Meta Platforms has launched its first stock option program for top executives since going public, with the potential to pay some leaders hundreds of millions of dollars if aggressive growth targets are met. The program aims to reach a $9 trillion company valuation, reflecting the social media giant's ambitious expansion plans amid intensifying competition in artificial intelligence.

The executive compensation initiative comes as Meta faces mounting pressure to catch up with competitors in the AI race. The stock options represent what company sources describe as a "big bet" on retaining and motivating senior leadership during a critical period of technological transformation.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is reportedly preparing to file for an initial public offering as early as this week, according to reports from The Information. The potential IPO would mark a significant milestone for Elon Musk's space exploration company, which has become one of the most valuable private companies in the world.

In the semiconductor sector, Arm Holdings saw its stock rise 6% after CEO Rene Haas issued a $15 billion revenue expectation for the company's new chip technology. The projection signals confidence in the chip designer's ability to capitalize on growing demand for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing applications.

Other notable corporate developments include OpenAI's nonprofit arm naming new leadership while targeting $1 billion in spending for 2026, and a Blackstone-backed group led by David Blitzer acquiring the Royal Challengers Bangalore cricket franchise for $1.8 billion. Additionally, Merck is reportedly nearing a $6 billion acquisition of Terns Pharma to strengthen its cancer treatment portfolio.