Summary3 min read

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

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!

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Transcript3 lines

[00:00]
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[00:20]
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Here's your morning TNB Tech minute for Monday, November 17th. I'm Zoe Culkin for the Wall Street Journal. 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. Xpeng continued its strong sales streak with deliveries reaching a new high in October, supported by its advanced autonomous driving technology. 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 2020 for ride hailing services. Analysts expect it will become profitable in the fourth quarter. Prosis Tencent holdings largest shareholder, expects its first half earnings to grow, boosted by increased profitability at the Chinese tech giant and its own E commerce business. 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, reflecting growth in revenue and profitability at the group's E commerce operations and its investments, mainly Tencent, as well as the exclusion of currency translation losses, according to the group. Ann Johnson Johnson has agreed to buy clinical stage biotech company Halda Therapeutics for just over $3 billion in cash in a deal that bolsters their oncology pipeline, 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. The company also said it expects the Halda acquisition will reduce its 2026 adjusted per share earnings by about $0.15 due to short term financing and a charge related to equity awards for Halda employees. That's your TNB Tech Minute. Join us again this afternoon for more.
[02:25]
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