So, you're wondering why Velo3D, Inc. (VELO) shares are popping on Tuesday? It's a classic case of a company hitting the gas on two very different tracks at once: high-speed motorsports and the slow-but-steady world of government defense contracts.
The main catalyst is a new partnership with Andretti Performance. Velo3D isn't just slapping its logo on a car; it's getting its hands dirty as the additive manufacturing (that's the fancy term for industrial 3D printing) technology provider for two events in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. You'll see its branding on the No. 43 Porsche, but the real story is under the hood—or more accurately, in the cockpit.
The company designed a 3D-printed aluminum mounting bracket made from a special alloy called Constellium's Aheadd CP1. The goal? To make a part that's lighter and stronger to improve the car's cockpit system performance. It's a neat, real-world demo of how this tech can deliver in extreme environments where every gram and every bit of strength counts. Execs say this moves the conversation about their advanced manufacturing beyond factory floors and into the public eye of the racetrack.
But that's not the only piece of good news in the rearview mirror. Last month, Velo3D quietly landed a significant deal on the other side of the speed spectrum: a $9.8 million, five-year contract with the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency. It's an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which is government-speak for "we have a deal, and we'll figure out the exact details of what and when as we go." This is for a program aimed at making the military's supply chain more resilient and faster for critical parts. In short, when the Department of Defense needs a specialized metal part, Velo3D's printers could be part of the solution to get it made quicker.
Okay, so the news is good. What does the chart say? The stock is currently trading with some serious bullish momentum, sitting 37.5% above its 20-day moving average and 28.5% above its 50-day average. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at a neutral 51.84, which technical traders might read as the stock having some room to run before it's considered overbought. And if you look back a year, the performance is eye-watering: a 342.86% gain. For the traders in the room, key resistance is seen around $16.00, and support might come in around $12.50.
For those just tuning in, Velo3D is in the business of intelligent metal additive manufacturing. Their solution is a suite of tools: Flow software for print preparation, the Sapphire production system for the actual printing, and Assure software for real-time quality control. They're trying to make high-value metal parts better, cheaper, and faster.
The company is expected to report its next earnings around May 26, 2026. The consensus estimate is for a loss of 48 cents per share on revenue of $9.86 million. The analyst view remains positive, with a consensus Buy rating and an average price target of $18.00. For example, Lake Street Capital maintained its Buy rating and raised its target to that $18.00 level back in December.
Putting it all together, Velo3D shares were up 31.79% at $15.38 on Tuesday. It's a big move driven by news that shows the company's technology finding practical, high-profile uses in two very demanding fields. From the racetrack to the battlefield, it seems investors are betting that Velo3D's printers are built for more than just prototypes.
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