Late trading activity highlighted uneven results across several sectors, with pronounced moves in semiconductors, storage, networking and education-related equities.
Texas Instruments (TXN) led the gains, rising 6% after reporting a solid quarter and issuing guidance that came in ahead of some expectations. The company provided Q1 2026 EPS guidance of $1.22 to $1.48, compared with a consensus of $1.28. Revenue guidance for the same quarter was given at $4.32 billion to $4.68 billion, versus the consensus figure of $4.42 billion.
Not all reports produced positive market reactions. Seagate Technology (STX) fell about 2% even though its results topped estimates; the stock slipped as investor expectations heading into the release were described as elevated.
Qorvo (QRVO) saw a pronounced after-hours decline, falling 8% after issuing guidance below analyst expectations. Management's outlook for Q4 2026 EPS was $1.05 to $1.35, versus a consensus of $1.37. Qorvo also projected Q4 2026 revenue of $775 million to $825 million, compared with the consensus of $903.8 million. Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) moved lower in sympathy with Qorvo's guidance.
F5 Networks (FFIV) posted a strong reaction, jumping 13% after delivering results that beat estimates across key metrics. Revenue for the quarter totaled $822 million, above the consensus estimate of $755.96 million. Within the report, systems revenue was $218 million, a 37% increase from the year-ago period.
In the education and services space, Stride Inc. (LRN) climbed 15% after results that easily beat the average analyst estimate. The company's reported revenue was $631.3 million, up from $587.2 million in the prior year.
These moves illustrate a market response that differentiates between companies that outperformed or raised outlooks and those that issued guidance short of expectations. The most pronounced volatility occurred among semiconductor peers, where guidance and consensus gaps produced correlated moves, and among companies that reported sizable year-over-year revenue improvements.
Key points
- Texas Instruments rose 6% after beating expectations on the quarter and issuing Q1 2026 guidance that, on balance, was stronger than anticipated.
- Qorvo and Skyworks declined after Qorvo's guidance came in below consensus, while Seagate slipped despite topping estimates amid high pre-release expectations.
- F5 Networks and Stride recorded notable gains after exceeding revenue and earnings expectations.
Risks and uncertainties
- Guidance shortfalls can trigger sharp share-price reactions, particularly within semiconductors and related suppliers.
- Elevated investor expectations prior to earnings can result in negative stock moves even when companies beat estimates, as seen with Seagate in the storage sector.
- Sector correlations may cause spillover declines for peers, exemplified by Skyworks moving lower in sympathy with Qorvo.