The Score: Apple, Palantir, Intel and More Stocks That Defined the Week — WSJ

By Francesca Fontana

The Score is a weekly review of the biggest stock moves and the news that drove them.

Apple

Tech giants rallied Wednesday after Trump announced tariff exemptions for tech companies investing in U.S. production.

That day, President Trump said he would impose roughly 100% tariffs on all semiconductors coming into the U.S. — but he would waive the levies for firms that have promised to manufacture domestically, including Apple.

The announcement came at an event trumpeting Apple's new $100 billion investment pledge. The investment comes on top of one announced in February, when the iPhone maker said it would spend over $500 billion in the U.S. over four years to make servers and parts for its key products.

Apple shares jumped 5.1% Wednesday.

Tesla

Tesla's board is giving Chief Executive Elon Musk a $23.7 billion stock award — so long as he stays focused on the company.

The "interim award" of 96 million shares vests if Musk remains CEO or in an executive role overseeing product development or operations. Tesla is seeking to incentivize Musk as he divides his time between several companies. His competing obligations have prompted worries among Tesla investors about his focus.

After stepping back from his work as a White House adviser in late May, Musk has overseen the launch of Tesla's robotaxi service. But Musk has also been fundraising for money-losing xAI, and SpaceX overcame a June rocket explosion to successfully send four astronauts to the International Space Station.

The approval of Musk's compensation package comes after earlier pay deals were struck down by a judge.

Tesla shares climbed 2.2% Monday.

Palantir Technologies

Palantir posted strong results as tech earnings continue to recharge artificial-intelligence optimism.

The data-software company late Monday notched its first $1 billion revenue quarter and boosted its annual outlook.

Palantir's total revenue rose 48%, reflecting the recent frenzy of investment by corporations and militaries in AI tools. The results are the latest sign that Palantir is getting a boost from the Trump administration's push to hasten adoption of AI technology.

The company also reported 53% growth in earnings from U.S. government contracts.

Palantir shares jumped 7.8% Tuesday.

Pfizer

Pfizer raised its annual profit outlook, despite ongoing tariff uncertainty and President Trump's demands to slash drug prices.

The drugmaker said its new guidance reflects the impact of the currently imposed levies from China, Canada and Mexico. The company does not anticipate any share repurchases in 2025.

Pfizer said the outlook also accounts for any potential price changes this year. Trump recently sent letters to the chief executives of 17 drugmakers, including Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, demanding they reduce U.S. prices to be more aligned with other countries' lower prices.

Bourla said he is hopeful about finding a solution in response to the president's demand.

Pfizer shares gained 5.2% Tuesday.

McDonald's

McDonald's is rebuilding its reputation for fast, affordable food after a streak of stale earnings.

The burger chain said same-store sales rebounded during the second quarter, outpacing estimates as the company aimed to prove to customers that its burgers and nuggets remain a good deal.

Earlier this year, it started a national McValue menu of affordable offerings, including a four-item meal deal starting at $5.

Still, Chief Executive Chris Kempczinski said that many U.S. consumers, especially lower-income customers, remain pressured.

Restaurants, including fast-food chains, have been struggling to hang on to cash-strapped consumers, and costs for things such as beef and labor are on the rise.

McDonald's shares gained 3% Wednesday.

Intel

Intel's new leader is getting flak from President Trump.

On Thursday, Trump unexpectedly called on Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan to resign, saying that Tan is "conflicted" by business ties to China.

Intel has stood by Tan, and in a statement told The Wall Street Journal that its board and management were aligned on strategy.

Before Trump jumped into the fray, Tan was already at odds with some of Intel's board members. Since Tan took the helm in March, he and some Intel directors have disagreed about whether the company should stay in the chip-manufacturing business or exit it entirely, the Journal reported.

Intel shares lost 3.1% Thursday.

Write to Francesca Fontana at francesca.fontana@wsj.com.