The broader market was doing its usual mixed-signal dance on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones gaining around 100 points. But if you were watching the right stocks, you saw some serious moves higher across retail, technology, and industrial names.
Leading the charge was Abercrombie & Fitch Co (ANF), which surged after delivering a solid third-quarter earnings beat and raising its full-year outlook. The apparel retailer posted earnings of $2.36 per share, comfortably ahead of the $2.16 analyst consensus. Revenue came in at $1.290 billion, also topping expectations of $1.282 billion. Investors loved what they saw, sending shares up 16.8% to $76.71.
But Abercrombie wasn't alone in the retail winner's circle. Here's a rundown of the other notable gainers from Tuesday's session.
Retail Rebounds and Analyst Upgrades
Kohls Corp (KSS) stole the show with a massive 30.1% jump to $20.51 after the department store chain beat third-quarter earnings estimates and raised its fiscal 2025 guidance. That's the kind of move that makes you wonder if retail isn't quite as dead as everyone keeps saying.
Symbotic Inc (SYM) also posted an impressive gain, climbing 28% to $70.97. The warehouse automation company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and issued first-quarter sales guidance with a midpoint above analyst estimates. As if that wasn't enough, Needham maintained a Buy rating on the stock and raised its price target from $57 to $70.
WeShop Holdings Limited (WSHP) rose 23% to $159.90, though no specific catalyst was immediately clear for the move.
Defense, Healthcare, and Corporate Interest
Amentum Holdings Inc (AMTM) gained 18.1% to $29.99 after the defense and government services contractor reported better-than-expected quarterly results.
Autolus Therapeutics PLC (AUTL) rose 16.5% to $1.44 after winning UK backing for its new CAR-T cancer therapy AUCATZYL for adults with aggressive leukemia. Regulatory approvals can be transformative for smaller biotech companies, and this was no exception.
Select Medical Holdings Corp (SEM) gained 15.6% to $16.20 after announcing it received a non-binding indication of interest from Robert Ortenzio. These types of takeover-adjacent announcements tend to get the market's attention quickly.
More Earnings Winners
Titan Machinery Inc (TITN) rose 12.6% to $18.53 after the agricultural and construction equipment dealer reported better-than-expected quarterly financial results.
Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR) gained 11.7% to $3.54. Piper Sandler analyst David Amsellem initiated coverage on the cardiovascular-focused biotech with an Overweight rating and announced a price target of $9, nearly triple where the stock was trading before the move.
Dave & Buster's Entertainment Inc (PLAY) surged 10.9% to $15.38, while Jack In The Box Inc (JACK) gained 9.8% to $19.07. Both restaurant chains rallied without obvious catalysts, possibly riding broader sector momentum.
Inspire Medical Systems Inc (INSP) gained 9.6% to $128.57 in Tuesday's trading.
Tech and Industrials Join the Party
Zoom Communications Inc (ZM) rose 9% to $85.64 after the video conferencing platform beat third-quarter estimates and raised its fiscal 2026 guidance. It's been a long road back for Zoom since its pandemic highs, but consistent execution is starting to win back investor confidence.
Woodward, Inc. (WWD) gained 8.8% to $284.36 after the aerospace and industrial systems manufacturer issued fiscal 2026 earnings and sales guidance above analyst expectations. When companies give bullish forward guidance, especially in capital-intensive industries, the market tends to listen.
All told, it was a strong day for stock pickers, even if the broader indexes weren't doing anything particularly exciting. The common thread? Companies that delivered on earnings, raised guidance, or got positive analyst attention saw investors reward them immediately. In a market that's been fairly selective lately, execution still matters.