Medpace Holdings (MEDP) shares experienced a significant drop on Thursday after the company's first-quarter bookings fell short of analyst expectations. Despite reporting an otherwise strong financial performance and reaffirming its full-year guidance, the contract research organization (CRO) recorded a book-to-bill ratio of 0.88x, missing Street forecasts ranging from 0.98x to 1.04x. This unexpected bookings miss sent MEDP stock to a nine-month low.

Oklo's stock experienced a significant surge, primarily driven by its new collaboration with Nvidia and Los Alamos National Laboratory to advance nuclear energy solutions for AI infrastructure. This partnership, alongside a bullish 'buy' rating and a $96 price target from HSBC, signals strong market confidence in the company's future in the advanced nuclear energy sector. The company's innovative approach to AI-powered nuclear research positions it as a key player in sustainable energy for the burgeoning AI industry.

Knight-Swift Transportation is forecasting significant increases in contractual rates for the current and upcoming bidding periods, driven by a tightening freight market. Regulatory pressures and rising fuel costs are reducing available capacity, prompting shippers to secure peak-season transport early. Despite a recent net loss, the company expects improved earnings and operational efficiency across its truckload, LTL, and brokerage segments, signaling a potential market turnaround.

Lockheed Martin's stock fell by 4.7% after its Q1 2026 earnings report revealed a miss on both sales and profit targets. The defense contractor reported $6.44 per share in earnings and $18 billion in sales, below analysts' expectations of $6.74 per share and $18.3 billion. This decline occurred despite increasing demand for its defense products, leading to negative free cash flow for the quarter.

Microsoft has initiated its inaugural voluntary retirement buyout program for US employees, marking a significant shift from the tech giant's historical reliance on layoffs. Approximately 7% of its domestic workforce, or around 8,750 individuals, are eligible for this one-time offering, which includes attractive healthcare benefits and no restrictions on future employment. This move comes as Microsoft continues to invest heavily in AI infrastructure and reorganizes its pay structure.