Stock Futures Slip as Investors Eye Economic Data; Here’s What’s Moving Markets
Stock futures edged lower on Friday as investors assessed a rise in initial jobless claims, signaling a modest softening in the labor market. Market participants awaited the latest consumer sentiment report for further insights into economic conditions and confidence levels.
Biggest Stock Gainers
MercadoLibre (NASDAQ:MELI) Surges 12% on Strong Q4 Earnings
Shares of MercadoLibre soared 12% after reporting robust Q4 2024 results that beat expectations. Key highlights:
- Revenue: $6.1 billion (+37.4% Y/Y), surpassing estimates by $120 million.
- EPS: Soared to $12.61, nearly quadrupling year-over-year.
- Brazil Performance: 13% GMV increase and 38% rise in revenue.
- Total payment volume: Grew 33% Y/Y.
Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:CELH) Jumps 18% After Announcing $1.8B Alani Nu Acquisition
Celsius shares jumped 18% following its confirmation of a $1.8 billion acquisition of rival energy drink brand Alani Nu alongside strong Q4 earnings. Deal details:
- Price: $1.65 billion plus $150 million in tax assets.
- Funding: $900M in debt financing, $375M in cash on hand.
- Expected synergies: $50M in cost savings over two years.
Biggest Stock Losers
Block (NYSE:XYZ) Tumbles 7% on Weak Q4 Results and 2025 Outlook
Block shares dropped 7% after missing earnings estimates and issuing a weaker-than-expected Q1 and FY2025 forecast:
- Q1 Gross Profit: $2.32B (vs. $2.38B consensus).
- FY2025 Gross Profit: $10.22B (below $10.27B estimates).
- CEO Jack Dorsey: Plans to expand AI integration and boost marketing spending.
IAMGOLD (NYSE:IAG) Falls 9% Despite Revenue Growth
IAMGOLD shares fell 9% after reporting a 58% Y/Y revenue increase, but concerns over higher cash costs and 2025 production guidance weighed on investor sentiment:
- 2025 gold production: Expected at 735,000–820,000 ounces.
- Cash costs: Forecasted at $1,200–$1,350 per ounce.
Nu Holdings (NYSE:NU) Drops 9% on Q4 Miss
Brazilian digital bank Nu Holdings fell 9% after missing Q4 revenue and earnings estimates:
- Q4 purchase volume: $31.1B, down from $32.6B in Q3.
- Total customers: 99.3M (+5.5M new additions).
- Revenue per active customer: Increased to $11.4 (from $10.6 in Q3).
Akamai Technologies (NASDAQ:AKAM) Plummets 9% on Disappointing 2025 Outlook
Despite strong Q4 results, Akamai shares fell 9% due to underwhelming 2025 guidance:
- Projected EPS: $6.00–$6.40 (vs. $6.82 consensus).
- Revenue Forecast: $4.0B–$4.2B (midpoint below estimates).
- Operating margin: 28%, missing expectations.
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) Crashes 11% Amid DOJ Fraud Investigation
UnitedHealth shares plunged 11% following reports of a civil fraud investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ):
- Allegations: Inflating patient diagnoses to secure higher Medicare Advantage payments.
- Regulatory scrutiny: Adds to existing antitrust probes and lawsuits.
- Recent setback: A $3.3 billion Amedisys (AMED) acquisition faces legal hurdles.
As investors react to earnings and regulatory developments, the market remains volatile, with upcoming economic reports set to influence trading sentiment further.