U.S. Stock Futures Sharply Lower as Oil Prices Surge Raises Concerns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 03 2026
0mins
Should l Buy PINS?
Stock futures are sharply lower this morning. The catalyst remains fresh military strikes and widening hostilities in the Middle East, triggering concerns about prolonged conflict and its potential to disrupt global energy markets.The standout macro driver this morning is the ongoing surge in oil prices, with crude climbing roughly 8% and Brent and West Texas Intermediate near multi-month highs as traders price in heightened supply risks near critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. Higher energy costs are feeding inflation worries and fueling broader risk aversion across equities.The U.S. dollar and Treasury yields are climbing, reflecting a shift toward defensive positioning, while gold remains elevated as investors seek refuge amid geopolitical risk.In pre-market trading, S&P 500 futures fell 1.71%, Nasdaq futures fell 2.1% and Dow futures fell 1.7%.Check out this morning's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.HIGHER -Pinterestup 7% after announcing Elliot's $1B investment in the company and a new $3.5B share repurchase programUP AFTER EARNINGS -Best Buyup 9%Targetup 3%Plug Powerup 13%Ousterup 10%DOWN AFTER EARNINGS -MongoDBdown 27%Surgery Partnersdown 21%Sea Limiteddown 15%On Holdingdown 13%AutoZonedown 4%Archer Aviationdown 4%
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Analyst Views on PINS
Wall Street analysts forecast PINS stock price to rise
17 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 17.760
Low
24.90
Averages
35.46
High
44.00
Current: 17.760
Low
24.90
Averages
35.46
High
44.00
About PINS
Pinterest, Inc. (Pinterest) offers visual search and discovery platform. The Company’s primary service, Pinterest, can be accessed through its mobile application or the Web. People use Pinterest to find ideas. As they browse Pinterest content, Pins, they fine-tune their tastes and find the idea. Users interact with the platform in multi-session journeys to find inspiration, curate their latest look, plan their next project and shop from brands. It has approximately 553 million monthly active users across the world. Content on Pinterest comes from a variety of sources, including retailers, brands, creators, publishers and users. It acquires that content via a range of methods, including product catalog uploads, direct publishing, and user curation. Content formats include images that allow the user to click into an idea to learn more, videos that provide the steps of an idea, and products that brands and merchants upload from catalogs.
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.
Pinterest Investors Face Class Action Lawsuit Over Revenue Disclosures
- Class Action Initiated: The Portnoy Law Firm has advised Pinterest investors of a class action lawsuit for those who purchased securities between February 7, 2025, and February 12, 2026, with a deadline of May 29, 2026, for filing lead plaintiff motions to protect their legal rights.
- Disappointing Financial Performance: Pinterest reported quarterly revenue of $1.32 billion on February 12, 2026, falling short of the $1.33 billion consensus estimate, while Q1 2026 revenue guidance of $951 million to $971 million also missed the expected $980.6 million, indicating significant revenue pressures.
- Advertising Revenue Challenges: CEO William Ready attributed the disappointing performance to an “exogenous shock” related to tariffs, which have disproportionately affected ad spending from top retail advertisers, suggesting potential restructuring in the near future.
- Significant Stock Price Drop: Following the earnings announcement, Pinterest's stock price fell by $3.12, or 16.83%, closing at $15.42 on February 13, 2026, reflecting strong market concerns regarding the company's future outlook.
See More
Faruqi & Faruqi Encourages Pinterest Investors to Discuss Legal Options
- Legal Investigation: Faruq & Faruq LLP is investigating potential claims against Pinterest, specifically encouraging investors who purchased securities between February 7, 2025, and February 12, 2026, to seek lead plaintiff status in a federal securities class action by the May 29, 2026 deadline, highlighting the urgency for affected investors to act.
- Revenue Guidance Downgrade: On November 4, 2025, Pinterest announced a Q4 revenue guidance midpoint of $1.325 billion, falling short of the $1.34 billion consensus, leading to a 21.76% drop in stock price the following day, indicating significant pressure from reduced advertising spending by major retailers due to tariff impacts.
- Restructuring Plan Announcement: On January 27, 2026, Pinterest revealed a global restructuring plan affecting less than 15% of its workforce, with anticipated pre-tax restructuring charges of $35 million to $45 million, aimed at reallocating resources towards AI initiatives, which raises concerns about the company's operational stability and future profitability.
- Poor Financial Performance: In its February 12, 2026 earnings report, Pinterest reported quarterly revenue of $1.32 billion, below the $1.33 billion estimate, and provided Q1 2026 guidance below expectations, resulting in a 16.83% stock price decline, reflecting ongoing challenges in advertising revenue amidst tariff-related pressures.
See More
Investment Opportunities Amid Nasdaq Correction
- Memory Chip Industry Growth: Micron Technology holds a significant position in the memory chip industry, and despite its stock being 23% below its high, the company reported nearly tripled revenue last quarter due to strong demand from data centers, highlighting its critical role in AI infrastructure development.
- Optimistic Earnings Forecast: Analysts expect Micron's adjusted earnings to grow 13% annually through fiscal 2029, making the current valuation of 16 times adjusted earnings reasonable, with a median target price of $550 per share implying a 56% upside from the current price of $352.
- Ad Tech Innovation: AppLovin's stock is 48% below its high, yet its newly launched self-service platform provides robust advertising technology support for e-commerce, with the CEO stating it serves as the foundation for the next decade of growth, showcasing the company's leading position in AI innovation.
- Undervalued Market Position: Despite facing short-term challenges, AppLovin's earnings are projected to increase by 44% annually through 2027, with the current valuation of 38 times earnings considered cheap; the median target price among 32 analysts is $650 per share, indicating a 71% upside from its current price of $380.
See More
Nasdaq Faces Correction Amid Rising Oil Prices
- Nasdaq Correction: The Nasdaq Composite index has corrected over 10% due to soaring oil prices, entering correction territory; however, historical data shows that the index has averaged a 22% return in the 12 months following such corrections, presenting a buying opportunity for investors.
- Micron Technology Outlook: Cantor Fitzgerald has set a target price of $700 per share for Micron Technology, implying a 98% upside from its current price of $352, with the company benefiting significantly from strong growth in the data center segment amid a memory chip supply shortage.
- AppLovin Growth Potential: Citigroup has set a target price of $820 per share for AppLovin, indicating a 115% upside from its current price of $380; despite concerns about AI disrupting traditional advertising models, the company is at the forefront of ad tech innovation.
- Industry Cyclicality Risks: Although Micron's stock is currently 23% below its historical high, analysts generally believe it is undervalued, with expectations of a 13% annual growth in adjusted earnings through fiscal 2029, making the current valuation of 16 times adjusted earnings appear reasonable.
See More
Meta Faces Legal Setbacks in Social Media Addiction Trials
- Internal Research Backfire: Meta's losses in trials in Los Angeles and New Mexico revealed the company's failure to adequately police its platform, exposing teenagers to sexual harassment risks, highlighting a stark contradiction between internal research findings and public image, which could undermine future user trust and market performance.
- Lack of Research Transparency: The jury evaluated millions of corporate documents, including internal surveys indicating concerning percentages of teenage users facing unwanted sexual advances, while Meta's defense argued that the research was outdated and misleading, reflecting insufficient transparency on safety issues that may invite further regulatory scrutiny.
- Industry Reflection and Change: Following the revelations from Frances Haugen's leaked documents indicating Meta's awareness of potential harms, the tech industry is reassessing the value of internal research, leading to cuts in many research teams, which could diminish focus on user safety and impact the industry's overall sense of social responsibility.
- Concerns Over AI Research: As AI technology rapidly evolves, companies like Meta prioritize product development over safety research, with experts warning that the lack of independent studies on AI product impacts may repeat the mistakes of social media, urging the establishment of transparency and independent evaluation mechanisms to protect user rights.
See More
Snap Shares Plummet Amid EU Investigation into Child Safety Practices
- Significant Stock Decline: Snap's stock closed at $4.01, down 10.69% and hitting an all-time low, primarily due to the European Commission's formal investigation into its child safety practices, raising investor concerns over potential regulatory fines and compliance costs.
- Surge in Trading Volume: Trading volume for Snap reached 104.1 million shares today, approximately 120% above the three-month average of 47.4 million shares, indicating a strong market reaction to the news that could lead to further stock volatility.
- Increased Regulatory Risks: The EU investigation will scrutinize Snapchat's age restrictions, grooming safeguards, and protections against illegal content, with potential non-compliance resulting in hefty fines and stricter oversight, directly impacting the company's margins.
- Industry-Wide Pressure: Snap's situation reflects broader scrutiny faced by social media platforms globally, as Meta also confronts legal challenges related to social media addiction, indicating that the entire sector is under heightened legal and compliance risks.
See More
Pinterest Investors Face Class Action Lawsuit Over Revenue Disclosures
- Class Action Initiated: The Portnoy Law Firm has advised Pinterest investors of a class action lawsuit for those who purchased securities between February 7, 2025, and February 12, 2026, with a deadline of May 29, 2026, for filing lead plaintiff motions to protect their legal rights.
- Disappointing Financial Performance: Pinterest reported quarterly revenue of $1.32 billion on February 12, 2026, falling short of the $1.33 billion consensus estimate, while Q1 2026 revenue guidance of $951 million to $971 million also missed the expected $980.6 million, indicating significant revenue pressures.
- Advertising Revenue Challenges: CEO William Ready attributed the disappointing performance to an “exogenous shock” related to tariffs, which have disproportionately affected ad spending from top retail advertisers, suggesting potential restructuring in the near future.
- Significant Stock Price Drop: Following the earnings announcement, Pinterest's stock price fell by $3.12, or 16.83%, closing at $15.42 on February 13, 2026, reflecting strong market concerns regarding the company's future outlook.
See More
Faruqi & Faruqi Encourages Pinterest Investors to Discuss Legal Options
- Legal Investigation: Faruq & Faruq LLP is investigating potential claims against Pinterest, specifically encouraging investors who purchased securities between February 7, 2025, and February 12, 2026, to seek lead plaintiff status in a federal securities class action by the May 29, 2026 deadline, highlighting the urgency for affected investors to act.
- Revenue Guidance Downgrade: On November 4, 2025, Pinterest announced a Q4 revenue guidance midpoint of $1.325 billion, falling short of the $1.34 billion consensus, leading to a 21.76% drop in stock price the following day, indicating significant pressure from reduced advertising spending by major retailers due to tariff impacts.
- Restructuring Plan Announcement: On January 27, 2026, Pinterest revealed a global restructuring plan affecting less than 15% of its workforce, with anticipated pre-tax restructuring charges of $35 million to $45 million, aimed at reallocating resources towards AI initiatives, which raises concerns about the company's operational stability and future profitability.
- Poor Financial Performance: In its February 12, 2026 earnings report, Pinterest reported quarterly revenue of $1.32 billion, below the $1.33 billion estimate, and provided Q1 2026 guidance below expectations, resulting in a 16.83% stock price decline, reflecting ongoing challenges in advertising revenue amidst tariff-related pressures.
See More
Investment Opportunities Amid Nasdaq Correction
- Memory Chip Industry Growth: Micron Technology holds a significant position in the memory chip industry, and despite its stock being 23% below its high, the company reported nearly tripled revenue last quarter due to strong demand from data centers, highlighting its critical role in AI infrastructure development.
- Optimistic Earnings Forecast: Analysts expect Micron's adjusted earnings to grow 13% annually through fiscal 2029, making the current valuation of 16 times adjusted earnings reasonable, with a median target price of $550 per share implying a 56% upside from the current price of $352.
- Ad Tech Innovation: AppLovin's stock is 48% below its high, yet its newly launched self-service platform provides robust advertising technology support for e-commerce, with the CEO stating it serves as the foundation for the next decade of growth, showcasing the company's leading position in AI innovation.
- Undervalued Market Position: Despite facing short-term challenges, AppLovin's earnings are projected to increase by 44% annually through 2027, with the current valuation of 38 times earnings considered cheap; the median target price among 32 analysts is $650 per share, indicating a 71% upside from its current price of $380.
See More
Nasdaq Faces Correction Amid Rising Oil Prices
- Nasdaq Correction: The Nasdaq Composite index has corrected over 10% due to soaring oil prices, entering correction territory; however, historical data shows that the index has averaged a 22% return in the 12 months following such corrections, presenting a buying opportunity for investors.
- Micron Technology Outlook: Cantor Fitzgerald has set a target price of $700 per share for Micron Technology, implying a 98% upside from its current price of $352, with the company benefiting significantly from strong growth in the data center segment amid a memory chip supply shortage.
- AppLovin Growth Potential: Citigroup has set a target price of $820 per share for AppLovin, indicating a 115% upside from its current price of $380; despite concerns about AI disrupting traditional advertising models, the company is at the forefront of ad tech innovation.
- Industry Cyclicality Risks: Although Micron's stock is currently 23% below its historical high, analysts generally believe it is undervalued, with expectations of a 13% annual growth in adjusted earnings through fiscal 2029, making the current valuation of 16 times adjusted earnings appear reasonable.
See More
Meta Faces Legal Setbacks in Social Media Addiction Trials
- Internal Research Backfire: Meta's losses in trials in Los Angeles and New Mexico revealed the company's failure to adequately police its platform, exposing teenagers to sexual harassment risks, highlighting a stark contradiction between internal research findings and public image, which could undermine future user trust and market performance.
- Lack of Research Transparency: The jury evaluated millions of corporate documents, including internal surveys indicating concerning percentages of teenage users facing unwanted sexual advances, while Meta's defense argued that the research was outdated and misleading, reflecting insufficient transparency on safety issues that may invite further regulatory scrutiny.
- Industry Reflection and Change: Following the revelations from Frances Haugen's leaked documents indicating Meta's awareness of potential harms, the tech industry is reassessing the value of internal research, leading to cuts in many research teams, which could diminish focus on user safety and impact the industry's overall sense of social responsibility.
- Concerns Over AI Research: As AI technology rapidly evolves, companies like Meta prioritize product development over safety research, with experts warning that the lack of independent studies on AI product impacts may repeat the mistakes of social media, urging the establishment of transparency and independent evaluation mechanisms to protect user rights.
See More
Snap Shares Plummet Amid EU Investigation into Child Safety Practices
- Significant Stock Decline: Snap's stock closed at $4.01, down 10.69% and hitting an all-time low, primarily due to the European Commission's formal investigation into its child safety practices, raising investor concerns over potential regulatory fines and compliance costs.
- Surge in Trading Volume: Trading volume for Snap reached 104.1 million shares today, approximately 120% above the three-month average of 47.4 million shares, indicating a strong market reaction to the news that could lead to further stock volatility.
- Increased Regulatory Risks: The EU investigation will scrutinize Snapchat's age restrictions, grooming safeguards, and protections against illegal content, with potential non-compliance resulting in hefty fines and stricter oversight, directly impacting the company's margins.
- Industry-Wide Pressure: Snap's situation reflects broader scrutiny faced by social media platforms globally, as Meta also confronts legal challenges related to social media addiction, indicating that the entire sector is under heightened legal and compliance risks.
See More
