031, a huge tailwind. This supports the stock because it means more future revenue and growth.
Explains the core demand driver behind APLD's move and its long-term growth potential.
Earnings beat and accelerated profit target Q4 revenue surged 407% to $258.7 million, beating estimates, and management now expects to hit its $1 billion annual net operating income target three years early. This shows the AI buildout is translating into real profits, pushing the stock up.
Highlights the fundamental earnings strength that directly boosts investor confidence and the stock price.
Sector momentum from Nvidia and peers Nvidia's blowout earnings and strong guidance, plus CoreWeave's accelerating backlog, lifted AI infrastructure stocks including Applied Digital. Nvidia remains supply constrained, making contracted power and hosting capacity more valuable. This sector-wide demand signal pushes APLD higher.
Shows how broader AI compute demand and peer results directly lift APLD's stock.
Financing risks and peer impairment IREN's $638.8 million impairment on obsolete mining gear triggered a sector selloff, with APLD down 7%. APLD's high forward P/E of 526x and $1.59 billion in 7% senior secured notes leave little cushion. Financing large projects and customer concentration remain real risks.
Provides the key counterweight: financing and peer risks that can pressure APLD's stock.

1 Aug – 28 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

AI demand and $36B backlog drive APLD, but financing and peer risk weigh

AI data center demand remains red-hot Applied Digital's $36 billion lease pipeline and 167% revenue growth show strong demand for AI data centers. Goldman Sachs estimates $7.6 trillion in AI infrastructure spending through 2031, a huge tailwind. This supports the stock because it means more future revenue and growth.
Explains the core demand driver behind APLD's move and its long-term growth potential.
Earnings beat and accelerated profit target Q4 revenue surged 407% to $258.7 million, beating estimates, and management now expects to hit its $1 billion annual net operating income target three years early. This shows the AI buildout is translating into real profits, pushing the stock up.
Highlights the fundamental earnings strength that directly boosts investor confidence and the stock price.
Sector momentum from Nvidia and peers Nvidia's blowout earnings and strong guidance, plus CoreWeave's accelerating backlog, lifted AI infrastructure stocks including Applied Digital. Nvidia remains supply constrained, making contracted power and hosting capacity more valuable. This sector-wide demand signal pushes APLD higher.
Shows how broader AI compute demand and peer results directly lift APLD's stock.
Financing risks and peer impairment IREN's $638.8 million impairment on obsolete mining gear triggered a sector selloff, with APLD down 7%. APLD's high forward P/E of 526x and $1.59 billion in 7% senior secured notes leave little cushion. Financing large projects and customer concentration remain real risks.
Provides the key counterweight: financing and peer risks that can pressure APLD's stock.

July 202623 Jul – 28 Jul 2026

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Applied Digital's AI Data Center Backlog Hits $36B as Earnings Soar

Fiscal Q4 Revenue Surges 407%, Beats Estimates Applied Digital reported Q4 revenue of $258.7 million, up 407% year over year, crushing the $94.8 million estimate. Adjusted earnings per share came in at 4 cents versus an expected 22-cent loss. This shows the AI data center buildout is translating into real, accelerating revenue, pushing the stock up.
This is the core new financial result that directly answers why APLD is moving now.
Contracted Lease Backlog Reaches $36 Billion Across 1.41 GW On its earnings call, Applied Digital said it has 1.41 gigawatts of contracted IT load across five campuses, supporting about $36 billion in base-term lease revenue. Over 70% is backed by investment-grade hyperscalers. This massive backlog gives long-term cash flow visibility, boosting investor confidence and the stock.
This is a new, concrete metric that quantifies the company's future revenue and validates demand.
B. Riley Reiterates Buy, $66 Target After EBITDA Beat B. Riley kept its Buy rating and $66 price target after Applied Digital's Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $42.4 million beat its $24.6 million estimate. The analyst also noted improving construction times and lower financing costs. This analyst endorsement reinforces the bullish case and supports the stock price.
This is a new analyst action that directly reflects the earnings beat and provides a price target.
Morgan Stanley Initiates Equal-weight, Citing Lower Returns and Financing Risks Morgan Stanley started coverage with an Equal-weight rating and $36.50 target, noting Applied Digital's lower returns on invested capital and financing risks compared to peers. While it acknowledges the sizable lease portfolio, this cautious view tempers upside and could weigh on the stock.
This is a new counterweight that provides a balanced view of the risks and limits the bullish narrative.

23 Jul – 28 Jul 2026

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Applied Digital's AI Data Center Backlog Hits $36B as Earnings Soar

Fiscal Q4 Revenue Surges 407%, Beats Estimates Applied Digital reported Q4 revenue of $258.7 million, up 407% year over year, crushing the $94.8 million estimate. Adjusted earnings per share came in at 4 cents versus an expected 22-cent loss. This shows the AI data center buildout is translating into real, accelerating revenue, pushing the stock up.
This is the core new financial result that directly answers why APLD is moving now.
Contracted Lease Backlog Reaches $36 Billion Across 1.41 GW On its earnings call, Applied Digital said it has 1.41 gigawatts of contracted IT load across five campuses, supporting about $36 billion in base-term lease revenue. Over 70% is backed by investment-grade hyperscalers. This massive backlog gives long-term cash flow visibility, boosting investor confidence and the stock.
This is a new, concrete metric that quantifies the company's future revenue and validates demand.
B. Riley Reiterates Buy, $66 Target After EBITDA Beat B. Riley kept its Buy rating and $66 price target after Applied Digital's Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $42.4 million beat its $24.6 million estimate. The analyst also noted improving construction times and lower financing costs. This analyst endorsement reinforces the bullish case and supports the stock price.
This is a new analyst action that directly reflects the earnings beat and provides a price target.
Morgan Stanley Initiates Equal-weight, Citing Lower Returns and Financing Risks Morgan Stanley started coverage with an Equal-weight rating and $36.50 target, noting Applied Digital's lower returns on invested capital and financing risks compared to peers. While it acknowledges the sizable lease portfolio, this cautious view tempers upside and could weigh on the stock.
This is a new counterweight that provides a balanced view of the risks and limits the bullish narrative.

Q2 202617 Jun – 1 Jul 2026

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Applied Digital's AI Data Center Buildout Accelerates with New Leases and On-Time Delivery

New 210 MW Hyperscaler Lease Adds $5.2B Contracted Revenue Applied Digital signed a 15-year lease with a high-investment-grade hyperscaler for 210 MW, expected to generate $5.2 billion in base revenue. This boosts future cash flow and validates demand, pushing the stock up as investors see growing backlog.
This is a new major contract that directly increases APLD's future revenue and is a key reason for the recent price target hike.
Polaris Forge 1 Delivers Second Building, Live Capacity Hits 175 MW Applied Digital brought 75 MW online on schedule at Polaris Forge 1, reaching 175 MW of live capacity. This shows execution strength and supports revenue growth, lifting investor confidence and the stock price.
This operational milestone demonstrates the company's ability to deliver on its backlog, a key driver of the stock's momentum.
Fiscal Q3 Revenue Surges 139%, Adjusted EBITDA $44.1M Applied Digital reported Q3 revenue of $126.6 million, up 139% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $44.1 million. Strong financial performance signals accelerating demand and improving profitability, pushing the stock higher.
This is a new earnings report that confirms the company's rapid growth and is a fundamental driver of the stock's recent rise.
Montana-Dakota Utilities Signs Power Agreement for Polaris Forge 3 Montana-Dakota Utilities agreed to supply power to Applied Digital's proposed 430 MW AI factory in North Dakota. This secures critical infrastructure for future growth, boosting investor confidence in the company's expansion plans.
This is a new agreement that de-risks the power supply for a major future campus, supporting the growth narrative.

June 202617 Jun – 1 Jul 2026

▲4

Applied Digital's AI Data Center Buildout Accelerates with New Leases and On-Time Delivery

New 210 MW Hyperscaler Lease Adds $5.2B Contracted Revenue Applied Digital signed a 15-year lease with a high-investment-grade hyperscaler for 210 MW, expected to generate $5.2 billion in base revenue. This boosts future cash flow and validates demand, pushing the stock up as investors see growing backlog.
This is a new major contract that directly increases APLD's future revenue and is a key reason for the recent price target hike.
Polaris Forge 1 Delivers Second Building, Live Capacity Hits 175 MW Applied Digital brought 75 MW online on schedule at Polaris Forge 1, reaching 175 MW of live capacity. This shows execution strength and supports revenue growth, lifting investor confidence and the stock price.
This operational milestone demonstrates the company's ability to deliver on its backlog, a key driver of the stock's momentum.
Fiscal Q3 Revenue Surges 139%, Adjusted EBITDA $44.1M Applied Digital reported Q3 revenue of $126.6 million, up 139% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $44.1 million. Strong financial performance signals accelerating demand and improving profitability, pushing the stock higher.
This is a new earnings report that confirms the company's rapid growth and is a fundamental driver of the stock's recent rise.
Montana-Dakota Utilities Signs Power Agreement for Polaris Forge 3 Montana-Dakota Utilities agreed to supply power to Applied Digital's proposed 430 MW AI factory in North Dakota. This secures critical infrastructure for future growth, boosting investor confidence in the company's expansion plans.
This is a new agreement that de-risks the power supply for a major future campus, supporting the growth narrative.

17 Jun – 1 Jul 2026

▲4

Applied Digital's AI Data Center Buildout Accelerates with New Leases and On-Time Delivery

New 210 MW Hyperscaler Lease Adds $5.2B Contracted Revenue Applied Digital signed a 15-year lease with a high-investment-grade hyperscaler for 210 MW, expected to generate $5.2 billion in base revenue. This boosts future cash flow and validates demand, pushing the stock up as investors see growing backlog.
This is a new major contract that directly increases APLD's future revenue and is a key reason for the recent price target hike.
Polaris Forge 1 Delivers Second Building, Live Capacity Hits 175 MW Applied Digital brought 75 MW online on schedule at Polaris Forge 1, reaching 175 MW of live capacity. This shows execution strength and supports revenue growth, lifting investor confidence and the stock price.
This operational milestone demonstrates the company's ability to deliver on its backlog, a key driver of the stock's momentum.
Fiscal Q3 Revenue Surges 139%, Adjusted EBITDA $44.1M Applied Digital reported Q3 revenue of $126.6 million, up 139% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $44.1 million. Strong financial performance signals accelerating demand and improving profitability, pushing the stock higher.
This is a new earnings report that confirms the company's rapid growth and is a fundamental driver of the stock's recent rise.
Montana-Dakota Utilities Signs Power Agreement for Polaris Forge 3 Montana-Dakota Utilities agreed to supply power to Applied Digital's proposed 430 MW AI factory in North Dakota. This secures critical infrastructure for future growth, boosting investor confidence in the company's expansion plans.
This is a new agreement that de-risks the power supply for a major future campus, supporting the growth narrative.

Zhejiang Century Huatong Group Co Ltd (002602.CS)

Q3 20263 Jul – 27 Aug 2026

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Strong game profits and AI data-center push drive Century Huatong higher

First-half profit jumps ~70% on gaming strength Century Huatong reported first-half 2026 revenue of 22.12 billion yuan, up 28.5%, and net profit of 4.5 billion yuan, up 69.5%, with the core gaming business leading. Strong, cash-generating results support the share price and fund a dividend of 0.8 yuan per 10 shares.
The confirmed earnings beat is the clearest new reason the stock is moving up.
AI cloud data becomes a second growth story Beyond games, the company is turning its existing data centers into computing-power leasing and operation, building large facilities in the Yangtze and Pearl River deltas and working with Tencent Cloud and Huawei. This adds a new AI-driven revenue stream, though profits from it are not yet broken out.
It explains the AI angle investors are pricing in alongside the game business.
Shareholders ordered to fix unpaid performance compensation Regulators told four shareholders, including former controlling shareholder Huatong Holdings, to rectify after they failed to deliver share compensation tied to a 2019 restructuring, following a subsidiary's revenue inflation. Only one has paid so far, a governance overhang that can weigh on sentiment.
It is the main counterweight and a real regulatory risk readers should know about.
Sector tailwinds and fund interest in AI applications Chinese AI models are topping global usage rankings, and brokerages are recommending AI application names, with Century Huatong appearing in August picks. Industry data also show game revenue and overseas sales rising, supporting demand for its core games and its AI pivot.
It shows the broader market backdrop that is helping lift the stock.

July 20263 Jul – 27 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Strong game profits and AI data-center push drive Century Huatong higher

First-half profit jumps ~70% on gaming strength Century Huatong reported first-half 2026 revenue of 22.12 billion yuan, up 28.5%, and net profit of 4.5 billion yuan, up 69.5%, with the core gaming business leading. Strong, cash-generating results support the share price and fund a dividend of 0.8 yuan per 10 shares.
The confirmed earnings beat is the clearest new reason the stock is moving up.
AI cloud data becomes a second growth story Beyond games, the company is turning its existing data centers into computing-power leasing and operation, building large facilities in the Yangtze and Pearl River deltas and working with Tencent Cloud and Huawei. This adds a new AI-driven revenue stream, though profits from it are not yet broken out.
It explains the AI angle investors are pricing in alongside the game business.
Shareholders ordered to fix unpaid performance compensation Regulators told four shareholders, including former controlling shareholder Huatong Holdings, to rectify after they failed to deliver share compensation tied to a 2019 restructuring, following a subsidiary's revenue inflation. Only one has paid so far, a governance overhang that can weigh on sentiment.
It is the main counterweight and a real regulatory risk readers should know about.
Sector tailwinds and fund interest in AI applications Chinese AI models are topping global usage rankings, and brokerages are recommending AI application names, with Century Huatong appearing in August picks. Industry data also show game revenue and overseas sales rising, supporting demand for its core games and its AI pivot.
It shows the broader market backdrop that is helping lift the stock.

Latest3 Jul – 27 Aug 2026

▲3▼1

Strong game profits and AI data-center push drive Century Huatong higher

First-half profit jumps ~70% on gaming strength Century Huatong reported first-half 2026 revenue of 22.12 billion yuan, up 28.5%, and net profit of 4.5 billion yuan, up 69.5%, with the core gaming business leading. Strong, cash-generating results support the share price and fund a dividend of 0.8 yuan per 10 shares.
The confirmed earnings beat is the clearest new reason the stock is moving up.
AI cloud data becomes a second growth story Beyond games, the company is turning its existing data centers into computing-power leasing and operation, building large facilities in the Yangtze and Pearl River deltas and working with Tencent Cloud and Huawei. This adds a new AI-driven revenue stream, though profits from it are not yet broken out.
It explains the AI angle investors are pricing in alongside the game business.
Shareholders ordered to fix unpaid performance compensation Regulators told four shareholders, including former controlling shareholder Huatong Holdings, to rectify after they failed to deliver share compensation tied to a 2019 restructuring, following a subsidiary's revenue inflation. Only one has paid so far, a governance overhang that can weigh on sentiment.
It is the main counterweight and a real regulatory risk readers should know about.
Sector tailwinds and fund interest in AI applications Chinese AI models are topping global usage rankings, and brokerages are recommending AI application names, with Century Huatong appearing in August picks. Industry data also show game revenue and overseas sales rising, supporting demand for its core games and its AI pivot.
It shows the broader market backdrop that is helping lift the stock.