WSJ Tech News Briefing – TNB Tech Minute: XPeng Within Striking Distance of Profitability
Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Zoe Culkin, The Wall Street Journal
Episode Overview
This episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing focuses on emerging trends and news in the global tech landscape, zooming in on XPeng's narrowing losses and near-profitability, Prosus's impressive earnings driven primarily by Tencent, and Johnson & Johnson's acquisition in the biotech sector. The episode delivers concise updates on groundbreaking movements in tech, auto, and healthcare.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. XPeng Approaching Profitability
- Narrowed Net Loss: XPeng, a prominent Chinese carmaker, has significantly reduced its net loss in the third quarter, closing in on profitability despite stiff competition in the Chinese auto market.
- Quote (00:28): “XPeng significantly narrowed its net loss in the third quarter due to robust sales and margins, bringing the Chinese carmaker close to profitability despite a competitive Chinese auto market.” — Zoe Culkin
- Sales Milestone: October deliveries reached a new all-time high, boosted by XPeng’s strength in advanced autonomous driving technology.
- Innovation & Future Plans:
- Launch of the humanoid robot, “Iron,” slated for mass production by the end of next year.
- Introduction of three new robo taxi models expected in 2026 for ride-hailing services.
- Quote (00:44): “Earlier this month, the company unveiled its humanoid robot Iron, with plans for mass production by the end of next year, as well as plans to release three robo-taxi models in 2026 for ride hailing services.” — Zoe Culkin
- Analyst Outlook: Industry analysts anticipate XPeng will turn a profit in Q4 2025.
2. Prosus Reports Strong Earnings, Driven by Tencent
- Earnings Growth: Prosus, listed in Amsterdam and Tencent’s largest shareholder, expects up to a 37% increase in earnings per share for H1 2025, year-over-year.
- This growth is attributed to:
- Revenue and profitability increases from Tencent and Prosus's e-commerce operations.
- Exclusion of currency translation losses.
- Quote (01:03): “The Amsterdam listed technology investor said it expects earnings per share from continuing operations for the six months through the end of September to be up by up to 37% compared with the year earlier period.” — Zoe Culkin
- This growth is attributed to:
3. Johnson & Johnson’s Biotech Acquisition
- Acquisition of Halda Therapeutics: J&J has agreed to purchase Halda Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech company, for just over $3 billion in cash.
- Strategic Benefits: The acquisition bolsters J&J’s oncology pipeline and brings Halda’s proprietary platform to develop targeted oral therapies for solid tumors (including prostate cancer).
- Financial Impact: The purchase is expected to reduce J&J’s 2026 adjusted per share earnings by about $0.15, due to short-term financing and charges related to equity awards for Halda employees.
- Quote (01:28): “JJ said the deal is slated to close within the next few months and adds Halda's proprietary platform to develop oral targeted therapies for multiple types of solid tumors, including prostate cancer.” — Zoe Culkin
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- XPeng’s Momentum: “XPeng continued its strong sales streak with deliveries reaching a new high in October, supported by its advanced autonomous driving technology.” (00:36)
- Robo Innovations: “Earlier this month, the company unveiled its humanoid robot Iron, with plans for mass production by the end of next year…” (00:44)
- Earnings Upswing: “Earnings per share from continuing operations… up by up to 37%... reflecting growth in revenue and profitability at the group’s e-commerce operations and its investments, mainly Tencent...” (01:09)
- Biotech Investment: “JJ said the deal is slated to close within the next few months and adds Halda’s proprietary platform to develop oral targeted therapies... including prostate cancer.” (01:28)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- XPeng’s Financial Update & Technology Push - 00:19–00:54
- Prosus/Tencent Earnings Report - 00:54–01:19
- Johnson & Johnson Acquires Halda Therapeutics - 01:19–01:52
Tone & Style
The briefing is fast-paced, factual, and focused on delivering concise insights directly relevant to tech industry watchers and investors. Zoe Culkin maintains a professional, authoritative, and up-to-date tone throughout the episode.
For more updates, tune in to the next WSJ Tech News Briefing Tech Minute!