Monday's pre-market session reveals a variety of developments across multiple sectors as investors keep a close eye on specific stock movements and corporate announcements. With U.S. stock futures generally pointing higher, certain equities have attracted particular focus due to recent news releases affecting their stock valuations.
Bank OZK, trading on NASDAQ under the ticker OZK, recently announced an incremental raise in its quarterly dividend payout. The bank has increased its per-share dividend from 45 cents to 46 cents, reflecting a modest yet meaningful enhancement aimed at rewarding shareholders. This adjustment has corresponded with a slight uptick in the stock price, which advanced by 0.1% to settle at $47.10 during after-hours trading, as reported by Benzinga Pro.
Meanwhile, Photronics, Inc., known on NASDAQ as PLAB, communicated a significant leadership change within its technical division. Dr. Christopher Progler, who has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, will be vacating his role. Following this announcement, Photronics shares gained 1.5% in after-hours trade, reaching $33.90. The market's positive reception could indicate investor confidence in the company's capacity to manage the transition without disrupting its technology roadmap.
Notably, GH Research PLC, listed at NASDAQ under GHRS, experienced a substantial surge in after-market trading. The company revealed intentions to provide an update concerning its U.S. Food and Drug Administration Investigational New Drug (IND) status alongside progress about its Phase 3 clinical trial program for its experimental compound GH001, targeting treatment-resistant depression. This disclosure stimulated a pronounced market response, with GH Research shares climbing 22.4% and trading at $16.20 during extended hours. The considerable jump reflects investor optimism around the potential advancement of the drug development process.
Riot Platforms Inc, with its NASDAQ symbol RIOT, announced a forthcoming executive appointment effective March 1, 2026. Jason Chung will join as Chief Financial Officer, marking a strategic leadership update aimed at strengthening financial oversight. In the wake of this announcement, Riot Platforms shares climbed 1% to $14.30 in after-hours trading sessions, signaling investor approval of the company's executive direction.
In the utility sector, NextEra Energy Inc (NYSE: NEE) reiterated its adjusted earnings guidance for the coming years. The company projects adjusted earnings per share ranging from $3.62 to $3.70 for the fiscal year 2025, and from $3.92 to $4.02 for 2026. Furthermore, NextEra is targeting compound annual growth of adjusted EPS at or above 8% through 2032, with a sustained long-term goal of 8% growth through 2035. This guidance underscores the company's commitment to delivering consistent earnings expansion. NextEra Energy's shares modestly increased by 0.1% to $81.00 after hours.
Collectively, these updates reflect current market dynamics where financial performance, leadership changes, and clinical advancement news materially influence investor sentiment. Market participants may find these developments informative when considering portfolio adjustments or assessing sector-specific trends across financial services, technology, biotechnology, and energy utilities.