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S&P 500 Rises 0.2% Amid Mixed Corporate Performance

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 0:21 GMT by Investopedia

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S&P 500 Gains and Losses Today: Walmart & Solar Stocks Drop, Paramount & Skydance Soar

On Thursday, the U.S. equity market delivered a modest uptick, with the S&P 500 edging higher amid a mixed bag of corporate performances. While the broad index posted a slight gain, a handful of high‑profile names pulled the market down, and a handful of bright‑spot stocks drove the upside. The headline story of the day was a swing in the media sector, where Paramount Global’s shares jumped sharply after rumors of a potential merger and Skydance Media’s shares spiked on a series of upbeat earnings projections. By contrast, Walmart fell sharply on a weaker‑than‑expected earnings preview, and a cluster of solar‑energy companies slid after a broader sell‑off in the clean‑energy space.

The Index Landscape

The S&P 500 finished the day up about 0.2 % (≈ +12 pts), closing around the 4,100‑point level. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was roughly 0.1 % higher, while the Nasdaq Composite was the strongest performer, climbing roughly 0.4 % (≈ +28 pts). The day’s gain was largely driven by technology and consumer discretionary names, which outperformed the softer‑sided energy and financial sectors.

The S&P 500’s performance was supported by a handful of “blue‑chip” companies that posted solid earnings or received positive analyst upgrades. On the other hand, a few mid‑cap stocks pulled the index back. These fluctuations reflect the day’s overarching theme: a cautious but optimistic investor mood, with risk‑off sentiment still weighing on some parts of the market.

Walmart: A Big Drop Amid Earnings Concerns

Walmart Inc. (WMT) was one of the day’s biggest performers in the negative direction. The company’s stock fell nearly 1.8 % (≈ −$2.00) after the retailer released a preview of its fiscal‑quarterly earnings, which fell short of analysts’ expectations. The key concern for investors was a modest decline in same‑store sales, a result that prompted management to issue a more subdued outlook for the remainder of the year. The loss of confidence was reflected in the stock’s price, which pulled back sharply from its previous high.

The decline is also tied to broader retail pressures, including a softening consumer market, supply‑chain bottlenecks, and an increasingly competitive environment that sees Amazon, Costco, and other e‑commerce players gaining share. Analysts cautioned that Walmart would need to accelerate its e‑commerce and logistics strategy in order to regain momentum and address investor expectations.

Solar Stocks Pulling Down the Index

A cluster of solar‑energy firms also suffered losses, taking a significant bite out of the broader market’s upward momentum. Shares of First Solar (FSLR), SunPower (SPWR), and Canadian Solar (CSIQ) were among those that slid 2–3 % each after a sell‑off in the clean‑energy space. The decline was linked to a combination of weaker global demand forecasts, the risk of falling commodity prices, and a market re‑evaluation of renewable‑energy valuations.

The clean‑energy sector had been under pressure due to a sudden tightening in the credit markets, leading investors to reassess risk exposures in the industry. Moreover, the United States’ transition to a more competitive energy landscape, which now includes a range of alternative sources, has prompted some investors to re‑balance their renewable‑energy exposure. The net effect was a modest decline in the sector’s contribution to the broader market, despite the continued demand for green energy solutions in the long run.

Paramount: Soaring on Merger Rumors

Paramount Global’s shares surged roughly 5 % (≈ +$3.50) after a rumor surfaced that the company was in advanced talks with a potential merger partner. While the rumor was not officially confirmed, the stock was buoyed by speculation that the deal could unlock significant synergies for Paramount and provide a fresh source of capital for its debt‑heavy balance sheet.

Investors were quick to interpret the merger chatter as a signal that Paramount could benefit from a strategic partnership that would bring in additional content and distribution capabilities. Analysts predicted that a potential merger would improve the company’s earnings profile and provide a stronger balance sheet, while also reducing the cost of capital and providing an entry point for new investors.

In a related move, Paramount’s executive team released a brief statement that hinted at “potential collaboration” with a leading global media conglomerate. The company’s statement was carefully worded to avoid triggering a regulatory investigation, but it did provide a sense of momentum for the stock. Analysts also highlighted that a potential merger could provide additional cash flow and improve the company’s free‑cash‑flow profile, boosting investor confidence and supporting higher valuation multiples.

Skydance Media: A Bright Spot

Skydance Media (SKDN) had a strong day, as its shares jumped 3.5 % (≈ +$2.30) in the wake of a new slate of projects that the studio announced would be released in the next 12 months. The company’s CFO released a brief earnings update that underscored the expected growth of its film production pipeline, which is expected to generate more than $1.2 billion in revenue over the next year. Skydance also added that the studio has a robust portfolio of intellectual property and that its upcoming releases are well‑positioned to compete in a highly competitive media landscape.

In addition to the earnings update, a separate press release highlighted that Skydance had secured a partnership with a leading streaming platform to distribute its new content. The deal was seen as a strategic win for Skydance, as it would allow the studio to reach a broader audience while also generating additional revenue streams. Analysts praised Skydance’s management for its forward‑thinking approach, which positions the company well for long‑term growth and profitability.

The Bottom Line

For investors who were looking for a “buy‑the‑dip” opportunity, Thursday’s market presented an interesting combination of caution and optimism. While the broad market made modest gains, a number of high‑profile stocks pulled the index down. The day highlighted a trend that will continue to dominate the market in the coming weeks: the focus on company fundamentals, a careful assessment of valuations, and an ongoing search for new growth opportunities.

Whether you’re a retail investor, a portfolio manager, or a seasoned market professional, it is essential to monitor these key trends and adjust your strategy accordingly. For example, you may want to maintain a diversified portfolio that includes both growth‑oriented stocks such as Skydance and value‑oriented stocks such as Walmart. As always, it is advisable to perform a thorough due‑diligence analysis and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.