TechCapsules

Instacart reportedly discussed selling itself with DoorDash and Uber

Instacart has engaged an investment bank to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, after multiple reports indicated it held acquisition talks with DoorDash and earlier discussions with Uber, which later withdrew. The grocery‑delivery platform, valued at over $13 billion and up 25 % year‑to‑date, appears to be testing market appetite before competition intensifies. Bloomberg noted the talks remain preliminary and may not culminate in a transaction. Following the news, Instacart’s shares jumped more than 9.2 % on Friday, while the stocks of Uber and DoorDash fell. TechCrunch has sought comment from Instacart, which has not yet responded. Analysts say a merger could reshape the on‑demand grocery sector by consolidating logistics networks and expanding geographic coverage, while preserving brand identity for existing customers.

💡 A sale would give DoorDash a foothold in grocery delivery, instantly broadening its service portfolio beyond restaurant meals.

Mehmet Sanliol (Evercore): Why quantum valuations hinge on 2030 revenue multiples and…

Evercore managing director Mehmet Sanliol explained how investors value public quantum companies, emphasizing that most are priced on 2030‑2035 revenue multiples discounted at roughly 25 %. He advised private quantum firms to consider IPOs or SPACs only after achieving key milestones and sufficient funding, noting that public markets offer liquidity but also scrutiny. Sanliol highlighted the role of equity for acquisitions and the importance of consolidation in shaping the industry’s next phase.

💡 The discussion clarifies that quantum valuations hinge on long‑term revenue projections, underscoring the sector’s high‑risk, high‑reward nature and the strategic timing of market entry.

Tesla reports Q3 Earnings today: here’s what to expect

Tesla announced Q3 earnings, delivering 486,532 vehicles—surpassing the 462,000 consensus estimate—yet a 2.1% decline from the prior year. Energy storage deployments rose to 13.7 GWh. Analysts predict $28.34 B in revenue, $0.43 non‑GAAP EPS, a 2.5% operating margin, and $721 M operating income, with free cash flow around –$4.51 B. Key focus points include automotive gross margin, energy storage profitability, and updates on Cybercab, Unsupervised FSD, and Robotaxi progress. The earnings call will stream after market close.

💡 The results reveal how Tesla balances growth with margin pressure, while its updates on autonomous and robotaxi initiatives could reshape future revenue streams.

Tesla Q3 2026 Earnings results: in-line revenues, slight beat on EPS

Tesla reported third‑quarter 2026 results with revenue of $28.046 billion, below analysts’ $28.34 billion forecast, while non‑GAAP earnings per share came in at $0.48 versus the expected $0.45. Operating margin edged higher to 2.6% and operating income reached $718 million, under the $721 million consensus. Free cash flow turned positive at $1.531 billion, a contrast to the $4.5 billion negative estimate. The company highlighted a 75% attach rate for Full Self‑Driving (Supervised) on new North‑American deliveries, a near‑20‑

Micron Invests in New York Critical Minerals Processing With Indium Corporation

Micron Technology announced a strategic investment in Indium Corporation’s Rome, New York, facility to expand critical‑mineral refining and high‑purity material production for advanced semiconductors. The partnership, part of Micron’s $3 billion U.S. supply‑chain plan, will secure a long‑term supply of indium and other essential minerals, reducing dependence on overseas processing. The deal aligns with Micron’s broader goal of boosting domestic semiconductor manufacturing and supports the company’s projected $250 billion spend through 2035.

💡 By re‑establishing domestic critical‑mineral processing, the partnership cuts a key vulnerability in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain, directly supporting national security and the growth of high‑tech manufacturing in Upstate New York.

Loop Capital cuts AAPL target to $330 over complicated 2026-2027 iPhone cycle

Loop Capital downgraded Apple to a Hold rating and lowered its price target from $370 to $330, citing a projected decline in iPhone shipments through 2026‑2027. Analyst Ananda Baruah noted that Apple’s staggered release schedule and supply‑chain constraints—particularly memory and processor shortages—will prevent the company from recovering the 13 million units omitted from its second‑half 2026 plan. Loop now projects 79 million iPhone shipments for Q4 2026, versus Wall Street’s 85 million estimate, and expects no rebound in 2027.

💡 The downgrade signals growing concern over Apple’s ability to sustain its flagship product’s momentum, potentially reshaping investor expectations for the tech giant’s near‑term earnings.