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Investing.com - U.S. stocks fell to end the week, as investors gauged sluggish business activity data and a dour update to a closely-watched consumer sentiment indicator.
Against a backdrop of fresh tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump and geopolitical uncertainties, traders spent much of the holiday-shortened week pouring through an ebbing flow of quarterly corporate earnings. All three of the major U.S. averages dropped for the week.
Here's a look at some of the stocks that stood out:
Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:SMCI)
Super Micro Computer shares spiked by more than 30% over the past five-day period, bringing this year's surge in the chipmaker up to more than 86%.
The increase comes as the California-based group faces a February 25 deadline to submit all outstanding financial reports that will allow it to remain in compliance of Nasdaq rules.
Super Micro's listing on the Nasdaq 100 came under threat last year when it failed to submit its annual report by an August deadline set by the tech-heavy index. In December, the Nasdaq gave the firm an extension until February 25 to turn in the reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. However, Super Micro has since been removed from the index.
Last week, Super Micro reiterated that it would file its annual report and quarterly report by the deadline. It also said it now expects revenue for the fiscal year ending in June 2026 to come in at $40 billion, which was above average analyst projections of $30.7 billion, according to Bloomberg estimates.
"It is important to understand that this guidance and narrative essentially removed the current bear case from the conversation, assuming things manifest as [Super Micro] guided and described," analysts at Loop Capital wrote in a note to clients at the time.
Unity Software Inc (NYSE:U)
Unity Software shares jumped this week after the firm posted fourth-quarter revenue of $457 million that topped expectations despite slipping by 25% versus the year ago period.
On Friday, analysts at HSBC later upgraded their rating of the company to "buy" from "hold" and lifted their price target, citing "further strong momentum ahead" for Unity's game engine and "a fair chance of success" for its revamped advertising technology offering.
Earlier this year, the San Francisco-based video game software provider said it planned to lay off approximately a fourth of its workforce, or around 1,800 jobs, by the end of March.
CEO Jim Whitehurst previously targeted a "reset" of the group, which provides software tools to the makers of games like "Pokemon Go" and "Hearthstone," in the wake of a developer blowback from a policy to charge certain new fees.
The controversy led to a shake-up of the company's executive leadership, as well as a move to shutter offices.
Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:CELH)
Shares in Celsius Holdings surged on Friday after the energy drink maker announced it is set to acquire rival Alani Nu and reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results.
Celsius will buy Alani Nu, a fast-growing energy drink brand, in a $1.8 billion cash-and-stock deal. The acquisition, which includes a net purchase price of $1.65 billion along with $150 million in tax assets, marks Celsius’s largest transaction since its founding nearly 20 years ago.
“Celsius is at a defining moment in the better-for-you, functional lifestyle products movement, and we are thrilled to welcome Alani Nu to the Celsius family," said John Fieldly, Chairman and CEO of Celsius.
The move strengthens Celsius’s position in the competitive energy drink market, particularly as its own growth has started to slow. Both Celsius and Alani Nu have marketed their products as fitness-focused beverages and gained popularity among younger consumers, especially women. The acquisition also provides Alani Nu with greater marketing resources as Celsius looks to expand its portfolio.
"The Alani Nu brand has momentum," Jefferies analysts commented. "The brand is growing nicely and has been the biggest share gainer over the past year [...] Notably, Alani Nu should help Celsius grow given the slowdown of its core business."
Cruise stocks down
Shares of major cruise lines dipped earlier this week after newly appointed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the industry could soon face U.S. taxes.
He reportedly criticized cruise operators for registering their ships under foreign flags to avoid U.S. taxes.
“You ever see a cruise ship with an American flag on the back?” Lutnick said in an appearance on Fox News late on Wednesday. He added that “none of them pay taxes.”
“This is going to end under Donald Trump, and those taxes are going to be paid.”
Shares in Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL), Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL), and Norwegian Cruise Line (NYSE:NCLH) were lower following the comments.
