Ten large-cap stocks experienced significant declines during the week of May 25-29, 2026. Zscaler led losses with a 20.06% drop following disappointing Q3 results and weak Q4 guidance. Other major losers included Boston Scientific (16.95%), AutoZone (14.21%), Regencell Bioscience (12.61%), and Venture Global (10.87%). Declines were attributed to earnings misses, analyst downgrades, and energy sector weakness following geopolitical developments.

AutoZone's Q3 2026 earnings missed analyst expectations with $4.84B in sales versus $4.87B forecast, causing an initial 9% stock dip. However, the company showed strong fundamentals with 5.5% same-store sales growth, $38.07 EPS, and expansion to 7,856 locations. Analysts view the miss as an overreaction, with a forward P/E of 17 and average price target of $4,100, suggesting the stock remains a solid long-term buy despite slowing international growth.

The Nasdaq 100 crossed 30,000 during intraday trading as semiconductor stocks surged, led by Micron Technology's 18% gain following a UBS analyst price target hike to $1,625. The rally was driven by increased AI spending expectations from hyperscalers, with chip stocks dominating market leadership. The S&P 500 rose 0.6%, while the Russell 2000 outperformed with a 1.7% gain. AutoZone plunged 10.1% after missing revenue estimates despite beating EPS.

US equities rallied post-Memorial Day with strong AI and small-cap leadership, as de-escalation hopes in the US-Iran conflict drove oil prices lower. Micron Technology surged 18% to cross $1 trillion market cap on a UBS price target hike, while quantum computing and space stocks rallied on government funding and SpaceX IPO anticipation. The Nasdaq rose 1.11% and Russell 2000 jumped 1.74%, though the Dow declined 0.19% as defensive sectors unwound.

Following Booking Holdings' 25-for-1 stock split in April 2026, analyst Will Healy suggests MercadoLibre could be the next major consumer stock to undergo a split due to its high nominal share price of ~$1,835. With 39% revenue growth in 2025 and a forecasted 34% increase in 2026, MercadoLibre's strong fundamentals and lower liquidity on Mexican exchanges make it a prime candidate for a future split.

Carmel Capital Management acquired 314,750 shares of Garrett Motion (GTX) for approximately $5.87 million in Q1 2026, representing a new 1.6% position in the fund. The acquisition fits within Carmel's broader industrial and automotive supply chain strategy, complementing existing holdings in auto chips, aftermarket parts, and aerospace propulsion. GTX shares have surged 129% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500.

AutoZone announced it will release third quarter fiscal 2026 results on May 26, 2026, before market open, followed by a conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET. The company operates 7,774 stores across the Americas as of February 14, 2026, with 6,709 in the U.S., 913 in Mexico, and 152 in Brazil.

Rising inflation concerns driven by spiking oil and fertilizer prices from the Iran war, combined with a hotter-than-expected producer price index (0.7% vs 0.3% expected), are prompting investors to consider inflation-resistant stocks. AutoZone and Dollar General are highlighted as two companies well-positioned to benefit from inflationary environments, as consumers delay major purchases and trade down to cheaper alternatives.

A preview of upcoming retail earnings for major retailers including Costco, Best Buy, Pepper Combi, AutoZone, Ross Stores, and Target. Costco shows strong momentum with projected 8.7% sales growth and 12.6% earnings growth, while Best Buy has beaten expectations for four consecutive quarters. Target faces headwinds with projected sales decline of 1.4% and earnings fall of 10.6%. Ross Stores shows positive momentum with 15.3% projected earnings growth.

President Trump announced that the U.S. Development Finance Corporation will provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz, with Navy escort support. The announcement triggered a sharp market recovery, cutting the S&P 500's midday loss from 1.5% to 0.6%. Multiple stocks rallied in the 30 minutes following the announcement, with Royal Caribbean Group showing particularly notable gains among cruise operators.

Advance Auto Parts stock fell 1.5% after its February 13 earnings report despite solid fourth-quarter results. The company reported comparable-store sales growth for the third consecutive quarter, returned to profitability with $0.50 EPS (vs. -$10.20 loss in Q4 2024), and expects 1-2% sales growth in 2026. The company's restructuring strategy—closing unprofitable stores and focusing on larger hub locations—has saved $70 million in annual operating costs. With a 1.7% dividend yield and valuation metrics lower than competitors, the stock remains attractive despite being down significantly from its 2021 peak of $241.91.

Advance Auto Parts stock surged 5.4% today and is up 51.9% in 2026, driven by investor optimism ahead of Q4 earnings. CEO Shane O'Kelly's restructuring efforts—including closing 700+ locations and opening larger market hub stores—are seen as the most comprehensive turnaround attempt in over a decade. While end markets remain weak, investors are watching for margin improvements and positive 2026 guidance.