The artificial intelligence investment boom has pushed capital far beyond mega-cap leaders into smaller, higher-risk AI specialists with the potential for outsized returns. Among these emerging names, BigBear.ai Holdings BBAI and SoundHound AI SOUN have drawn growing investor attention.
BBAI sharpens its defense AI edge with the Ask Sage deal, aiming for long-term gains despite near-term losses.
BigBear.ai (BBAI) is aggressively expanding into the Middle East, establishing a regional office in Abu Dhabi and forging key partnerships. BBAI targets AI-driven contracts in mobility, logistics, and border security, leveraging products like ConductorOS, Arcas, and VeriScan for regional adoption. Recent MOUs, including with Pahang Aerospace City, position BBAI for future Southeast Asia expansion, though current agreements are not yet revenue-generating.
BBAI eyes 2026 growth as national security AI demand surges, backed by a key acquisition and record liquidity.
BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. BBAI has enjoyed a sharp rebound over the past six months, rising nearly 36% and outperforming major benchmarks, including the S&P 500, the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and even the Zacks Computers – IT Services industry. With the stock trading around $5.79 (as of Dec. 2) and remaining well above its 200-day moving average, investors are weighing whether the rally still has room to run or if the upside is starting to plateau.
BigBear.ai's stock has surged 35% year to date in 2025. The acquisition of AskSage, a generative AI platform, will bring high-margin recurring revenue to BigBear.ai.
BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. BBAI has been facing margin pressures since the start of 2025. The gross margin contracted 240 basis points (bps) to 22.8% year over year and the adjusted EBITDA margin was at a negative of 24.8% (compared with negative 3.8% a year ago) in the first nine months of 2025.
BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. BBAI has come under heavy pressure over the past month, with shares plunging 17.5% and underperforming the broader technology landscape. The Zacks Computers – IT Services industry fell 6.7% over the same period, while the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the S&P 500 declined only 1.7% and 1.9%, respectively.
BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. BBAI operates at the crossroads of national security, border technology, and applied AI—segments where funding flows can be uneven but, when secured, have the potential to meaningfully accelerate growth. After a volatile first half, the stock has reset from its early-year peaks, leaving valuation multiples below prior highs and inviting a fresh look for investors weighing risk against optionality.
BigBear.ai NYSE: BBAI remains a speculative investment, as the 20% share price spike following the Q3 release is unsustainable. Each bit of good news within the report is offset by a negative that points to the same old story.
BBAI's Q3 earnings miss estimates, but a revenue beat and an Ask Sage acquisition lift shares on defense AI optimism.
BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. ( BBAI ) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 10, 2025 4:30 PM EST Company Participants Sean Ricker - CFO & Principal Accounting Officer Kevin McAleenan - CEO & Director Presentation Operator Greetings, and welcome to BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call and Webcast. [Operator Instructions] As a reminder, this conference is being recorded.