U.S. markets had plenty to celebrate Friday, with the Dow Jones index climbing more than 250 points as investors digested a wave of positive earnings, dealmaking, and analyst upgrades across multiple sectors.
Leading the charge was Carnival PLC (CUK), which posted one of those earnings reports that makes you wonder if cruising is having its moment again. The company delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter adjusted earnings and issued fiscal 2026 guidance that sailed past analyst estimates. Investors responded enthusiastically, pushing shares up 16.3% to $30.61.
The Big Movers
But Carnival was far from alone in Friday's rally. Here's who else joined the party.
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc (NBY) absolutely rocketed, jumping 45.1% to $4.28 in the session's most dramatic move.
Intuitive Machines Inc (LUNR) gained 31.9% to $14.31 after Keybanc initiated coverage with an Overweight rating and a $20 price target. Apparently someone thinks the space logistics company has significant room to run.
A Biopharma Blockbuster
The day's biggest news came from the biotech world, where Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD) jumped 30.6% to $14.22 after announcing it will be acquired by BioMarin. The deal values Amicus at roughly $4.8 billion in total equity.
And it wasn't just the target company celebrating. Biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc (BMRN) gained 20.4% to $62.52 as investors applauded the strategic move. It's not every day you see both sides of an acquisition trade significantly higher, but apparently Wall Street thinks this one makes sense for everyone involved.
Energy and Infrastructure Plays
CoreWeave Inc (CRWV) surged 19.7% to $81.07 after the company announced it joined the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission. The AI infrastructure provider continues to benefit from the broader enthusiasm around data center buildouts and computing capacity.
Speaking of space, Firefly Aerospace Inc (FLY) gained 18.8% to $23.84 after Keybanc analyst Michael Leshock initiated coverage with a Sector Weight rating. The space sector seemed to be having a particularly good day overall.
Rezolve AI PLC (RZLV) gained 18.6% to $2.61 as HC Wainwright & Co. analyst Scott Buck reiterated his Buy rating and maintained a $10 price target. That's a pretty optimistic outlook given where the stock currently trades.
The Rest of the Gainers
Evommune Inc (EVMN) surged 15.8% to $17.38, while Edgewise Therapeutics Inc (EWTX) gained 13.7% to $24.05. Both biotech names rode the sector's broader momentum.
Centrus Energy Corp (LEU) gained 13.4% to $260.56, continuing its impressive run as nuclear energy remains in focus.
Applied Digital Corp (APLD) jumped 12.2% to $26.81, another beneficiary of the AI infrastructure theme that's been driving tech stocks lately.
Bloom Energy Corp (BE) gained 11.4% to $89.40, while Planet Labs PBC (PL) jumped 11.4% to $19.48. The satellite imagery company continues to attract attention as commercial space applications expand.
Mirum Pharmaceuticals Inc (MIRM) jumped 10.7% to $77.92 after announcing a $68.5 million private placement agreement with TCGX. Adding fuel to the rally, Citizens raised its price target on the stock from $95 to $140.
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp (DJT) surged 10.7% to $16.45 in another session of volatile trading for the social media company.
Rivian Automotive Inc (RIVN) gained 9.6% to $22.24 after Wedbush analyst Dan Ives maintained his Outperform rating and raised the price target from $16 to $25. The electric vehicle maker has been on a tear lately as production concerns ease.
Moderna Inc (MRNA) rose 9.2% to $33.79 after recently announcing that CEPI would invest up to $54.3 million to help advance Moderna's H5 pandemic influenza vaccine candidate to licensure. With bird flu concerns percolating in the background, investors seem willing to bet on preparedness.
All in all, it was the kind of broad-based rally that suggests genuine optimism rather than just a few stocks carrying the market higher. From cruise lines to space companies to biotech dealmakers, Friday had something for everyone.
