Nasdaq Index Enters Correction Territory as Energy Prices Rise
Check out this evening's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.Hopes for a near-term resolution to U.S.-Iran standoff continue to fade with more saber-rattling comments out of both sides, denting equity markets that are already reeling from internal challenges while goosing up energy prices. Thursday's market action was decidedly negative as Nasdaq Composite index also officially closed in "correction" territory - down by over 10% from its February highs. Communication Services sector was especially hard-hit as the sector's top two stocks - Alphabetand Meta- fell 3% and 8% respectively in the wake of an adverse court ruling regarding social media addiction. Those stocks are now down 10% and 17% year-to-date, while the State Street Communication Services ETF, of which they are the top two holdings, is down 10% from the highs.In the opening hour of the evening session, S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures contracts are up 0.3% following Truth Social post by Trump that Iran would be granted another extension until its energy infrastructure assets are bombed, though that bounce is fairly shallow after the 1.7% and 2.4% declines in the respective indices on Thursday. WTI Crude Oil trades just above $93 per barrel - off the Thursday highs above $95.50 but also well off the lows near $90 seen after the Trump post, with traders consistently fading the president's attempts to signal a path toward de-escalation.HIGHER AFTER EARNINGS -Arganup 9.5%Newsmaxup 5.5%ALSO HIGHER -Unity Softwareup 14.4% after raising Q1 revenue guidanceSIGA Technologiesup 9.9% after declaring special dividendDOWN AFTER EARNINGS -Laird Superfooddown 11.0%P3 Health Partnersdown 6.8%ALSO LOWER -Lithium Argentinadown 11.4% after block saleZenas BioPharmadown 9.8% after equity offering
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- Strong Quarterly Performance: Argan reported a 13% year-over-year revenue increase to $262 million in its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter, exceeding market expectations and demonstrating robust performance in energy infrastructure amid soaring demand from AI factories.
- Significant Profit Growth: The company's net income surged 57% to $49 million, translating to earnings of $3.47 per share, well above Wall Street's estimate of $1.98, reflecting the nearing completion of projects like the Trumbull Energy Center in Ohio, which boosted profit margins.
- Robust Project Backlog: As of January 31, Argan's project backlog reached $2.9 billion, indicating strong demand for its services, with the CEO noting a robust pipeline of opportunities to build new gas-fired power plants, further solidifying the company's market position.
- Strong Financial Position: With $895 million in cash and investments and no debt, Argan is well-positioned to capitalize on expansion opportunities, particularly in the context of electrification and the replacement of aging power facilities, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
- Significant Earnings Growth: Argan's revenue rose 13% year-over-year to $262 million in Q4 of fiscal 2026, exceeding Wall Street expectations and demonstrating the company's strong performance in the construction sector.
- Net Income Surge: The company's net income jumped 57% to $49 million, translating to earnings of $3.47 per share, well above analysts' expectations of $1.98, reflecting a substantial improvement in profitability.
- Robust Project Backlog: As of January 31, Argan's project backlog reached $2.9 billion, indicating strong demand for its services, particularly in the growing opportunities for new gas-fired power plants.
- Strong Financial Position: With $895 million in cash and investments and no debt, Argan is well-positioned to capitalize on future expansion opportunities, especially in light of the underinvestment in power infrastructure.
- Impressive Earnings: Argan's Q4 fiscal 2026 report revealed a nearly 13% year-over-year revenue increase to over $262 million, indicating strong demand in the construction, power, and industrial sectors, which solidifies its market position.
- Profitability Surge: Net income soared to $49.2 million ($3.47 per share) from $31.4 million a year ago, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $2.13 per share, showcasing significant improvement in profitability.
- Contract Value Growth: The company secured $2.5 billion in new contract value over the year, demonstrating its competitive edge and business expansion capabilities, which are expected to provide robust support for future revenue growth.
- Analyst Optimism: JPMorgan's analyst Michael Fairbanks upgraded Argan's rating from neutral to overweight, setting a price target of $550 per share, reflecting a positive outlook on the company's growth potential, particularly driven by data center construction and AI technology advancements.
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 1.67%, marking a 7-month low, while the Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 1.93% and 1.73%, respectively, indicating heightened concerns over economic slowdown.
- Oil Price Surge: WTI crude oil prices surged over 5% due to fears surrounding the Iran conflict, which not only exacerbates inflation expectations but may also compel the Federal Reserve to tighten monetary policy, impacting overall economic growth.
- Consumer Sentiment Drop: The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index was revised down to 53.3 from 55.5, below the expected 54.0, reflecting a pessimistic outlook among consumers regarding future economic conditions, potentially suppressing consumer spending.
- Escalating US-China Trade Tensions: China launched investigations into US trade practices targeting restrictions on Chinese goods, which could further disrupt global supply chains and increase market uncertainty.
- Price Target Increase: Goldman Sachs analyst Ati Modak raised Argan's price target from $399 to $518 while maintaining a ‘Buy’ rating, reflecting confidence in the company's growth prospects following strong Q4 results.
- Earnings Highlights: Argan reported consolidated revenues of $262.1 million for Q4, a 12.7% year-over-year increase that surpassed Wall Street's expectation of $255.3 million, indicating robust project execution in the power segment and enhancing investor confidence.
- Net Income Growth: The company achieved a net income of $49.2 million, or $3.47 per diluted share, significantly exceeding last year's $31.4 million and $2.22 per share, driven by improved gross profit margins in the power segment, showcasing enhanced profitability.
- Positive Market Reaction: Retail sentiment around AGX stock surged from ‘bullish’ to ‘extremely bullish’ in the past 24 hours, with shares rising nearly 74% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's growth potential.











