Nasdaq Index Enters Correction Territory as Energy Prices Rise
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 26 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AGX?
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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Analyst Views on AGX
Wall Street analysts forecast AGX stock price to fall
2 Analyst Rating
0 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 611.210
Low
325.00
Averages
347.50
High
370.00
Current: 611.210
Low
325.00
Averages
347.50
High
370.00
About AGX
Argan, Inc. is a holding company. The Company is a construction firm that conducts operations through its subsidiaries, Gemma Power Systems, LLC and affiliates (GPS), Atlantic Projects Company Limited and affiliates (APC), The Roberts Company, Inc. (TRC), and Southern Maryland Cable, Inc. (SMC). Through GPS and APC, its power industry services, it offers a suite of engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, maintenance, project development and technical consulting services to the power generation market, including the renewable energy sector. Through TRC, the industrial construction services provide field services and project management that support new plant construction and additions, maintenance turnarounds, shutdowns and emergency mobilizations for industrial plants. Through SMC, its telecommunications infrastructure services provide project management, construction, installation and maintenance services to commercial, local government and federal government customers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Community Backlash Intensifies: The construction of AI data centers has led to violent incidents in Indianapolis, where residents voted out council members over a $6 billion project, highlighting significant public opposition that could hinder future approvals.
- Investor Vigilance Required: According to Data Center Watch, $64 billion in AI data center projects have already been delayed or canceled due to local opposition, prompting investors to monitor these developments closely, especially as tech firms face rising infrastructure costs amid high capital expenditures.
- Edge Data Centers Benefit: With protests primarily targeting large AI data centers, companies like Iren and One Stop Solutions are positioned to benefit from reduced competition, allowing them to charge higher prices for their services, thereby increasing revenue and market share.
- Big Tech Companies Hurt: Giants like Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft face increased cost pressures due to their substantial investments in AI data centers, which may delay revenue recognition and impact their long-term financial performance, necessitating investor attention to changes in capital expenditures.
See More
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- Market Value: The total market value of the shares to be sold is approximately $11.73 million.
See More
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- Increased Industry Pressure: The building products industry is facing intensified pressure due to tariffs, rising input and labor costs, and persistent inflation, leading to diminished developer confidence and a slowdown in commercial activity, which clouds near-term recovery prospects.
- Infrastructure Investment Driving Growth: Despite short-term challenges, the long-term outlook remains optimistic, with increased federal spending on infrastructure projects expected to support demand for building products, particularly in transportation, broadband, and climate-resilient initiatives.
- Strategic Corporate Adjustments: Industry participants are enhancing their market positioning through digital transformation, cost efficiency improvements, and strategic acquisitions, particularly in the data center and energy-related construction sectors, which are poised for future growth.
- Earnings Outlook Downgrade: While industry players are striving to offset rising costs through price increases, analysts' downgrades of the overall earnings outlook for 2026 reflect a waning confidence in the industry's growth potential, with expected earnings per share decreasing from $4.47 to $4.44.
See More
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- Share Buyback Expansion: Argan announced an increase in its share buyback program from $150 million to $200 million, which is expected to boost shareholder confidence and drive stock price appreciation, reflecting the company's strong cash flow and robust balance sheet.
- Dividend Policy Maintained: The company will maintain its quarterly dividend at $0.50 per share, consistent with the previous two distributions, and is set to be paid on April 30, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders.
- Strong Market Performance: Following the buyback announcement, Argan's stock rose nearly 4%, with a current price of $21.01 and a market cap of $8.2 billion, indicating a positive market sentiment regarding the company's future prospects.
- AI Demand Driving Growth: CEO David Watson noted that the demand for services related to artificial intelligence technology is generating significant work for Argan, and this trend is expected to continue, further solidifying the company's position in the industry.
See More
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- Share Repurchase Program Increase: Argentinian company AARGAN has increased its share repurchase program to $200 million.
- Expiration Extension: The expiration date for the share repurchase program has been extended to January 31, 2030.
See More
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- Cipher Digital Growth Potential: Cipher Digital (CIFR) has seen its stock rise over 500% in the past year, despite a 32% decline year-to-date; its 15-year, $5.5 billion contract with Amazon Web Services to provide 300 megawatts of capacity underscores its pivotal role in AI data center construction and future growth prospects.
- Caterpillar Demand Surge: Caterpillar (CAT) benefits from the AI buildout, with power generation sales up 44% year-over-year in Q1 2023, driving a 17% growth in its Energy & Transportation segment, indicating strong performance in meeting the demands of AI data centers.
- Argan Order Backlog Increase: Argan (AGX) has secured a $2.9 billion backlog due to AI construction, more than doubling its $1.4 billion backlog from fiscal 2025, reflecting robust demand in renewable energy while facing the challenge of upgrading 104 gigawatts of aging power plants by 2030.
- Optimistic Market Outlook: Despite market volatility, investors can capitalize on long-term growth opportunities by focusing on high-quality companies like Cipher Digital, Caterpillar, and Argan, particularly in the context of ongoing investments in AI and renewable energy sectors.
See More
