Qualcomm’s ambitious Snapdragon X laptop push has fallen short, with only 720,000 units sold globally in Q3 2024, representing less than 1% of the AI PC market. Despite sequential growth, the platform remains a niche player, facing stiff competition from x86 chipmakers.
Apple’s iPhone sales in China saw a slight decline in the third quarter, but the iPhone 16 series maintained its strong performance, helping Apple regain its second position in the market. Huawei’s resurgence, driven by its advanced processor and patriotic appeal, also boosted the market, while Xiaomi and Honor continued their strong performance.
Samsung is set to unveil its highly anticipated ‘Special Edition’ Galaxy Z Fold 6 on October 25th, aiming to regain market share amidst increasing competition from Apple. The new foldable phone boasts a sleek design, larger displays, and potential availability in China, marking a strategic move for Samsung.
Barclays has upgraded CVS Health to Overweight, citing strong performance in the Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness (PCW) segment and potential upside from cost-saving initiatives. Despite challenging economic conditions, CVS’s diversified business model and market share gains have helped it weather the storm. The analyst expects continued market share growth, particularly as competitor Walgreens Boots Alliance moves to close unprofitable stores.
AirAsia is set to increase its presence in the Malaysian domestic travel market by adding 2,000 weekly flights and 150,000 seats across 40 routes by the end of 2024. This expansion aims to meet the rising demand for year-end travel and solidify AirAsia’s position as the market leader with a projected 64% market share. The airline also unveils a new fare option, AirAsia Plus, offering additional benefits for passengers traveling from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport.
Apple’s market share in China plummets to sixth place as local brands like Vivo, OPPO, HONOR, Huawei, and Xiaomi gain ground. The uncertainty surrounding Apple’s AI features in China, coupled with pricing pressures and inventory issues, contribute to its struggles. Meanwhile, Chinese brands leverage AI integration and strong local supply chains to capture the premium smartphone market.
The cannabis edibles market is exploding, with gummies taking the lead. Wyld, Incredibles, Wana, and Kiva-Camino are the top contenders, capturing a significant share of the market. Consumer loyalty is high, with 45% consistently purchasing the same brand. Word-of-mouth recommendations also play a vital role in driving consumer choices. This booming industry, estimated at $2.2 billion, is attracting numerous brands eager to capitalize on the growing demand for edibles.
Decibel Cannabis Company Inc. (DB, DBCCF) has reported exceeding expectations with its new flower strategy. The company’s QWEST brand, re-launched in July with a focus on affordable quality, has seen a significant increase in demand, both domestically and internationally. Despite recent sales declines, Decibel is making strategic moves to improve operational efficiency and achieve a free cash flow run rate of $10 million per year.
AMD is strategically focusing on the mainstream and mid-range gaming GPU market, aiming to capture 40%-50% market share. This shift away from directly competing with Nvidia’s high-end GPUs is a strategic move to build scale and challenge Nvidia’s dominance in the gaming sector. AMD’s recent acquisition of ZT Systems and hiring of Keith Strier, previously responsible for Nvidia’s foreign government engagements, further underscores its focus on AI and expanding its market presence.
India has overtaken the United States to become the world’s second-largest 5G smartphone market, according to Counterpoint Research. This growth is fueled by strong sales from brands like Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi, particularly in the budget segment. The adoption of 5G technology is accelerating, with over half of all handsets shipped in the first half of 2024 being 5G-enabled.
