High-Conviction Large-Cap Growth Opportunities in Tech and Retail: Earnings Momentum and Sector Catalysts for 2026

The third quarter of 2025 has delivered compelling evidence of earnings momentum and sector-specific catalysts in the technology and retail industries, offering investors a roadmap for strategic portfolio reallocation ahead of 2026 trends. As the S&P 500 reported a 13.4% year-over-year earnings per share increase for Q3, outpacing forecasts, companies leveraging digital transformation and supply chain optimization have emerged as standout performers. AST SpaceMobile, Dollar General, and CoreWeave exemplify this trend, each demonstrating unique strengths tied to their respective sectors.

AST SpaceMobile: Pioneering Commercial Space Infrastructure

AST SpaceMobile's Q3 2025 results underscored its role as a disruptor in the satellite communications sector. The company reported significant progress in commercial activities, including new customer acquisitions and expansion of its satellite network. Despite ongoing losses-Cantor Fitzgerald's updated FY2025 EPS estimate of -$0.68 (up from -$0.97) still trails the consensus of -$0.40-analysts are increasingly optimistic about its long-term potential. The firm's ability to secure enterprise clients and advance its BlueBird satellite platform positions it to benefit from the growing demand for global connectivity, a trend accelerated by the proliferation of IoT devices and 5G infrastructure.

Dollar General: Retail Resilience and Traffic-Driven Growth

Dollar General's Q3 performance highlighted the enduring strength of the discount retail sector. The company exceeded expectations, with earnings per share rising 43.8% to $1.28, driven by robust same-store sales growth and increased foot traffic. Gordon Haskett's recent upgrade to a "Buy" rating from "Accumulate" reflects confidence in Dollar General's ability to outperform rivals like Dollar Tree. This success stems from its agile supply chain strategy and focus on high-demand, low-cost goods-a model that remains highly relevant in an inflationary environment. As consumer spending shifts toward value-oriented retailers, Dollar General's geographic expansion and operational efficiency provide a durable competitive edge.

CoreWeave: Capturing the AI Cloud Gold Rush

CoreWeave's Q3 2025 results epitomize the explosive growth of the AI cloud infrastructure sector. The company reported revenue of $1.36 billion, a 134% year-over-year increase, driven by surging demand from clients like Meta and OpenAI. Notably, CoreWeave secured a six-year, $14.2 billion contract with Meta and a $6.5 billion expansion with OpenAI, cementing its role as a critical player in the AI compute arms race. While the firm posted a $110 million net loss (improving from $360 million in Q3 2024), its $55.6 billion revenue backlog signals strong future cash flow potential. Roth Capital's initiation of coverage with a "Buy" rating and $110 price target underscores the sector's conviction in CoreWeave's ability to scale its infrastructure and capture market share.

Sector Catalysts and Strategic Reallocation

The performance of these companies is inextricably linked to broader sector catalysts. In technology, the AI cloud sector is experiencing unprecedented demand, with enterprises racing to deploy generative AI tools and large language models. CoreWeave's partnerships with industry leaders position it to benefit from this tailwind, while AST SpaceMobile's satellite infrastructure addresses the need for low-latency, high-capacity connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

In retail, Dollar General's success reflects a shift in consumer behavior toward value-driven shopping, a trend likely to persist as households remain budget-conscious. The company's focus on supply chain optimization and localized inventory management provides a blueprint for navigating macroeconomic uncertainty.

For investors seeking high-conviction opportunities, these companies represent a balanced approach to growth and stability. AST SpaceMobile and CoreWeave offer exposure to high-growth, capital-intensive sectors with long-term secular trends, while Dollar General provides defensive characteristics in a volatile market. As 2026 approaches, reallocating toward these names-each with strong earnings momentum and sector-specific catalysts-could position portfolios to capitalize on both near-term and long-term opportunities.