Figma Gains on AI-Driven Growth Outlook

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Figma shares climbed sharply after the company issued strong revenue forecasts and outlined its expanding use of artificial intelligence within its design platform.

The software provider projected 2026 revenue between $1.36 billion and $1.37 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. Investor optimism was also supported by Figma’s strategy to deepen AI integration across its creative workflow tools.

The platform, widely used by enterprises and independent designers, enables users to move from concept development to deployment within a single environment.

To strengthen its competitive position, Figma is adopting a hybrid monetization model starting in March. This approach will include selling AI credits to users who exceed built-in usage limits, allowing the company to capture additional value from high-demand features.

While the AI push is expected to enhance growth, increased investment in technology and operations may place pressure on margins in the near term.

If current momentum continues, Figma’s market value could rise significantly.

EPAM Shares Fall After Weak Outlook

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EPAM Systems saw its shares decline sharply after issuing a cautious outlook despite forecasting first-quarter results in line with market expectations.

The company projected first-quarter revenue between $1.38 billion and $1.40 billion, aligning with analyst estimates. Adjusted earnings per share are expected to range from $2.70 to $2.78.

However, investors reacted negatively to EPAM’s 2026 revenue growth guidance of 3 to 6 percent, which signals slower expansion compared to the 5 percent organic growth reported in 2025.

EPAM operates across IT consulting, cloud services and AI-driven transformation projects. While demand for digital modernization remains steady, the company’s conservative projections appear to reflect ongoing economic uncertainty.

Fourth-quarter performance exceeded expectations, with revenue reaching $1.41 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $3.26.

Despite solid recent results, the tempered growth outlook weighed on market sentiment.

Microsoft Denies ICE Mass Surveillance Use

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Microsoft has stated that it does not believe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is using its technology for mass surveillance of civilians.

The company confirmed that it provides cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools to ICE through its partnerships with the Department of Homeland Security. The clarification follows reports suggesting the agency expanded its reliance on Microsoft’s Azure platform while increasing data storage and analytical capabilities.

According to those reports, ICE significantly increased its data use within Azure as its operations and workforce grew. The agency was also said to be using various digital tools to analyze information related to enforcement activities.

Microsoft emphasized that its policies prohibit the use of its technology for civilian mass surveillance and reiterated its position that legal frameworks should clearly define how emerging technologies are used in law enforcement.

ICE declined to comment on specific investigative tools but noted that it uses technology to support criminal investigations.

The issue highlights ongoing debate over the role of advanced digital systems in public sector operations.