The U.S. stock market closed with a broadly positive tone on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved upward by 0.6% to close at 49,384.01. The S&P 500 also gained 0.55%, reaching 6,913.35, while the Nasdaq Composite Index outperformed with a 0.9% increase to 23,436.02.
Several stocks stood out during the session due to their price movements, corporate earnings reports, and strategic updates. Intel Corp (NASDAQ: INTC), GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE), Intuitive Surgical Inc (NASDAQ: ISRG), Capital One Financial Corp (NYSE: COF), and Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META) were among the most noteworthy names attracting investor and retail trader interest.
Intel Corporation's Mixed Session Following Earnings Report
Intel's shares experienced a modest uptick during regular trading hours, rising by 0.13% to close at $54.32 per share. The stock fluctuated between an intraday low of $53.08 and a high of $54.60. Intel’s share price has ranged from $17.67 to $54.60 over the prior 52 weeks. However, after extended trading, the stock declined sharply by 11.4%, dropping to $48.11.
The company released its fourth-quarter results showing revenue of $13.67 billion, surpassing analysts' estimates of $13.37 billion. Adjusted earnings per share were reported at 15 cents, exceeding the consensus forecast of 8 cents. Although revenue declined 4% year over year, the performance varied by business segment.
Intel's Client Computing Group faced a 7% decline in revenue, registering $8.2 billion. Conversely, the Data Center and Artificial Intelligence (AI) division posted a 9% increase, generating $4.7 billion in revenue. Operating cash flow for the quarter reached $4.3 billion, and the company closed the period with $14.27 billion in cash reserves.
Looking ahead to the first quarter, Intel provided guidance projecting revenues between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion with expectations of achieving breakeven adjusted earnings.
GE Aerospace Posts Strong Earnings But Faces Share Price Drop
Shares of GE Aerospace closed lower by 7.41% at $295 following the release of its fourth-quarter earnings. The stock traded as high as $320.33 intraday with a low of $294.84, and a 52-week trading range that spans from $159.36 to $332.79.
The aerospace division reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.57, exceeding the forecast range of $1.39 to $1.44. Meanwhile, revenue totaled $11.87 billion, again beating estimates near $11.24 billion.
Within the business, Commercial Engines & Services revenue experienced considerable growth, reaching $9.47 billion, driven notably by a 31% year-over-year increase in Services. Defense & Propulsion Technologies generated revenues of $2.84 billion, also surpassing expectations.
For fiscal year 2026, GE Aerospace projected adjusted EPS between $7.10 and $7.40, marginally above consensus estimates of $7.12. The company also expects free cash flow in the range of $8.0 billion to $8.4 billion. Importantly, GE anticipates an adjusted effective tax rate below 17%. Rather than using cash flow for debt repayment now, GE intends to refinance debt maturities beyond 2026.
Intuitive Surgical Reports Solid Growth and Positive Outlook
Intuitive Surgical’s stock appreciated by 0.40% during regular hours, ending at $525.81, with intraday trading between $522.72 and $532. The 52-week price range is from $425.27 to $615.99. In after-hours trading, the shares rose by an additional 2.38%, reaching $538.30.
The company delivered a robust fourth-quarter performance with revenue of $2.87 billion, outstripping estimates of $2.75 billion. Adjusted earnings per share stood at $2.53, higher than the predicted $2.26.
Revenue growth of 19% year-over-year was propelled by an 18% increase in the global number of da Vinci surgical procedures as well as a rise in system placements. The installed base of da Vinci systems climbed to 11,106 units.
Looking forward to 2026, Intuitive Surgical anticipates growth in worldwide da Vinci procedures between 13% and 15%, alongside a gross margin expected to range from 67% to 68% of revenue.
Capital One Financial Navigates Mixed Earnings and Strategic Acquisition
Capital One’s shares closed higher by 1.76% at $235.07, with intraday trading between $232.31 and $237.98. The 52-week trading window is between $143.22 and $259.64. However, shares declined by 3.3% during after-hours trading to $227.30.
The company’s fourth-quarter earnings per share amounted to $3.86, falling short of the estimated $4.11. Nevertheless, revenue surpassed expectations, coming in at $15.58 billion. Total net revenue increased modestly by 1% to $15.6 billion.
Pre-provision earnings fell 12% to $6.2 billion, influenced by a 13% rise in non-interest expenses. Additionally, provisions for credit losses increased by $1.4 billion, totaling $4.1 billion.
In strategic developments, Capital One confirmed it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire fintech firm Brex Inc. The transaction value is approximately $5.15 billion, divided roughly evenly between cash and stock consideration.
Meta Platforms Gains Momentum With Threads Expansion and AI Developments
Meta Platforms’ shares surged by 5.66% to close at $647.63. The stock traded in a high-low range of $626.55 to $660.57, while its 52-week range extends from $479.80 to $796.25.
Meta recently announced the global launch of advertisements on its Threads social media platform, which now boasts over 400 million monthly active users. Concurrently, the company’s new AI laboratory is focused on developing models intended to improve consumer-facing products and advertising tools, signaling an emphasis on enhancing user engagement and monetization through artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
On a day marked by steady advances in major U.S. indices, individual stocks exhibited a range of performances driven by quarterly financial reports, strategic moves, and innovation initiatives.
Intel’s quarterly results showed mixed signals with earnings beats but revenue declines, while GE Aerospace demonstrated strong profitability despite a drop in stock price. Intuitive Surgical’s growth in surgical procedures and system placements underpinned its positive guidance. Capital One’s revenue exceeded predictions, though earnings missed expectations, accompanied by a notable fintech acquisition. Meta’s acceleration of advertising on new platforms and AI investments propelled its shares higher.