Catalyst Calendar - February 27, 2026 (EOD)

 ## Today's Catalyst Results How did scheduled events play out? - **Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI)** - Result: Reported strong Q4 earnings and sales outlook, shares surged 61.64% to $86.79 - Market reaction: Significant rally reflecting investor enthusiasm on AI-driven demand for 400G optical components. - **Dell Technologies (DELL)** - Result: Posted a 21.24% jump in shares to $147.25 after beating Q4 earnings and forecasting AI server revenue to double - Market reaction: Strong investor confidence in Dell’s AI data center growth story. - **Block, Inc. (XYZ)** - Result: Announced a 40% workforce cut to embrace AI overhaul, shares jumped 16.34% to $63.44 - Market reaction: Market rewarded aggressive cost-cutting and AI focus despite broader tech weakness. - **Netflix (NFLX)** - Result: Shares surged 12.78% to $95.40 after dropping Warner Bros. bid and securing a breakup fee - Market reaction: Investors cheered the strategic pivot and capital preservation. - **Zscaler (ZS)** - Result: Fell 12.65% to $146.19 on Q4 earnings and cautious sales growth outlook - Market reaction: AI fears and growth concerns weighed on cybersecurity stocks. - **SoFi Technologies (SOFI)** - Result: Despite beating Q4 earnings, shares dropped 7.12% to $17.74 amid broader market pullback and AI-related jitters - Market reaction: Profit-taking and sector rotation pressured fintech stocks. - **Duolingo (DUOL)** - Result: Shares plunged 14.77% to $100.10 after missing user growth guidance - Market reaction: Market punished the miss despite long-term user growth ambitions. - **CoreWeave (CRWV)** - Result: Shares dropped 18.67% to $79.40 after Q4 loss widened and revenue guidance missed - Market reaction: AI-related margin pressure and capital spending concerns hurt the AI data center play. - **Paramount (PARA)** - Result: Shares fell 4.94% to $11.17 despite winning Warner Bros. bidding war - Market reaction: Some investor skepticism on deal valuation and integration risks. - **Hess Midstream (HES)** - Result: Shares gained 8.65% to $160.31 on strong Q4 results and 8% yield appeal - Market reaction: Energy midstream income plays remain favored amid volatility. ## Surprise News Today Unexpected developments that moved markets: - **Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI)** - Surged 61.64% on strong Q4 results and bullish AI-driven demand outlook, far outpacing market expectations. - **Block, Inc. (XYZ)** - Jumped 16.34% after announcing a 40% workforce reduction to accelerate AI integration, signaling aggressive cost discipline. - **Netflix (NFLX)** - Rally of 12.78% after strategically dropping Warner Bros. bid, securing a breakup fee, and refocusing on core streaming business. - **FIGS (FIGS)** - Shares soared 23.90% to $15.45 following strong Q4 earnings and positive outlook, surprising investors amid broader retail weakness. - **Arlo Technologies (ARLO)** - Jumped 27.15% on Q4 earnings call transcript and upbeat outlook, highlighting growth in smart home security. - **BWIN (BWIN)** - Surged 26.88% reflecting strong Q4 earnings and investor optimism in insurance sector. - **PRA Group (PRAA)** - Rose 22.97% on better-than-expected Q4 results, signaling improving debt collection environment. - **XRAY (DENTSPLY SIRONA)** - Jumped 14.48% after Q4 earnings beat, driven by dental equipment demand. - **TTEC (TTEC)** - Gained 11.31% on Q4 earnings beat and AI-related service growth. - **PUBM (PubMatic)** - Rose 11.17% on Q4 earnings call transcript, reflecting digital advertising strength. ## After-Hours Catalysts Earnings and events happening tonight: - **Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B)** - Q4 and full-year results expected Saturday, Feb. 28; watch for CEO Greg Abel’s first shareholder letter and insights on portfolio positioning. - **Paramount (PARA)** - Monitor regulatory approval progress and integration plans following Warner Bros. acquisition win. - **Sunstone Hotel Investors (SHO)** - Q4 earnings beat expectations; watch for guidance on hospitality recovery. - **Amneal Pharmaceuticals (AMRX)** - Q4 earnings call tonight; recent shares down 2.83%, watch for specialty pharma growth updates. - **Zscaler (ZS)** - Q2 2026 earnings call tonight; market cautious on sales growth outlook. - **TeraWulf (WULF)** - Q4 earnings call transcript released; shares down 23.91%, watch for AI transition progress. - **Duolingo (DUOL)** - Q4 earnings call tonight; focus on user growth strategy and guidance after sharp premarket drop. - **Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI)** - Q4 earnings call transcript available; strong AI demand outlook to be monitored. - **Arlo Technologies (ARLO)** - Q4 earnings call tonight; watch for smart home security growth commentary. - **FIGS (FIGS)** - Q4 earnings call tonight; strong growth momentum to be confirmed. ## Tomorrow's Calendar Key events scheduled for tomorrow: - **Berkshire Hathaway Q4 Earnings and Shareholder Letter** - Time: Saturday, Feb. 28 - Watch for: Greg Abel’s strategic outlook and portfolio shifts post-Buffett era. - **Netflix Q4 Earnings Call** - Time: Not specified - Watch for: Subscriber growth and content strategy updates post-Warner Bros. bid withdrawal. - **Microsoft (MSFT) Q4 Earnings Call** - Time: Not specified - Watch for: AI business growth and margin outlook amid premium valuation concerns. - **Adobe (ADBE) Q4 Earnings Call** - Time: Not specified - Watch for: AI opportunity commentary and revenue guidance. - **SoFi Technologies (SOFI) Q4 Earnings Call** - Time: Not specified - Watch for: Fintech growth outlook and AI integration plans. ## This Week Ahead Other catalysts coming this week: - Saturday, Feb. 28: Berkshire Hathaway Q4 earnings and shareholder letter release. - No other specific dates mentioned for this week. ## Highest Conviction Setup Based on today's action and upcoming catalysts: - Stock: **Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI)** - Catalyst: Strong Q4 earnings beat and bullish AI-driven demand for 400G optical components. - Thesis: AAOI’s massive 61.64% rally reflects a rare pure-play AI infrastructure beneficiary with accelerating revenue growth and improving margins, positioning it well for 2026 as hyperscalers expand AI data centers. - Stock: **Dell Technologies (DELL)** - Catalyst: Q4 earnings beat and forecast for doubling AI server revenue. - Thesis: Dell’s 21.24% jump signals strong execution in AI data center hardware, a key growth driver amid broader tech uncertainty, making it a compelling play on AI infrastructure expansion. - Stock: **Block, Inc. (XYZ)** - Catalyst: Aggressive 40% workforce cut to accelerate AI overhaul. - Thesis: Market rewarded bold restructuring and AI focus despite tech selloff, suggesting Block could outperform peers by improving profitability and embracing AI-driven payment innovations. These names combine strong earnings, AI tailwinds, and clear catalysts for further upside in a volatile market environment.