U.S. stocks closed lower on Tuesday, with early gains evaporating as renewed concerns about the Middle East war outweighed initial optimism over a round of solid corporate earnings. Iran could attend talks with the United States in Pakistan if Washington abandons its policy of pressure and threats, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, adding that Tehran rejects negotiations aimed at surrender.

Equities extended declines late in the session after reports that U.S. Vice President JD Vance ‌had called off his ⁠trip to Pakistan ⁠for peace talks.

Stocks have rallied in recent weeks on the belief that a peace deal could be on the horizon.

“There’s two things going on – what is the resolution going to be or the path going to be for Iran, but in the meantime if that wasn’t there, you’ve got really good expectations for earnings coming in and the companies are pretty much reporting that way, and the economy is doing fine,” said Thomas Martin, senior portfolio manager at GLOBALT Investments in Atlanta.

“The wild card is indeed what happens with Iran, and nobody knows, and it’s baffling to me to think that people think that it’s going to be OK.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 292.96 points, or 0.59%, to 49,149.60, the S&P 500 declined 45.09 points, or 0.63%, to 7,064.05, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 144.43 points, or 0.59%, to 24,259.96.
Earlier economic data from the ⁠Commerce Department showed U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in March as the war with Iran boosted gasoline prices and led to a record surge in receipts at service stations. Retail sales jumped 1.7% last month, the largest rise since March 2025, after an upwardly revised 0.7% gain in February and above the 1.4% estimate of economists polled by Reuters.

EARNINGS, AI REASSURE INVESTORS

Optimism around AI and upbeat earnings have cheered investors, with first-quarter growth expectations of around 14%, according to LSEG data. J.P. Morgan raised its year-end target for the S&P 500, citing AI and tech-driven earnings, while Amazon said on Monday it will invest up to $25 billion in Anthropic, signaling megacap companies are still willing to spend massively on the AI technology. The S&P 500 energy index rose as the ‌best-performing among the major S&P sectors due to another jump in crude prices on Middle East tensions. UnitedHealth jumped after the healthcare conglomerate raised its annual profit forecast and beat Wall Street expectations for the first quarter, and was the biggest boost to the Dow. Apple shares also garnered attention, losing ground after the ⁠company said CEO Tim Cook would hand over the reins to longtime hardware boss John Ternus.

WARSH HEARING

Investors were also digesting comments from Kevin Warsh, Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, whose confirmation hearing wrapped up in the Senate on Tuesday.

Warsh said he had made no promises to President Donald Trump about cutting interest rates, as he tried to assure U.S. senators mulling his confirmation to lead the U.S. central bank that he would act independently of the White House while pursuing broad reforms.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis has promised to block Warsh’s confirmation until the Department of Justice ends an investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell that Tillis says threatens the central bank’s independence.

The impasse could impact monetary policy, especially as Trump has vowed to fire Powell if he does not leave when his term ends in May.

A message encouraging Papa Johns customers to tip their delivery drivers has enraged social media users, as frustration over America’s expanding “tipping culture” continues to ferment.

TikTok user @sydneeee___ posted a video last week showing a box from the pizza chain that stated: “DELIVERY FEE IS NOT A TIP. Please reward your driver for outstanding service.” The message left viewers fuming, sparking a collective debate over the purpose of delivery fees and whether corporations should be responsible for paying their workers livable wages.

Users labeled the message “tone-deaf,” arguing that the company is shifting the financial responsibility of employee compensation onto the consumer.

DOMINO’S PIZZA DEBUTS STUFFED CRUST IN EFFORT TO BOOST SALES 

“Companies telling us to tip their workers knowing they won’t pay them is crazy lol,” one user commented. 

Another questioned the logic of the charge, asking, “So wtf are we paying a delivery fee for?” 

A third user noted, “If a delivery fee is not a tip… then why is there a delivery fee being paid to the business? It should be paid to the driver.” 

One commenter pointed out the executive pay scale, writing, “Papa Johns CEO makes $8.44M annually btw.”

Rather than serving as a lighthearted reminder to reward good service, some users argued the message creates unnecessary friction between the customer and the delivery person.

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This backlash comes as more Americans express exhaustion with tipping practices creeping into industries that traditionally never requested them. Customers now frequently face “tip screens” for mundane tasks or at self-service kiosks, leading to awkward social scenarios.

A WalletHub survey released in March found that nearly nine in 10 Americans believe the country’s tipping culture is “out of control.” Similarly, a recent Popmenu report found that 77% of consumers agree the practice has gone too far, with two-thirds of respondents admitting they only tip out of guilt.

FOX Business has reached out to Papa Johns for comment.

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The viral video arrives at a difficult time for the pizza giant, which recently announced plans to close 300 underperforming restaurants across the U.S.

Papa Johns Chief Financial Officer Ravi Thanawala described these “doomed” locations as being primarily franchise-owned, more than a decade old, and generating less than $600,000 in annual unit volume (AUV).

ARLINGTON, Texas — D.R. Horton Inc. shares jumped sharply in morning trading Tuesday after the nation’s largest homebuilder reported fiscal second-quarter 2026 results that exceeded earnings expectations and showed resilient demand through higher net sales orders, despite ongoing affordability challenges in the housing market.

At 11:24 a.m. EDT, D.R. Horton (NYSE: DHI) stock had climbed $11.81, or 7.70%, to $165.15 on elevated volume. The gain extended a recent recovery for the homebuilder, whose shares had traded in a broad range amid fluctuating mortgage rates and economic uncertainty.

D.R. Horton reported net income attributable to the company of $647.9 million, or $2.24 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. While earnings per share declined 13% from the year-ago period, the figure topped Wall Street consensus estimates. Consolidated revenues reached $7.6 billion, with home sales revenues contributing the bulk of the total.

The standout metric was an 11% year-over-year increase in net sales orders to 24,992 homes valued at $9.2 billion. This growth signaled improving buyer interest even as the company offered elevated incentives to stimulate demand in a high-interest-rate environment. The results highlighted D.R. Horton’s scale advantage and operational discipline as America’s largest homebuilder.

Consolidated pre-tax income totaled $867.4 million, delivering a pre-tax profit margin of 11.5%. Both the pre-tax margin and home sales gross margin benefited from a favorable litigation outcome and lower warranty costs in the quarter. The company also maintained a strong balance sheet, with continued cash generation supporting shareholder returns.

Following the release, D.R. Horton declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share, payable on May 14 to stockholders of record on May 7. This marks the company’s ongoing commitment to returning capital while investing in land acquisition and community development.

CEO David Auld and the leadership team emphasized the company’s ability to navigate a challenging housing market through pricing discipline, efficient operations and a focus on entry-level and move-up buyers. “We are pleased with our second-quarter performance and the continued strength in our sales order trends,” Auld said in prepared remarks. The company reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2026 revenue guidance in the range of $33.5 billion to $34.5 billion, with some analysts noting the midpoint slightly above prior consensus.

The earnings beat and positive order momentum provided relief to investors concerned about persistent headwinds, including elevated mortgage rates near 7% and affordability constraints for first-time buyers. D.R. Horton has responded by offering incentives, adjusting lot sizes and focusing on lower-priced homes that remain more accessible in the current environment.

The stock reaction reflected broader market appreciation for homebuilders demonstrating resilience. Peers such as Lennar and PulteGroup also traded higher in sympathy, though D.R. Horton’s outsized move highlighted its leadership position and scale.

D.R. Horton operates in 126 markets across 33 states, giving it geographic diversification that helps mitigate regional slowdowns. The company closed homes at an average price that remains significantly below both the national new-home median and existing-home median, positioning it well for buyers sensitive to price.

For the first six months of fiscal 2026, net income declined 18% to $1.2 billion, or $4.27 per diluted share, reflecting the cumulative impact of higher interest rates and softer closing volumes in some periods. However, the second-quarter acceleration in orders offers encouragement that demand may be stabilizing or improving modestly.

Analysts had entered the report with cautious optimism. Consensus had called for earnings around $2.15 to $2.18 per share on revenues near $7.7 billion. The actual results, while showing year-over-year declines in some metrics, demonstrated the company’s ability to maintain profitability and grow orders through targeted incentives and inventory management.

The housing market backdrop remains mixed. Mortgage rates have stabilized but remain elevated compared with pre-pandemic levels, limiting buyer pools. Inventory of new homes has tightened in many markets, supporting pricing power in select segments. D.R. Horton’s finished inventory levels decreased during the quarter, indicating efficient turnover and reduced risk of overbuilding.

Longer-term tailwinds include demographic demand from millennials and Gen Z entering prime homebuying years, potential future rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and ongoing shortages of affordable housing stock. D.R. Horton has invested in land positions and community development to capitalize on these trends when affordability improves.

The company returned significant capital to shareholders in the quarter through dividends and share repurchases. Over the first half of fiscal 2026, it paid out $261.2 million in dividends. Its low debt-to-total-capital ratio of around 18-20% provides financial flexibility for opportunistic land acquisitions or further returns.

Market reaction Tuesday underscored investor relief that order momentum improved despite broader economic uncertainty. The stock’s 7.70% surge at mid-morning reflected a classic post-earnings move where positive surprises on key operational metrics outweigh modest year-over-year declines in headline earnings.

Looking ahead, the housing sector will watch for any shifts in mortgage rates or federal policy that could further influence affordability. D.R. Horton’s scale, national footprint and focus on value-oriented homes position it to benefit disproportionately if conditions ease.

As trading continued Tuesday, volume remained heavy, with the stock testing recent resistance levels. Analysts will likely update price targets and ratings in the coming days, with many already maintaining Hold or Buy recommendations based on long-term housing fundamentals.

D.R. Horton’s fiscal second-quarter performance reinforces its status as a bellwether for the U.S. housing market. While challenges persist, the company’s ability to grow orders and maintain solid margins in a tough environment demonstrates operational strength and strategic adaptability.

For investors, the earnings beat and dividend announcement provide fresh reasons for confidence in America’s largest homebuilder as it navigates the path toward potentially stronger demand in the second half of 2026 and beyond.

FREMONT, Calif. — Amprius Technologies Inc. shares soared more than 12% in morning trading Tuesday, climbing to $22.07 as investors piled into the high-energy-density silicon anode battery maker amid growing excitement over its role in powering next-generation electric vehicles, drones and defense applications.

At 11:43 a.m. EDT, Amprius (NYSE: AMPX) stock had gained $2.46, or 12.54%, on heavy volume. The sharp move extended a strong 2026 run for the company, whose shares have more than quadrupled year-to-date on optimism surrounding its silicon anode technology and aggressive revenue growth targets.

The rally comes as Amprius prepares to report first-quarter 2026 results on May 7, with a conference call scheduled for that day. The company has already set high expectations after delivering strong 2025 performance and issuing upbeat guidance for the current year.

In early March, Amprius reported fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of $25.2 million, representing 18% sequential growth and a dramatic year-over-year increase. Full-year 2025 revenue reached $73 million, up more than 200% from the prior year. The company also narrowed its net loss and highlighted improving gross margins as it scales production of its second-generation SiCore silicon anode platform.

Management guided for at least $125 million in 2026 revenue — implying more than 70% growth — along with the first full year of positive adjusted EBITDA. Executives expressed confidence in broader adoption of SiCore cells, particularly among unmanned aerial vehicle customers and in electric mobility applications.

A key catalyst driving recent sentiment was Amprius’ March 25 announcement of a $21 million purchase order from a new customer in China for SiCore cylindrical cells targeted at electric two- and three-wheelers, including scooters and motorcycles. The order underscored expanding commercial traction in the electric mobility sector and provided tangible evidence of demand beyond niche high-performance applications.

Amprius’ silicon anode technology delivers industry-leading energy density, with cells reaching up to 500 Wh/kg and 1,300 Wh/L in its SiMaxx platform, far surpassing conventional graphite anodes. The newer SiCore platform offers a balance of high energy density (up to 400 Wh/kg) and longer cycle life (up to 1,200 cycles), making it suitable for broader commercial use while maintaining competitive cost structures.

The company has secured strategic manufacturing partnerships to scale production. In February, it announced a collaboration with U.S.-based Nanotech Energy as its first domestic manufacturing partner, strengthening supply chain security for defense and aerospace customers. This aligns with National Defense Authorization Act compliance efforts and supports a $14.8 million contract with the Defense Innovation Unit for NDAA-compliant cells.

Amprius also earned recognition at CES 2026, winning a Best of Innovation award in the Sustainability & Energy Transition category for its 520 Wh/kg silicon anode battery. The award highlighted the technology’s potential to extend flight times and payload capacity for unmanned aerial systems and other high-performance applications.

Despite the momentum, risks remain. Amprius is still unprofitable and operates at a relatively small scale compared with established battery giants. The company relies heavily on growth in high-margin but currently limited-volume segments such as drones and defense. Execution on scaling manufacturing capacity and converting design wins into sustained revenue will be critical in 2026.

Analyst sentiment has turned more constructive in recent months, though price targets vary widely. Some forecasts see significant upside if Amprius hits or exceeds its $125 million revenue guidance and achieves positive adjusted EBITDA. Others caution that the current valuation already prices in substantial optimism, leaving room for volatility if production ramps or margin improvements fall short of expectations.

The stock’s recent surge reflects broader enthusiasm for advanced battery technologies amid the electric vehicle transition and increasing demand for high-performance power solutions in drones, aerospace and consumer electronics. Amprius’ focus on silicon anodes positions it as a pure-play beneficiary of the shift away from traditional lithium-ion chemistries limited by graphite anodes.

Trading volume remained elevated Tuesday, consistent with heightened retail and institutional interest in battery technology stocks. Options activity showed bullish positioning, with traders betting on continued momentum ahead of the May 7 earnings release.

For long-term investors, Amprius represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity in the clean energy and electrification megatrend. The company’s proprietary silicon nanowire and SiCore platforms offer clear technological differentiation, but commercial success depends on scaling production cost-effectively and securing larger-volume contracts.

Amprius operates pilot and commercial manufacturing lines, including partnerships in Asia and now the United States. Its Fremont, California headquarters supports research and development, while production partnerships help accelerate time-to-market for customers.

The company has delivered strong year-over-year growth metrics while improving operational efficiency. Gross margins reached 11% for full-year 2025, an 87-percentage-point improvement from the prior year, demonstrating progress toward sustainable profitability.

As the May 7 earnings approach, investors will watch for updates on the $21 million order fulfillment, progress with the Nanotech Energy partnership, and any additional design wins or capacity expansion news. Positive commentary on 2026 revenue trajectory and margin expansion could sustain the rally, while cautious guidance might trigger profit-taking.

Broader market context supported risk appetite Tuesday, with technology and growth stocks showing selective strength. Amprius’ outsized move stood out even in a session with other battery and clean-tech names posting gains.

The stock has experienced significant volatility throughout 2026, with sharp rallies on positive news followed by periods of consolidation. Its year-to-date performance far outpaces the broader market, reflecting investor excitement over silicon anode potential but also highlighting execution risks inherent in early-stage scaling companies.

Amprius Technologies was founded with technology originating from Stanford University research. It has built a portfolio of more than 50 patents focused on silicon anode innovation, positioning it as a leader in next-generation lithium-ion battery chemistry.

For retail traders, Amprius has become a popular momentum name in the battery space. Online discussions often center on its energy density advantages, defense contracts and potential role in the electric two- and three-wheeler market in Asia.

As trading continued past midday, the stock maintained strong gains. Whether the momentum carries through the close and into the earnings period will depend on sustained buying interest and absence of negative news.

The Amprius story illustrates the high-stakes nature of advanced materials companies in the clean energy transition. With its silicon anode platforms offering breakthrough performance, the company sits at the intersection of multiple growth markets — electric mobility, drones, aerospace and defense.

Tuesday’s surge underscores investor willingness to reward visible commercial progress and ambitious 2026 guidance. As Amprius prepares its first-quarter update, the market will seek confirmation that the company is on track to deliver the scale and profitability improvements needed to justify its elevated valuation.