This week’s stock market highlights reflect significant developments both in Singapore’s financial landscape and on a global scale, with key activities ranging from lucrative contracts in the energy sector to a shifting leadership landscape in the technology market.
Seatrium Limited has made headlines by securing a substantial contract from BP Exploration and Production Inc., focusing on the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the Tiber Floating Production Unit (FPU) in the Gulf of America. This contract signifies Seatrium’s second deepwater project for BP, following a previous award for the Kaskida FPU in December 2024. The Tiber FPU is designed to achieve a production capacity of 80,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with commencement projected for 2030. Notably, over 85% of its design will replicate the Kaskida FPU, allowing the company to leverage supply chain efficiencies. With this contract, Seatrium expects its contract wins for 2025 to surpass S$2 billion, reinforcing its role as a leading provider of deepwater energy solutions.
In the tech sector, Apple Inc. appears poised to reclaim its title as the world’s largest smartphone maker for the first time in over a decade. According to Counterpoint Research, the launch of the iPhone 17 series has led to an impressive double-digit growth in sales across both the United States and China. Projections indicate that Apple will achieve a 19.4% global market share in 2025, surpassing Samsung’s 18.7%. This anticipated growth is attributed to a significant replacement cycle, as consumers who acquired devices during the pandemic are now looking to upgrade. Apple’s strong position is expected to be bolstered further by the upcoming release of a foldable iPhone in 2026 and a major redesign slated for 2027.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has reported a notable 34% year-on-year increase in its cloud computing revenue, reaching 39.8 billion yuan for the quarter ending September 2025. This growth surpasses the previous quarter’s 26% rise and is significantly fueled by AI-related product offerings, which have achieved triple-digit growth for nine consecutive quarters. Overall group revenue rose by 5% to 247.8 billion yuan (approximately US$35 billion). However, net profit plunged by 52% due to considerable investments in consumer subsidies and data center expansions in a competitive e-commerce environment. CEO Eddie Wu highlighted the challenges of meeting customer demand for AI, hinting at plans to exceed a previously announced investment commitment. Alibaba’s shares have rallied over 90% year-to-date amid optimistic market sentiment regarding its AI advancements.
Additionally, Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited has reported a third-quarter portfolio performance that aligns with expectations, maintaining its profit guidance for the full year. The diversified conglomerate is set for a leadership transition, with Lincoln Pan taking over as CEO on December 1, 2025. Its Indonesian subsidiary, Astra, reported stable revenue but a slight decline in underlying profit, balanced by stronger results in financial services and motorcycle operations. DFI Retail Group stood out with a remarkable 48% year-on-year increase in underlying profit, attributed to lower financing costs and better performance among subsidiaries. The Mandarin Oriental also reported modest net profit growth, backed by robust revenue per available room (RevPAR) increases in various regions. Jardine Matheson has effectively reduced its net debt to US$25 million and announced a US$250 million share buyback program to enhance shareholder value.
The impact of generative artificial intelligence on the stock market continues to emerge, challenging traditional notions of how companies leverage technology for growth. Broadening the conversation beyond just which firms employ AI, investors are encouraged to consider the innovative strategies these companies adopt to dominate their markets and reshape the broader business landscape. A comprehensive report titled “How GenAI is Reshaping the Stock Market” is available for those seeking clearer insights for potential investments.
For the latest updates and analyses in investing, follow our platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.
