WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Nvidia Shares Slip After Earnings

Date: August 28, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This Tech Minute delivers a rapid breakdown of emerging developments in the tech sector, focusing on Nvidia’s recent earnings release and its ripple effects across global markets, electric vehicle competition in Europe, and the real-world limitations of drive-thru AI ordering systems.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nvidia Shares Slip After Earnings (00:32)

• Earnings Beat, but AI Chip Segment Disappoints:
  Nvidia surpassed Wall Street’s broad expectations; however, it underperformed in its flagship AI chip segment.
• Market Reaction:
  Shares of Nvidia edged lower in premarket trading, signaling investor concern despite the broader beat.
  Quote:

  "The chipmaker beat Wall Street expectations, except in its key AI chip segment. Nvidia shares edged lower in premarket trading after the world's most valuable company forecast cooling demand for its AI chips."
  (Julie Chang, 00:37)

• Global Supply Chain Impact:
  TSMC, a crucial supplier for Nvidia, saw its share price retreat in Taiwan. Chinese semiconductor stocks, meanwhile, surged, highlighting regional divergences triggered by Nvidia’s results.
• Asia Challenges:
  The episode hints at difficulties Nvidia faces within Asia’s largest markets, both in demand and competitive landscape.

2. BYD Outsells Tesla in Europe (01:07)

• Competitive Dynamics in Electric Vehicles:
  China's BYD continues to outpace Tesla in European sales.
• Market Data:
  According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, BYD registrations tripled year-over-year to 9,700 vehicles in July, while Tesla's registrations dropped by over 42% to 6,600. Quote:

  "BYD models more than tripled on year to nearly 9,700 vehicles across the EU in July. In contrast, registrations for Tesla models contracted more than 42% to 6,600 cars."
  (Julie Chang, 01:23)

• Ongoing Trend:
  This was not a one-off; BYD first surpassed Tesla in sales back in April and has maintained the lead, reflecting Tesla’s ongoing struggle with intensified competition.

3. Taco Bell’s Drive-Thru Voice AI Misfires (01:44)

• Experimentation with Drive-Thru AI:
  Taco Bell implemented voice AI technology in over 500 drive-thru locations beginning last year.
• Customer Frustration and System Trolling:
  The system suffered from glitches and delays, leading to customer complaints. Some people exploited the technology, famously trying to order "18,000 cups of water." Quote:

  "Others have trolled the system by ordering 18,000 cups of water, for example."
  (Julie Chang, 01:56)

• Reassessing the Role of AI:
  Taco Bell’s technology leadership is reconsidering whether it makes sense to use AI exclusively for drive-thru ordering, hinting at a possible strategic shift.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On Nvidia’s AI chip demand prediction:

  "Nvidia shares edged lower in premaket trading after the world's most valuable company forecast cooling demand for its AI chips."
  (Julie Chang, 00:39)

• On BYD’s aggressive European push:

  "It's a sign that Elon Musk's electric vehicle maker continues to face stiff competition from its Chinese rival as it expands aggressively in the continent."
  (Julie Chang, 01:17)

• On Taco Bell’s voice AI issues:

  "Taco Bell's chief digital and technology officer said it might not make sense to exclusively use AI at every drive thru."
  (Julie Chang, 02:07)

Timeline & Timestamps

| Topic | Timestamp | |--------------------------|---------------| | Nvidia Earnings & Market | 00:32 - 01:07 | | BYD vs. Tesla in Europe | 01:07 - 01:44 | | Taco Bell Drive-Thru AI | 01:44 - 02:07 |

Tone & Language

Julie Chang delivers the news with a brisk, analytical tone, emphasizing both numbers and business implications. The segment remains factual, succinct, and free of speculation or editorializing.

Summary

This TNB Tech Minute offers quick and valuable context for a fast-shifting tech landscape:

• Nvidia's AI market shine is dimming as demand forecasts chill, rattling suppliers and shifting the balance in regional chip stocks.
• BYD is consolidating its lead over Tesla in Europe, underlining the new realities of EV competition.
• Tech experiments don’t always go as planned: Taco Bell’s AI ordering setbacks highlight that rollout and reliability matter as much as innovation.

Listeners are left with a clear snapshot of today's technology headlines, informed by up-to-the-minute data and grounded in the realities faced by industry leaders.