Super Micro's AI-Fueled Revenue Surge Lifts Sector; Hasbro, Equifax Beat Estimates While AT&T's Subscriber Miss Offsets Raised Guidance

Mumbai, Oct 22: Wall Street saw mixed trading on October 21 as investors assessed third-quarter earnings, revised forecasts, and major corporate developments. Super Micro Computer surged on a stronger-than-expected revenue outlook, lifting AI-related stocks, while Hasbro and Equifax gained on solid results. AT&T shares fell despite raising its earnings outlook, as subscriber growth concerns weighed on sentiment. Acquisitions, public offerings, and sector-specific challenges also shaped the session.

Super Micro Jumps 9.67% as Preliminary Revenue Forecast Exceeds Guidance by $4 Billion

Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI) shares rose 9.67% on October 21 after the company projected preliminary fiscal first-quarter revenue well above its earlier guidance, citing increased demand for artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. The company expects revenue of $18.5 billion to $19.5 billion for the quarter, compared with its previous forecast of $14.5 billion to $15.5 billion. At the midpoint, the revised estimate exceeds the earlier guidance by $4 billion and represents a substantial increase from the $11.1 billion reported in the preceding June quarter.

The company also expects gross margins of 12% to 12.5%, above its earlier guidance of 10.4% to 10.8%. Super Micro attributed the improvement to a better customer and product mix. The preliminary figures indicate stronger revenue and profitability expectations, although the results remain unaudited. Investors will look for confirmation when the company reports its quarterly results.

Super Micro shares opened at $36.42, reached a high of $37.45 and a low of $35.27, and were trading at $35.64 as of 12:54 p.m. Eastern Time.

The gains extended to other companies linked to AI infrastructure spending. Dell Technologies shares rose 4.77%, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise gained 3.42%. Vertiv advanced 4.84% amid NVIDIA’s announcement naming it a partner for its factory-built DSX POD AI factories. Amkor Technology also gained after announcing a $1.3 billion investment in South Korea, bringing its multiyear capacity agreements with NVIDIA to $3 billion.

However, Super Micro’s cash generation remains a key consideration. The company reported nearly $7 billion in negative free cash flow for the fiscal year ended June 2026, despite generating $747 million in positive operating cash flow in the June quarter. Its November 3 earnings call is expected to provide further details on cash conversion and inventory levels.

Hasbro Gains 1.26% as Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates by 55.91% on Strong Revenue

Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) reported third-quarter 2026 earnings of $2.90 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.86 by 55.91%. Adjusted earnings also increased from $1.68 per share in the year-ago quarter. The toy maker posted revenue of $1.6 billion for the quarter ended September 2026, exceeding consensus estimates by 8.63% and rising from $1.39 billion a year earlier. Hasbro has beaten analysts’ earnings and revenue estimates in each of the past four quarters.

Hasbro shares were trading at $110.90, up 1.26% during the October 21 session. The stock opened at $110.27 and touched a high of $112.79 and a low of $109.60. The latest price placed the stock below its intraday high after it reached a new 52-week high of $112.79. Shares have gained approximately 20.1% since the beginning of 2026, outperforming the S&P 500’s 12.4% advance over the same period.

Despite the earnings beat, the outlook remains dependent on management’s commentary and subsequent revisions to analysts’ estimates. Before the results, Hasbro had unfavourable earnings estimate revision trend. Current consensus estimates project earnings of $1.54 per share on revenue of $1.46 billion for the upcoming quarter, while full-year estimates stand at $6.14 per share on revenue of $5.04 billion. The broader Toys–Games–Hobbies industry also ranks among the bottom 20% of industries tracked by Zacks.

Equifax Jumps 10.7% as Q3 Mortgage Revenue Rises 15% Despite Market Weakness

Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) shares surged after the company reported third-quarter 2026 results that exceeded earnings expectations, supported by growth in mortgage revenue and AI-driven cost savings. Revenue increased 10% year over year to $1.69 billion, while adjusted earnings reached $2.26 per share, beating analysts’ consensus estimate of $2.20. U.S. mortgage revenue rose 15%, despite a weaker mortgage market in the latter half of the quarter as interest rates increased substantially.

The company lowered its full-year 2026 revenue guidance, reducing the midpoint to $6.66 billion from $6.75 billion, citing continued weakness in the mortgage market. However, its adjusted earnings guidance of $8.50 per share remained close to the previous midpoint and analysts’ estimate of $8.49. Equifax also reported an adjusted EBITDA margin of 33.1%, compared with 32.7% a year earlier, attributing its ability to protect profitability partly to AI-driven cost savings. Management expects mortgage market weakness to persist through the end of 2026.

Equifax shares traded at $175.82 on October 21, up 10.7% in the session. The stock opened at $175.78, reached a high of $177.26 and a low of $173.78. Separately, Equifax extended its $1 pricing for VantageScore 4.0 mortgage scores through the end of 2028. The company’s performance in the coming quarters will depend partly on whether mortgage market weakness continues into 2027 and how effectively cost savings offset pressure on revenue and margins.

AT&T Raises 2026 Earnings Guidance to $2.40 as Shares Fall 5.96%

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected third-quarter results, although its shares declined during the October 21 trading session. The telecommunications company increased its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) outlook to approximately $2.40, up from its previous range of $2.25 to $2.35. The revised forecast reflects lower depreciation expenses associated with the planned sale of AT&T Mexico.

For the third quarter, total revenue increased 5.3% year over year, while adjusted EPS rose 20% to $0.65 from $0.54. Adjusted EBITDA grew 5.4%, and the adjusted EBITDA margin reached 38.7%. AT&T added 379,000 postpaid phone subscribers and 696,000 advanced home internet subscribers, including 416,000 fiber net additions. However, the company’s mobile subscriber additions fell short of market expectations, contributing to concerns despite its improved earnings outlook.

AT&T maintained its full-year free cash flow forecast of more than $18 billion and its capital investment guidance of $23 billion to $24 billion. It also raised its adjusted EBITDA growth outlook to the upper end of its previous 3% to 4% range. For 2027 and 2028, the company expects annual capital investment to decline to $22 billion to $23 billion while maintaining its target of reaching more than 60 million fiber locations by the end of the decade.

AT&T shares traded at $22.02, down 5.96% during the session. The stock opened at $21.89, reached a high of $22.62 and a low of $21.79. The company also reported a higher net leverage ratio of 3.13 times following its $23 billion spectrum purchase from EchoStar, with a return to its approximately 2.5-times target expected by 2029.

Thermo Fisher Rises 1.20% as Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates by 4.4% on Revenue Growth

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $6.68 per share, up 15% year over year and 4.4% above the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenue increased 9% to $12.14 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $11.92 billion by 1.8%. The company attributed its performance to 6% organic revenue growth and improved operating profitability, supported by its growth strategy and PPI Business System.

Performance across business segments was mixed. Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services revenue rose 15% to $6.86 billion, while Analytical Instruments revenue increased 5.8% to $2 billion. Life Sciences Solutions revenue grew 5.1% to $2.72 billion. In contrast, Specialty Diagnostics revenue declined 6.5% to $1.1 billion, although its segment income margin expanded to 31% from 27.4% a year earlier.

Thermo Fisher’s adjusted operating income increased 15% to $2.97 billion, with its adjusted operating margin widening 120 basis points to 24.5%. For the first nine months of 2026, operating cash flow rose to $5.87 billion from $4.36 billion, while free cash flow increased to $4.62 billion from $3.32 billion.

The company also expanded its research and operational capabilities through a collaboration with Mayo Clinic on the Precure initiative, the opening of an AI-Automation Innovation Center in South Korea, and a new distribution center in Kentucky.

Thermo Fisher shares traded at $695.63, up 1.20% during the October 21 session. The stock opened at $665 and reached a high of $705.78 and a low of $662.78. Although the initial report cited a 4.1% pre-market decline following the earnings announcement, the subsequent trading data showed the shares higher during the regular session.

Halliburton Gains 0.24% as Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates and Revenue Reaches $5.7 Billion

Halliburton Company (NYSE: HAL) reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $0.60 per share, exceeding analysts’ consensus estimate of $0.58. Revenue reached $5.7 billion, surpassing expectations of $5.58 billion and increasing approximately 2% from $5.6 billion in the year-ago quarter. The company’s adjusted operating margin stood at 12.8%, compared with 13.4% a year earlier, while adjusted EBITDA increased to $1 billion from $948 million in the second quarter.

Performance varied across business segments and regions. Completion and Production revenue declined 4% sequentially to $3.1 billion, primarily due to lower stimulation activity in the Western Hemisphere. Drilling and Evaluation revenue increased 4% to $2.6 billion, with operating income rising 16% to $391 million. International revenue grew 3% sequentially to $3.5 billion, supported by an 8% increase in Middle East and Asia revenue. North American revenue fell 5% to $2.2 billion.

Halliburton generated $156 million in free cash flow during the quarter and returned approximately $250 million to shareholders through share repurchases. It also paid a quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share. CEO Jeff Miller outlined an early 2027 outlook projecting mid-single-digit revenue growth and operating margins of approximately 15%, assuming a flat North American market.

Halliburton shares traded at $33.64 on October 21, up 0.24% during the session. The stock opened at $33.51, reached a high of $33.93 and a low of $33.28. The shares had gained approximately 3% in pre-market trading following the earnings announcement, according to the report.

KeyCorp Shares Rise 1.44% as Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates and 2026 Revenue Growth Forecast Reaches 8%

KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY) reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter 2026 earnings and raised its full-year revenue growth outlook to approximately 8%, compared with its previous range of 7%–8%. The results were supported by rising net interest income and a sharp increase in investment banking and debt placement fees, although total revenue narrowly missed analysts’ expectations.

Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.51, beating the consensus estimate of $0.46. Earnings also improved from $0.44 in the second quarter and $0.41 in the year-ago period. Total revenue, on a taxable-equivalent basis, reached $2.04 billion, up from $1.96 billion in Q2 and $1.90 billion a year earlier, but slightly below the $2.05 billion consensus.

Net interest income increased to $1.31 billion from $1.26 billion in the previous quarter. Investment banking and debt placement fees climbed 27% sequentially to $214 million, while the provision for credit losses declined to $81 million from $92 million in Q2.

KeyCorp now expects net interest income to grow approximately 10% in 2026, while adjusted noninterest income is projected to increase 6%–7%. Average loans are forecast to rise around 5% year over year. Return on tangible common equity reached 15.1%, strengthening the bank’s confidence in sustaining returns above 15% by the end of 2027.

KeyCorp shares traded at $21.12, up 1.44%. The stock opened at $21.00, reached a high of $21.18, and recorded a low of $20.88.

Lithia Motors Falls 7.26% Despite Q3 Earnings Beat, Record $9.9 Billion Revenue and Dividend Hike

Lithia & Driveway (NYSE: LAD) reported better-than-expected third-quarter 2026 earnings and revenue, supported by stronger used-vehicle profitability, expanding aftersales margins and growth in financing operations. The automotive retailer also raised its quarterly dividend by 7% to $0.75 per share, despite pressure on its share price.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share reached $10.34, up 9% from $9.50 in the year-ago quarter. Revenue hit a record $9.9 billion, increasing 3% from $9.7 billion a year earlier. GAAP diluted EPS rose 54% to $13.22, while net income climbed 34% to $292.9 million.

Used-vehicle gross profit per unit increased 13% year over year to $1,993, while aftersales gross profit grew 2.4% on a same-store basis. Aftersales gross margin expanded 100 basis points to 59.5%. Financing operations income surged nearly 70% to approximately $32.3 million, with quarterly originations reaching a record $937 million.

However, new-vehicle revenue declined 2.6%, reflecting a 2.7% drop in unit sales. Lithia repurchased approximately 246,000 shares for $85 million during the quarter and continued expanding through acquisitions, including four dealerships in Memphis expected to contribute $250 million in annualized revenue.

Despite the positive results and increased shareholder returns, Lithia shares fell 7.26% to $277.96. The stock opened at $317.95, reached a high of $323.51 and touched a low of $276.49. The decline suggests investors remained cautious despite the company’s stronger earnings and record quarterly revenue.

Cencora Shares Fall 0.97% as $2.4 Billion American Oncology Network Acquisition Expands Cancer Care Reach

Cencora Inc. (NYSE: COR) announced a binding agreement on October 21, 2026, to acquire the remaining equity interests in American Oncology Network (AON), valuing the physician-led cancer care provider at an enterprise value of $2.4 billion, including debt. The transaction aims to strengthen Cencora’s presence in community oncology and expand its role beyond pharmaceutical distribution.

American Oncology Network operates a network of more than 350 cancer treatment providers across 21 states. Its physician-directed model emphasizes patient-centered care while allowing doctors to retain clinical decision-making authority. Cencora plans to support the network’s expansion through additional resources, enhanced technology platforms and more integrated services for physician practices.

Cencora already owns approximately 4% of AON’s equity. The deal includes $2.3 billion payable at closing and up to $100 million in contingent payments. If certain existing shareholders participate in an equity rollover and retain a 25% stake, Cencora expects to pay approximately $1.7 billion in cash to increase its ownership to 75%.

The acquisition is expected to improve Cencora’s non-GAAP diluted earnings per share in the second year following closing. The move aligns with the company’s strategy of broadening its healthcare services footprint beyond its core pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution operations.

Despite the strategic expansion, Cencora shares declined 0.97% to $339.83. The stock opened at $343.05, reached a high of $344.44 and fell to a low of $338.34. Meanwhile, American Oncology Network shares surged 153.13% following the announcement, reflecting the significance of the proposed transaction for the target company.

Korai Flix Merger Values Company at $3.5 Billion as TRAD Shares Rise 0.10%

Korai Flix Inc. and APEX Tech Acquisition Inc. (NYSE: TRAD) have entered into a definitive merger agreement to establish Krflix Group Inc., a publicly listed interactive online entertainment platform. Announced on October 21, 2026, the agreement values Korai at $3.5 billion on a pre-money equity basis. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Korai launched its platform in June 2024 and offers AI-powered interactive entertainment, including short dramas, companion avatars and content creation tools. As of June 30, 2026, the company had approximately 26 million registered users across 15 Asian countries and regions, including India, Japan, Indonesia and South Korea.

Under the agreement, a wholly owned subsidiary of APEX will merge with Korai, which will survive as a subsidiary of the combined company. APEX also plans to redomicile from the Cayman Islands to Delaware and change its name to Krflix Group Inc. The combined company’s Class A shares are expected to list on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to listing requirements. The transaction provides for Class A shares carrying one vote each and Class B shares carrying 20 votes each.

Meanwhile, TRAD shares were trading at $10.07, up $0.01 or 0.10% from the previous close of $10.06. The stock opened at $10.05 and recorded an intraday range of $10.05 to $10.07.

Soluna, Applied Digital Plan 50 MW Texas AI Data Center as SLNH Shares Fall 1.56%

Soluna Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: SLNH) has entered into a definitive agreement with Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ: APLD) to develop a 50-megawatt data center for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing at Soluna’s Project Dorothy 3 site near Silverton, Texas. The companies plan to establish a jointly owned project company, with Applied Digital holding a 51% stake and Soluna retaining 49%.

Under the agreement, Soluna will contribute part of the site, including land and power-related assets, while Applied Digital will provide development capital. The facility is planned to draw power from the 150 MW Briscoe Wind Farm and, during Phase 1, from both wind power and the grid, subject to definitive documentation.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending conditions that include tax abatement approval in Briscoe County, title policies, corporate approvals and agreements covering operations, leases and power supply. Meanwhile, ChronoScale Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: CHRN), which is majority-owned by Applied Digital, has signed a non-binding letter of intent to lease the planned facility, subject to definitive agreements.

Soluna shares traded at $0.57 on October 21, down 1.56%, according to the supplied market summary. The stock opened at $0.61 and recorded a high of $0.62 and a low of $0.56.

Polibeli Targets $182.9 Billion AI Agent Market Through Tencent Deal as PLBL Trades at $5.36

Polibeli Group Ltd (NASDAQ: PLBL) has signed agreements covering the resale, integration and distribution of Tencent Cloud services, with international promotion and adoption of Tencent WorkBuddy as an initial focus. Announced on October 20, 2026, the collaboration aims to expand Polibeli’s business from cross-border commerce and retail digitalisation into enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) services.

According to Grand View Research forecasts cited in the announcement, the global AI agent market is projected to reach $182.9 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49.6% from 2026 to 2033. Japan’s AI agent market is forecast to reach $8.88 billion over the same period, with a CAGR of 49.9%.

Polibeli plans to leverage its LinkieBuy business’s relationships with overseas retailers and direct-to-consumer brands to explore AI applications in multilingual content creation, marketing, customer service and business analytics. Its proposed services include requirements assessment, deployment, systems integration, training and ongoing technical support. The agreements also allow the company to develop a network of qualified sub-resellers and explore additional Tencent Cloud offerings, subject to applicable permissions and purchase orders.

Polibeli shares traded at $5.36 on October 21, with no percentage change reported in the supplied market data. The stock opened at $5.37, reached a high of $5.47 and a low of $5.30.

Disc Medicine Prices $450 Million Offering at $75 per Share as IRON Falls 2.69%

Disc Medicine Inc. (NASDAQ: IRON) has priced an upsized public offering of 6 million common shares at $75 each, targeting gross proceeds of $450 million before underwriting discounts, commissions and other expenses. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company has also granted underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 900,000 shares at the offering price, less applicable discounts and commissions.

The company plans to use the proceeds, alongside existing cash, to fund drug development, prepare for the potential commercialisation of bitopertin for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP), and meet general corporate requirements. The offering is expected to close on October 22, 2026.

Disc Medicine shares traded at $77.34 on October 21, down $2.14 or 2.69% during the session, according to the supplied market data. The stock opened at $77.80, reached a high of $81.50 and a low of $76.63.

Teknova Raises $40 Million Through $5 Share Offering as TKNO Trades at $5.65

Alpha Teknova Inc. (NASDAQ: TKNO) has priced a public offering of 8 million common shares at $5 each, expecting to raise $40 million in gross proceeds before underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses. The company has also granted underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1.2 million shares. All shares in the offering will be sold by Teknova, with the transaction expected to close around October 22, 2026, subject to customary conditions.

The company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, potentially including repayment of outstanding debt. It may also consider acquisitions or investments in complementary businesses, products and technologies, although no current commitments have been made.

On October 21, Teknova shares traded at $5.65, with no percentage change or previous closing price provided in the supplied market data. The stock opened at $5.09, reached a high of $5.76 and a low of $4.94. The offering was priced at $5 per share, below the reported latest trading price.

Helio Seeks $8 Million Offering and Nasdaq Listing as HLEO Shares Fall 3.37%

Helio Corporation has filed a Form S-1 registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed underwritten public offering of common stock expected to raise approximately $8 million. The company has also applied to list its shares on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol HLEO. The offering’s final size and pricing have not been determined, and both the transaction and proposed listing remain subject to Nasdaq approval.

Headquartered in Berkeley, California, Helio develops aerospace hardware and engineering solutions through its subsidiary, Heliospace Corporation. Its products support space missions and include antennas, radar systems and sensors designed for satellite, lunar and deep-space applications.

According to the filing announcement, the company intends to use the proceeds for research and development, operating expenses and debt repayment. R.F. Lafferty is serving as the sole book-running manager for the proposed offering. The filing represents a proposed capital raise, and completion will depend on the applicable approvals and offering process.

Helio shares (OTC: HLEO) were down 3.37% on October 21, according to the supplied market data. The information provided does not include the latest share price, previous close, opening price or intraday high and low.

CitroTech Prices $5.6 Million Offering at $2.50 per Share as CITR Rises 1.92%

CitroTech Inc. (NYSE American: CITR) has priced an underwritten public offering of 2.24 million common shares at $2.50 each, expecting to raise approximately $5.6 million in gross proceeds before underwriting discounts, commissions and estimated expenses. The company has granted the underwriter a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 336,000 shares at the offering price, less applicable discounts and commissions.

The specialty chemical company expects the offering to close on or about October 22, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. It intends to use the net proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Univest Securities LLC is acting as the sole book-running manager.

CitroTech develops fire-inhibitor solutions and manufactures fire-prevention products for homes, wood products and wildfire prevention applications.

On October 21, CITR shares traded at $2.65, up $0.05 or 1.92% from the previous close of $2.60. The stock opened at $2.63 and recorded a high of $2.83 and a low of $2.20.

Northern Trust Approves $3.5 Billion Buyback, Declares $0.88 Dividend as Banzai Plans $1.5 Million Warrant Repurchase

Northern Trust Corporation (NASDAQ: NTRS) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.88 per common share, payable on January 1, 2027, to shareholders of record on December 4, 2026. The company also announced a dividend of $293.75 per share on its Series E non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, equivalent to $0.29375 per depositary share, payable on January 1, 2027, to holders of record on December 15, 2026. Additionally, its board approved a new share repurchase authorisation of up to $3.5 billion, which will take effect after completion of the existing $2.5 billion programme approved in July 2025.

Northern Trust shares traded at $166.82 on October 21. The stock opened at $168.87, reached an intraday high of $170.00 and a low of $164.53. The available data did not specify the previous closing price or percentage change.

Meanwhile, Banzai International Inc. (NASDAQ: PARA) entered into an agreement to repurchase existing warrants from an institutional investor for $1.5 million in cash, contingent on the closing of a public offering. The warrants cover up to 1,662,862 common shares at an exercise price of $1.245 per share and will be cancelled upon payment. The investor also received the right to participate in the offering with a minimum commitment of $6 million, subject to contractual conditions.

Banzai shares traded at $0.542, up $0.007 or 1.27%, according to the supplied market data. The stock’s previous close, opening price and intraday range were not provided.

Overall, October 21 trading saw mixed stock performances amid earnings reports, revised forecasts and corporate developments. While Super Micro Computer, Equifax and Hasbro gained, AT&T and Lithia Motors declined. Companies also pursued growth through AI investments, acquisitions, public offerings and share repurchases.

Source:

• https://www.nasdaq.com/
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• https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/equity/dow-jones-composite-average/
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