Tech

StubHub (STUB) shares fell 5% after hours following its first earnings report post-IPO in September 2025. While Q3 revenue beat expectations at $468.1 million, the company reported a significant $1.33 billion net loss, or $4.27 per share, attributed to a $1.4 billion IPO-related stock compensation charge. Gross Merchandise Sales (GMS) increased 11% year-over-year to $2.43 billion, but analysts cited challenging comparisons due to the prior year’s “Swift lift.” Since its $23.50 IPO, the stock has declined roughly 20%.

xAI, Elon Musk’s AI venture, is reportedly securing $15 billion in funding, pointing to strong investor interest despite Musk’s initial denial. This follows a previous $10 billion round valuing xAI at $200 billion, with funds mainly intended for GPUs. AI startup valuations are soaring, but xAI faces scrutiny regarding the environmental impact of its data centers and inaccurate information generated by Grok and Grokipedia. xAI acquired X for $33 billion, and Tesla integrates Grok while xAI invests in Tesla’s battery storage, indicating a complex ecosystem.

Verizon, facing market share decline, has appointed Dan Schulman as CEO to lead a strategic reset. Chairman Mark Bertolini cites increased competition and commoditization of 5G as key challenges. Schulman, formerly of PayPal, is evaluating cost structures and operational efficiencies to develop a new strategy. The focus will be on enhancing value for customers beyond price competition. Analysts anticipate initiatives to improve customer retention, expand into new markets, and optimize capital allocation as Verizon strives to regain its market leadership.

AI startup Cursor has raised $2.3 billion in a Series D funding round, valuing the company at $29.3 billion. The AI-assisted coding tool provider, founded by Anysphere in 2022, automates code generation, editing, and review, aiming to accelerate software development. Investors include Accel, Thrive Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, Coatue, Nvidia, and Google. Cursor claims to have surpassed $1 billion in annualized revenue since its 2023 launch. With competition from OpenAI, Anthropic, and others, the company will need continuous innovation to maintain its market position.

Uber launches Uber Ski, targeting the winter tourism market by offering transportation to nearly 40 ski resorts in the US, Canada, Switzerland, and France, available through March. Partnering with Vail Resorts, users can book rides directly to resorts and purchase Epic Passes via the app. Uber also enhances the user experience with UberXL/XXL options for gear and expands Uber Share to major airports, potentially cutting costs. They have released the “Send a Ride” option, similar to the Uber Eats gifting function.

Joby Aviation successfully completed the first test flight of its hybrid-electric defense aircraft, developed in collaboration with L3Harris. This milestone, achieved rapidly after the partnership announcement, highlights Joby’s agility in addressing evolving military needs amid shifting geopolitical priorities. While primarily focused on commercial eVTOLs, this venture showcases the versatility of Joby’s technology. The company is also pursuing FAA certification for commercial operations and expanding internationally, reflecting significant momentum in the broader advanced air mobility sector. Joby envisions future commercial applications for its hybrid technology.

Key topics include the end of the U.S. government shutdown with a short-term funding bill, but setting up future budget clashes. Disney’s Q4 results missed revenue estimates amidst streaming competition. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Trump’s attempt to fire a Federal Reserve Governor. Concerns are rising about the legality and safety of alternative funding programs for prescription drugs. Anthropic plans a $50 billion investment in AI infrastructure, facing political backlash over energy costs. New Epstein documents referencing Trump were released.

Tencent’s Q3 2025 earnings exceeded expectations with a 15% revenue increase, driven by AI advancements in advertising and gaming. Revenue reached 192.9 billion yuan, with operating profit at 63.6 billion yuan. Domestic gaming grew 15%, boosted by successful game launches, while international gaming surged 43%. Tencent is investing heavily in AI, including its HunYuan model, and expanding into European cloud computing, aiming to compete with industry leaders. Year-to-date, Tencent’s stock has increased 56.7%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit a record high, driven by traditional sectors like Goldman Sachs and Caterpillar, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq faltered due to valuation concerns despite gains in some AI-related stocks. Analysts view this divergence as a healthy market rebalancing, not necessarily excessive AI exuberance. Separately, private equity firms face challenges with “zombie companies” – stagnant portfolio companies difficult to sell, hindering fund performance. The market is watching to see if the “AI market” and the “everything else” market can move in tandem.

Firefly Aerospace (FLY) shares rose 15% after Q3 results surpassed expectations. Revenue jumped 38% year-over-year to $30.8 million, prompting an upward revision of full-year revenue guidance to $150-$158 million. Despite a $140.4 million net loss, attributed to IPO and other one-off costs, the report signals potential recovery. Since its August IPO, FLY has faced volatility and a rocket test failure, but secured a $177 million NASA contract and acquired SciTec. Investors should monitor cost management, operational efficiency, and contract execution for long-term success.