Here’s a CNBC-style rundown of market movers and key business developments, with added depth and analysis:
Stock futures are signaling a cautious start to trading as investors digest a mixed bag of corporate news and ongoing geopolitical developments. Walmart’s less-than-stellar earnings outlook is casting a shadow, while rising oil prices are keeping inflation concerns in focus. Brent crude is trading above $71 a barrel, and U.S. benchmark WTI is hovering above $66, reflecting persistent supply-side pressures and global demand dynamics.
**Walmart’s Strategic Reset Amidst Economic Headwinds**
Walmart shares traded sideways following the release of its full-year earnings forecast, projecting a range of $2.75 to $2.95 per share, which fell short of the consensus estimate of $2.96. This guidance, issued as John Furner steps into the CEO role, appears to be a deliberate effort to recalibrate expectations in a challenging retail environment. While the company reported subdued food inflation at just 1% in the fourth quarter, indicating softening consumer price pressures in that segment, it also signaled confidence in its long-term prospects by authorizing a substantial $30 billion stock buyback program. This move suggests management believes the company’s shares are undervalued and aims to return capital to shareholders, potentially boosting investor sentiment.
**Boeing’s Order Surge Signals a Turnaround in Momentum**
In a significant development, Boeing secured orders for nearly 100 aircraft from three Vietnamese airlines, underscoring a tangible rebuilding of its order backlog. This surge in demand serves as a crucial indicator that the aerospace giant is regaining traction in the commercial market. As CEO Kelly Ortberg’s strategic turnaround initiatives continue to take hold, the market anticipates a potential inflection point for Boeing’s earnings. Investors are likely weighing the prospect of a sustained recovery in production and delivery rates, which could translate into significant financial gains. The aerospace sector’s cyclical nature means that positioning ahead of such a turnaround is often key to realizing substantial returns.
**Deere Exceeds Expectations, Reflecting Agricultural and Construction Sector Strength**
Deere & Company provided an optimistic revised profit forecast, now anticipating 2026 profits to fall between $4.5 billion and $5 billion. This upward revision, significantly higher than its previous November outlook of $4 billion to $4.75 billion, surpasses the FactSet consensus estimate of $4.38 billion, even at the lower end of the new range. This bullish outlook is buoyed by a notable recovery in both its construction and small agriculture equipment segments. The strong performance highlights underlying demand for agricultural machinery and infrastructure development, suggesting robust activity in these vital sectors of the economy. Shares climbed 6% on the news, reflecting investor confidence in Deere’s operational execution and market positioning.
**eBay’s Resurgence and Strategic Acquisition**
Online marketplace eBay delivered a robust quarterly performance coupled with a strong outlook for the first quarter, propelling its stock up 6%. The company also announced a significant strategic move: the acquisition of Depop, a popular secondhand fashion app, for $1.2 billion in cash from Etsy. This acquisition signals eBay’s intent to tap into the burgeoning resale market and attract a younger demographic. Following this announcement, Goldman Sachs upgraded eBay’s rating to “hold” from “sell,” indicating a shift in sentiment from analysts who previously had a more cautious view. This development positions eBay as a company making a notable comeback, leveraging its established platform while embracing newer consumer trends.
**Analog Devices’ Chip Dominance in Data Centers**
Chipmaker Analog Devices received a boost as Needham upgraded its rating to “buy” from “hold” following strong quarterly results and an encouraging outlook. Oppenheimer also raised its price target to $400, implying significant upside potential and maintaining its “buy” rating. The company’s specialized chips for power management and connectivity are integral components of data center infrastructure, a sector experiencing exponential growth. Analog Devices’ data center business has demonstrated impressive momentum, with a 50% expansion in 2025. This highlights the critical role of advanced semiconductor solutions in powering the digital economy.
**American Airlines Selects Advanced Engine Technology**
American Airlines has chosen CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines to power its upcoming fleet of Airbus A321neo narrowbody jets. CFM International, a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran, will supply these advanced engines for aircraft ordered approximately two years ago. This selection underscores the growing demand for fuel-efficient and technologically advanced propulsion systems in the commercial aviation sector, contributing to reduced operating costs and environmental impact for airlines.
**DoorDash Navigates Mixed Results with International Strength**
DoorDash shares experienced a significant surge of over 9%, despite missing fourth-quarter earnings and revenue expectations. While the stock initially dipped in after-hours trading, CEO Tony Xu pointed to the strong performance of Deliveroo, the British food delivery platform acquired by DoorDash in 2025, as a key driver of optimism. This international segment’s success offers a glimmer of hope for the company, which has seen its stock decline more than 23% year-to-date. The focus now shifts to how DoorDash can leverage its global investments to offset domestic performance challenges.
**Dell Poised for Upside Amidst AI Demand**
Evercore has added Dell Technologies to its “Tactical Outperform” list and reiterated its “buy” rating in anticipation of upcoming quarterly earnings. While analysts lowered their price target to $160 from $180, they see upside potential in Dell’s current revenue and earnings expectations. This optimism is fueled by expectations of stronger near-term demand across traditional hardware and, crucially, AI-driven compute solutions. Dell’s strategic positioning within the rapidly expanding AI infrastructure market could be a significant catalyst for future growth.
**Wayfair Faces Headwinds Despite Market Share Gains**
Wayfair shares tumbled more than 11%, even as the online furniture retailer reported fourth-quarter results that surpassed expectations and highlighted market-share gains. Although Wayfair achieved its first annual sales growth since 2020, the company continues to report net losses. Its first-quarter revenue guidance projects mid-single-digit growth, aligning closely with the FactSet consensus of 6%. The ongoing profitability challenges, despite top-line improvements, suggest that Wayfair is navigating a complex path to sustainable financial health in a competitive market.
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