First Citizens, Cemex Beat Estimates; Verizon Raises Outlook as EQT Announces $13B Gas Deal

Mumbai, 26 October 2026: U.S. companies reported a series of corporate developments on October 26, 2026, spanning quarterly earnings, revised financial forecasts, acquisitions and capital-raising plans. First Citizens BancShares and Cemex reported earnings above analysts’ expectations, while Verizon raised its full-year outlook and announced a major AI infrastructure agreement with Amazon Web Services. Meanwhile, EQT unveiled its acquisition of Range Resources, Meta and Strive announced financing plans, and other companies advanced share split and IPO initiatives.

First Citizens BancShares Shares Rise 8.2% After Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates

First Citizens BancShares (NASDAQ: FCNCA) shares gained 8.2% in Friday’s trading session following the regional lender’s third-quarter 2026 earnings report, which exceeded analysts’ profit expectations. The stock traded at approximately $2,376 after the results, while subsequent market data showed a price of $2,375.14 on October 26.

The company reported third-quarter revenue of $2.397 billion, up 6.9% from $2.242 billion a year earlier. Net income, excluding extraordinary items, increased 4.2% to $577 million, while basic earnings per share rose 19% to $51.29 from $43.12. Separately, adjusted earnings per share reached $55.37, exceeding analysts’ consensus estimate of $45.98 by 20.4%.

Loan growth and deposit inflows supported the quarter, with management highlighting fund banking demand, the integration of the BMO branch acquisition and disciplined expense management. The acquisition added $4.9 billion in deposits, while the bank prepaid $8 billion of its FDIC Purchase Money Note during the quarter. Credit quality also improved, with declining nonaccrual loans and net charge-offs reaching their lowest level since early 2023.

However, net interest margin narrowed to 3.07% from 3.26% a year earlier, indicating continued pressure on profitability. FCNCA shares were trading at $2,375.14 at 12:09 p.m. GMT-4 on October 26. The stock reached a high of $2,391.43 during the session and recorded a low of $2,345.20.

Verizon Raises 2026 Earnings Forecast, Secures $2 Billion AWS AI Infrastructure Deal

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) raised its full-year earnings and wireless subscriber growth forecasts on October 26 and announced an AI infrastructure agreement worth more than $2 billion with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The deal will see Verizon provide high-capacity fiber-optic connectivity to AWS data centers, supporting faster and more reliable data transfers for growing artificial intelligence computing workloads.

The telecom carrier now expects to add 1.1 million to 1.2 million postpaid phone subscribers in 2026, up from its previous forecast of 750,000 to 1 million. It also increased its full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance to $5.04-$5.06 from $4.99-$5.04. In the third quarter, Verizon added 406,000 monthly-bill-paying wireless subscribers, nearly double analysts’ expectations of 209,439.

However, quarterly revenue reached $34.3 billion, below analysts’ estimates of $34.74 billion, as lower device upgrade volumes weighed on sales. The company has been restructuring operations and simplifying wireless plans under CEO Dan Schulman, including the launch of its Simplicity plan in June. The AWS agreement follows Verizon’s more than $1 billion deal with Google announced in July to connect data centers using dark fiber, highlighting opportunities to expand its connectivity business amid rising AI infrastructure demand.

Verizon shares were trading at $43.20 at 12:16 p.m. GMT-4 on October 26. The stock reached a high of $43.84 during the session and recorded a low of $42.47, after opening at $43.49.

Cemex Shares Trade at $10.30, Up 1.03%, After Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates

Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: CX) shares were trading at $10.30, up 1.03%, at 12:38 p.m. GMT-4 on October 26, following the building materials producer’s third-quarter 2026 earnings and revenue beat. The stock reached a high of $10.35 during the session and recorded a low of $9.94, after opening at $10.23.

The company reported adjusted earnings of $0.28 per American Depositary Share (ADS), exceeding analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.24. Revenue increased 8% year over year to $4.59 billion from $4.25 billion, surpassing expectations of $4.45 billion by $140 million. Operating EBITDA rose 12% to $990 million, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, while the operating EBITDA margin expanded 0.8 percentage points to 21.6%. Controlling interest net income climbed 55% to $407 million.

Mexico led regional performance, with Operating EBITDA rising 30% to $480 million as cement volumes increased 7%, supported by operational efficiencies under Project Cutting Edge. In the United States, cement and aggregates volumes grew 4%, but Operating EBITDA declined 4% to $259 million because of an unplanned outage and higher raw material costs. The Europe, Middle East and Africa region recorded a 4% increase in Operating EBITDA to $257 million.

Free cash flow from operations rose 34% to $723 million. Net debt stood at $5.42 billion as of September 30, 2026, down from $5.59 billion a year earlier.

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Nucor Shares Fall 1.48% to $258.26 as Investors Await Q3 Earnings

Nucor Corp. (NYSE: NUE) shares were trading at $258.26, down 1.48%, at 12:40 p.m. GMT-4 on October 26, as investors awaited the steelmaker’s third-quarter earnings report after the market close. The stock reached a high of $262.86 during the session and recorded a low of $256.24, after opening at $262.13. Investors are assessing whether rising domestic steel prices and tightening supply conditions will help the company exceed its earnings guidance.

Analysts expect Nucor to report earnings of $5.80 per share on revenue of $10.83 billion for the quarter ended September. The projected earnings would represent a 19% increase from $4.87 per share in the second quarter and a 121% rise from the year-earlier period. However, the earnings estimate exceeds the company’s guidance range of $5.55 to $5.65 per share, making the extent of pricing gains and cost pressures a key focus.

Steel prices have continued to rise as domestic supply tightens. The import market share has declined from approximately 25% at the beginning of 2025 to around 14% more recently, supporting demand for domestic producers. Nucor’s steel mills segment, its largest business, benefited from higher average selling prices and increased volumes in the second quarter. The company reported earnings of $4.87 per share, above analysts’ expectations of $4.37, while revenue of $10.4 billion exceeded the $10.14 billion consensus.

Investors will also examine management’s commentary on fourth-quarter demand, pricing trends and the outlook for 2027. Analysts have maintained relatively stable earnings estimates recently, while the 17 analysts covering Nucor have a consensus Buy rating and an average price target of $285. The stock’s 52-week high stands at $280.11.

EQT Falls 2.83% to $54.05, While Range Resources Gains 16.19% on $13 Billion Deal

EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) shares were trading at $54.05, down 2.83%, at 12:49 p.m. GMT-4 on October 26, following its announcement of an all-stock acquisition of Range Resources Corporation (NYSE: RRC) valued at approximately $13 billion. EQT shares reached a high of $54.52 during the session and recorded a low of $52.29, after opening at $52.73. Meanwhile, Range Resources shares gained 16.19%, reflecting investor reaction to the proposed acquisition.

Under the agreement, Range shareholders will receive 0.987 shares of EQT for each share held, representing a premium of approximately 21% to Range’s closing price on Friday. EQT shareholders are expected to own about 73% of the combined company, while Range shareholders will hold the remaining 27%. The companies expect the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The combined business is expected to produce more than 9 billion cubic feet equivalent of natural gas per day, with nearly 3 million net acres, more than 30 years of inventory and over 3,700 miles of midstream infrastructure. EQT is targeting $325 million in annual synergies within two years, with potential to exceed $600 million over the longer term.

The companies also project approximately $20 billion in cumulative free cash flow over the next five years at recent market pricing. EQT expects the combination to lower its unlevered free cash flow breakeven to below $2 per million British thermal units.

The deal represents another major consolidation in the U.S. natural gas industry as producers pursue greater scale, operational efficiencies and exposure to growing demand, including liquefied natural gas exports. Both companies plan to release third-quarter 2026 results after the market closes on October 27, despite canceling their previously scheduled earnings calls for October 28.

Stryker Shares Fall 1.09% to $303.65 After Completing ZuriMED Acquisition

Stryker Corporation (NYSE: SYK) shares were trading at $303.65, down 1.09%, at 1:03 p.m. GMT-4 on October 26, following the company’s announcement that it had completed its acquisition of ZuriMED, a privately held medical technology developer. The stock reached a high of $307.47 during the session and recorded a low of $301.78, after opening at $305.43.

The acquisition adds ZuriMED’s FiberLocker System to Stryker’s Sports Medicine portfolio, expanding its range of technologies for shoulder care and rotator cuff repair. The system is a commercialized rotator cuff augmentation technology designed to improve the biomechanical strength of repairs, addressing an important clinical need for shoulder surgeons.

Stryker said the addition strengthens its ability to support specialists across sports medicine and shoulder care. The company also plans to advance the FiberLocker technology and expand access to treatment options for patients.

“ZuriMED brings specialized expertise and a differentiated technology that complements our growing shoulder care capabilities,” said Andy Pierce, Stryker’s group president of MedSurg and Neurotechnology. He added that the combination could help deliver greater value for customers and patients.

The acquisition expands Stryker’s presence in the shoulder care market as the medical technology company continues to develop its offerings across MedSurg, Neurotechnology and Orthopaedics. Financial terms of the ZuriMED transaction were not disclosed in the announcement.

Stryker said its products and services support healthcare professionals globally, with the company’s technologies impacting more than 150 million patients annually. The latest share-price movement reflects trading during Monday’s session following the acquisition announcement.

Pluri Shares Rise 19.19% to $1.18 as ZEO Partnership Expands U.S. Regenerative Medicine Platform

Pluri Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUR) shares were trading at $1.18, up 19.19%, at 1:26 p.m. GMT-4 on October 26, after the company announced a strategic partnership with ZEO ScientifiX Inc. (OTCQB: ZEOX) to expand its U.S. manufacturing and commercial platform for regenerative medicine. Pluri shares reached a high of $1.36 during the session and recorded a low of $1.05, after opening at $1.18. ZEO ScientifiX shares were trading at $1.53 at 12:33 p.m. GMT-4, after reaching a high of $1.64 and a low of $1.18, compared with an opening price of $1.48.

Under the definitive agreement, the companies aim to combine Pluri’s cell-based technology, clinical-development experience and manufacturing expertise with ZEO’s biologics manufacturing capabilities, physician network and established sales, marketing and educational infrastructure. The partnership is intended to broaden product offerings and strengthen commercialization opportunities across regenerative medicine, aesthetics, wellness and longevity.

The agreement provides for Pluri to receive shares representing 50% of ZEO’s issued and outstanding common stock immediately following closing. Pluri will also grant ZEO defined rights to manufacturing technology and related know-how for associated assets while retaining ownership of its underlying technology and intellectual property. ZEO’s financial results are expected to be consolidated into Pluri’s financial statements, subject to applicable accounting requirements.

The companies also plan to expand U.S. commercialization of Pluri’s Cellav aesthetic product line, including future offerings, through ZEO’s existing commercial platform. They intend to combine scientific and manufacturing resources to advance selected clinical-development programs.

Closing is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions, required approvals and the completion of ancillary agreements. The companies said the transaction does not require stockholder approval from either party.

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Bitari Sets Nasdaq IPO Price at $7 Per Share for Planned $30 Million Raise

Bitari Inc. (NASDAQ: BIAI) has fixed the terms of its initial public offering at $7 per share, targeting gross proceeds of approximately $30 million. According to the amended filing, the offering comprises 4,285,715 shares, with US Tiger Securities serving as the book-running underwriter.

The revised terms set a single offering price of $7 per share, replacing the typical price range used during the IPO process. The offering structure indicates that the company and its underwriter have established the proposed share price and deal size ahead of the stock’s planned Nasdaq debut.

The company expects to raise just over $30 million through the sale of the shares, before underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering expenses. US Tiger Securities will manage the order book and share allocation as part of the offering process.

With the terms established, the next key step is the IPO pricing and completion process, after which shares can be allocated to investors and trading can begin, subject to the applicable requirements. The announcement does not provide a current public-market trading price or session performance for Bitari shares, as the stock’s Nasdaq debut is still pending.

Investors assessing the offering can review the amended registration filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for details on the transaction, the company’s financial disclosures and associated risk factors. The fixed offer price and proposed proceeds provide the main terms of the planned listing, but do not indicate how the shares will perform once public trading begins.

Bambusa Therapeutics Sets $15–$17 IPO Range for Planned $150 Million Nasdaq Offering

Bambusa Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BBTX) has amended its initial public offering terms, setting a price range of $15 to $17 per share for an offering of 9.375 million shares targeting $150 million in gross proceeds. BofA Securities, Evercore ISI, UBS and Cantor are serving as book-running underwriters for the proposed Nasdaq listing.

The revised terms establish the expected price range and share volume for the offering, marking a key step in the company’s IPO process. At the midpoint of the range, $16 per share, the offering would generate approximately $150 million in gross proceeds before underwriting discounts, commissions and other expenses.

The underwriting group brings several major financial institutions to the transaction, supporting distribution of the shares to prospective investors. The final offer price and allocation of shares will be determined during the pricing process ahead of the expected start of public trading.

Bambusa’s shares are proposed for listing on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol BBTX. Until the offering is priced and trading begins, the stated range represents the proposed IPO price rather than an established public-market share price.

Investors evaluating the offering can review the company’s amended registration filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the complete transaction terms, financial information and risk disclosures. The final pricing and the stock’s subsequent market performance will provide further indications of investor demand for the biotechnology company’s public debut.

Meta Shares Trade at $639.40 as Company Launches $35 Billion Equity Offerings

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) shares were trading at $639.40 at 1:37 p.m. GMT-4 on October 26, following the company’s announcement of concurrent public offerings targeting approximately $35 billion to support investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and personal superintelligence. The stock reached a high of $647.69 during the session and recorded a low of $629.02, after opening at $638.36.

The financing plan comprises approximately $22.5 billion in Class A common stock offered through forward sale agreements and approximately $12.5 billion in depositary shares representing Series A mandatory convertible preferred stock. Meta also plans a separate at-the-market offering of up to $60 billion in Class C common stock, which is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027, subject to the relevant conditions.

Meta said it expects capital expenditures of $135 billion to $145 billion in 2026 as it expands computing capacity and develops AI products and services. The company plans to fund its investments through operating cash flow, investment-grade debt, strategic partnerships and equity capital. It reported $97 billion in operating cash flow during the first three quarters of 2026 and held approximately $82 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at the end of the third quarter.

The company said its AI investments are supporting engagement, advertising performance and monetization across its applications, while creating opportunities in consumer and business AI agents, enterprise services and AI-enabled glasses. Third-quarter revenue reached $64.6 billion, up 26% year over year, while net income was $9.9 billion.

The preferred stock is expected to convert automatically into common stock around August 15, 2029, subject to the offering terms and applicable conditions. Meta intends to use proceeds from the offerings for general corporate purposes, including supporting its broader investment plans.

Strive Shares Fall 5.82% to $27.29 After Launching $1 Billion Preferred Stock Offering

Strive Inc. (NASDAQ: ASST) shares were trading at $27.29, down 5.82%, at 1:30 p.m. EDT on October 26, after the company announced a $1 billion at-the-market offering program for its 15.00% Series A Perpetual SATS Preferred Stock. The stock opened at $27.77 and reached a high of $27.93 during the session, while the low during the session was $26.70.

Under the sales agreement, Strive can issue and sell SATS preferred shares with an aggregate offering value of up to $1 billion through transactions permitted under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rules. The company filed a prospectus supplement for the offering on October 26 under its existing automatic shelf registration statement, which became effective on September 15, 2025.

Strive intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, including purchasing bitcoin and bitcoin-related products, funding working capital and acquiring income-generating assets. Other potential uses include capital expenditures, acquisitions of complementary businesses or technologies, preferred-stock dividend payments, debt repayment and repurchases of its Class A common stock or Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock.

The offering provides Strive with additional flexibility to raise capital over time, while allowing it to direct proceeds toward its investment strategy and broader business needs. However, the amount and timing of any sales under the program will depend on the company’s decisions and market conditions.

The announcement comes as Strive continues to pursue a strategy that includes bitcoin-related investments and income-generating assets. Investors will assess the potential benefits of the additional financing against the implications of issuing preferred securities, including the company’s 15% stated dividend rate and the possibility of increased capital-raising activity.

The reported decline in ASST shares reflects trading during Monday’s session following the announcement.

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Stratum Holdings Shares Fall 22.36% to $0.334 After $200,000 Preferred Stock Issuance

Stratum Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SRTM) shares were trading at $0.334, down 22.36%, at 23:12:34 on October 26, 2026, following disclosure that the company had issued an additional 200 shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock to an institutional investor. The transaction generated $200,000 in gross proceeds, with each preferred share issued at a stated value of $1,000.

The additional closing was completed under a securities purchase agreement originally executed on September 15, 2026. That agreement provided for the initial issuance of 200 Series E preferred shares and gave the investor an option to require further issuances at subsequent closings. The latest transaction represents an additional issuance under those arrangements.

Stratum said the securities were issued under the exemption from registration provided by Rule 506(b) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933. The company’s filing also references previously submitted documentation covering the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock and the securities purchase agreement.

The latest disclosure comes as Stratum shares face substantial market pressure. The stock’s reported price of $0.334 was accompanied by a 22.36% decline, while the available trading data showed a daily range of $0.306 to $0.650.

Stratum Holdings, formerly known as La Rosa Holdings Corp., is a Nevada-based company. The Form 8-K documenting the transaction was signed by Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Adler.

Investors may assess the additional financing in the context of the company’s capital structure and the terms governing its convertible preferred securities. The issuance adds $200,000 in gross proceeds but also increases the number of preferred shares outstanding, with the potential implications depending on the securities’ conversion provisions and other contractual terms.

BUUU Group Shares Rise 13.08% to $6.10 as 10-for-1 Forward Stock Split Takes Effect

BUUU Group Limited (NASDAQ: BUUU) shares rose 13.08% to $6.095, or approximately $6.10, as of 1:47 p.m. EDT on October 26, 2026, as the company’s 10-for-1 forward share split took effect. The stock opened at $4.88, reached a high during the session of $6.60 and recorded a low during the session of $4.76.

The split-adjusted shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market at market open on October 26 under the company’s existing ticker, BUUU. Under the approved subdivision, each existing Class A and Class B ordinary share was converted into ten shares of the same class, giving shareholders nine additional shares for every share previously held.

The share subdivision is intended to make BUUU’s Class A shares more accessible to a broader range of investors and improve trading liquidity. Although the number of shares held by investors has increased tenfold, the split does not change shareholders’ proportional ownership or voting power. The rights and restrictions attached to both share classes remain unchanged, including one vote per Class A share and 20 votes per Class B share.

The company also increased its authorized share capital proportionately from 500 million to 5 billion ordinary shares, comprising 2.5 billion authorized Class A shares and 2.5 billion Class B shares. Outstanding warrants and other securities convertible into or exercisable for Class A shares will receive corresponding adjustments under their respective terms.

BUUU’s board approved the share subdivision on September 28, 2026. The move follows the company’s September 15 acquisition of a 60% equity interest in Brightray Science Inc., establishing industrialized artificial intelligence data center delivery as its core growth business.

BUUU also provides meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions services, including event management and stage production. The company said it would furnish the announcement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 6-K.

Overall, the latest announcements reflect a range of corporate developments, from quarterly earnings and revised financial forecasts to acquisitions, strategic partnerships and share offerings. First Citizens BancShares and Cemex reported better-than-expected earnings, while Verizon updated its 2026 outlook. EQT announced its planned acquisition of Range Resources, and Stryker completed its ZuriMED acquisition. Meanwhile, Meta and Strive disclosed capital-raising plans, BUUU Group’s 10-for-1 share split took effect, and Bitari and Bambusa Therapeutics advanced their respective IPO plans.