Welcome to this week’s edition of top stock market highlights.
This week saw significant developments across the Singapore and global markets, from major offshore contract wins to shifting dynamics in the smartphone industry.
We also examine how artificial intelligence continues to drive growth for Chinese tech giants and review a diversified conglomerate’s portfolio performance.
Seatrium Bags Second BP Deepwater Contract
Seatrium Limited (SGX: 5E2) has secured a contract from BP Exploration and Production Inc. for the engineering, procurement, construction and onshore commissioning of the Tiber Floating Production Unit (FPU) in the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico).
This marks Seatrium’s second consecutive deepwater project for BP, following the Kaskida FPU awarded in December 2024.
The Tiber FPU will have a production capacity of 80,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is slated to commence production in 2030.
More than 85% of the Tiber FPU’s design will replicate the Kaskida FPU, allowing Seatrium to harness supply chain efficiencies through its series-build approach.
The award lifts Seatrium’s 2025 contract wins above S$2 billion, reinforcing its position as a leading provider of deepwater energy solutions and adding to its growing portfolio of FPUs for major global energy clients.
Apple Set to Become World’s Top Phone Maker
Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) is poised to reclaim its crown as the world’s largest smartphone maker for the first time since 2011, according to Counterpoint Research.
The iPhone 17 series, launched in September, has driven double-digit year-on-year sales growth in both the United States and China.
Counterpoint projects iPhone shipments will grow 10% in 2025, compared with Samsung’s 4.6%, giving Apple a projected global market share of 19.4% versus Samsung’s 18.7%.
The research firm attributes this surge to a replacement cycle reaching its inflection point, as consumers who purchased devices during the pandemic boom are now upgrading.
Apple is expected to maintain its lead through 2029, supported by the upcoming launch of a foldable iPhone in 2026 and a major design overhaul in 2027.
Alibaba’s Cloud Revenue Surges 34% on AI Demand
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE: BABA) reported a 34% year on year (YoY) jump in cloud computing revenue to 39.8 billion yuan for the quarter ended September 2025, accelerating from the 26% growth recorded in the previous quarter.
AI-related product revenue achieved triple-digit YoY growth for the ninth consecutive quarter.
Overall group revenue increased 5% to 247.8 billion yuan (US$35 billion), though net profit fell 52% due to heavy investments in consumer subsidies and data centres amid fierce e-commerce competition.
CEO Eddie Wu noted the company cannot keep pace with customer demand for AI, with plans to potentially exceed the 380 billion yuan three-year AI investment pledge announced earlier this year.
Alibaba’s shares have gained more than 90% year-to-date, fuelled by optimism over its AI progress.
Jardine Matheson Maintains Full-Year Guidance
Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (SGX: J36) reported third-quarter portfolio performance in line with expectations, maintaining its full-year profit guidance unchanged.
The diversified conglomerate also confirmed that Lincoln Pan will succeed John Witt as CEO on 1 December 2025.
Indonesian subsidiary Astra reported flat revenue with a modest decrease in underlying profit, offset by stronger performance in financial services and motorcycle operations.
DFI Retail Group delivered a standout result with underlying profit surging 48% YoY, supported by lower financing costs and improved subsidiary performance.
Mandarin Oriental saw slightly higher net profit with robust RevPAR growth in most regions.
Jardine Matheson has reduced net debt to just US$25 million and announced a US$250 million share buyback programme in early November.
Generative AI is reshaping the stock market, but not in the way most investors think. It’s not just about which companies are using AI. It’s about how they’re using it to unlock new revenue, dominate their markets, and quietly reshape the business world. Our latest FREE report “How GenAI is Reshaping the Stock Market” breaks the hype down, so you can invest with greater clarity and confidence. Click here to download your copy today.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses!
