Key Takeaways
- The S&P 500 added 0.4% on Tuesday, Nov. 19, as investors digested a strong report from a major retailer and awaited more big-name earnings results.
- Super Micro Computer shares skyrocketed after the server maker filed a compliance plan to avoid delisting by the Nasdaq.
- Shares of Incyte tumbled as the pharma company discontinued the development of one drug and paused enrollment in another clinical trial.
Major U.S. equities indexes were mixed on Tuesday. Concerns about escalating global tensions clouded the outlook as investors digested strong quarterly results from Walmart (WMT) and awaited earnings reports from a number of other big names.
The S&P 500 advanced 0.4%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq closed the session 1.0% higher. The Dow lost ground, slipping 0.3%.
Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares skyrocketed 31.2%, the top performance in the S&P 500 on Tuesday, after the server manufacturer filed a compliance plan to avoid the delisting of its stock by the Nasdaq.
Vistra (VST) shares jumped 5.6% after the power generator announced the private offering of senior secured notes, aiming to raise at least $1.25 billion to repay debt and for other general purposes. Late last week, JPMorgan included Vistra among its top stock picks for 2025, pointing to its strong production capacity.
Much of the market's attention this week is zeroed in on Nvidia (NVDA), the highest-capitalized company in the world, which is set to release its hotly anticipated quarterly report on Wednesday afternoon. Analysts expect the semiconductor giant and to post strong year-over-year sales and profit growth. Still, investors will look for updates on shipments of Nvidia's new Blackwell artificial intelligence (AI) chips following a report about potential overheating issues and amid concerns about supply constraints. Nvidia shares added 4.9% on Tuesday.
GE Vernova (GEV), the energy technology company that completed its spinoff from General Electric in April, announced an agreement to acquire a heavy-duty gas turbine combustion parts business from Woodward (WWD). GE Vernova said the deal is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its domestic supply chain, and its shares gained 4.5%.
Incyte (INCY) shares plunged 8.3%, suffering the steepest drop of any S&P 500 stock, as the pharmaceutical company provided negative updates on two of its experimental drug candidates. The firm announced that it would no longer develop its compound intended to treat cholestatic pruritus (CP), a liver disorder that causes intense itching, in the wake of discouraging data from a clinical trial. Incyte also paused enrollment in an ongoing Phase 2 trial of a drug to treat chronic hives.
Moderna (MRNA) shares lost 5.6% after analysts at Berenberg initiated coverage of the stock with a "hold" rating. The firm believes the vaccine maker is unlikely to meet its 2028 breakeven target, noting Moderna has been rapidly spending its COVID cash and remains vulnerable to commercial pressure as well as uncertainties under the incoming presidential administration.
Shares of financial software provider Intuit (INTU) sank 5.1% following reports that leaders within the incoming presidential administration have discussed the possibility of developing a mobile app to allow taxpayers to file their returns for free with the Internal Revenue Service. Known for its TurboTax filing software, Intuit stands to lose customers and revenue in the event that the government launches a free and widely available tax filing platform.
Jacobs Solutions (J) shares tumbled 4.9% after the construction services firm reported results for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2024. Although revenue ticked higher year-over-year, profits fell short of consensus estimates, with the gross margin remaining flat from a year ago. During the quarter, Jacobs completed the spinoff of its Critical Mission Solutions and its Cyber and Intelligence businesses, and the company forecasts that its more streamlined portfolio and efficient operating structure will help drive mid- to high-single-digit revenue growth over the current fiscal year.