Last week was a good one for large-cap stocks with a tech and AI tilt. Investors piled into companies riding the semiconductor wave, cybersecurity demand, and digital infrastructure buildout, sending several names sharply higher.
Strong earnings reports, optimistic guidance, and analyst upgrades fueled the rally. Here are the ten large-cap stocks that led the pack from May 11 to May 15.
Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (TSEM) jumped 28.48% after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results and issued second-quarter sales guidance with its midpoint above estimates. The company also announced it had signed a $1.3 billion silicon photonics contract, and multiple analysts raised their price targets on the stock.
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AAOI) increased 25.36%. The move followed a bullish analyst reset: Rosenblatt reiterated a Buy and raised its price forecast to $220 from $140. Separately, the company entered into an equity distribution agreement to sell up to $600 million in common stock through Raymond James & Associates and Needham & Company.
Venture Global, Inc. (VG) gained 22.99% after reporting better-than-expected first-quarter financial results.
Nebius Group N.V. (NBIS) jumped 21.25%. Shares rose after the company reported first-quarter results and raised its contracted power guidance.
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) increased 22.4% after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results, issuing fourth-quarter guidance above estimates, and raising its FY26 guidance. The company also announced a restructuring plan to boost its AI, security, and silicon investments. Multiple analysts raised their price targets.
Lumen Technologies, Inc. (LUMN) jumped 19.71% for the week.
Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) increased 18.08%. Traders continued to lean into the company's strong first-quarter report.
Aramark (ARMK) jumped 17.72% after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter financial results.
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) gained 16.76%. Multiple analysts raised their price forecasts on the stock.
Astera Labs, Inc. (ALAB) soared 18.35% for the week.
Notably, Cisco appears twice in the original list (a duplication in the source), but the key takeaway is that the networking giant had a standout week on the back of its earnings and AI-focused restructuring.
Overall, the week's winners highlight how deeply AI and semiconductor themes are driving investor sentiment. With earnings season still delivering beats and analysts staying bullish, the momentum could continue.
