WSJ Tech News Briefing: TNB Tech Minute – Spotify’s Subscribers Grew in the Fourth Quarter

Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Julie Chang (Wall Street Journal)

Overview

This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing's "TNB Tech Minute" delivers rapid, up-to-date headlines on major players in the tech world, centering on Spotify’s subscriber and revenue growth, major losses for Honda’s auto division due to tariffs and electric vehicle (EV) strategy missteps, and a strong finish to the year for China’s SMIC, the contract chip manufacturer. The briefing provides key financials, market responses, and strategic pivots made by these prominent companies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Spotify’s Robust Fourth Quarter Results

• Global Expansion & New Features:
  • Spotify grew its user base in Q4 2025 by broadening audiobook availability globally and introducing the ability to follow music venues for show updates.
• Subscriber Growth:
  • Monthly active users reached 751 million — an 11% year-over-year increase.
  • Premium subscribers totaled 290 million, up 10% for the year.
• Financials:
  • Net income surged 86% compared to the previous year.
  • Revenue climbed 10% year-over-year.
  • As of January 2026, U.S. premium subscriptions now cost $12.99/month (a $1 increase).
• Quote:
  • “Spotify's monthly active users grew to 751 million, up 11% from the same quarter a year ago. Premium subscribers increased by 10% to 290 million for the full year.” (Julie Chang, 00:29)
• Industry Ties:
  • Noted that Dow Jones (parent of WSJ) has a content partnership with Spotify.

2. Honda’s Losing Quarter and Strategic Pivot

• EV-Related Losses & Impairments:
  • Honda was hit by U.S. tariffs and large one-time EV-related charges (almost $280 million).
• Strategy Shift:
  • Executives admitted to drastically needing to change the company’s EV approach in the U.S. and to scrap plans in China.
• Production Challenges:
  • North American output declined due to a late-2025 chip shortage from Dutch supplier Nexperia.
• Profit & Revenue Impact:
  • Q3 operating profit dropped 61%.
  • Full-year revenue is projected to decline by 2.7%.
• Quote:
  • “An executive said today the company needed to drastically change its EV strategy in the US where the market is clearly slowing, and scrap its previous plans in China.” (Julie Chang, 01:27)

3. SMIC’s Strong Earnings Amid China’s Tech Push

• Record Revenue and Profit:
  • Annual revenue surpassed $9 billion.
  • Q4 net profit rose 61% to nearly $173 million.
  • Q4 revenue increased 13% to nearly $2.5 billion.
• Strategic Position:
  • SMIC continues to benefit from China’s tech self-sufficiency policies.
  • The foundry flags both opportunities (localization) and ongoing challenges (rising memory chip prices).
• Quote:
  • “SMIC, China's largest and most advanced chip foundry, reported a 61% rise in fourth quarter net profit from a year earlier to nearly $173 million. Revenue increased 13% to almost $2.5 billion.” (Julie Chang, 02:07)
• Cautious Outlook:
  • Despite strong results, SMIC expects the next quarter to involve significant opportunities and headwinds.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:29] Julie Chang: “Spotify's monthly active users grew to 751 million, up 11% from the same quarter a year ago. Premium subscribers increased by 10% to 290 million for the full year.”
• [01:27] Julie Chang: “An executive said today the company needed to drastically change its EV strategy in the US where the market is clearly slowing, and scrap its previous plans in China.”
• [02:07] Julie Chang: “SMIC, China's largest and most advanced chip foundry, reported a 61% rise in fourth quarter net profit from a year earlier to nearly $173 million. Revenue increased 13% to almost $2.5 billion.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Spotify Quarterly Report & Feature Updates: 00:27 – 01:05
• Honda’s Q3 Losses and Production Issues: 01:11 – 01:40
• SMIC Q4 Performance and Outlook: 01:40 – 02:36

Summary Tone

Concise, fact-driven, and analytical, mirroring the WSJ’s journalistic style. The episode efficiently cycles through financial performance, market strategy shifts, and ongoing tech industry challenges, highlighting both company wins and setbacks without commentary or broader opinion.