Cadence Design Systems, Inc. provides software, hardware, services, and reusable integrated circuit (IC) design blocks worldwide. The company offers functional verification services, including emulation and prototyping hardware. Its functional verification offering consists of JasperGold, a formal verification platform; Xcelium, a parallel logic simulation platform; Palladium, an enterprise emulation platform; and Protium, a prototyping platform for chip verification. The company also provides digital IC design and sign off products, including Genus synthesis and Joules RTL power solutions, as well as Modus DFT software solution to reduce systems-on-chip design-for-test time; physical implementation tools, such as place and route, optimization, and multiple patterning preparation; and Innovus implementation system, a physical implementation system. In addition, it offers custom IC design and simulation products to create schematic and physical representations of circuits down to the transistor level for analog, mixed-signal, custom digital, memory, and radio frequency designs; and system design and analysis products to develop printed circuit boards and IC packages, as well as to analyze electromagnetic, electro-thermal, and other multi-physics effects. Further, the company provides intellectual property (IP) products comprising pre-verified and customizable functional blocks to integrate into customer's ICs; and verification IP with memory models to emulate and model the expected behavior and interaction of standard industry system interface protocols. Additionally, it offers services related to methodology, education, and hosted design solutions, as well as technical support and maintenance services. The company serves consumer, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, mobile, automotive, aerospace and defense, industrial, and life science industries. Cadence Design Systems, Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.

Cadence Design Systems демонстрирует высокие показатели эффективности, такие как ROE (21.59%) и ROA (11.44%), значительно превышающие медианные значения по отрасли. Однако, мультипликаторы, такие как P/E (77.38) и P/S (15.72), указывают на переоцененность компании, так как они значительно выше медианы. Долговая нагрузка также вызывает опасения, с коэффициентом долга к капиталу (0.48), что выше среднего по отрасли. Тем не менее, компания демонстрирует устойчивый рост выручки и чистой прибыли, что позитивно сказывается на её финансовом состоянии. Устойчивые маржи (операционная 28.51% и валовая 85.57%) также подчеркивают её конкурентные преимущества. Важно отметить, что отсутствие дивидендов может оттолкнуть некоторых инвесторов, однако высокие показатели прибыли и активов поддерживают позитивный взгляд на будущие перспективы. В целом, компания показывает сильные стороны в управлении активами и эффективностью, но высокие мультипликаторы и долговая нагрузка требуют осторожного подхода к оценке её справедливой стоимости.

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

SoundHound AI, Inc. SOUN is entering a new phase of its artificial intelligence strategy as it expands the capabilities of its Agentic AI platform. Management highlighted the technology as a core framework designed to power conversational AI deployments across a growing number of enterprise and consumer environments. The platform is designed to support AI-driven interactions across multiple touchpoints, enabling enterprises to deploy conversational AI across environments such as call centers, vehicles and digital applications.
The platform supports AI agents operating across a wide range of environments, including call centers, vehicles, phones, applications, TVs and websites. Management noted that enterprises can build an AI agent once and deploy it across these different interfaces. The architecture supports SoundHound’s proprietary models while enabling integration with models from large technology providers and other third-party sources, allowing conversational AI systems to operate across multiple touchpoints and modalities.
Activity in the fourth quarter included more than 100 customer deals across multiple industries. These agreements spanned sectors such as automotive, telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, retail and education. The company reported new automotive agreements with manufacturers in Japan, Korea, China and Vietnam, along with deployments of enterprise AI solutions across several industries.
Operational indicators also pointed to the rising usage of SoundHound’s technology. The company stated that its platform now processes billions of queries per month. Automotive cloud-based query activity increased approximately 75% year over year in the fourth quarter. In the restaurant segment, the company’s voice AI systems processed more than 9 million calls during the period as restaurant operators deployed automated ordering and customer interaction capabilities.
Management indicated that SoundHound will continue investing in innovation, including further development of its Agentic AI capabilities and conversational AI technologies. As the platform is deployed across industries such as automotive, restaurants and enterprise customer service, the company is expanding the use of its voice and conversational AI solutions across multiple environments.
How SOUN Stacks Up to Competitors
While SoundHound AI, Inc. is focusing on conversational and voice-enabled AI deployments across customer interaction channels, several other technology companies are advancing Agentic AI initiatives in different areas of the AI ecosystem.
C3.ai, Inc. AI is currently applying Agentic AI within its enterprise AI platform to improve operational productivity and internal workflows. The company emphasized the use of Agentic AI tools across functions such as sales, marketing, product development and engineering. In sales, the company is deploying Agentic AI to generate customer-specific proposals faster than previous pipeline-generation technologies. In engineering and product development, it uses agentic coding tools to increase development velocity and improve the quality of its platform and applications.
At the same time, Cadence Design Systems, Inc. CDNS is incorporating Agentic AI into semiconductor design workflows. Management introduced the ChipStack AI Super Agent, an Agentic AI solution designed to automate parts of chip design and verification. The system assists with tasks such as design coding, generating test benches and debugging while enabling engineers to expand design exploration and accelerate development cycles across semiconductor projects.
Against this backdrop, SoundHound’s strategy reflects a different application of Agentic AI, centered on conversational and voice-driven interactions across industries such as automotive, restaurants and enterprise customer service. As AI adoption expands across the technology stack, differences in how companies like SoundHound, C3.ai and Cadence deploy Agentic AI —across conversational platforms, enterprise workflows and engineering design tools — illustrate the diverse ways organizations are integrating AI agents into their software ecosystems.
SOUN’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
SoundHound shares have declined 15.9% in the past year compared with the industry’s fall of 20.6%.
SOUN One-Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, SOUN trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 12.99, below the industry’s average of 13.34.
SOUN’s P/S Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SOUN’s 2026 and 2027 earnings implies a year-over-year uptick of 30.8% and 62.2%, respectively. Loss estimates for 2026 have widened in the past 30 days.
EPS Trend of SOUN Stock
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
SOUN’s Zacks Rank
SOUN stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Just Released: Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2026
Hurry – you can still get in early on our 10 top tickers for 2026. Handpicked by Zacks Director of Research Sheraz Mian, this portfolio has been stunningly and consistently successful.
From inception in 2012 through November, 2025, the Zacks Top 10 Stocks gained +2,530.8%, more than QUADRUPLING the S&P 500’s +570.3%.
Sheraz has combed through 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank and handpicked the best 10 to buy and hold in 2026. You can still be among the first to see these just-released stocks with enormous potential.
See New Top 10 Stocks >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
SoundHound AI, Inc. (SOUN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Can SoundHound's Agentic AI Platform Power the Next Phase of Growth?

PTC Inc. PTC has unveiled a fully cloud-native Model-Based Definition (MBD) capability integrated directly into its Onshape computer-aided design (CAD) and product data management (PDM) platform. The new functionality empowers engineering teams to embed manufacturing information within 3D models from the earliest stages of product development. By consolidating design and manufacturing data into a single source, the solution enhances clarity of design intent, reduces handoffs between teams and drives greater efficiency across design, documentation, manufacturing and quality processes.
In traditional file-based CAD and PDM systems, manufacturing data is spread across drawings and disconnected files, making it difficult to maintain accurate and up-to-date product definitions. Built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Onshape centralizes real-time product data in a single cloud environment, reducing errors and accelerating the shift from design to production.
What Does MBD Capabilities Offer?
The newly introduced MBD functionality offers several advanced capabilities. Engineers can integrate geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), weld symbols and datums directly into 3D models through integrated annotations, eliminating the need for separate 2D drawings. A Smart Inspection Panel automatically compiles product manufacturing information (PMI) into a structured and filterable list, complete with instant cross-highlighting of related geometry within the model. Teams can also share annotation-rich models through secure URLs that preserve views and markups, enabling browser-based collaboration without exports, plugins or additional software.
Additionally, MBD annotations remain intelligently connected to the feature tree, ensuring that specifications stay aligned with the correct geometry as designs evolve. The platform also supports downstream inspection and compliance workflows through STEP AP242 export compatibility and integration with industry tools such as PC-DMIS and AS9102, making models inspection-ready and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Through Onshape and its broader portfolio, PTC continues to advance its Intelligent Product Lifecycle vision. By establishing a centralized product data foundation and extending its value across the enterprise, manufacturers can accelerate AI-driven transformation, improve product quality, manage complexity more effectively and meet evolving regulatory standards, ultimately bringing superior products to market more quickly and efficiently.
Management highlighted cloud-native MBD as a pivotal advancement toward building a fully digital and intelligent product lifecycle. He emphasized that migrating product definition to the cloud removes traditional barriers between design, manufacturing and enterprise systems. Supported by AWS’ scalable infrastructure and AI capabilities, Onshape delivers a faster, more resilient, and collaborative engineering environment.
PTC is well-positioned to gain from its comprehensive product portfolio. The company’s solutions help industrial enterprises to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate product and service innovation, and boost workforce productivity. Growing clout of the company’s major technology platforms, including its 3D modeling (CAD) offering Creo; lifecycle management (PLM) solution Windchill; data orchestration (IIoT) offering ThingWorx; and experience creation (AR) product Vuforia Studio, is expected to drive the top line. For the fiscal first quarter, PLM and CAD revenues were $432 million and $254 million, rising 22% and 20% year over year, respectively. A strong presence in high-performing segments and an accretive digitalization rate, coupled with its innovative offerings, led to this robust performance.
For fiscal 2026, the company anticipates revenues to be in the range of $2,675-$2,940 million, indicating a rise of (2)-7% year over year, up from the prior view of $2,650-$2,915 million. Non-GAAP EPS is now estimated in the $6.69-$9.15 band, suggesting a rise of (16)-15%. Earlier, PTC predicted the metric to be $6.49-$8.95.
However, adverse foreign currency exchange volatility and integration risks from buyouts are likely to weigh on PTC's financial performance. Moreover, the company faces stiff competition in the CAD market from Cadence Design Systems, Inc. CDNS, Autodesk, Inc. ADSK and Synopsys, Inc. SNPS.
Cadence is gaining from rising demand for its solutions, especially the AI-driven portfolio, amid robust design activity and strong spending by customers on AI initiatives. With rapid AI proliferation, the Cadence.ai portfolio has been gaining strength and the new product launches (like ChipStack AI Super Agent) are expected to aid in sustaining the momentum. The latest hardware systems continue to gain traction from AI, HPC and automotive companies. Cadence's inorganic strategy is the calculated execution of its Intelligent System Design vision. Driven by a massive backlog of $7.8 billion, management now expects 2026 revenues to be between $5.9 billion and $6 billion compared with $5.3 billion in 2025.
Autodesk is gaining from strong momentum across its portfolio, with fiscal 2026 revenues rising 19% in the fourth quarter, supported by strength in AECO, particularly construction and emerging markets, and sustained investment in data centers, infrastructure and industrial buildings. It is also benefiting from solid performance in its make business, including 23% growth across construction and Fusion, accelerating construction revenues and continued multi-seat adoption in manufacturing accounts, alongside increasing adoption of AI-powered features such as Sketch AutoConstrain. Platform investments and early API monetization are contributing as well. For fiscal 2027, Autodesk guided billings of $8.48–$8.58 billion and revenues of $8.1–$8.17 billion.
Synopsys is gaining from solid design wins driven by a robust product portfolio. Growth in the hybrid working trend is driving demand for bandwidth. The growing demand for advanced technology, design, IP and security solutions also creates solid prospects. The rising impact of AI, 5G, the Internet of Things and big data is driving investments in new computing and machine learning architectures. Synopsys’ fiscal first-quarter revenues jumped 65.5% year over year to $2.41 billion, driven by an increase in revenues of Time-Based Product, Upfront Product and Maintenance and Service businesses. For fiscal 2026, Synopsys expects revenues in the range of $9.56-$9.66 billion, including $2.9 billion of expected Ansys revenues.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. Little-known AI firms tackling the world's biggest problems may be more lucrative in the coming months and years.
See
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

PTC Expands Onshape With Advanced Cloud-Native MBD Features

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.61%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -1.17%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.41%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.59%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.39%.
Stock indexes today added to Thursday’s losses, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling to a 3.5-week low as the disruptive potential of AI weighed on markets. The weakness in software companies and cybersecurity stocks is weighing on the broader market. Stocks extended their losses today after US Jan producer prices rose more than expected, dampening any speculation that the Fed would cut interest rates in the near term.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stock indexes recovered from their worst levels after the Feb MNI Chicago PMI and Dec construction spending reports rose more than expected, which are signs of economic strength. Also, Dell Technologies is up more than +19% following a strong sales forecast for its AI servers. In addition, lower bond yields are supportive of stocks as the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2.75-month low today at 3.97%.
US Jan PPI final demand rose +0.5% m/m and +2.9% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m and +2.6% y/y. Jan PPI ex-food and energy rose +3.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +3.0% y/y and the largest increase in 10 months.
The US Feb MNI Chicago PMI unexpectedly rose by 3.7 points to 57.7, stronger than expectations of a decline to 52.1 and the fastest pace of expansion in 3.75 years.
US Dec construction spending rose +0.3% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.2% m/m.
Geopolitical risks remain a negative for stocks. WTI crude oil (CLJ26) is up more than +2% at a 6.5-month high after Axios reported that US negotiators, Kushner and Witkoff, left Geneva disappointed by what they heard from Iranian officials in the US-Iranian nuclear talks. Iran's state media reported that Iran won't allow enriched uranium to leave the country. The enrichment of uranium remains a sticking point in the nuclear negotiations, with the US saying Iran would have to send such stocks of uranium to another country or dilute them. The nuclear talks are scheduled to resume next week in Vienna. President Trump said that he’s considering a limited military strike on Iran to ramp up pressure on the country to strike a deal over its nuclear program and gave them a March 1-6 deadline for an agreement over the country’s nuclear activities, and has threatened military strikes if it fails to comply.
In Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, President Trump doubled down on his commitment to tariffs. President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs went into effect on Tuesday after the Supreme Court struck down his global “reciprocal” tariffs last Friday. Mr. Trump subsequently threatened to raise the global tariff rate to 15%, and an administration official said the White House is working on a formal order to implement that higher rate, but the timeline for its implementation has not been finalized. Mr. Trump is applying the 10% baseline levy under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to impose the charge for 150 days without congressional approval.
Q4 earnings season is nearing its end, with more than 90% of the S&P 500 companies having reported earnings results. Earnings have been a positive factor for stocks, with 74% of the 472 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6%.
The markets are discounting a 5% chance for a -25 bp rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.52%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed up +0.39%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +0.16%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are up by +9 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.7 bp to 3.977%. Mar T-notes climbed to a 3-month high today, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2.75-month low of 3.968%. Today’s stock slump has boosted safe-haven demand for T-notes. Also, bond dealer short covering is supporting T-notes as dealers lift short hedges they placed in T-note futures to hedge against this week’s $211 billion of Treasury T-note auctions. T-notes fell back from their best levels on the stronger-than-expected US reports on Jan produce prices, the Feb MNI Chicago PMI, and Dec construction spending, hawkish factors for Fed policy.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield dropped to a 3-month low of 2.667% and is down -2.3 bp to 2.668%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell to a 14.5-month low of 4.241% and is down -2.6 bp to 4.248%.
Eurozone Jan ECB 1-year CPI expectations fell to 2.6%, weaker than expectations of 2.7%. Jan 2-year CPI expectations were unchanged from Dec at 2.6%, stronger than expectations of 2.5%.
German Feb CPI (EU harmonized) rose +0.4% m/m and +2.0% y/y, weaker than expectations of +0.5% m/m and +2.1% y/y.
Swaps are discounting a 3% chance of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on March 19.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers are sliding today, weighing on the overall market. NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI) and Qualcomm (QCOM) are down more than -2%. Also, Nvidia (NVDA), Microchip Technology (MCHP), ASML Holding NV (ASML), Broadcom (AVGO), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Analog Devices (ADI), KLA Corp (KLAC), and Texas Instruments (TXN) are down more than -1%.
Zscaler (ZS) is down more than -15% to lead cybersecurity stocks lower and losers in the Nasdaq 100 despite reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.01, better than the consensus of 90 cents. Also, Cloudflare (NET), Okta (OKTA), and CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) are down more than -4%. Also, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Fortinet (FTNT) are down more than -2%.
Software stocks are retreating today, a negative factor for the broader market. Atlassian (TEAM) is down more than -6%, and Datadog (DDOG), Oracle (ORCL), Thomson Reuters (TRI), ServiceNow (NOW), and Salesforce (CRM)are down more than -3%. Also, Microsoft (MSFT) and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) are down more than -1%.
Airline stocks are sliding today after WTI crude oil jumped to a 7-month high, which will boost jet fuel prices and potentially cut into airlines’ profits. United Airlines Holdings (UAL) is down more than -8% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, American Airlines Group (AAL) and Delta Air Lines (DAL) are down more than -6%. In addition, Alaska Air Group (ALK) is down more than -4%, and Southwest Airlines (LUV) is down more than -2%.
CoreWeave (CRWV) is down more than -17% after reporting a Q4 loss per share of -89 cents, wider than the consensus of -72 cents per share.
Flutter Entertainment Plc (FLUT) is down more than -16% after reporting Q4 revenue of $4.74 billion, below the consensus of $4.94 billion, and forecasting full-year US revenue of $7.4 billion to $8.2 billion, weaker than the consensus of $8.73 billion.
Duolingo (DUOL) is down more than -15% after forecasting full-year revenue of $1.20 billion to $1.22 billion, well below the consensus of $1.26 billion.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) is down more than -8% after pushing back the launch of its Neutron rocket to the fourth quarter of this year.
Apollo Global Management (APO) is down more than -6% after cutting its quarterly dividend to 31 cents a share from 38 cents, citing a markdown in its portfolio from soured loans.
Workday (WDAY) is down more than -5% on falling earnings estimates as analysts cut their price targets on the stock by an average of 21% since the company reported earnings on Tuesday.
Dell Technologies (DELL) is up more than +19% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q4 adjusted operating income of $3.54 billion, better than the consensus of $3.27 billion, raised its annual dividend by 20%, and boosted its stock buyback program by $10 billion.
Block (XYZ) is up more than +15% after raising its full-year gross profit estimate to $12.20 billion from a previous estimate of $11.98 billion, above the consensus of $11.91 billion, and said it was reducing its workforce by nearly half.
Paramount Skydance (PSKY) is up more than +11% after agreeing to pay $111 billion for Warner Bros Discovery, outbidding Netflix for the company.
Netflix (NFLX) is up more than +9% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after dropping out of the competition to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.
Caris Life Sciences (CAI) is up more than +9% after forecasting full-year revenue of $1.00 billion to $1.02 billion, stronger than the consensus of $993 million.
NCR Atleos Corp (NATL) is up more than +9% after being acquired by The Brink’s Company for $6.6 billion.
Autodesk (ADSK) is up more than +4% after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of $2.85, stronger than the consensus of $2.65, and forecasting 2027 adjusted EPS of $12.29 to $12.56, well above the consensus of $11.59.
Earnings Reports(2/27/2026)
CubeSmart (CUBE) and NIQ Global Intelligence Plc (NIQ).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Retreat on AI Disruption Concerns and Geopolitical Risks

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.90%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -1.57%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.71%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.94%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.76%.
Stock indexes today added to Thursday’s losses, with the Dow Jones Industrials falling to a 3.5-week low as the disruptive potential of AI is weighing on stocks. The weakness in software companies and cybersecurity stocks is weighing on the broader market. Stocks extended their losses today after US Jan producer prices rose more than expected, dampening any speculation that the Fed would cut interest rates in the near term.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
On the positive side, Dell Technologies is up more than +10% following a strong sales forecast for its AI servers. Also, lower bond yields are supportive of stocks as the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2.75-month low today at 3.97%.
US Jan PPI final demand rose +0.5% m/m and +2.9% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m and +2.6% y/y. Jan PPI ex-food and energy rose +3.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +3.0% y/y and the largest increase in 10 months.
Geopolitical risks remain a negative for stocks. WTI crude oil (CLJ26) is up more than +2% at a 6.5-month high after Axios reported that US negotiators, Kushner and Witkoff, left Geneva disappointed by what they heard from Iranian officials in the US-Iranian nuclear talks. Iran's state media reported that Iran won't allow enriched uranium to leave the country. The enrichment of uranium remains a sticking point in the nuclear negotiations, with the US saying Iran would have to send such stocks of uranium to another country or dilute them. The nuclear talks are scheduled to resume next week in Vienna. President Trump said that he’s considering a limited military strike on Iran to ramp up pressure on the country to strike a deal over its nuclear program, and gave them a March 1-6 deadline for an agreement over the country’s nuclear activities, and has threatened military strikes if it fails to comply.
In Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, President Trump doubled down on his commitment to tariffs. President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs went into effect on Tuesday after the Supreme Court struck down his global “reciprocal” tariffs last Friday. Mr. Trump subsequently threatened to raise the global tariff rate to 15%, and an administration official said the White House is working on a formal order to implement that higher rate, but the timeline for its implementation has not been finalized. Mr. Trump is applying the 10% baseline levy under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to impose the charge for 150 days without congressional approval.
The market’s focus this week will be on corporate earnings results and economic news. Later today, the Feb MNI Chicago PMI is expected to slip -1.8 to 52.2.
Q4 earnings season is nearing its end, with more than 90% of the S&P 500 companies having reported earnings results. Earnings have been a positive factor for stocks, with 74% of the 472 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6%.
The markets are discounting a 5% chance for a -25 bp rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.53%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed up +0.39%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +0.16%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are up +8 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -2.7 bp to 3.977%. Mar T-notes climbed to a 3-month high today, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2.75-month low of 3.972%. In addition, bond dealer short covering is supporting T-notes as dealers lift short hedges they placed in T-note futures to hedge against this week’s $211 billion of Treasury T-note auctions. T-notes fell back from their best level after US Jan produce prices rose more than expected, a hawkish factor for Fed policy.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield dropped to a 2.75-month low of 2.676% and is down -1.1 bp to 2.680%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell to a 14.5-month low of 4.241% and is down -2.3 bp to 4.251%.
Eurozone Jan ECB 1-year CPI expectations fell to 2.6%, weaker than expectations of 2.7%. Jan 2-year CPI expectations were unchanged from Dec at 2.6%, stronger than expectations of 2.5%.
German Feb CPI (EU harmonized) rose +0.4% m/m and +2.0% y/y, weaker than expectations of +0.5% m/m and +2.1% y/y.
Swaps are discounting a 4% chance of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on March 19.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers are sliding today, weighing on the overall market. Microchip Technology (MCHP) and NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI) are down more than -3%, and Qualcomm (QCOM) is down more than -2%. Also, ASML Holding NV (ASML), Broadcom (AVGO), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Analog Devices (ADI), KLA Corp (KLAC), and Texas Instruments (TXN) are down more than -1%.
Zscaler (ZS) is down more than -11% to lead cybersecurity stocks lower and losers in the Nasdaq 100 despite reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.01, better than the consensus of 90 cents. Also, Cloudflare (NET) and Okta (OKTA) are down more than -4%, and CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) are down more than -3%. In addition, Fortinet (FTNT) is down more than -2%.
Software stocks are retreating today, a negative factor for the broader market. Atlassian (TEAM) and Datadog (DDOG) are down more than -4%, and ServiceNow (NOW), Salesforce (CRM), and Oracle are down more than -3%. Also, Thomson Reuters (TRI) and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) are down more than -2%.
Duolingo (DUOL) is down more than -17% after forecasting full-year revenue of $1.20 billion to $1.22 billion, well below the consensus of $1.26 billion.
CoreWeave (CRWV) is down more than -17% after reporting a Q4 loss per share of -89 cents, wider than the consensus of -72 cents per share.
Flutter Entertainment Plc (FLUT) is down more than -15% after reporting Q4 revenue of $4.74 billion, below the consensus of $4.94 billion, and forecasting full-year US revenue of $7.4 billion to $8.2 billion, weaker than the consensus of $8.73 billion.
Apollo Global Management (APO) is down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after cutting its quarterly dividend to 31 cents a share from 38 cents, citing a markdown in its portfolio from soured loans.
Workday (WDAY) is down more than -7% on falling earnings estimates as analysts cut their price targets on the stock by an average of 21% since the company reported earnings on Tuesday.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) is down more than -6% after pushing back the launch of its Neutron rocket to the fourth quarter of this year.
Dell Technologies (DELL) is up more than +16% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q4 adjusted operating income of $3.54 billion, better than the consensus of $3.27 billion, raised its annual dividend by 20%, and boosted its stock buyback program by $10 billion.
Block (XYZ) is up more than +15% after raising its full-year gross profit estimate to $12.20 billion from a previous estimate of $11.98 billion, above the consensus of $11.91 billion, and said it was reducing its workforce by nearly half.
Netflix (NFLX) is up more than +9% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after dropping out of the competition to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.
Caris Life Sciences (CAI) is up more than +9% after forecasting full-year revenue of $1.00 billion to $1.02 billion, stronger than the consensus of $993 million.
NCR Atleos Corp (NATL) is up more than +6% after being acquired by The Brink’s Company for $6.6 billion.
Autodesk (ADSK) is up more than +3% after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of $2.85, stronger than the consensus of $2.65, and forecasting 2027 adjusted EPS of $12.29 to $12.56, well above the consensus of $11.59.
Earnings Reports(2/27/2026)
CubeSmart (CUBE) and NIQ Global Intelligence Plc (NIQ).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Fall on AI Fears and Stronger-Than-Expected Producer Prices

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Wednesday closed up +0.81%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.63%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +1.41%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) rose +0.81%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) rose +1.41%.
Stock indexes rallied on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 posting a 1.5-week high and the Nasdaq 100 posting a 2-week high. Strength in AI-infrastructure companies, software stocks, and chipmakers led the broader market higher. Stocks have carryover support from Tuesday, when AI startup Anthropic PBC eased AI disruption concerns after saying its new AI tools for its Claude Cowork agent software will integrate rather than displace existing systems. Also, optimism that Nvidia’s earnings results, released after Wednesday’s close, will show strong demand for its AI processors remains high. Bloomberg estimates Nvidia’s Q4 revenue to be $65.91 billion.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
In Tuesday night's State of the Union address, President Trump doubled down on his commitment to tariffs. President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs went into effect on Tuesday after the Supreme Court struck down his global “reciprocal” tariffs last Friday. Mr. Trump subsequently threatened to raise the global tariff rate to 15%, and an administration official said the White House is working on a formal order to implement that higher rate, but the timeline for its implementation has not been finalized. Mr. Trump is applying the 10% baseline levy under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to impose the charge for 150 days without congressional approval.
Geopolitical risks remain a negative for stocks. Tuesday evening, President Trump said Iranian officials are "again pursuing their sinister nuclear ambitions," boosting speculation that the US may be preparing a military strike on Iran in the coming days. US-Iran nuclear talks are scheduled to resume on Thursday in Geneva, and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said he saw a “good chance” of a diplomatic solution to the standoff over his country’s nuclear program. Last Friday, President Trump said that he’s considering a limited military strike on Iran to ramp up pressure on the country to strike a deal over its nuclear program, and that he thought 10 to 15 days was “pretty much” the “maximum” he would allow for negotiations to continue.
US MBA mortgage applications rose +0.4% in the week ended February 20, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -4.7% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +4.1%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell -8 bp to a nearly 3.5-year low of 6.09% from 6.17% in the prior week.
St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem said Wednesday that the fed funds rate is near neutral and well-positioned to balance risks to employment and inflation.
The market’s focus this week will be on corporate earnings results and economic news. After Wednesday’s close, Nvidia will release its earnings results. On Thursday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to climb by +10,000 to 216,000. On Friday, the Feb MNI Chicago PMI is expected to slip -1.8 to 52.2.
Q4 earnings season is nearing its end, with more than 90% of the S&P 500 companies having reported earnings results. Earnings have been a positive factor for stocks, with 74% of the 453 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6%.
The markets are discounting a 2% chance for a -25 bp rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18.
Overseas stock markets settled higher on Wednesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 rose to a new record high and closed up +0.93%. China’s Shanghai Composite climbed to a 3.5-week high and closed up +0.72%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 rallied to a new all-time high and closed up +2.20%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) on Wednesday closed down by -4 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +1.9 bp to 4.048%. T-notes were under pressure on Wednesday from strength in stocks, which curbed safe-haven demand for government debt. Also, weak demand for the Treasury’s $70 billion auction of 5-year T-notes undercut T-note prices, as the auction had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.32, below the 10-auction average of 2.37.
European government bond yields were mixed on Wednesday. The 10-year German bund yield was unchanged at 2.701%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose +1.1 bp to 4.317%.
The German Mar GfK consumer confidence index unexpectedly fell -0.5 to -24.7, weaker than expectations of an increase to -23.0.
Swaps are discounting a 2% chance of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on March 19.
US Stock Movers
AI-infrastructure stocks and chipmakers rallied on Wednesday to support gains in the broader market. Western Digital (WDC) closed up more than +7%, and Seagate Technology Holdings (STX) closed up more than +6%. Also, Applied Materials (AMAT) closed up more than +4%, and Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed up more than +3%. In addition, Nvidia (NVDA), ARM Holdings Plc (ARM), KLA Corp (KLAC), and Micron Technology (MU) closed up more than +2%.
Software stocks were stronger on Wednesday, boosting the overall market. Thomson Reuters (TRI) closed up more than +10%, and Intuit (INTU) closed up more than +6%. Also, Datadog (DDOG) closed up more than +5%, and Palantir Technologies (PLTR), Cadence Design Systems (CDNS), Salesforce (CRM), and CrowdStrike (CRWD) closed up more than +3%. In addition, Microsoft (MSFT) and Atlassian (TEAM) closed up more than +2%, and Autodesk (ADSK), Adobe Systems (ADBE), and ServiceNow (NOW) closed up more than +1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks rallied sharply on Wednesday as Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) surged more than +7%. Coinbase Global (COIN) closed up more than +13%, and Strategy (MSTR) closed up more than +8%. Also, MARA Holdings (MARA) closed up more than +6%, and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) closed up more than +5%. In addition, Riot Platforms (RIOT) closed up more than +3%.
Homebuilding stocks retreated on Wednesday on disappointment that President Trump failed to mention any new policy initiatives to bolster the housing market in Tuesday evening’s State of the Union speech. Lennar (LEN) and PulteGroup (PHM) closed down more than -4%, and DR Horton (DHI) closed down more than -5%. Also, KB Home (KBH) closed down more than -2%, and Toll Brothers (TOL) closed down more than -1%.
Alcoholic beverage producers moved lower on Wednesday after Diageo Plc, the maker of Guinness beer and Johnnie Walker whiskey, cut its sales guidance due to further weakness in the US market. Brown-Forman Corp (BF.B) closed down more than -7%, Molson Coors Beverage (TAP) closed down more than -4%, and Constellation Brands (STZ) closed down more than -3%.
Circle Internet Group (CRCL) closed up more than +35% after reporting Q4 total revenue and reserve income of $770 million, stronger than the consensus of $747 million.
Cava Group (CAVA) closed up more than +26% after forecasting full-year restaurant comparable sales will climb +3% to +5%, stronger than the consensus of +2.75%.
Axon Enterprise (AXON) closed up more than +17% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of $2.15, well above the consensus of $1.56.
Albemarle (ALB) closed up more than +4% to lead lithium producers higher after Zimbabwe suspended exports of lithium concentrates and raw minerals.
Oracle (ORCL) closed up more than +1% after Oppenheimer upgraded the stock to outperform from perform with a price target of $185.
Oddity Tech Ltd (ODD) closed down more than -49% after saying it expects its revenue for the first quarter of 2026 to decline -30% year-over-year.
GoDaddy (GDDY) closed down more than -14% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after forecasting full-year revenue of $5.20 billion to $5.28 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.28 billion.
CoStar Group (CSGP) closes down more than -8% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after forecasting Q1 adjusted EPS of 16 cents to 19 cents, weaker than the consensus of 25 cents.
MercadoLibre (MELI) closed down more than -8% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after saying it is heavily investing to build its own agentic AI tools, spurring concerns that the heavy spending on AI will pressure its margins.
Lowe’s (LOW) closed down more than -5% after forecasting 2027 adjusted EPS of $12.25 to $12.75, below the consensus of $13.00.
Kinsale Capital Group (KNSL) closed down more than -2% after BMO Capital Markets downgraded the stock to underperform from market perform with a price target of $348.
Earnings Reports(2/26/2026)
AES Corp/The (AES), Autodesk Inc (ADSK), Block Inc (XYZ), Coterra Energy Inc (CTRA), Dell Technologies Inc (DELL), EMCOR Group Inc (EME), Hormel Foods Corp (HRL), Intuit Inc (INTU), J M Smucker Co/The (SJM), Monster Beverage Corp (MNST), NetApp Inc (NTAP), Public Service Enterprise Group (PEG), Qnity Electronics Inc (Q), SBA Communications Corp (SBAC), Sempra (SRE), Solventum Corp (SOLV), Viatris Inc (VTRS), Vistra Corp (VST), Warner Bros Discovery Inc (WBD), Zscaler Inc (ZS).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stock Indexes Settle Higher on Strength in Tech

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Tuesday closed up +0.77%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.76%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +1.09%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) rose +0.76%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) rose +1.08%.
Stock indexes settled higher on Tuesday, recovering some of Monday’s sharp losses. A rebound in software companies and chipmakers on Tuesday from Monday’s rout lifted the broader market. Software and chipmakers moved higher Tuesday after AI startup Anthropic PBC emphasized partnerships with companies and said its new AI tools for its Claude Cowork agent software are to integrate rather than displace existing systems.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks tumbled on Monday amid US trade uncertainty and concerns about the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence, after Citrini Research published a report outlining the potential risks it could pose to various segments of the global economy.
Stocks added to their gains on Tuesday after the Conference Board US Feb consumer confidence index rose by +2.2 to 91.2, stronger than expectations of 87.1.
President Trump’s new 10% global tariffs went into effect on Tuesday after the Supreme Court struck down his global “reciprocal” tariffs last Friday. Mr. Trump subsequently threatened to raise the global tariff rate to 15%, and an administration official said the White House is working on a formal order to implement that higher rate, but the timeline for its implementation has not been finalized. Mr. Trump is applying the 10% baseline levy under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the president to impose the charge for 150 days without congressional approval.
Geopolitical risks are a negative for stocks. US-Iran nuclear talks are scheduled to resume on Thursday in Geneva, and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said he saw a “good chance” of a diplomatic solution to the standoff over his country’s nuclear program. Last Friday, President Trump said that he’s considering a limited military strike on Iran to ramp up pressure on the country to strike a deal over its nuclear program, and that he thought 10 to 15 days was “pretty much” the “maximum” he would allow for negotiations to continue.
The US Dec S&P composite-20 home price index rose +0.47% m/m and +1.38% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.30% m/m and +1.30% y/y.
The US Feb Richmond Fed manufacturing survey of current conditions unexpectedly fell -4 to -10, weaker than expectations of an increase to -5.
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said, "I remain optimistic that there can be more rate cuts this year, but that hinges on seeing actual progress on inflation that shows we are on a path back to 2%."
Boston Fed President Susan Collins said interest rates are likely to remain unchanged "for some time" as recent economic data show an improvement in the labor market, while inflation risks remain.
The market’s focus this week will be on corporate earnings results and economic news. Later tonight, President Trump delivers his State of the Union address. On Wednesday, Nvidia releases its earnings results after the close. On Thursday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to climb by +10,000 to 216,000. On Friday, the Feb MNI Chicago PMI is expected to slip -1.8 to 52.2.
Q4 earnings season is nearing its end, with more than 88% of the S&P 500 companies having reported earnings results. Earnings have been a positive factor for stocks, with 74% of the 441 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6%.
The markets are discounting a 2% chance for a -25 bp rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18.
Overseas stock markets settled higher on Tuesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.04%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed up +0.87%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +0.87%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) on Tuesday closed down by -2.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +0.4 bp to 4.035%. T-notes posted modest losses on Tuesday as a recovery in stocks reduced some safe-haven demand for T-notes. Also, the better-than-expected US Feb consumer confidence report undercut T-note prices. T-notes recovered from their worst levels Tuesday on strong demand for the Treasury’s $69 billion auction of 2-year T-notes, which had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.63, above the 10-auction average of 2.61.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 2.75-month low of 2.696% and finished down -0.4 bp to 2.707%. The 10-year UK gilt yield dropped to a 14.25-month low of 4.291% and finished down -0.8 bp to 4.306%.
Eurozone Jan new car registrations fell -3.9% y/y to 800,000, the largest decline in seven months.
Swaps are discounting a 2% chance of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on March 19.
US Stock Movers
Software stocks rebounded on Tuesday, led by an +11% jump in Thomson Reuters (TRI) after the company said it reached one million professional users of CoCounsel, its legal and business artificial intelligence tool, and announced that it was working with Anthropic’s Claude model. Also, Salesforce (CRM) closed up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials, and Adobe Systems (ADBE), Cadence Design Systems (CDNS), Atlassian (TEAM), and Oracle (ORCL) closed up more than +3%. In addition, Service Now (NOW) and Datadog (DDOG) closed up more than +1%.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) closed up more than +8% to lead chipmakers higher after Meta Platforms said it will deploy data center gear based on processors from AMD in a deal worth “double-digit billion” dollars per gigawatt. Also, Intel (INTC) closed up more than +6%, and ARM Holdings Plc (ARM) closed up more than +3%. In addition, ASML Holding NV (ASML), Applied Materials (AMAT), KLA Corp (KLAC), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), and Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed up more than +1%.
Palvella Therapeutics (PVLA) closed up more than +36% after stating a late-stage trial of its experimental therapy for lymphatic malformations met its main goal.
Keysight Technologies (KEYS) closed up more than +23% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q1 adjusted EPS of $2.17, stronger than the consensus of $1.99, and forecasting Q2 adjusted EPS of $2.27 to $2.33, well above the consensus of $1.91.
PayPal Holdings (PYPL) closed up more than +6% after Stripe Inc. said it is considering an acquisition of all or parts of the company.
Qualcomm (QCOM) closed up more than +3% after Loop Capital Markets upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $185.
BWX Technologies (BWXT) closed up more than +3% after reporting Q4 revenue of $885.8 million, better than the consensus of $837.5 million, and forecasting full-year revenue of $3.75 billion, above the consensus of $3.68 billion.
Henry Schein (HSIC) closed up more than +3% after reporting Q4 net sales of $3.44 billion, better than the consensus of $3.35 billion.
Home Depot (HD) closed up more than +2% after reporting Q4 comparable sales unexpectedly rose +0.4%, better than the consensus of a decline of -0.36%.
Genuine Parts Co (GPC) closed up more than +2 after Raymond James upgraded the stock to strong buy from market perform with a price target of $145.
Whirlpool (WHR) closed down more than -13% after announcing a concurrent separate underwritten public offerings of shares of common stock and depositary shares, each representing a 1/20th interest in a share of newly issued Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred stock.
Ziff Davis (ZD) closed down more than -10% after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of $2.56, weaker than the consensus of $2.70.
Planet Fitness (PLNT) closed down more than -8% after forecasting 2026 adjusted Ebitda of $607 million, below the consensus of $621.9 million.
Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD) closed down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q4 operating income of $250.9 million, weaker than the consensus of $253.4 million.
Option Care Health (OPCH) closed down more than -6% after forecasting full-year revenue of $5.8 billion to $6.0 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.95 billion.
Cable One (CABO) closed down more than -5% after BNP Paribas downgraded the stock to underperform from neutral with a price target of $80.
Oneok (OKE) closed down more than -4% after reporting Q4 adjusted Ebitda of $2.15 billion, below the consensus of $2.16 billion.
Earnings Reports(2/25/2026)
Agilent Technologies Inc (A), APA Corp (APA), Ferrovial SE (FER), Lowe's Cos Inc (LOW), NVIDIA Corp (NVDA), Paramount Skydance Corp (PSKY), Pinnacle West Capital Corp (PNW), Salesforce Inc (CRM), Synopsys Inc (SNPS), TJX Cos Inc/The (TJX), TKO Group Holdings Inc (TKO), Trade Desk Inc/The (TTD), Universal Health Services Inc (UHS), VICI Properties Inc (VICI).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Settle Higher as AI Disruption Fears Ease

Monday, February 23, 2026
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Oracle Corp. (ORCL), Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG) and Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), as well as a micro-cap stock Moving iMage Technologies, Inc. (MITQ). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.
You can read today's AWS here >>> NVIDIA Highlights This Week of Market Reportage
Today's Featured Research Reports
Shares of Oracle have underperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the past six months (-36.9% vs. -24.2%). The company is facing competition from hyperscalers which remains intense, potentially pressuring margins. The ongoing transition from license revenue to subscription models creates near-term earnings volatility. Fiscal 2026 guidance indicates continued cloud acceleration, but execution risks around data center capacity expansion warrant monitoring.
Nevertheless, Oracle’s cloud infrastructure business demonstrates accelerating revenue growth, supported by strategic partnerships and competitive pricing that attract enterprise workload migrations.
AI-optimized database capabilities provide technological differentiation, while robust free cash flow generation enables sustained infrastructure investments. The integrated solutions strategy strengthens customer retention and drives cross-selling opportunities.
(You can read the full research report on Oracle here >>>)
Intuitive Surgical’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Instruments industry over the past six months (+6.3% vs. -3.6%). The company delivered a strong fourth-quarter, beating revenue and EPS estimates. The da Vinci 5 system gained momentum with 303 placements, raising its installed base to 1,232, alongside approvals in Europe and Japan for phased rollout.
Utilization surpassed the Xi platform, supported by force feedback and Case Insights, while rising trade-ins highlighted upgrade demand. Global procedures grew 19% year over year, with 16% growth in the U.S. and 24% OUS, driven by benign general and non-urology surgeries in India, Korea, and distributor markets. System placements totaled 427, showing strong demand.
However, gross margin slipped on higher costs and tariffs, while OUS markets remain pressured by budget constraints. Medicaid policy uncertainty is a risk, but ISRG issued 2026 growth guidance to 13–15% and margins to 67–68%.
(You can read the full research report on Intuitive Surgical here >>>)
Shares of Analog Devices have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry over the past six months (+40.4% vs. +31.1%). The company’s latest quarterly results demonstrate broad-based recovery, margin resilience and strong free cash flow generation. Secular growth drivers in automation, AI infrastructure and automotive electrification provide multi-year tailwinds.
Strong momentum across the electric vehicle space on its robust Battery Management System solutions remains a tailwind. Strong investments in technology and business innovation are contributing well. Key partnerships and internal fab investments position Analog Devices for sustainable growth.
Analog Devices strong cash flow generation capability and aggressive shareholder return policies are other positives. However, rising exposure to geopolitical uncertainties and tariffs could curtail production and disrupt customer demand. Intense competition and a high debt level are other concerns.
(You can read the full research report on Analog Devices here >>>)
Moving iMage Technologies’ shares have underperformed the Zacks Technology Services industry over the past six months (-11.3% vs. -2.3%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $6.17 million have seen its liquidity declined to ~$3.9 million following inventory deployment, with operating cash outflows reflecting working-capital absorption. Elevated inventory levels and tariff uncertainty add execution and margin risk. Shares trade at 1.22X book, near the three-year median and below peers.
Nevertheless, MiT is showing early signs of an earnings inflection, generating modest net income in 1H FY26 versus a prior-year loss, driven by gross margin expansion. and improving operating leverage. Gross profit growth outpaced revenues, suggesting strengthening unit economics and better bottom-line conversion on incremental sales.
The acquisition of QSC’s Digital Cinema Speaker Series assets adds proprietary products, while expanding MiT’s global footprint across 25+ dealers in 50+ countries. Early shipments and a ~$0.4 million backlog entering FY26 provide near-term revenue visibility.
(You can read the full research report on Moving iMage Technologies here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Capital One Financial Corp. (COF), Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS) and The Allstate Corp. (ALL).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Strength in Credit Card Business Aid Capital One (COF), High Costs Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, Capital One's solid card and online banking business, along with its inorganic growth efforts will aid revenues. Elevated costs due to rise in marketing costs will hurt profits.
Cadence (CDNS) to Benefit From Strong Portfolio and Buyouts
Per the Zacks analyst, Cadence's performance is being driven by demand for its product portfolio, especially AI solutions. New products and buyouts are expected to sustain growth momentum.
Targa (TRGP) to Benefit from Booming Permian Presence
The Zacks analyst believes that Targa's Permian footprint expands as volumes climb 11%, backed by new plants and long-term contracts driving durable growth, but commodity price fluctuation concerns.
Improving Air Traffic Aid Curtiss-Wright (CW) Amid Labor Shortage
Per the Zacks analyst, Curtiss-Wright is likely to benefit from the improving air traffic. Yet labor shortage result in delays and likely impact operating results.
Solid Expansion Efforts Aid Restaurant Brands (QSR), High Costs Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, Restaurant Brands benefits from expansion efforts, menu innovation, and digital initiatives. However, commodity and wage inflation are a concern.
Rezdiffra Sales Boost Madrigal (MDGL), Competition a Woe
Per the Zacks analyst, sales of Rezdiffra, approved for MASH, have been boosting Madrigal's revenues. However, competition in the target market is a matter for concern.
Strength in Vista and National Pen Units Aids Cimpress (CMPR)
Per the Zacks analyst, Cimpress will benefit from strength in the Vista unit, led by solid demand for promotional products. Reduction in advertising spends is driving the National Pen unit.
New Upgrades
Expanding Protection Services Business Aids Allstate (ALL)
The Zacks analyst expects Allstate's expanding Protection Services segment to enhance diversification. Strong Protection Plans momentum and dealership cross-selling integration will support growth.
Outsourcing Trends and Strategic Investments to Aid Jones Lang (JLL)
Per the Zacks analyst, Jones Lang LaSalle is likely to gain from outsourcing trends, strategic investments and a diversified platform. Its healthy balance sheet to support growth.
Solid Insurance in Force, Persistency Drive Radian (RDN)
Per the Zacks analyst, Radian is poised to grow given solid persistency and rise in new mortgage insurance business driving insurance in force, declining delinquency and lower level of claims paid.
New Downgrades
Cost-Push Inflation, Low Liquidity, No Dividend Hurt Avis Budget (CAR)
Per the Zacks analyst, inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, currency fluctuations, low liquidity, and reluctance to pay dividends make CAR shares less attractive to investors.
Molson Coors' (TAP) Sluggish Americas Business Hurts Performance
Per Zacks analyst, Molson Coors' Americas business is witnessing softness due to the industry-wide pressures and a tough operating backdrop. Net sales in the segment fell 5% year over year in Q4.
Video User Loss, Higher Debt Mars Comcast's (CMCSA) Progress
Per the Zacks analyst, Comcast persistently suffers video subscriber attrition due to cord-cutting. Moreover, a debt-ridden balance sheet is a major concern.
5 Stocks Set to Double
Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include
Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience
Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip
Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market
Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth
Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring
Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%.
See Our Newest 5 Stocks Set to Double Picks >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Moving iMage Technologies, Inc. (MITQ): Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Top Research Reports for Oracle, Intuitive Surgical & Analog Devices

Cadence Design Systems CDNS, a well-known player in the electronic design automation (“EDA”) space, recently reported fourth-quarter 2025 results that exceeded management’s guidance, with a record backlog that underscores sustained demand for its solutions.
Revenues of $1.44 billion (compared with guidance of $1.405-$1.435 billion) beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.1% and increased 6.2% year over year. Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $1.99 (compared with guidance of $1.88-$1.94) beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.7% and increased 5.9% year over year.
Backlog stood at $7.8 billion and current remaining performance obligations were $3.8 billion, underscoring sustained customer demand and enhanced visibility into 2026.
CDNS recorded a significant increase in backlog, driven by accelerating demand across various end markets and higher contributions from AI solutions. Management noted that the fourth-quarter bookings were “exceptionally strong,” contributing to a strong backlog entering 2026.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for order backlog stood at $7.425 billion.
Record Backlog Underscores AI Tailwinds
AI is driving a major transformation in semiconductor and system design. Cadence is deeply integrated into this shift. Design activity across several verticals, especially data centers and automotive, has been robust, due to AI, hyperscale computing and 5G. The focus on Generative AI, Agentic AI and Physical AI has been leading to an exponential increase in computing demand and semiconductor innovation. Customers have been significantly increasing their R&D budgets in AI-driven automation.
On the recentearnings call Cadence added that it is witnessing momentum on both “AI for Design” and “Design for AI” fronts. The recent launch of ChipStack AI Super Agent, described as “the world’s first Agentic AI solution for automating chip design and verification,” and expanding adoption of products such as Cerebrus, Verisium and Allegro X AI are driving deeper engagement. These trends are driving stronger bookings, supporting the record backlog.
Cadence’s hardware business also contributed to backlog growth. The demand for new hardware systems remained robust, with more than 30 new customers and substantially higher repeat demand from AI and hyperscalers. CDNS had a strong backlog and expects 2026 to be a record year for the hardware business.
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
The company is deepening its strategic partnerships with Samsung, TSMC and OpenAI, among others. All these factors bode well for CDNS as reflected in the strong quarterly numbers.
CDNS’ Upbeat Outlook
Revenues are estimated to be in the range of $5.9-$6 billion. Non-GAAP EPS for 2026 is expected to be between $8.05 and $8.15.
For 2025, revenues surged 14% to $5.297 billion, while non-GAAP EPS came in at $7.14, up 20%.
However, ongoing uncertainty prevailing over global macroeconomic conditions, especially U.S.-China tech tensions, along with stiff competition in the EDA space and inflation, remain concerns.
CDNS’ Zacks Rank & Stock Price
CDNS carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In the past year, shares have gained 14.9% against the Computer-Software industry’s decline of 7.3%
Stocks to Consider
Some better-ranked stocks worth consideration in the broader technology space are Commvault Systems CVLT, Pegasystems Inc PEGA and Blackbaud BLKB. CVLT and PEGA currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each, while BLKB carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CVLT’s fiscal 2026 EPS is pegged at $4.19, unchanged in the past seven days. CVLT’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 7.8%. Shares of Commvault have declined 45.9% in the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PEGA’s 2026 EPS is pegged at $2.63 cents, up 25 cents in the past seven days. PEGA’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 80.4%. Shares of Pegasystems have gained 15% in the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BLKB’s 2026 EPS is pegged at $5.19. BLKB’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters, with the average surprise of 7.05%. Shares of BLKB have declined 27.8% in the past year.
#1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA)
The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow.
One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.
See This Stock Now for Free >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Cadence Tops Q4 Earnings on Upbeat AI Trends, Posts Solid Backlog

Have you evaluated the performance of Cadence Design Systems' (CDNS) international operations for the quarter ending December 2025? Given the extensive global presence of this maker of hardware and software products for validating chip designs, analyzing the patterns in international revenues is crucial for understanding its financial strength and potential for growth.
In today's increasingly interconnected global economy, a company's ability to tap into international markets can be a pivotal factor in shaping its overall financial health and growth trajectory. For investors, understanding a company's reliance on overseas markets has become increasingly crucial, as it offers insights into the company's sustainability of earnings, ability to tap into diverse economic cycles and overall growth potential.
Being present in international markets serves as a counterbalance to domestic economic challenges while offering chances to engage with more rapidly evolving economies. However, this kind of diversification introduces challenges like currency fluctuations, geopolitical uncertainties and varying market trends.
Upon examining CDNS' recent quarterly performance, we noticed several interesting patterns in the revenue generated from its international segments, which are commonly analyzed and observed by Wall Street experts.
The company's total revenue for the quarter amounted to $1.44 billion, marking an increase of 6.2% from the year-ago quarter. We will next turn our attention to dissecting CDNS' international revenue to get a clearer picture of how significant its operations are outside its main base.
A Closer Look at CDNS' Revenue Streams Abroad
During the quarter, Europe, Middle East and Africa contributed $205.09 million in revenue, making up 14.2% of the total revenue. When compared to the consensus estimate of $214.87 million, this meant a surprise of -4.55%. Looking back, Europe, Middle East and Africa contributed $189.55 million, or 14.2%, in the previous quarter, and $203.06 million, or 15%, in the same quarter of the previous year.
Total Asia generated $458.63 million in revenues for the company in the last quarter, constituting 31.9% of the total. This represented a surprise of +3.15% compared to the $444.62 million projected by Wall Street analysts. Comparatively, in the previous quarter, Total Asia accounted for $487.74 million (36.4%), and in the year-ago quarter, it contributed $409.68 million (30.2%) to the total revenue.
Japan accounted for 7% of the company's total revenue during the quarter, translating to $101.12 million. Revenues from this region represented a surprise of +16.84%, with Wall Street analysts collectively expecting $86.54 million. When compared to the preceding quarter and the same quarter in the previous year, Japan contributed $86.43 million (6.5%) and $77.54 million (5.7%) to the total revenue, respectively.
Revenue Projections for Overseas Markets
Wall Street analysts expect Cadence to report $1.4 billion in total revenue for the current fiscal quarter, indicating an increase of 13% from the year-ago quarter. Europe, Middle East and Africa, Total Asia and Japan are expected to contribute 14.8% (translating to $207.11 million), 30.7% ($431.2 million), and 6% ($84.48 million) to the total revenue, respectively.
For the full year, the company is projected to achieve a total revenue of $5.96 billion, which signifies a rise of 12.5% from the last year. The share of this revenue from various regions is expected to be: Europe, Middle East and Africa at 14.9% ($888.96 million), Total Asia at 31.8% ($1.9 billion), and Japan at 6.2% ($370.61 million).
Key Takeaways
Relying on international markets for revenues, Cadence faces both prospects and perils. Thus, tracking the company's international revenue trends is essential for accurately projecting its future trajectory.
In an era of growing international interdependencies and escalating geopolitical disputes, Wall Street analysts are vigilant in tracking these trends for businesses with a global reach, in order to refine their predictions of earnings. It should be noted, however, that a multitude of other elements, such as a company's domestic position, also play a significant role in shaping the earnings forecasts.
Here at Zacks, we put a great deal of emphasis on a company's changing earnings outlook, as empirical research has shown that's a powerful force driving a stock's near-term price performance. Quite naturally, the correlation is positive here -- an upward revision in earnings estimates drives the stock price higher.
Our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, with its externally validated exceptional track record, harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions to serve as a dependable measure for anticipating the short-term price trends of stocks.
Currently, Cadence holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), signifying its potential to underperform the overall market's performance in the forthcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
A Look at Cadence Design Systems' Recent Stock Price Performance
Over the past month, the stock has seen a decline of 6.5% in its value, whereas the Zacks S&P 500 composite has posted a decrease of 0.8%. The Zacks Computer and Technology sector, Cadence's industry group, remained unchanged over the identical span. In the past three months, there's been a decline of 3.2% in the company's stock price, against a rise of 4.3% in the S&P 500 index. The broader sector has remained unchanged during this interval.
#1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA)
The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow.
One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.
See This Stock Now for Free >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Don't Overlook Cadence (CDNS) International Revenue Trends While Assessing the Stock

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Wednesday closed up +0.56%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.26%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed up +0.80%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) rose +0.52%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) rose +0.80%.
Stock indexes settled higher on Wednesday, as solid US economic data indicate a resilient economy. Wednesday’s reports on Dec capital goods new orders, Dec housing starts and building permits, and Jan manufacturing production were better-than-expected and bullish for stocks. Also, AI jitters temporarily eased, lifting chipmakers and software stocks. After months of gains in technology stocks fueled by AI optimism, equity markets have turned cautious amid doubts that heavy spending will yield meaningful returns or that new AI tools will disrupt many sectors of the economy, including finance, logistics, software, and trucking.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
However, stocks fell back from their best levels on Wednesday as bond yields rose on the hawkish minutes of the Jan 27-28 FOMC meeting, where “several” policymakers suggested the Fed may need to raise interest rates if inflation stays above their goal. The minutes stated that "Several participants indicated that they would have supported a two-sided description of the FOMC's future interest rate decisions, reflecting the possibility that upward adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate could be appropriate if inflation remains at above-target levels."
US MBA mortgage applications rose +2.8% in the week ended February 13, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -2.7% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +7.1%. The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell -4 bp to 6.17% from 6.21% in the prior week.
US Dec capital goods new orders nondefense ex-aircraft and parts (a proxy for capital spending) rose +0.6% m/m, stronger than expectations o +0.3% m/m.
US Dec housing starts rose +6.2% m/m to a 5-month high of 1.404 million, stronger than expectations of 1.304 million. Dec building permits (a proxy for future construction) rose +4.2% m/m to a 9-month high of 1.448 million, stronger than expectations of 1.400 million.
US Jan manufacturing production rose +0.6% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.4% m/m and the biggest increase in 11 months.
The market’s focus this week will be on corporate earnings results and economic news. On Thursday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to decline by -2,000 to 225,000. Also, the Feb Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey is expected to fall by -4.8 to 7.8. In addition, the Dec trade deficit is expected to narrow to -$55.5 billion. Finally, Jan pending home sales are expected to increase by +2.0% m/m. On Friday, Q4 GDP is expected to expand by +3.0% (q/q annualized), and the Q4 core price index is expected to climb by +2.6%. Also, Dec personal spending is expected to rise by +0.4% m/m and Dec personal income is expected to be up +0.3% m/m. In addition, the Dec core PCE price index (the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge) is expected to be up +0.3% m/m and +2.9% y/y. The Feb S&P manufacturing PMI is expected to slip by -0.1 to 52.3, and Dec new home sales will be released. Finally, the University of Michigan Feb consumer sentiment index is expected to be revised lower to 57.2 from 57.3.
Q4 earnings season is nearing its end, with more than three-quarters of the S&P 500 companies having reported earnings results. Earnings have been a positive factor for stocks, with 75% of the 394 S&P 500 companies that have reported beating expectations. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, S&P earnings growth is expected to climb by +8.4% in Q4, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. Excluding the Magnificent Seven megacap technology stocks, Q4 earnings are expected to increase by +4.6%.
The markets are discounting a 6% chance for a -25 bp rate cut at the next policy meeting on March 17-18.
Overseas stock markets settled higher on Wednesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 rallied to a new record high and closed up +1.35%. China’s Shanghai Composite is closed for the week-long Lunar New Year holidays. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +1.02%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) on Wednesday closed down by -5.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +2.3 bp to 4.081%. T-notes were under pressure Wednesday from strength in equity markets, which curbed safe-haven demand for government debt. Also, Wednesday’s stronger-than-expected US economic reports on Dec capital goods new orders, Dec housing starts and building permits, and Jan manufacturing production weighed on T-notes. In addition, slack demand for the Treasury’s $16 billion auction of 20-year T-bonds was negative for T-notes as the Aurion had a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.46, well below the 10-auction average of 2.65.
T-notes maintained their losses on the hawkish minutes of the Jan 27-28 FOMC meeting, where “several” policymakers suggested the Fed may need to raise interest rates if inflation stays above their goal.
European government bond yields finished mixed on Wednesday. The 10-year German bund yield rose +0.1 bp to 2.739%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -0.2 bp to 4.374%.
UK Jan CPI rose +3.0% y/y, right on expectations and the smallest pace of increase in 10 months. Jan core CPI rose +3.1% y/y, stronger than expectations of +3.0% y/y.
Swaps are discounting a 3% chance of a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on March 19.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks moved higher on Wednesday, supporting gains in the broader market. Micron Technology (MU) and Western Digital (WDC) closed up more than +4%, and ASML Holding NV (ASML) closed up more than +3%. Also, Applied Materials (AMAT) and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) closed up more than +2%, and Nvidia (NVDA), Lam Research (LRCX), and Seagate Technology Holdings (STX) closed up more than +1%.
Silver and gold mining stocks rallied on Wednesday as gold and silver prices rebounded sharply from Tuesday’s sell-off. Hecla Mining (HL) and Coeur Mining (CDE) closed up more than +4%. Also, Barrick Mining (B) closed up more than +3%, and Newmont Corp (NEM), Anglogold Ashanti (AU), and Freeport McMoRan (FCX) closed up more than +2%.
Global Payments (GPN) closed up more than +16% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after forecasting full-year adjusted EPS, including SBC, of $ 13.80 to $14.00, well above the consensus of $13.59.
Global-e Online Ltd (GLBE) closed up more than +16% after forecasting full-year revenue of $1.21 billion to $1.27 billion, stronger than the consensus of $1.19 billion.
Caesars Entertainment (CZR) closed up more than +13% after reporting Q4 same-store adjusted Ebitda of $901.0 million, above the consensus of $900.1 million.
Garmin Ltd (GRMN) closed up more than +10% after reporting Q4 revenue of $2.12 billion, above the consensus of $2.00 billion, and forecasting full-year revenue of $7.90 billion, stronger than the consensus of $7.61 billion.
Pitney Bowes (PBI) closed up more than +8% after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of 45 cents, above the consensus of 38 cents, and forecasting 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.40 to $1.60, stronger than the consensus of $1.38.
Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) closed up more than +7% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after reporting Q4 adjusted EPS of $1.99, better than the consensus of $1.91, and forecasting full-year adjusted EPS of $8.05 to $8.15, above the consensus of $8.03.
Insulet (PODD) closed up more than +5% after reporting Q4 revenue of $783.8 million, stronger than the consensus of $768.6 million.
Analog Devices (ADI) closed up more than +2% after reporting Q1 adjusted EPS of $2.46, better than the consensus of $2.31.
Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) closed down more than -16% after forecasting Q1 adjusted EPS of 71 cents, well below the consensus of 99 cents.
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) closed down more than -6% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after forecasting full-year adjusted EPS of $3.65 to $3.70, below the consensus of $3.87.
Applied Digital (APLD) closed down more than -4% after Nvidia said it exited its equity investment in the company.
Genuine Parts Co (GPC) closed down more than -3%, adding to Tuesday’s -14% plunge after reporting Q4 net sales of $6.01 billion, weaker than the consensus of $6.06 billion.
Knife River Corp (KNF) closed down more than -3% after Wells Fargo Securities downgraded the stock to underweight from equal weight with a price target of $81.
Republic Services (RSG) closed down -2% after reporting Q4 revenue of $4.14 billion, weaker than the consensus of $4.21 billion, and forecasting 2026 revenue of $17.05 billion to $17.15 billion, below the consensus of %17.32 billion.
Earnings Reports(2/19/2026)
Akamai Technologies Inc (AKAM), Alliant Energy Corp (LNT), CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP), Comfort Systems USA Inc (FIX), Consolidated Edison Inc (ED), Copart Inc (CPRT), Deere & Co (DE), EPAM Systems Inc (EPAM), Evergy Inc (EVRG), Extra Space Storage Inc (EXR), Insmed Inc (INSM), Live Nation Entertainment Inc (LYV), Newmont Corp (NEM), Pool Corp (POOL), Quanta Services Inc (PWR), Southern Co/The (SO), Targa Resources Corp (TRGP), Walmart Inc (WMT).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

Options Strategies