The artificial intelligence (AI) boom has undeniably propelled Super Micro Computer (Nasdaq: SMCI) into the spotlight. Once a quiet player in the technology realm, its data center servers are now in high demand, catapulting the company onto the Forbes 500 list and driving its market cap to $49.6 billion. With revenue projected to reach $15 billion in fiscal 2024, and a recent addition to the S&P 500 index, Super Micro’s recent success is undeniable. Its strong ties with chipmakers Nvidia and AMD further suggest a bright future.
However, a closer examination of the market reveals a trio of stocks that have outpaced even Super Micro’s meteoric rise in the past year. These companies—Root (Nasdaq: ROOT), Carvana (NYSE: CVNA), and Soleno Therapeutics (Nasdaq: SLNO)—have achieved triple-digit share gains, demonstrating that lucrative opportunities exist beyond the AI frenzy.
Root’s Rapid Ascent
Root (Nasdaq: ROOT) stands out as a prime example of innovation in the auto insurtech sector. Its shares have skyrocketed 975% over the last 12 months, easily outperforming even the AI juggernaut Super Micro Computer. By leveraging mobile technology and data science, Root has streamlined car insurance, offering better rates to safe drivers.
This $733.5 million company is anything but a traditional insurance player. In the first quarter, Root reported a staggering 264% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching nearly $255 million. This period also marked a shift to profitability, with positive operating income of $5 million.
Industry analysts predict Root’s revenue will grow by 25% annually over the next three years, far exceeding the industry average of 5.9%. While still in its early stages, Root’s ambitious goal of revolutionizing the insurance industry through technology has captured Wall Street’s attention. The average price target of almost $78 per share suggests a potential upside of over 50%.
Carvana’s Resurgence
Carvana (NYSE: CVNA), the online platform for buying and selling used cars, gained widespread recognition during the pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions. After a brief downturn, the company has roared back to life, rewarding investors with a nearly 600% gain over the past year.
While Carvana faced challenges in the wake of the pandemic, the company’s management seems to have successfully steered it back on course. The e-commerce auto platform has been proactively managing its debt, making cash payments on senior secured notes and repurchasing some of it. Positive attention from meme-stock investors may have also contributed to improving the brand’s perception.
Carvana recently reported a record-breaking first quarter, with total revenue growing 17% year-over-year to over $3 billion, driven by the sale of nearly 92,000 retail units. The company also achieved record net income of $49 million, a net income margin of 1.6%, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 7.7%, surpassing the industry average among listed auto retailers. As long as the auto sales environment remains steady, Carvana is poised to meet its full-year outlook.
Wall Street analysts are optimistic, with Evercore ISI adding the stock to its tactical outperform list.
Soleno Therapeutics Takes Flight
Soleno Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has seen its shares soar 647% over the past 12 months. The company’s impending inclusion in the Russell 3000 Index will expose it to a broader range of institutional investors seeking diversified holdings in the U.S. market.
With a market cap of $1.6 billion, Soleno Therapeutics is dedicated to treating rare diseases and boasts a robust pipeline of innovative drugs in various stages of development. Last month, the U.S. FDA granted one of its drugs, diazoxide choline therapy for Prader-Willi syndrome patients suffering from extreme hunger, Breakthrough Therapy Designation.
Wall Street analysts are largely bullish on Soleno Therapeutics, with four “buy” ratings and no “sells.” The average price target of $70 per share indicates an anticipated upside of approximately 60%. These examples illustrate that investors can find exceptional returns outside the AI sphere.