Recent Articles from StockStory

Shares of young adult apparel retailer American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO) jumped 14.2% in the afternoon session after the company reported impressive third quarter results that beat analysts' sales, earnings and EBITDA estimates. 

Shares of used-car retailer America’s Car-Mart (NASDAQ:CRMT) jumped 6.7% in the afternoon session after investor optimism grew ahead of its quarterly earnings release, bolstered by positive news from the broader used car market. 

Shares of analog chipmaker Microchip Technology (NASDAQ:MCHP) jumped 11% in the afternoon session after the company raised its financial guidance for its third fiscal quarter, citing stronger-than-expected business performance, bookings, and backlog. Microchip now expected its net sales and earnings per share to be at the high end of its previously provided range. This revised outlook represented an approximate 12% year-over-year growth in revenue. The company also anticipated non-GAAP earnings per share to be about $0.40, surpassing prior estimates. The CEO stated that business was performing better than expected with booking activity remaining strong. In addition to the upgraded forecast, the company also announced the launch of new energy-efficient power monitors designed to reduce power consumption by 50% in portable devices.

Shares of buy-now-pay-later service Sezzle (NASDAQCM:SEZL) jumped 6.4% in the afternoon session after positive reports for the "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) industry pointed to a strong holiday shopping season. This optimism stemmed from an Adobe Analytics forecast that projected spending using BNPL services would reach $20.2 billion during the holidays, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. "Buy Now, Pay Later" plans allow consumers to make purchases and pay for them over time. The payment method continued to gain popularity, especially among younger shoppers, signaling a healthy and expanding market for companies operating in the sector.

Shares of lab services company Charles River Laboratories (NYSE:CRL) jumped 6.1% in the afternoon session after the company provided an encouraging business update at an investor conference, highlighting positive demand trends. 

Shares of aerospace and defense company Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB) jumped 5.6% in the afternoon session after analyst commentary highlighted the company's record third-quarter revenue and potential for significant government contract work. The launch provider recently reported its highest-ever quarterly revenue of $155 million, a figure that beat Wall Street estimates and represented year-over-year growth of more than 48%. The company also posted a smaller-than-expected loss per share. Following the strong results, Cantor Fitzgerald maintained its Overweight rating and a $72 price target on the stock. Analysts pointed to the company's substantial $1.1 billion backlog and potential for future growth from government contracts. Rocket Lab was working on a $515 million contract with the U.S. Space Development Agency and bidding on another project for the agency worth up to $900 million.

Shares of cosmetics company e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF) jumped 6.2% in the afternoon session after the company presented at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference. Such investor conferences are important events where company leaders often share updates on their business strategy, financial performance, and future outlook. A positive presentation can increase investor confidence and drive interest in a company's stock. The significant upward move in the share price suggested that the market reacted favorably to the information and commentary provided by e.l.f. Beauty's management team during the event.

Shares of electronic component manufacturer Belden (NYSE:BDC) jumped 5.7% in the afternoon session after investors reacted to positive news from the broader networking sector, following key innovation announcements from industry peers. 

Shares of luxury electric car manufacturer Lucid (NASDAQ:LCID) jumped 5.5% in the afternoon session after the company announced its first major automotive partnership in Europe with HYROX, the World Series of Fitness Racing. 

Shares of digital transformation consultancy Grid Dynamics (NASDAQ:GDYN) jumped 10.2% in the afternoon session after investor optimism grew around the need for grid modernization, fueled by surging electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and electric vehicles. 

Shares of financial services company Triumph Financial (NASDAQ:TFIN) jumped 7% in the afternoon session after a recent regulatory filing showed that institutional investor Creative Planning acquired a new position in the company's stock during the second quarter. The filing with the SEC revealed that Creative Planning purchased 13,194 shares, a stake valued at approximately $727,000. While the purchase took place in a previous quarter, the disclosure of a new position by a large investor often signaled confidence to the market. Such investments from institutional players sometimes led other investors to view a stock more favorably, suggesting a positive outlook on the company's future performance.

Insurance software provider Guidewire Software (NYSE:GWRE) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales up 26.5% year on year to $332.6 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $342 million at the midpoint, 1.5% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.66 per share was 7.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Fashion conglomerate PVH (NYSE:PVH) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales up 1.7% year on year to $2.29 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.83 per share was 11.4% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Automation software company UiPath (NYSE:PATH) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q3 CY2025, with sales up 15.9% year on year to $411.1 million. The company expects next quarter’s revenue to be around $464.5 million, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.16 per share was 9.6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Custom-engineered solutions manufacturer Methode Electronics (NYSE:MEI) reported revenue ahead of Wall Streets expectations in Q3 CY2025, but sales fell by 15.6% year on year to $246.9 million. The company expects the full year’s revenue to be around $950 million, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP loss of $0.19 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.

Banking software provider nCino (NASDAQ:NCNO) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales up 9.6% year on year to $152.2 million. The company expects next quarter’s revenue to be around $147.5 million, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.31 per share was 49.9% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Enterprise AI software company C3.ai (NYSE:AI) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, but sales fell by 20.3% year on year to $75.15 million. The company expects next quarter’s revenue to be around $76 million, close to analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP loss of $0.25 per share was 24.8% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Cloud data platform provider Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW) reported revenue ahead of Wall Streets expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales up 28.7% year on year to $1.21 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.35 per share was 12.5% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Young adult apparel retailer Tilly’s (NYSE:TLYS) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, but sales fell by 2.7% year on year to $139.6 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was better than expected at $148.5 million at the midpoint, 1.6% above analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP loss of $0.05 per share was 83.3% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Women’s plus-size apparel retailer Torrid Holdings (NYSE:CURV) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales falling 10.8% year on year to $235.2 million. The company’s full-year revenue guidance of $998.5 million at the midpoint came in 2.2% below analysts’ estimates. Its GAAP loss of $0.06 per share was significantly below analysts’ consensus estimates.

CRM software giant Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) met Wall Streets revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales up 8.6% year on year to $10.26 billion. The company expects next quarter’s revenue to be around $11.18 billion, coming in 2.5% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $3.25 per share was 13.6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Discount retailer Five Below (NASDAQ:FIVE) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q3 CY2025, with sales up 23.1% year on year to $1.04 billion. On top of that, next quarter’s revenue guidance ($1.60 billion at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 3.6% above what analysts were expecting. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.68 per share was significantly above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Shares of packaging and materials company International Paper (NYSE:IP) jumped 3% in the afternoon session after analysts at BNP Paribas upgraded the stock to an “outperform” rating from a previous “strong sell” rating. The firm also set a new price target of $44.00 for the stock. This change in outlook reflected growing confidence in the company's direction. Other analysts also noted the company's focus on transformation and sustainable packaging solutions. The leadership’s emphasis on simplifying the business structure and improving operations was seen as a positive step toward becoming a leader in the industry.

Shares of semiconductor designer Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ:LSCC) jumped 5.4% in the afternoon session after analyst firms reiterated strong "Buy" ratings and raised their price targets, showing confidence in the company's long-term growth. This reflected a positive sentiment among analysts regarding the semiconductor designer's future performance. For instance, Stifel raised its price target for the stock to $80, while Benchmark increased its price target to $82. Raymond James also adjusted its price target upward to $80. These actions followed a pattern of positive ratings from multiple other firms, underscoring a broad consensus on the company's favorable outlook.

Shares of personalized clothing company Stitch Fix (NASDAQ:SFIX) jumped 3.8% in the afternoon session after an analyst at Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed a "Market Perform" rating on the stock during the previous trading session. This move extended a 4.1% jump from the prior day. While a "Market Perform" rating suggested the stock was expected to perform in line with the broader market, investors viewed the reaffirmation positively. Analyst Dana Telsey also kept the price target steady at $6.00 per share. The decision not to downgrade the stock or its price target may have provided a sense of stability and encouraged buying activity. The positive sentiment also came as the company prepared to release its quarterly earnings, which investors were eagerly awaiting.

Shares of security and healthcare technology company OSI Systems (NASDAQ:OSIS) jumped 2.8% in the afternoon session after Roth Capital increased its price target on the company's shares to $292 from $280. The investment firm also maintained its "buy" rating on the stock. An increased price target from an analyst often suggests a belief that the company's shares have more room to grow. This positive assessment likely boosted investor confidence, leading to the upward movement in the stock's price.

Shares of plant-based food and beverage company SunOpta (NASDAQ:STKL) jumped 3% in the afternoon session after the stock's price broke above a long-term trend line, a move often seen as a sign of strength by technical traders. This type of price action often drew attention because it showed a shift away from a prior extended rhythm that had shaped its trading pattern. The move was not linked to any specific company news or fundamental developments. Instead, it reflected trading activity aligned with technical chart patterns, suggesting investor behavior was guided by the stock's historical price movements rather than new information about the business itself.

Shares of toy manufacturing and entertainment company (NASDAQ:MAT) jumped 4.8% in the afternoon session after the company presented at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference, where its leadership shared business updates. 

Shares of healthcare insurance company Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH) jumped 2.2% in the afternoon session after the stock appeared to rebound from recent lows despite the publication of bearish commentary. 

Shares of building products company Boise Cascade Company (NYSE:BCC) jumped 2.4% in the afternoon session after the stock continued a recent positive trend that started about a month following its latest earnings report. The day's move added to a gain of about 6.8% over that period, which outpaced the S&P 500. This momentum followed the company's third-quarter 2025 results. In that report, Boise Cascade's sales of $1.67 billion came in ahead of market expectations, even though the figure was down 3% from the previous year. At the same time, its adjusted earnings of 58 cents per share matched estimates but represented a 75% drop year-over-year. Despite these mixed results, investors seemed to focus on the better-than-expected sales, which helped build the positive trend.

Shares of material handling equipment manufacturer Columbus McKinnon (NASDAQ:CMCO) jumped 3.4% in the afternoon session after the company presented at a Bank of America conference, highlighting its strong market position and growth prospects. The presentation detailed the company's expansion into high-growth areas like automation and linear motion. Columbus McKinnon pointed to a total addressable market of $34 billion. Management also noted that its growth was supported by major industry trends, including labor shortages and electrification. These factors are driving demand for the company's lifting and automation solutions, which help customers handle critical materials. The positive outlook likely boosted investor confidence.

Shares of energy recovery device manufacturer Energy Recovery (NASDAQ:ERII) jumped 3.4% in the afternoon session after the stock rallied on what appeared to be continued positive trading momentum. The move extended a recent winning streak for the stock, which had risen for several consecutive trading days. No specific company news appeared to drive the increase, suggesting the rally was based on technical factors and trading patterns rather than a fundamental development.

Shares of steel wire manufacturer Insteel (NYSE:IIIN) jumped 2.9% in the afternoon session after Franklin Resources Inc. disclosed it had significantly increased its ownership stake in the company. According to a regulatory filing, the investment firm grew its holdings by 632.0% in the second quarter, buying an additional 75,734 shares of the industrial products company. Following the purchase, Franklin Resources Inc. held 87,717 shares, representing about 0.45% of Insteel Industries. Such a large buy from a major institutional investor often signals strong confidence in a company's future prospects, which can encourage other investors and lead to a higher stock price.

Shares of contract logistics company GXO (NYSE:GXO) jumped 3.1% in the afternoon session after the stock's positive momentum continued as the company reached a two-year pay agreement with its drivers in Motherwell, ending a period of labor disputes. The union Unite confirmed it secured a significant pay win for the drivers, who deliver supplies for major companies including Costco and Superdrug. The deal included a 5% increase in basic pay, backdated to April, and another 4% increase from the start of 2026 until the end of March 2027. This resolution followed strike action and an overtime ban by GXO drivers in early November as they sought a better wage offer. The agreement appeared to boost investor confidence by ensuring operational stability.

Shares of homebuilder Lennar (NYSE:LEN) jumped 2.8% in the afternoon session after JPMorgan adjusted its price target on the homebuilder's stock to $118 from $92. The move represented a positive signal from the investment bank regarding the company's valuation. Despite the significant increase in the price target, JPMorgan maintained its "Neutral" rating on Lennar's shares. This suggested that while the bank saw more upside potential in the stock's price, it did not change its fundamental view on the company's overall investment profile at that time.

Shares of diagnostics company Guardant Health (NASDAQ:GH) jumped 1.8% in the afternoon session after Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the stock, reflecting heightened optimism about the company's potential. The firm's analyst, Shannon O’Callaghan, maintained an "Overweight" rating on Guardant Health while increasing the price target to $130.00 from $105.00. This action followed other positive price target adjustments from analysts in the recent past. Specifically, both BTIG and Canaccord Genuity also previously increased their price targets for the company. These collective revisions signaled a growing positive view of the stock among financial analysts.

Shares of regional banking company Customers Bancorp (NYSE:CUBI) jumped 3.2% in the afternoon session after positive sentiment from Wall Street analysts supported the stock. The favorable view was reflected in a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating derived from seven analysts. This consensus was built on five "buy" ratings and two "hold" ratings, with no analysts recommending to sell. The average price target among these analysts was $85.43. A separate report covering six analysts also showed a "Buy" consensus, reinforcing the positive outlook on the company's shares among market experts.

Shares of electric vehicle pioneer Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) jumped 4.1% in the afternoon session after reports indicated the U.S. administration planned to prioritize robotics development, a move that could benefit the company's Optimus humanoid robot project. 

Shares of private equity firm Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CG) jumped 2.7% in the afternoon session after reports surfaced that the company was in talks to acquire a majority stake in an Indian home mortgage firm, Nido Home Finance. The discussions were reportedly part of a strategy to increase investments in India's financial services sector. According to sources familiar with the matter, Carlyle targeted an initial investment of $300 million in the Mumbai-based lender, which is owned by Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd. This potential deal highlighted a trend of global investors seeking more exposure to India's rapidly growing housing finance market, and the stock's movement suggested investors viewed the potential expansion positively.

Shares of fashion conglomerate PVH (NYSE:PVH) jumped 3.9% in the afternoon session after investor optimism grew ahead of its upcoming quarterly earnings report. The apparel company was scheduled to announce its financial results later in the day. Ahead of the release, analysts had estimated that PVH would report an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.55. The stock's positive movement suggested that investors were hopeful about the company's performance and were positioning themselves for a potentially favorable announcement.

Shares of bitcoin development company Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) jumped 3% in the afternoon session after a rebound in the price of Bitcoin was coupled with the company's strategic moves to bolster its financial position. 

Shares of crane and lifting equipment company Manitowoc (NYSE:MTW) jumped 4.9% in the afternoon session after broader positive sentiment in the construction equipment sector improved, driven by news of a potential major acquisition and a strong market forecast. The positive mood was largely fueled by reports that Doosan Bobcat, a global construction machinery maker, sought to acquire German manufacturer Wacker Neuson. The potential deal, valued at $2.3 billion, was seen as a move by Doosan to establish Europe as a significant growth area. Such large-scale acquisition interest often highlights underlying value and boosts investor confidence across an entire industry. Further supporting the upbeat outlook, a report from Allied Market Research projected the North American construction equipment market would grow from $51.6 billion in 2021 to $79.7 billion by 2031. This positive industry-wide news appeared to lift stocks like Manitowoc.

Shares of video sharing platform Rumble (NASDAQGM:RUM) jumped 6.1% in the afternoon session after the stock showed continued its positive momentum, apparently driven by technical factors. The move extended gains from the previous trading day. One technical analysis report noted the stock had risen over 35% in the prior two weeks and held positive signals from its moving averages. The price increase also occurred on higher trading volume, which is often seen as a positive technical sign. While no single piece of news appeared to drive the increase, some market analysts held a positive outlook on the company. This suggests that investor sentiment was leaning positive, contributing to the stock's upward trend in the absence of major fundamental news.

Shares of fast-food pizza chain Papa John’s (NASDAQ:PZZA) jumped 2% in the afternoon session after the stock's positive momentum continued as the company sold 85 restaurants to one of its largest franchisees, who also committed to significant expansion. The pizza chain announced it sold its locations in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas to Pie Investments Management. This transaction made the group one of Papa John's largest U.S. franchise operators, with a portfolio of more than 150 restaurants nationwide. The deal also included an agreement for Pie Investments to open 52 new restaurants in the Philadelphia market over the next five years. This expansion plan demonstrated strong confidence in the brand's future growth prospects.

Shares of online legal service provider LegalZoom (NASDAQ:LZ) jumped 3% in the afternoon session after the company announced the renewal of its partnership with Defy Ventures. This renewed commitment was set to fund the national expansion of Defy's mental well-being and post-release entrepreneurship initiatives for formerly incarcerated individuals. The partnership built on a track record of success that provided a pathway to economic opportunity for approximately 8,000 people.

Shares of genomics company Pacific Biosciences of California (NASDAQ:PACB) jumped 4.5% in the afternoon session after the stock's positive momentum continued as the company announced advances in its RNA sequencing technology for lung cancer research. The stock’s climb continued a recent trend, following a 4.04% gain during the last trading day. The move extended a strong performance over the previous two weeks, in which the stock rose by more than 47%. Overall sentiment from analysts also remained positive, with a consensus "Buy" rating on the shares.

Shares of alternative investment manager Blackstone (NYSE:BX) jumped 3.1% in the afternoon session after the company announced several positive business developments, including the acquisition of San Francisco's Four Seasons Hotel and the launch of a new unit targeting retirement savings. The purchase of the 277-room hotel for around $130 million was seen as a sign of “renewed confidence in San Francisco's tourism landscape.” The deal came as projections showed revenue per available room was expected to grow, helped by high-profile future events.

Shares of young adult apparel retailer Tilly’s (NYSE:TLYS) jumped 18% in the afternoon session after investors showed optimism ahead of the company's fiscal third-quarter 2025 earnings report, which was scheduled for release after the market close. The retailer's earnings announcement and subsequent conference call were set for later the same day. The rally suggested investors were hopeful that the company would surpass expectations. Ahead of the release, analysts had estimated an earnings per share (EPS) of $-0.30. One forecast also projected a sales decrease of 4.6% to $136.9 million, which would have marked an improvement from the 7.1% sales decline reported in the prior quarter. The significant stock price increase pointed to positive speculation before the official results were made public.

Shares of enterprise AI software company C3.ai (NYSE:AI) jumped 4% in the afternoon session after the stock trended higher in anticipation of its second-quarter earnings report. The report was scheduled for release after the market closed. The upward movement suggested investors held a positive view leading into the announcement. Analysts had projected an adjusted loss of approximately 33 cents per share on revenue of around $74.86 million. Adding to the sense of anticipation, the options market priced in a potential stock move of over 12% following the release, indicating that traders were prepared for a significant reaction to the company's financial update.

Shares of boat and marine products retailer MarineMax (NYSE:HZO) jumped 1.6% in the afternoon session after positive analyst sentiment came to light regarding the company's stock. Reports highlighted that four analysts covering MarineMax maintained a consensus "Strong Buy" rating. Their average price target was set at $34, which forecasted a notable potential increase in the stock's value. The price targets from these analysts ranged from a low of $29 to a high of $40, reinforcing the favorable outlook on the company's performance.

Shares of industrial supplies company MSC Industrial Direct (NYSE:MSM) fell 3.3% in the afternoon session after its stock continued to fall as a recent third-quarter earnings report highlighted concerns about its growth compared to competitors. Although the company reported revenues of $978.2 million, which beat analysts' expectations and were up 2.7% year on year, investors focused on a key detail. MSC Industrial delivered the slowest revenue growth among its peer group of maintenance and repair distributors. The stock had been declining since the earnings were announced, signaling investor unease. This sentiment was amplified by underlying concerns that the company could face pressure on its profit margins due to a backdrop of soft demand and fierce competition.

Shares of pet products provider Bark (NYSE:BARK) jumped 3.1% in the afternoon session after the stock moved on what appeared to be technical trading activity. 

Shares of streaming TV platform Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU) fell 4.6% in the afternoon session after reports surfaced that Cathie Wood's ARK Invest sold a significant portion of its holdings in the company for the second consecutive day. The investment firm's daily trade report showed that it sold 181,303 shares of the streaming-device maker through its ARK Innovation ETF. This sale was valued at approximately $17.5 million. This action followed a smaller sale on the previous trading day, marking a continued reduction of ARK's stake in Roku. Such a move by a prominent investor often signals a shift in sentiment, which can lead other investors to sell their shares as well, putting downward pressure on the stock price.

Shares of private markets investment firm P10 (NYSE:PX) jumped 4.5% in the afternoon session after the stock moved higher amid a positive consensus from market analysts. The move came in the absence of major company-specific news but was supported by a favorable view from analysts covering the firm. A consensus of five analysts maintained a "Buy" rating on the stock. Their collective price target suggested a significant potential increase over the following year, signaling a belief that the stock was likely to outperform the market.

Shares of healthcare distributor Cencora (NYSE:COR) fell 4.3% in the afternoon session after analysts downgraded the company's stock to a "hold" rating from a "buy" a few days prior. This downgrade added to a negative trend for the stock, which had already fallen over the previous five trading sessions. The downward pressure from the new rating appeared to weigh on investor sentiment. The stock's performance reflected the market's reaction to the lowered expectations from the analyst firm.

Shares of building products company Quanex (NYSE:NX) jumped 3.8% in the afternoon session after positive technical signals and investor optimism about future earnings growth outweighed mixed historical data. 

Shares of pharmaceutical company Amphastar Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQAMPH) jumped 3.7% in the afternoon session after positive analyst sentiment and technical trading indicators pointed to potential upside for the stock. The cautiously optimistic view from analysts included three buy ratings and three hold ratings, with no sell recommendations. The average price target was set at $32.00, reflecting a potential upside. Adding to the positive tone, insider sentiment was reported as positive, based on the timing of recent acquisitions. The stock also traded above its key 50-day and 200-day moving averages, a signal some investors viewed favorably.

Shares of smart home company SmartRent (NYSE:SMRT) jumped 8.3% in the afternoon session after top executives disclosed significant purchases of company stock, signaling strong insider confidence in its future. CEO Frank Martell acquired 47,278 shares for a total of $79,715 through a family trust. Adding to this, Director Thomas Bohjalian also bought 50,000 shares, an investment valued at approximately $84,000. These kinds of purchases by a company's own leadership are often viewed by investors as a positive sign. They suggest that those with the most insight into the company's operations believe the shares have potential to grow. The recent transactions contributed to a larger pattern, with 16 insider buys compared to just one sale over the previous year.

Shares of hair care company Olaplex (NASDAQ:OLPX) jumped 4.5% in the afternoon session after the stock appeared to rebound on technical factors. This gain occurred against a backdrop of recent underperformance, as the company's shares had sunk by 18.4% over the previous six months. The hair care brand's financial results also showed signs of weakness. Over the last three years, Olaplex's sales fell at a 17.3% annual rate. During that same period, its earnings per share declined by 50.8% each year, indicating the company struggled with its cost structure as demand shrank. In the previous year, its free cash flow margin also dropped. Given the lack of a fundamental driver, the day's price increase seemed to be a technical move.

Shares of diabetes technology company Tandem Diabetes Care (NASDAQ:TNDM) jumped 4.5% in the afternoon session after an analyst at Morgan Stanley raised the firm's price target for the stock. The firm's analyst, Patrick Wood, kept an 'Equal-Weight' rating on Tandem Diabetes Care but increased the price target by over 35%, moving it from $17.00 to $23.00. This adjustment suggested a more positive outlook on the stock's value, even while the overall rating remained neutral. The action indicated that the analyst saw more potential upside for the company's shares than previously estimated.

Shares of industrial equipment manufacturer Kadant (NYSE:KAI) jumped 3.3% in the afternoon session after the stock appeared to continue its recent upward trend, driven by technical factors rather than specific company news. The shares had already risen nearly 12% over the previous two weeks, creating positive momentum. Technical indicators also flashed a 'Buy' signal, suggesting that the stock's trading patterns were favorable. This indicated that the climb was likely fueled by market sentiment and sustained buying interest, as no fundamental news or major announcements were reported to explain the move.

Shares of clothing and footwear retailer Zumiez (NASDAQ:ZUMZ) jumped 5.3% in the afternoon session after investor optimism grew ahead of its upcoming quarterly earnings report. Investors looked forward to the announcement, which was scheduled for the following day. This positive sentiment was likely influenced by the company's performance in the previous quarter, when an earnings beat was followed by a 15.5% jump in the share price. Adding to the confidence, Zumiez had ended the previous fiscal year in a strong financial position, holding $147.6 million in cash and marketable securities with no debt. The company also expressed cautious optimism for fiscal 2025, anticipating sales growth and better product margins.

Shares of telecommunications infrastructure company Lumen Technologies (NYSE:LUMN) jumped 4.4% in the afternoon session after positive business developments highlighted the company's growth strategy and improved financial outlook. Lumen expanded its cybersecurity capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region by achieving a special status with Palo Alto Networks in Singapore. This recognition highlighted Lumen's expertise in deploying and managing advanced security systems for its customers. Further bolstering investor confidence, the company's focus on providing network-as-a-service (NaaS) solutions and its integrated cloud services were noted as key growth drivers. This positive view was supported by a significant 39.4% upward revision in the consensus estimate for its current-year earnings since the end of the previous year.

Shares of freight Delivery Company RXO (NYSE:RXO) jumped 6.1% in the afternoon session after the company presented at the Goldman Sachs Industrials and Materials Conference, where its commentary was well-received by investors. Events like these provide a platform for a company's management to communicate its strategy and outlook. The positive stock movement suggested that the commentary from this conference, as well as a separate UBS conference, resonated positively with the market. The reaction indicated that investors were encouraged by the information shared by the company's leadership, boosting confidence in its future direction.

Shares of senior living provider Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE:BKD) fell 3.8% in the afternoon session after a competitor, Acadia Healthcare (ACHC), significantly cut its 2025 financial outlook, triggering a sell-off across the healthcare facilities sector. Acadia announced that its professional and general liability expenses for 2025 were projected to be about $116 million, more than double the $54 million from 2024. This dramatic increase in costs forced the company to lower its adjusted earnings guidance for 2025 to a range of $1.94 to $2.04 per share, a steep decline from $3.30 in 2024. The news raised concerns that other operators in the industry, like Brookdale, might face similar pressures from rising liability claims. Compounding the issue, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald lowered the price target on Acadia's stock from $22.00 to $17.00.

Shares of health insurance company UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) jumped 4.5% in the afternoon session after a flurry of positive analyst actions and strategic company updates signaled confidence in the healthcare giant's direction. Multiple firms expressed optimism, with Wolfe Research lifting its price target to $375 from $330. Bernstein also boosted its target to $440, and RBC Capital raised its target to $408. This positive sentiment was reportedly tied to the belief that UnitedHealth was positioned to improve its profit margins within its insurance division.

Shares of department store chain Kohl’s (NYSE:KSS) fell 7.2% in the afternoon session after negative sentiment grew regarding the company's long-term business health, fueled by analyst ratings and media commentary. 

Shares of snack food company Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ) jumped 3.1% in the afternoon session after the company received a 'Buy' consensus rating from analysts, supported by a robust operational outlook. 

Shares of digital infrastructure investor DigitalBridge Group (NYSE:DBRG) jumped 4% in the afternoon session after it announced an agreement to sell its Nordic asset, Digita Group, to private investment firm GI Partners. 

Shares of energy drink company Celsius (NASDAQ:CELH) jumped 3.6% in the afternoon session after the company provided a positive business update ahead of a conference, highlighting strong market share growth and progress on integrating its Alani Nu brand with its PepsiCo distribution partner. 

Shares of buy now, pay later company Affirm (NASDAQ:AFRM) jumped 5.1% in the afternoon session after reports highlighted a significant boom in 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) spending during the holiday season, signaling strong consumer adoption. 

Shares of environmental waste treatment and services provider Perma-Fix (NASDAQ:PESI) jumped 7.4% in the afternoon session after it responded to positive developments in the nuclear energy sector, highlighted by a new government initiative to support advanced reactor technology. The Department of Energy announced it selected the Tennessee Valley Authority and Holtec International to support the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). This initiative aimed to advance the development of new nuclear energy technologies to provide clean, reliable power. While Perma-Fix was not directly part of the announcement, the news likely created positive sentiment for the broader nuclear industry, benefiting companies involved in nuclear services and waste management. Separately, Perma-Fix's President and CEO, Mark Duff, was a confirmed speaker at an upcoming Nuclear & Waste Management Forum.

Shares of marketing technology company Zeta Global (NYSE:ZETA) jumped 3.3% in the afternoon session after the company announced record performance for its AI Marketing Cloud platform during the pivotal holiday shopping weekend. From Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, platform usage surged 153% compared to the previous year, while the company's AI agent activity increased 25 times. The platform also maintained 100% uptime, a critical factor as enterprise brands depended on it to send their most important messages during the peak period. The strong performance highlighted the growing adoption of Zeta's AI, with the company noting that clients who used its AI Agents saved 87% of their time on repetitive tasks. The results also reflected momentum from the recent acquisition of Marigold's enterprise software business.

Shares of financial advisory firm Perella Weinberg Partners (NASDAQ:PWP) jumped 3.8% in the afternoon session after reports indicated the investment advisory firm was hired by British money manager Schroders to advise on a potential sale of its financial planning business, Benchmark Capital. Schroders, a major asset manager in the U.K., was reportedly exploring various options for its Benchmark Capital unit, including a possible sale, after receiving interest from private equity firms. The selection of Perella Weinberg Partners for this advisory role represented a significant new business engagement. Such roles typically involved substantial fees, which could positively affect the firm's revenue. The news signaled confidence in Perella Weinberg's expertise in handling large transactions, leading to a positive reaction from investors.

Shares of online home goods retailer Wayfair (NYSE:W) fell 5.7% in the afternoon session after Jefferies downgraded the stock from a "Buy" to a "Hold," citing concerns over a sluggish holiday shopping season and slowing consumer demand.