The S&P 500 has impressively more than tripled in value over the last decade, despite facing numerous challenges such as the pandemic, inflation, increasing interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and various macroeconomic pressures that have unsettled the economy. As we gaze into the next ten years, we can anticipate encountering many of the same obstacles that have shaped recent market behavior.
This backdrop might suggest that investing in an S&P 500 exchange-traded fund (ETF), reinvesting dividends, and ignoring the short-term fluctuations could be a wise strategy. However, certain speculative stocks emerging today may provide even greater opportunities for substantial returns that exceed the market average over the next decade. Let’s explore three compelling candidates: AST SpaceMobile (ASTS 3.59%), Rivian Automotive (RIVN +0.94%), and QuantumScape (QS +1.60%).
Image source: Getty Images.
Exploring AST SpaceMobile’s Groundbreaking Satellite Technology
AST SpaceMobile operates a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that transmit 2G, 4G, and 5G cellular signals directly to mobile devices, significantly enhancing connectivity options. This innovative technology supports major telecommunications companies like AT&T and Verizon in extending their network coverage to rural and underserved areas where traditional terrestrial towers struggle to provide service. Additionally, AST SpaceMobile is actively developing satellites for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s SHIELD program, showcasing its commitment to advanced technology and defense applications.
Today’s Change
(-3.59%) $-3.18
Current Price
$85.39
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$26B
Day’s Range
$84.11 – $88.84
52wk Range
$20.26 – $129.89
Volume
11M
Avg Vol
14M
Gross Margin
-14399.31%
In 2024, AST SpaceMobile successfully launched its initial five Block 1 (BlueBird) commercial satellites, marking a significant milestone in its operational framework. The following year, in 2025, the company launched its first four Block 2 BlueBird (BB2) satellites, which are considerably larger, measuring 3.5 times the size of the BB1, and capable of processing approximately ten times more data. AST SpaceMobile has ambitious plans to deploy between 45 to 60 satellites into orbit by the end of 2026, with long-term goals to expand its satellite constellation to over 240.
From 2025 through 2028, analysts predict a remarkable increase in AST’s revenues, forecasting a rise from $71 million to an astounding $1.92 billion as the company secures additional customers and launches more satellites. Furthermore, it is anticipated that AST SpaceMobile will achieve profitability by 2027 and 2028, thanks to the operational efficiencies resulting from economies of scale. Although its current market capitalization stands at $26 billion, suggesting a valuation that may seem steep at 14 times its projected 2028 sales, the potential for growth in the next decade remains substantial as commercial and government clients continue to expand their satellite deployments.
Investing in Rivian Automotive: The Future of Electric Vehicles
Rivian stands out as a pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer that offers a diverse lineup of vehicles, including the R1T pickup truck, the R1S SUV, the R2 SUV, and electric delivery vans designed for Amazon and other corporate partners. Despite facing production declines in 2024 and 2025 due to issues such as supply chain disruptions, growing competition, and broader macroeconomic challenges affecting the electric vehicle market, Rivian remains a noteworthy player in the industry.
Today’s Change
(0.94%) $0.15
Current Price
$16.14
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$20B
Day’s Range
$15.90 – $16.40
52wk Range
$10.85 – $22.69
Volume
10M
Avg Vol
29M
Gross Margin
-276.59%
Looking ahead, Rivian anticipates that its new R2 SUV model, priced between $30,000 and $40,000 less than its flagship R1 vehicles, will significantly expand its market reach. The increasing sales of the R2 should also contribute positively to Rivian’s long-term profit margins, as manufacturing costs for the R2 are lower compared to the R1T and R1S models.
Analysts project that Rivian’s revenue will more than triple from 2025 to 2028, soaring from $5.4 billion to $16.4 billion as the company reduces its losses. While Rivian still faces considerable challenges in the near term, its market capitalization of $20 billion currently values the company at less than three times its expected sales for this year. If Rivian can successfully scale up production and accelerate growth, its stock has the potential to experience significant appreciation over the next ten years.
Understanding QuantumScape’s Innovative Battery Technology
QuantumScape focuses on the development of advanced solid-state lithium-metal batteries, which are engineered to provide enhanced thermal stability, increased energy density, and faster charging times compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. These cutting-edge batteries have the potential to make electric vehicles (EVs) safer and more energy-efficient, although they also present manufacturing challenges and higher production costs. Currently, QuantumScape has yet to commercialize its batteries but has successfully shipped advanced prototypes to several leading automakers.
Today’s Change
(1.60%) $0.11
Current Price
$6.97
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$4.2B
Day’s Range
$6.95 – $7.22
52wk Range
$3.60 – $19.07
Volume
284K
Avg Vol
13M
QuantumScape enjoys backing from Volkswagen, which is currently testing its innovative QSE-5 batteries at its PowerCo subsidiary. Once these batteries reach commercialization, QuantumScape plans to license its technology to PowerCo and other battery manufacturers, rather than produce the batteries itself. This licensing approach, which is projected to offer higher profit margins, should assist QuantumScape in gradually reducing its losses.
Wall Street analysts predict that QuantumScape’s revenue will climb from less than $1 million in 2026 to a remarkable $545 million by 2028, coinciding with the commercialization of its first battery designs. However, it’s important to note that analysts do not foresee the company achieving profitability in the near future. With a market cap of $4.2 billion already reflecting a valuation of eight times its projected 2028 sales, QuantumScape may have a promising future ahead if its solid-state lithium-metal batteries can successfully replace conventional lithium-ion alternatives.
Clara Jensen is a passionate author and financial blogger at Oxford Wise Finance, where she explores a range of general topics with a focus on personal finance and economic literacy. With a background in economics and years of experience in the finance sector, Clara aims to empower readers with practical knowledge and actionable insights. Through her engaging writing style, she demystifies complex financial concepts, making them accessible to all. When she’s not writing, Clara enjoys traveling and discovering new ways to manage her own financial journey.
