Stocks of several US-listed companies ticked up in after-hours trading as investors digested a mix of earnings reports and activist investor activity. The session featured distinct drivers for each name, with outcomes ranging from modest gains to double-digit jumps.
Jefferies Financial Group (JEF) climbed about 3% after the market close despite reporting a mixed quarter. The investment firm posted first-quarter earnings per share of $0.70, falling $0.25 short of the analyst consensus of $0.95. Revenue for the quarter was $2.02 billion, in line with expectations at $2.02 billion.
Driven Brands (DRVN) rose roughly 2% following media reports that an activist investor is pressing for strategic changes. ADW Capital is reportedly urging Driven Brands to consider breaking up the company or pursuing a sale, according to reporting cited after the market close. The stock reaction reflects investor focus on potential corporate-action catalysts for the automotive services franchisor.
Noodles & Company (NDLS) led the group with a sharp after-hours move, jumping about 17% after reporting quarterly revenue that exceeded estimates. Total revenue increased to $122.8 million from $121.8 million, a 0.8% rise year over year. On a comparable-restaurant basis, system-wide sales rose 6.6%, with company-owned locations up 7.3% and franchise restaurants up 3.8%.
Navan (NAVN) also posted a strong after-hours performance, advancing approximately 16% after reporting a profitable quarter and raising near-term revenue expectations. The travel-focused company reported fourth-quarter EPS of $0.02, beating the analyst estimate by $0.15, which had been for a loss of $0.13. Revenue for the quarter was $178 million versus the consensus of $162 million. Navan provided preliminary guidance for first-quarter 2026 revenue of $204 million to $206 million, ahead of the consensus forecast of $188 million.
Investment product mention included in the reporting
A machine-driven stock-selection product referenced in the original report evaluates Jefferies alongside many other companies using more than 100 financial metrics. The product claims to identify opportunities across fundamentals, momentum and valuation and cites notable past winners including Super Micro Computer with a gain of 185% and AppLovin with a gain of 157%. The report noted the product is used to surface potential stock ideas and to compare alternatives within the same sector.
These after-hours moves underscore the variety of market drivers that can affect individual issuers: earnings beats and misses, activist investor pressure, and forward revenue guidance. Each element produced different market reactions for the names discussed, reflecting investor appraisal of near-term profitability and strategic options.