Stocks making the biggest moves after hours: PLTR, HIMS, CLX

Palantir, Hims & Hers, Clorox Post Notable After-Hours Moves, Offering Fresh Insights for Investors

Imagine checking your favorite sports teams’ scores after the game—some win big, some lose, and others surprise everyone. That’s what after-hours stock trading is like for investors: companies report their results, and the market reacts fast. Let’s break down what happened with some big names and why it matters for your investments.

Winners: Companies That Beat Expectations

  • Palantir Technologies: Palantir’s stock climbed 1% after it beat Wall Street’s earnings and revenue estimates. The company’s government sales jumped 52% compared to last year, and its AI-powered business keeps growing. Palantir now expects even better results next quarter, which is good news for tech investors.
  • Clorox: The cleaning products giant saw its shares rise more than 4% after posting stronger-than-expected earnings and sales. Clorox also stuck to its full-year forecast, showing confidence despite a tough market.
  • Hims & Hers Health: Shares of this online health company jumped over 6%. Revenue beat expectations, thanks to more subscribers and personalized treatments, even though profits came in a bit light.
  • Upwork: Upwork’s stock soared nearly 14% after the company raised its future revenue forecast. Strong third-quarter results and optimism about next year made investors take notice.

Losers: Companies That Fell Short

  • Vertex Pharmaceuticals: This biotech stock dropped 4% after mixed results. While sales were better than expected, profits missed the mark.
  • Diamondback Energy: Shares slipped 2% even though the company beat profit expectations. Diamondback also announced it’s selling some assets, which may worry investors about future growth.
  • The Williams Companies: The natural gas pipeline operator saw its stock fall 3% after missing profit targets, even though its sales were solid.
  • IAC: This publisher’s stock tumbled over 7%. Revenue fell 8% because new AI search tools are taking away web traffic. IAC also cut its profit forecast for next year.
  • Lattice Semiconductor: Shares dropped nearly 6%. Third-quarter earnings were good, but the company’s outlook for the rest of the year disappointed investors.

Why Investors Should Care

These after-hours moves show how quickly markets react to new information. If a company beats expectations, its stock often jumps. But if results or forecasts are weak, shares can tumble fast. For example, research shows that companies beating earnings estimates see their shares rise by an average of 1.5% the next day, while those that miss can drop 2% or more (NBER study).

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For investors, these swings can affect your portfolio—especially if you own stocks in these sectors or similar companies. Tech and healthcare stocks, for example, can be more volatile around earnings season, while steady companies like Clorox may offer more stability.

Bulls vs. Bears: The Debate

  • Bulls (Optimists):
    • Strong results from companies like Palantir and Upwork show that tech and online businesses are still growing fast.
    • Clorox’s steady performance and guidance provide confidence in consumer staples during uncertain times.
    • Positive surprises can help boost the whole market, especially if investors feel more confident about the economy.
  • Bears (Pessimists):
    • Weakness at companies like IAC and Lattice Semiconductor suggests not all tech is winning—new competition and changing habits can hurt profits.
    • Energy and healthcare stocks are facing tough challenges, from falling profits to uncertain growth ahead.
    • Volatility after earnings can mean bigger risks, especially if you’re not watching your portfolio closely.

Investor Takeaway

  • Review your holdings: Check if you own stocks in these sectors. If so, be ready for more ups and downs during earnings season.
  • Diversify: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. A mix of tech, consumer staples, and energy can help balance risk.
  • Watch for trends: Companies using AI and digital platforms are growing, but not every tech stock is a winner. Do your homework before buying.
  • Stay calm: Big moves after earnings are normal. Focus on long-term goals, not just short-term swings.
  • Keep learning: Follow reliable sources and studies to stay informed, like this NBER research on how earnings surprises move stocks.

For the full original report, see CNBC

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