Growth

The global tablet market continues to thrive, with Q3 2025 shipments reaching 40 million units, a 5% year-over-year increase. Growth is driven by demand in regions like the Middle East, Central Europe and China, plus Japan’s GIGA 2.0 education initiative boosting Chrome tablet shipments. Apple leads the tablet market, while Lenovo shows strong growth driven by EMEA commercial tablet sales. Omdia anticipates a potential slowdown in 2026 due to softening replacement demand, necessitating innovation in hardware and software.

Despite reporting better-than-expected Q3 revenue ($13.47B vs. $13.28B expected) and strong growth (revenue up 20% YoY), Uber shares fell 5%. Key highlights included EPS of $3.11, a 22% increase in trips to 3.5 billion, and a surge to 189 million monthly active platform consumers. Net income nearly tripled to $6.6B, boosted by tax and investment benefits. Uber anticipates Q4 gross bookings of $52.25B-$53.75B and adjusted EBITDA of $2.41B-$2.51B. CEO Khosrowshahi emphasized innovation, affordability, and AI integration as drivers of future growth.

Palantir (PLTR) reported strong quarterly results, exceeding expectations with $1.18 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of 21 cents. The company’s AI Platform (AIP) is driving growth, reflected in a 63% revenue surge and a more than tripled net income. Q4 revenue guidance is optimistic at $1.33 billion. U.S. government and commercial sectors saw substantial growth. Palantir raised full-year revenue and free cash flow forecasts. Fueled by retail investor enthusiasm, shares have surged. CEO Karp acknowledges AI market risks but asserts Palantir’s strength.

Zeekr Intelligent Technology Holding Limited (ZK) announced October 2025 deliveries of 61,636 vehicles across Zeekr and Lynk & Co brands, a 9.8% year-over-year increase and a 20.5% month-over-month jump. Zeekr-branded EVs accounted for 21,423 units. The growth is attributed to customer trust, with over 2.15 million cumulative users. Zeekr focuses on differentiation through vehicle design, ADAS, OTA updates, and charging infrastructure. Analysts emphasize the importance of software, e-powertrain technology, and EV supply chain development for Zeekr’s long-term competitiveness.

XPeng reported a record-breaking month in October 2025, delivering 42,013 smart EVs, a 76% year-over-year increase. This marks the second consecutive month exceeding 40,000 deliveries. Year-to-date deliveries reached 355,209, a 190% increase from 2024. XPeng is expanding internationally, entering seven new markets, and its XNGP driver assistance system boasts an 86% urban driving penetration rate. The company will showcase its AI advancements at the upcoming XPeng AI Day event.

IBM reported a strong Q3, exceeding expectations with adjusted EPS of $2.65 and revenue of $16.33 billion. Revenue grew 9% year-over-year, driven by AI traction, with AI-related bookings surpassing $9.5 billion. IBM raised its full-year revenue growth forecast to “more than” 5% and free cash flow to $14 billion. Software and Consulting revenues also performed well, with Infrastructure experiencing a significant increase. Despite the positive results, shares dipped in after-hours trading.

The UK’s AI sector is experiencing explosive growth, outpacing the broader economy significantly since 2022. Revenues reached £23.9 billion fueled by over 5,800 AI companies, a 58% increase since 2023, largely driven by SMEs. This growth has attracted substantial investment (£15 billion) and boosted employment. While London dominates, AI activity is spreading regionally. Key challenges include securing late-stage funding, addressing the talent gap and establishing clear regulations to maintain global competitiveness in this rapidly evolving field.

Ameriprise Financial welcomed financial advisors Chris Theis and Michael Thomas, formerly with Commonwealth Financial Network, to its independent channel. Managing over $150 million in combined client assets, they cited Ameriprise’s personalized support, growth-focused resources, and integrated technology as key factors in their decisions. Theis valued the boutique-like environment combined with robust support, while Thomas sought practice management tools to manage growth. Their moves highlight Ameriprise’s success in attracting talent amidst industry consolidation.

Taobao Flash Deals launched a RMB 50 billion subsidy program, leading to over 100% order growth for 589 brands on day one. Sectors like food, electronics, and apparel saw significant increases. Summer essentials, including heat-relief products and swimwear, are particularly popular. The initiative aims to boost consumer and merchant growth through coupons, red envelopes, and reduced commissions, fostering a collaborative consumption ecosystem.

Xiaomi’s investment partner, Pan Jiutang, commented on the company’s entry into the EV market. He believes Xiaomi’s presence benefits the industry by driving competition and focusing on consumer needs. Jiutang emphasized their premium electric vehicle strategy, targeting a large market. His comments respond to predictions of Xiaomi’s rapid growth potentially impacting competitors, with significant sales growth expected in the coming years.