Stock Movers Block Rallies, Duolingo Tumbles, FIGS Surges
Feb 27, 2026
A market roundup of dramatic stock moves: a fintech firm trims nearly half its staff in an AI-driven reset that lifts investor hopes. A language-learning company warns on growth and faces competition for users, sending its shares sharply lower. A medical apparel maker smashes quarterly forecasts and sees its stock surge on big earnings and revenue beats.
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Block Bets On AI To Multiply Employee Productivity
- Block is cutting nearly half its workforce as a bet that AI will drive huge productivity gains across its businesses.
- The company hired aggressively through 2019–2023 (tripling headcount) and now targets $2 million gross profit per employee versus $500k pre-COVID.
Dorsey Admits Overhire And Pushes Internal AI Tooling
- Jack Dorsey acknowledged overhiring during COVID and described corrective restructuring begun mid-2024 to integrate Square and Cash App functions.
- Block is investing in its own AI tool called Goose to boost efficiency and target higher per-employee gross profit.
Duolingo Outlook Spurs Stock Drop Despite Strong User Streaks
- Duolingo warned that pursuing subscriber growth will slow earnings and compress margins, sending shares down over 17% on the day.
- Hosts referenced a recent CEO interview and team members' long learning streaks to show user engagement reality versus market pressure.