TLDR
- Applied Digital ($APLD) closed at $16.34, up 15.97% on August 18, 2025.
- Company announced $3B Polaris Forge 2 AI campus near Harwood, North Dakota.
- Campus capacity: 280MW, scalable beyond initial build, full operations expected in 2027.
- Strong performance: YTD +113.87%, 1-year +307.48%, far outpacing S&P 500.
- Economic impact includes 200+ jobs, infrastructure growth, and strengthened regional partnerships.
Applied Digital Corporation (Nasdaq: APLD) closed trading at $16.34, rising +15.97% on August 18, 2025, as it unveiled plans to break ground in September 2025 on its $3 billion Polaris Forge 2 campus in Harwood, North Dakota.
Applied Digital Corporation (APLD)
The 280MW AI Factory, designed to expand beyond its initial size, will begin operations in 2026 and reach full capacity by early 2027.
CEO Wes Cummins highlighted that the project addresses surging demand from hyperscalers and enterprises seeking scalable AI infrastructure. Negotiations are already underway with a U.S.-based investment-grade hyperscaler, signaling strong commercial traction for the new facility.
Applied Digital launches Polaris Forge 2 — a $3B, 280 MW AI campus in North Dakota, with the ability to scale.
2 AI Factories, Purpose-built to power the most demanding AI workloads while creating jobs and driving regional growth.
The future of #AI infrastructure starts here.… pic.twitter.com/uee17bT6ej
— Applied Digital (@APLDdigital) August 18, 2025
Strategic Importance for North Dakota
The state continues to emerge as a national leader in AI infrastructure due to its abundant energy, available land, and business-friendly environment. Governor Kelly Armstrong praised Applied Digital for investing not just in facilities but also in workforce housing and community development, citing its earlier success in Ellendale with Polaris Forge 1.
Polaris Forge 2 will span over 900 acres with power secured from Cass County Electric Cooperative, ensuring scalability and reliability. Once operational, the project is expected to create over 200 full-time jobs, in addition to supporting long-term contractors.
Strong Regional Partnerships
Local stakeholders are aligning with Applied Digital to ensure smooth execution. Cass County Electric Cooperative emphasized its commitment to supporting innovation while adhering to cooperative values. Minnkota Power Cooperative reaffirmed its role in delivering responsible, reliable energy to power the campus.
Economic development groups like the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC) view the project as transformative. Workforce assessments indicate that the Fargo region has the talent pool to support the facility, ensuring Applied Digital can scale operations without constraint.
Community and Economic Impact
The Harwood campus is projected to become a catalyst for rural innovation, generating high-tech infrastructure and strengthening community ties. Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken called Applied Digital’s expansion a model for sustainable rural economic growth. Harwood Mayor Blake Hankey celebrated the development as a milestone that puts the city on the map as a hub for AI infrastructure.
Performance Overview: APLD
Applied Digital’s stock has been one of the strongest performers in the market:
- YTD Return: +113.87% (vs. S&P 500 at +9.65%)
- 1-Year Return: +307.48% (vs. S&P 500 at +16.11%)
- 3-Year Return: +697.07% (vs. S&P 500 at +50.55%)
- 5-Year Return: +247.66% (vs. S&P 500 at +90.25%)
These numbers highlight the company’s remarkable momentum, fueled by AI-driven infrastructure demand and strategic investments.
