Benzinga examined the prospects for many investors’ favorite stocks over the last week — here’s a look at some of our top stories.

U.S. stocks finished the week with mixed results as investors weighed strong economic data against renewed expectations for higher interest rates. The major indexes initially rallied as easing Treasury yields and better-than-expected corporate earnings supported risk appetite, but Friday’s stronger-than-expected August jobs report reversed some of that momentum. Employers added 162,000 jobs, well above expectations, while the unemployment rate held at 4.1%, prompting investors to increase bets that the Federal Reserve could raise rates at its September meeting.

Technology stocks remained a major source of support throughout the week, with strong earnings and continued optimism around artificial intelligence helping cushion broader market volatility. Investors continued to favor semiconductor and AI-related companies, while corporate results provided evidence that businesses are maintaining spending despite elevated borrowing costs. However, the stronger labor market data pushed Treasury yields higher Friday, highlighting the growing tension between resilient corporate earnings and the possibility of tighter monetary policy.

The jobs report shifted the market’s focus back toward inflation and the Fed’s next move. Futures markets raised the probability of a September rate hike to roughly 60% following the employment data, up from just over 50% beforehand, while the 2-year Treasury yield climbed to about 4.38%. Investors now await the next inflation readings for additional clues, with the combination of strong employment, elevated energy prices and persistent inflation potentially limiting the Fed’s ability to ease policy even as equities remain supported by solid earnings and AI demand.

Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week’s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls

"Palo Alto Beats Q4 Estimates, Announces Console Acquisition To Strengthen Agentic Capabilities," by Adam Eckert, reports that Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NASDAQ:PANW) beat Wall Street estimates in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, posting $3.41 billion in revenue, up 34% year over year, versus expectations of $3.35 billion, while adjusted earnings of $1.02 per share topped the 98-cent consensus. Remaining performance obligations also rose 34% to $21.2 billion, while next-generation security annual recurring revenue increased 63% to $9.1 billion. Palo Alto generated $1.3 billion in adjusted free cash flow and issued fiscal 2027 revenue guidance of $14.1 billion-$14.2 billion, above the $13.79 billion analyst estimate, with adjusted earnings expected at $4.16-$4.19 per share.

"AI Network Spending Sends Ciena Into Overdrive," by Anusuya Lahiri, reports that Ciena Corp. (NYSE:CIEN) delivered a strong fiscal third quarter as AI-driven network investment boosted demand for its optical networking products. Revenue rose 37% year over year to $1.671 billion, beating the $1.633 billion analyst estimate, while adjusted EPS jumped 215% to $2.11, above expectations of $1.73. Networking Platforms revenue increased 44% to $1.356 billion, led by a 46% gain in Optical Networking revenue to $1.191 billion, while adjusted gross margin expanded to 46.4% from 41.9% and adjusted operating margin more than doubled to 22.5%. GAAP net income surged 430% to $266.4 million, and operating cash flow rose 57% to $683.6 million through the first nine months.

"Zscaler Posts Q4 Double Beat, Issues Strong Guidance," by Adam Eckert, reports that Zscaler Inc. (NASDAQ:ZS) delivered a fourth-quarter double beat and issued stronger-than-expected fiscal 2027 guidance, as demand for cybersecurity and AI-related security solutions continued to support growth. Revenue rose 25% year over year to $898.16 million, topping the $877.36 million consensus estimate, while adjusted EPS came in at $1.19, above expectations of $1.08. Annual recurring revenue also increased 25% to approximately $3.77 billion, while operating cash flow reached $279.3 million and free cash flow totaled $60.8 million. For fiscal 2027, Zscaler expects revenue of $3.91 billion-$3.94 billion and adjusted EPS of $4.86-$4.90, both above analyst forecasts of $3.90 billion and $4.60, respectively.

For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:

Datadog Stock Jumps After the Close: Here’s Why

GoPro Stock Rockets 140% as Markiplier Money Meets a Short Squeeze

Snowflake Stock Surges on Q2 Double Beat as AI Momentum Continues

The Bears

"Lululemon Stock Tumbles on Weak Outlook: ‘Challenging Dynamics’," by Adam Eckert, reports that Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) posted weaker-than-expected second-quarter results and sharply reduced its full-year outlook, sending shares down 16.4% after hours to $101.82. Revenue fell 4% year over year to $2.42 billion, below the $2.46 billion analyst estimate, while comparable sales declined 9%, with Americas revenue down 8% and international revenue up 4%. Lululemon ended the quarter with $1.4 billion in cash and $1.7 billion in inventory after opening nine stores, bringing its total store count to 825. The company expects third-quarter revenue of $2.29 billion-$2.32 billion, well below the $2.53 billion consensus, and adjusted earnings of 93 cents-$0.98 per share, versus expectations of $2.43.

"Michael Burry Comes for Palantir Again — This Time It’s the Balance Sheet," by Erica Kollmann, reports that investor Michael Burry has renewed his bearish case against Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR), saying the company’s accounting and valuation remain major concerns. Burry disclosed that he remains short Palantir and holds put options, arguing that its competitive position is deteriorating despite strong demand driven by AI. His main focus is accounts receivable, which he says has grown faster than revenue in nine of the past 12 quarters, while days sales outstanding nearly doubled from 35 days in 2020 to 66 days in 2025. Burry also highlighted one unidentified customer whose share of Palantir’s receivables reached 25% in the latest 10-K, despite never accounting for more than 10% of revenue.

"Tesla Stock Down 29% From All-Time Highs, Analyst Sees 93% More Downside — ‘Sell The News’," by Chris Katje, reports that Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is facing another bearish call from GLJ Research analyst Gordon Johnson, who maintained a Sell rating and a $24.86 price target, implying roughly 93% downside from current levels. Johnson argued that Tesla’s Cybercab event failed to provide key details about the robotaxi business, including vehicle volumes, pricing, regulatory rules and the scale of the planned network, saying the stock is valued more like a transportation network than a car company. Tesla shares fell about 6% to $353.71 Friday following the event and are already 29% below their December all-time high and 19% lower year to date.

For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:

Asana Stock Dives as Q3 Outlook Disappoints

Credo Technology Reports Q1 Results, Shares Slip

Why Is Polestar Automotive Stock Falling Thursday?

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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.