What’s Driving the Biggest Stock Movers Today—from Hewlett Packard Enterprise to C3.ai?

Highlights

Hewlett Packard Enterprise beats expectations with record revenue and upgrades its outlook.
T. Rowe Price gains following a landmark collaboration with Goldman Sachs.
C3.ai stumbles amid leadership change, bigger loss, and withdrawn guidance.
Market sentiment buoyed by weak hiring data, fueling hopes for a Fed rate cut.

U.S. Equities Lifted by Rate-Cut Hopes Amid Cooling Job Market

U.S. equities advanced on September 4, 2025, as softer-than-expected hiring data revived speculation that the Federal Reserve could soon cut interest rates to support a slowing labor market. Treasury yields eased, providing further relief for risk assets, while investors turned their attention to the upcoming nonfarm payrolls report for confirmation of the trend.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise: Record Performance, AI Momentum, and Raised Guidance

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) delivered a standout fiscal third-quarter performance, with revenue climbing to $9.14 billion, well above forecasts of $8.53 billion. Growth was powered by surging demand for servers and networking equipment, much of it tied to artificial intelligence deployments. Server sales jumped 16% year-on-year to $4.9 billion, while networking revenue surged 54%, boosted by the acquisition of Juniper Networks.

The company also reported $1.6 billion in AI-related revenue, supported by a multibillion-dollar backlog that includes a major deal with a leading AI developer. Management raised full-year guidance, now expecting 14%–16% revenue growth, compared with prior forecasts of 7%–9%. Fourth-quarter revenue is projected between $9.7 billion and $10.1 billion, with adjusted earnings per share in the range of 56–60 cents. The integration of Juniper not only strengthens HPE’s networking capabilities but also helped ease tensions with activist investors, adding stability to the board.

T. Rowe Price Gains on Private-Markets Tie-Up with Goldman Sachs

Shares of T. Rowe Price rose after the firm announced a strategic partnership with Goldman Sachs in the private-markets space. Under the agreement, Goldman will acquire up to $1 billion worth of T. Rowe shares—equivalent to about 3.5% of outstanding stock. The two firms will also collaborate to offer alternative investment solutions to T. Rowe’s client base.

This move highlights a broader industry trend among asset managers seeking to diversify revenue streams by expanding into private markets. With yields still relatively compressed, investor demand for private-equity and alternative strategies continues to grow, positioning T. Rowe to capture long-term opportunities through its collaboration with Goldman.

C3.ai Falters Amid Restructuring and Guidance Withdrawal

In sharp contrast, enterprise AI company C3.ai saw its stock drop after reporting a wider-than-expected quarterly loss. The company also announced a leadership change, with a new CEO stepping in, while withdrawing its full-year guidance as part of a broader restructuring effort. Shares declined more than 5% on the news, reflecting investor skepticism over the company’s ability to execute its turnaround strategy.

The withdrawal of guidance particularly unsettled markets, as investors prize transparency during periods of transition. For C3.ai, stabilizing operations and demonstrating consistent revenue growth remain critical to rebuilding confidence.

Broader Market Drivers: Weak Jobs Data and Sector Divergence

The rally in equities was underpinned by disappointing private payroll data, which suggested cooling momentum in the labor market. Traders interpreted the slowdown as increasing the likelihood of monetary easing later this year. Retail names such as American Eagle surged on better-than-expected earnings, while several technology firms underperformed due to cautious outlooks. This divergence underscored how company-specific drivers remain pivotal even in a macro-driven environment.

What to Watch Next

Investors will closely monitor Friday’s nonfarm payrolls for further clarity on labor-market conditions and the Federal Reserve’s policy path. For Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the challenge will be sustaining AI-driven momentum while smoothly integrating Juniper. T. Rowe Price’s success will hinge on its ability to scale alternative strategies with Goldman Sachs. C3.ai faces a more uncertain road, as leadership changes and restructuring efforts must quickly translate into operational stability. Markets appear set for a bifurcated period ahead—rewarding companies with clear growth catalysts while punishing those struggling with execution risks.