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Kanazawa University research: Scientists discover hidden weaknesses in microtubules stabilized by a cancer drug

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High-speed nanoscale imaging reveals how tiny structural defects can cause microtubules to collapse, even when stabilized by the anticancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol).

KANAZAWA, Japan, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University have discovered that tiny structural defects can trigger the breakdown of microtubules, the microscopic structures that help cells maintain their shape, transport materials and divide. Using high-speed atomic force microscopy, the team observed how these defects develop and sometimes cause microtubules to collapse, even in the presence of paclitaxel, a widely used cancer drug that stabilizes them. The findings, published in ACS Nano, challenge the conventional view that microtubule breakdown begins primarily at their ends and offer new insights into the structural processes that may influence responses to cancer treatment.

Watching the structures that support living cells

Inside almost every cell is a network of microscopic structures known as the cytoskeleton. An important part of this network consists of microtubules, long, hollow tubes assembled from proteins called tubulin. These structures act as internal supports and tracks for transporting materials. They also play an essential role in cell division by helping separate chromosomes into two daughter cells.

Microtubules are constantly changing. They grow by adding tubulin molecules and shrink when these molecules are removed. Sometimes a growing microtubule suddenly begins to shorten rapidly, a process scientists call catastrophe.

For many years, researchers have explained this behavior mainly through changes at the ends of microtubules. In particular, the loss of a stabilizing molecular structure known as the GTP cap can cause the microtubule to begin breaking down.

However, exactly how structural damage develops within the walls of microtubules, and whether such damage can initiate their collapse, has remained difficult to observe directly.

Understanding these processes is particularly important in cancer research. Paclitaxel, also known by the brand name Taxol, is used to treat several types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. It works by stabilizing microtubules and interfering with the changes needed for normal cell division. However, not all cancer cells respond equally to the drug.

Discovering defects inside stabilized microtubules

To investigate how microtubules behave when exposed to paclitaxel, Xin Zhang and colleagues, led by Richard W. Wong at Kanazawa University, used high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM).

This technique uses an extremely fine probe to scan biological structures in liquid and produce a rapid sequence of images with nanometer-scale detail. Unlike conventional methods that provide static pictures, HS-AFM allows researchers to follow structural changes as they occur.

The team prepared microtubules from purified tubulin proteins, stabilized them with paclitaxel and observed their behavior over time.

At first, many microtubules appeared stable. Their overall tubular shape remained intact, and the researchers could resolve the regularly arranged protein units that make up their walls.

Closer examination, however, revealed something unexpected.

Small defects appeared within otherwise intact regions of the microtubule wall. Some began as shallow depressions only a few nanometers across before gradually developing into larger structural disruptions.

These defects matter because they can weaken the microtubule wall and determine whether the structure remains intact or begins to collapse. Some defects underwent partial repair, while others grew and triggered the breakdown of the microtubule, sometimes spreading in both directions from the damaged region.

Importantly, these changes occurred within the microtubule itself rather than exclusively at its ends, even though the structures had been treated with paclitaxel.

The observations suggest that microtubule stability depends not only on what happens at its ends but also on the condition of the protein framework along its entire length. Tiny structural defects can therefore have consequences for the stability of the whole microtubule.

Four different ways microtubules can collapse

One of the study’s most significant findings was the identification of four distinct patterns of microtubule breakdown.

By analyzing 73 collapse events, the researchers found that 42 percent began at one end of a microtubule, consistent with the conventional model.

However, almost as many events, 40 percent, began at defects within the microtubule wall. In these cases, the structure broke down in both directions from the damaged region.

Another 10 percent of events involved simultaneous breakdown from both ends, while the remaining 8 percent began at multiple sites within the microtubule.

The results show that internal structural defects are a substantial source of microtubule instability under the experimental conditions.

The team also observed temporary structural changes in which parts of the microtubule surface formed curved or arc-like features. Some of these regions underwent further remodeling or partial recovery before either stabilizing or progressing toward collapse.

These observations suggest that microtubule breakdown can develop through a series of structural changes rather than always occurring as a single abrupt event.

Based on these observations, the researchers propose a model called Spontaneous Lattice Decoupling (SLD). The model describes how tiny defects within the microtubule wall can follow two different paths: some undergo repair, allowing the structure to remain intact, while others develop into larger disruptions that eventually cause the microtubule to collapse.

“Microtubules may look stable from the outside, but our observations show that tiny defects can develop within their structure and sometimes lead to complete collapse,” said Richard W. Wong of Kanazawa University’s Nano Life Science Institute. “What is particularly interesting is that these changes can occur even when the microtubules are treated with a drug designed to stabilize them.”

What the findings mean for cancer treatment

Paclitaxel (Taxol) is widely used to treat breast, ovarian, lung and other cancers. It works by stabilizing microtubules and disrupting the structural changes needed for cell division, thereby preventing cancer cells from multiplying.

However, resistance to paclitaxel remains a major clinical challenge. Although several mechanisms of resistance have been identified, the nanoscale structural behavior of microtubules exposed to the drug is not yet fully understood.

The new findings raise an important question: why do microtubules remain vulnerable to structural damage even when treated with a drug designed to stabilize them?

The new findings reveal that paclitaxel-treated microtubules are not necessarily rigid or structurally uniform. Although the drug preserves their overall shape, localized regions can remain vulnerable to structural changes.

This raises the possibility that differences in microtubule structure and the ability to repair or propagate small defects could influence how cells respond to drugs that target microtubules.

The researchers propose a framework in which small structural defects develop, undergo local remodeling, and sometimes progress to microtubule collapse. This sequence provides a way to understand how apparently stable microtubules can still undergo substantial structural changes.

The findings could eventually contribute to research aimed at understanding why some cancer cells respond differently to paclitaxel and related drugs.

However, the present study does not establish a mechanism of drug resistance in cancer cells or demonstrate a new treatment strategy.

The researchers now hope to investigate microtubules associated with cancer cells that are resistant to paclitaxel. By comparing their nanoscale structural behavior with that of microtubules from drug-sensitive cells, they aim to determine whether differences in defect formation, structural stability and repair contribute to resistance. Such studies could provide new insights into why some cancers respond less effectively to microtubule-targeting drugs.

A new view of microtubule stability

Beyond cancer treatment, the findings have implications for understanding the basic biology of microtubules.

These structures are involved in many essential cellular processes, including chromosome separation, intracellular transport and the organization of cell components. Their stability depends on interactions between the individual protein units that form their walls.

The study shows that small local disruptions can have very different outcomes. Some remain temporary and recover, while others spread and lead to the breakdown of an entire microtubule.

The researchers also found that the overall bending of a microtubule was not significantly associated with whether it collapsed. Instead, localized defects appeared to be more closely related to where breakdown began and how it progressed.

By observing these changes directly, the study provides a more detailed picture of how microtubules maintain their structure and how that structure can fail.

Study limitations

The experiments were conducted on microtubules assembled from purified proteins and observed under laboratory conditions rather than inside living cells.

The paclitaxel concentration was selected to provide strong stabilization during prolonged imaging and should not be interpreted as reproducing drug exposure in patients.

Although control experiments showed similar structural changes under different sample preparation conditions, the researchers cannot completely exclude the possibility that interactions between the HS-AFM probe and the microtubules influenced some of the observations

Further studies will be needed to determine how these structural processes occur inside cells and whether they contribute directly to differences in cancer drug sensitivity or resistance.

Figure

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/En.png

Figure. Spontaneous Lattice Decoupling (SLD) model of microtubule stability and collapse

Schematic illustration of the Spontaneous Lattice Decoupling (SLD) model proposed from high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) observations. Tiny defects in the microtubule wall can follow two different pathways. Some undergo structural repair and regrowth, allowing the microtubule to remain intact. Others develop into larger disruptions that spread through the structure and eventually cause it to collapse. The findings reveal how local structural defects can influence whether a microtubule survives or breaks apart.

Image credit: Xin Zhang. Illustration prepared with the assistance of ChatGPT (OpenAI)

Reference

Xin Zhang, Keesiang Lim, Tomohiro Shima, Elma Sakinatus Sajidah, Masaharu Hazawa, Masahide Kikkawa, Toshio Ando and Richard W. Wong. “Zooming into the Cytoskeleton: Nanodefect-Initiated Microtubule Catastrophe Filmed by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy.” ACS Nano (2026).

DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6c07269

URL: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.6c07269

Funding

This research was supported by MEXT/JSPS KAKENHI grants JP24K18449, JP22H05537, JP22H02209, JP23H04278, JP24H01276, JP25H02360, JP26K01637 and JP26K22904; and JPMJSP2135; JST CREST grant JPMJCR22E3; and support from the Takeda Science Foundation and Shimadzu Science Foundation. The research also received support through the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), Japan.

Acknowledgements

The researchers thank Professor Tomoyuki Tanaka and Dr. Shuyu Li of the University of Dundee for providing GMPCPP-stabilized microtubules, Professor Yu Wu of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, for clinical discussions on leukemia, and Ms. Zeyang Lin for assistance with chemical illustrations and graphical design. They also acknowledge members of the Richard Wong laboratory.

Media Contact

Motoko YASUHARA (Ms)
Project Planning and Outreach, NanoLSI Administration Office
Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University
Email: nanokoho@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp 
Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

About the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University

The Nano Life Science Institute at Kanazawa University develops advanced nanoprobe technologies to directly image, analyze and manipulate biomolecules in living systems. By exploring previously inaccessible nanoscale phenomena, the institute seeks to uncover fundamental principles of life and disease.

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ 

About the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI)

The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to establish globally visible research centers with outstanding research environments and a high degree of autonomy. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

https://www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel/ 

About Kanazawa University

Founded in 1862 in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa University is one of Japan’s leading comprehensive national universities. The university promotes interdisciplinary research and international collaboration across science, medicine, engineering, the humanities and social sciences.

https://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/ 

 

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Warhound Launches with $200 Million to Rebuild America’s Military Working Dog Supply, Using Advanced Genetics and Defense Technology

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October 23, 2026

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Company will produce genetically enhanced working dogs that leverage cybernetics technology to improve health and performance while ending reliance on foreign suppliers

DALLAS and COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Warhound, a new defense technology company conceived by American technology entrepreneurs Ben Lamm and Palmer Luckey emerged from stealth with a $200 million seed round. Warhound will rebuild America’s domestic supply of elite working dogs for U.S. military forces, law-enforcement, emergency first response teams—a critical national security resource that the U.S. has long relied on foreign countries to provide. Led by CEO David Spirk, the company will reduce dependence on a shrinking European supply chain and strengthen America’s ability to protect its own people, infrastructure, and national security interests.

Warhound is modernizing America’s working-dog program by delivering a vertically integrated program, combining Colossal’s enhanced genetics platform and secure biobanking capabilities of America’s top-performing dog arsenal, controlled delivery through cloning with best-in-class training and animal care. Through a partnership, all dogs will be equipped by Anduril’s advanced cybernetic Augments, software, and battlefield situational awareness. The company is backed by In-Q-Tel, Sequoia Capital, ARK Invest, Franklin Templeton, 8VC, USIT, Bob Nelsen, Breyer Capital, CAZ Investments, Neogenesis, Builders VC, and Lux Capital among others. Based in Texas, Warhound will operate under the guidance of the American Humane Society which will certify its training programs and support the reunification of retired military working dogs with their former handlers and adoption protocols.

“Palmer, Ben and the Warhound team are exceptional. Sequoia is proud to back them,” said Shaun Maguire, Partner at Sequoia Capital.

Warhound is bringing together Colossal’s breakthroughs in genetics, cloning, and animal biology with Anduril’s advanced defense technology to fundamentally change how America produces, trains, and protects its military working dogs. Colossal’s science will help produce healthier dogs with characteristics suited to demanding missions, while Anduril’s technology will give dogs and their handlers greater awareness and protection in the field.

“Every day, we ask dogs to put their lives on the line to protect ours. They detect explosives, protect our troops, and run toward dangers that most people are trained to run away from. Yet we’re still relying on outdated approaches to breeding and training these extraordinary animals, with too many never making it through the process. We have an opportunity to fundamentally change that. Colossal has spent years pioneering breakthroughs in genetics, cloning, and animal biology, and now we’re applying that science to give these dogs the best possible chance at a long, healthy life and a successful mission. If we’re going to ask man’s best friend to protect America, we owe it to them to use every tool at our disposal to protect them, too,” said Ben Lamm.

Since the Army established the K-9 Corps in 1942, military working dogs have served alongside America’s armed forces for more than 84 years—detecting threats, protecting service members and supporting missions worldwide. That program has evolved in The United States Department of War’s (DOW) Military Working Dog Program, which currently includes 2,200+ working dog teams that are operationally critical for detection and patrol work, and a critical part of the defense infrastructure of the country. More than 80% of U.S. military working dogs are currently acquired from Europe, creating a critical interdependency on foreign nations for an asset the Pentagon itself calls irreplaceable. That dependency is compounding: after a rigorous, roughly three-year acquisition-and-training pipeline, less than half of the dogs procured are ultimately deemed fit for service, meaning the U.S. must source and train roughly 200 dogs today to field 100 working animals tomorrow.

“Man’s best friend deserves man’s best tech,” said Palmer Luckey. 

David Spirk has been named the CEO of Warhound. As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he worked as an intelligence specialist with multiple deployments and ultimately served as the Deputy Associate Director of National Intelligence for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence representing the Intelligence Community at the White House and on Capital Hill. He has an extensive background in the U.S. military, intelligence community, and federal data governance, specifically focused on scaling algorithmic warfare and creating data driven advantages. More recently, he was a Senior Counselor at Palantir Technologies where he focused on expanding the company’s software footprints across the U.S. government, allied international partners, and commercial sectors. Previously, he was appointed the First Chief Data Officer (CDO) for the Department of War, where he worked on accelerating the military’s data-driven capabilities and was the first CDO for the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

“Our long-term goal is simple: healthier dogs, better-prepared teams, and more service members and first responders coming home safely. Leading Warhound, and strengthening America’s working-dog capabilities, is an opportunity to apply my experience to a mission I care deeply about: protecting people and helping the animals who support them,” said David Spirk. “My focus is building a team that can turn scientific advances into capabilities that work in the field.”

Building Healthier, More Capable Working Dogs to Protect Both Dogs and People
The concept of Warhound was conceived years ago by Palmer and Ben after a discussion at Peter Diamandis’ Moonshots Summit. Military working-dog programs face a costly challenge: more than half of candidate dogs fail to complete training, while reliance on overseas breeders leaves the United States dependent on a constrained foreign supply chain. Warhound was created to improve that system—producing fewer dogs with a greater likelihood of remaining healthy, completing training, and succeeding in their missions.

Warhound dog-and-handler teams will also connect Anduril’s integrated capabilities—including eye and ear protection and Eagle Eye technology—will help safeguard working dogs, their handlers and the wider unit while supporting safer, more effective missions.

“For millennia, people have selectively bred dogs to be companions and helpmates. Modern biotechnology gives us a more precise way to shape some of their traits, thus improving both the work dogs do and their own health and well-being,” said Alta Charo, Warren P. Knowles Professor Emerita of Law and Bioethics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. “The Warhound project offers the possibility of improving working dogs’ health and welfare while supporting the lifesaving work they do. But we still must look carefully at who benefits, what risks the animals bear, and how concern for animal welfare translates into practice through careful evaluation of the evidence, meaningful oversight, and responsibility for the dogs throughout their lives, including retirement. The American Humane Society brings valuable experience through its military working dog reunification efforts and Pups4Patriots program. That experience provides a foundation, but public trust has to be earned through the care we provide and the commitments we keep.”

Animal welfare is central to the program. By improving health, durability, and training success, Warhound will significantly reduce washouts, limit the number of dogs unnecessarily entering intensive training and enable safer, more effective missions. Technologies and therapeutics developed through the program will also be made available to all dogs and ultimately improve the health of all dogs, not only those serving alongside America’s service men and women. Together, these capabilities will establish a secure domestic supply of military working dogs while giving American service members healthier, more capable canine partners.

“Working dogs are extraordinary animals whose courage and loyalty save lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “We owe these dogs a commitment to their well-being that matches their service to us. What excites me about Warhound is the opportunity to make health, welfare, and exceptional care fundamental to a working-dog program from the very beginning. Success means helping these dogs thrive throughout their lives—from training and active service to the loving, dignified retirement every canine hero deserves.”

Warhound is built to take today’s level of performance and make it better: using cutting edge engineering and technology, on American soil, from American companies, without the wait times, price volatility, or geopolitical exposure of a foreign supply chain.

About Warhound
Warhound is a Texas-based defense technology company building a secure domestic supply of healthier, more capable working dogs for the U.S. military, law enforcement and emergency responders. Conceived by Palmer Luckey and Ben Lamm, Warhound combines biotechnology licensed from Colossal Biosciences with advanced training and Anduril’s cybernetic augments and software. The company aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, improve canine health and performance, and enhance safety for dogs and their handlers. Animal welfare is central to Warhound’s mission, with a commitment to lifelong care from birth through training, service and retirement. To follow along, please visit: warhound.com.

About Anduril
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that builds autonomous systems and a common operating layer to give the United States and its allies a persistent advantage in sensing, decision-making, and force projection.

About the American Humane Society
The American Humane Society is the country’s first national humane organization and a global leader in animal welfare. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been at the forefront of protecting animals, rescuing them from cruelty, abuse, and natural disasters, and setting the gold standard in science-based welfare certifications. The organization oversees prominent programs including the iconic “No Animals Were Harmed®” film and television certification, the American Humane Certified™ farm and zoo standards, military working dog reunifications, and the Pups4Patriots™ service dog program. Learn more at americanhumane.org. 

About Colossal Biosciences
Colossal was founded by emerging technology and software entrepreneur Ben Lamm and world-renowned geneticist and serial biotech entrepreneur George Church, Ph.D., and is the first to apply CRISPR technology for the purposes of species de-extinction. Colossal creates innovative technologies for species restoration, critically endangered species protection and the repopulation of critical ecosystems that support the continuation of life on Earth. Colossal is accepting humanity’s duty to restore Earth to a healthier state, while also solving for the future economies and biological necessities of the human condition through cutting-edge science and technologies. To follow along, please visit: www.colossal.com.

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Best Version Media Names Chris Laurence Next CEO; Kevin O’Brien Transitions to CRO

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October 23, 2026

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Leadership investment strengthens companywide execution and sharpens focus on Publisher success and revenue growth

BROOKFIELD, Wis., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Best Version Media (BVM), a local media and marketing company serving more than 1,300 communities across the United States and Canada, today announced that Chris Laurence has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer. Kevin O’Brien, who previously served as CEO, will transition to Chief Revenue Officer, focusing on leading BVM’s sales field and accelerating revenue growth.

The appointments reflect BVM’s investment in leadership to support its next stage of growth. By establishing dedicated executive leadership for the broader organization and the sales field, BVM is strengthening its ability to execute across the business while supporting its independent Publishers and the local businesses they serve.

“Our growth has brought us to a point where leading the overall company and leading our sales field each deserve a dedicated focus,” said O’Brien. “This transition allows me to concentrate on working with our sales leaders and Publishers, strengthening the field, and helping more local businesses connect with their communities. I’m excited to partner with Chris as we build on BVM’s momentum.”

Laurence brings experience as CEO, CFO, and COO of public, private, and private equity-backed companies, where he has led growth, operational improvement, and technology transformation. Before moving into operating roles, he was a general partner at Brentwood Associates, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm.

“BVM has built a powerful combination of community storytelling, local relationships, and marketing solutions for small businesses,” said Laurence. “I look forward to working with Kevin and the entire team to build on that foundation, strengthen how we operate, and support the success of our Publishers and clients.”

As CEO, Laurence will lead BVM’s overall strategy and operations, working with the team to scale operations and support the success of our Publishers and the local businesses they serve. As CRO, O’Brien will focus on sales leadership, Publisher growth, and revenue generation. Together, they will help advance BVM’s print and digital offerings and position the company for continued growth.

About Best Version Media

Founded in 2007, Best Version Media (BVM) connects local businesses with customers through community magazines, targeted digital advertising, and online presence management tools. Serving more than 1,300 communities across the United States and Canada, BVM’s network of independent Publishers builds relationships with local businesses and brings community stories to life. BVM is a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital. To learn more, visit www.bestversionmedia.com.

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Dow and Small Caps Climb Weekly While Nasdaq Slips on Megacap Earnings Charges

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October 23, 2026

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VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stock Preachers News Commentary – Stocks closed a volatile earnings week with a split verdict: the Dow gained 0.64% and the Russell 2000 jumped 2.07%, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.45% and the S&P 500 slipped 0.22%. The VIX rose to 19.40 and the VXN climbed to 28.13 as traders weighed a wave of third-quarter results. Gold dropped 3.47% and silver fell 4.90% on the week, while WTI crude rose 3.74% on Thursday alone. The 10-year Treasury yield eased 11 basis points to 4.99%. Active Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META), Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN), RTX (NYSE: RTX), IBM (NYSE: IBM), and First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCNCA).

Large-cap benchmarks diverged sharply this week. The Dow closed at 52,337.54, up 0.64% for the week despite a 1% drop on Friday, while the S&P 500 ended at 7,642.22, down 0.22% weekly after touching a week high of 7,770.40. The Nasdaq Composite settled at 26,022.45, down 0.45% on the week, dragged by a rough stretch for megacap tech following a batch of earnings reports.

The Russell 2000 was the standout, closing at 2,777.63 for a 2.07% weekly gain, outperforming its large-cap peers as investors rotated toward smaller names. RSI readings show the Nasdaq at 38.9 and the S&P 500 at 43.5, both in cooler territory, while the Dow’s RSI of 54.1 reflects its relative strength this week.

Volatility ticked higher into the weekend, with the VIX up 0.96 points for the week to 19.40 and the VXN up a full point to 28.13. In commodities, natural gas spiked 8.66% on Thursday alone even as it remained down 0.65% for the week, while copper rose 2.44% daily. The dollar firmed slightly against the euro, with EUR/USD down 0.24% on the week to 1.12.

The full report also breaks down key support and resistance levels for each index, additional earnings movers, and sentiment heading into next week’s sessions.

CONTINUED… Read this and more news for Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META), Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN), RTX (NYSE: RTX), IBM (NYSE: IBM), and First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCNCA) at: https://stockpreachers.com/articles/small-caps-lead-big-tech-lags-as-earnings-season-shakes-the-tape/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META) Meta reported third-quarter revenue of $64.60 billion, up 26% year over year, but net income of $9.86 billion reflected a $9.89 billion charge tied to an agreement with 52 state attorneys general over teen mental health and social media litigation. Diluted EPS was $3.83, up 265% year over year; excluding the litigation charge, EPS would have been $7.40.

Operating margin fell to 20% from 40% a year earlier, while costs and expenses rose 68% to $51.61 billion. Capital expenditures, including finance lease payments, totaled $34.91 billion, and free cash flow was negative $2.12 billion for the quarter.

“We hit major milestones this quarter toward delivering personal superintelligence for everyone – including launching Muse and Muse Wonder, our first frontier model,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Meta founder and CEO. “Our investments are paying off, the core business is strong, and we’re seeing velocity across the board.” The company guided fourth-quarter revenue to a range of $73-76 billion and raised full-year 2026 total expense guidance to $175-179 billion. Read the release.

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) Texas Instruments reported third-quarter revenue of $6.06 billion, up 28% from a year earlier, with net income of $2.43 billion and earnings per share of $2.62. Operating profit rose 73% to $2.87 billion, and revenue increased 11% sequentially.

“Revenue increased 11% sequentially and 28% from the same quarter a year ago with continued broad growth in industrial, automotive and data center,” said Haviv Ilan, TI’s chairman, president and CEO. Trailing 12-month cash flow from operations was $9.9 billion, with free cash flow of $8.4 billion.

The company returned $5.8 billion to shareholders over the trailing 12 months and guided fourth-quarter revenue to a range of $5.80 billion to $6.30 billion, with earnings per share expected between $2.45 and $2.79. Read the release.

RTX (NYSE: RTX) RTX reported third-quarter sales of $25.0 billion, up 11% versus the prior year and 12% organically, with adjusted EPS of $2.26, up 33% from a year earlier. GAAP EPS was $1.89. Operating cash flow was $2.9 billion and free cash flow was $2.1 billion, with results including $0.25 of IEEPA cost recovery per share.

The company’s backlog reached a record $340 billion, including $176 billion commercial and $164 billion defense, after over $81 billion of new awards including Tomahawk and AMRAAM multi-year production contracts.

“Our strong execution and operational focus in the third quarter enabled RTX to deliver double-digit organic sales growth across commercial aerospace and defense,” said RTX Chairman and CEO Chris Calio. The company raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $7.65-$7.75 and adjusted sales guidance to $97.0-$97.5 billion. Read the release.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) IBM reported third-quarter revenue of $17.1 billion, up 5% as reported and 6% at constant currency, with Software revenue up 8% and Infrastructure revenue up 4%. GAAP diluted earnings per share were $2.31, up 26% year over year, while operating (non-GAAP) EPS was $2.95, up 11%.

The company generated $4.0 billion in net cash from operating activities in the quarter and $3.0 billion in free cash flow, up $0.7 billion year over year. Year to date, free cash flow reached $7.8 billion.

“Disciplined execution throughout the quarter drove accelerated revenue growth and strong free cash flow,” said Arvind Krishna, IBM chairman, president and chief executive officer. IBM now expects full-year free cash flow to increase by more than $1 billion year over year, while continuing to guide constant currency revenue growth of four to five percent. Read the release.

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCNCA) First Citizens BancShares reported third-quarter net income of $606 million, down from $672 million in the linked quarter. Net income available to common stockholders was $577 million, or $51.23 per common share, a $63 million decrease from the prior quarter’s $640 million.

Net interest income rose to $1.70 billion, up $43 million from the linked quarter, while net interest margin declined 3 basis points to 3.07%. The company completed its BMO Branch Acquisition on September 4, 2026, assuming approximately $4.9 billion in deposits and acquiring approximately $650 million in loans.

“We returned $600 million to our stockholders through share repurchases and further optimized our balance sheet by repaying another $8.0 billion of the Purchase Money Note,” said Chairman and CEO Frank B. Holding, Jr. The board approved a new repurchase plan authorizing up to $1.2 billion of Class A common shares through 2027. Read the release.

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