S&P Global is heading into a critical Q3 earnings test on Oct. 27, as it tries to show that AI-driven growth can offset slowing renewal activity. The company posted a record Ratings quarter with revenue up 17%, but Market Intelligence grew only 6% as large customers delay renewals. Kensho API usage has surged, with over 500 LLM-ready customers, up more than 70% from the prior quarter, and API calls running over five times first-quarter levels. Still, management must prove that increased AI traffic actually converts into revenue.
SpaceX reported a dramatic jump in its super intelligence segment, which earned $7.56 billion in Q3, up 830% from $813 million a year earlier. The division includes the Grok AI model and subscription platforms. X ad revenue also rose from $454 million to $538 million. SpaceX acquired xAI before going public, bringing the AI business and social media site X under one umbrella.
Seismic, the San Diego-based sales enablement company now valued at $6 billion, is putting AI agents to work in real sales environments. Its AI coach named Mike Davis role-plays tough sales calls with employees at Expedia, Visa and IBM. Expedia found that reps who practiced with Mike Davis won 5% more deals on average. Seismic merged with competitor Highspot in August to form the combined entity.
Google partnered with Voltus to expand a virtual power plant in the PJM electric grid, adding 1,070 megawatts of capacity by gathering energy resources from homes and businesses. The project aims to reduce strain on the grid during high demand periods, responding to growing electricity needs from AI and data centers. PJM serves about 67 million people across 13 states and Washington, D.C.
Tom Lee, Fundstrat Managing Partner, said the recent AI stock selloff is nearing its end and presents a buying opportunity, particularly in Nvidia, memory stocks, software and the Magnificent Seven. He compared the current setup to Cisco's decline in 1997 before its resurgence. Lee pointed to Treasury yields falling back below 5% and possible Fed dovishness as reasons for optimism.
Marvell Technology launched new AI connectivity products aimed at helping customers process and analyze large amounts of data in real time. The products are part of Marvell's push to expand its portfolio in data centers, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. CEO said the innovation is expected to have a significant impact on the company's stock price, and Marvell's shares have risen in recent months on growing demand.
Qualys released TruRisk Eliminate 2.0 with TruConfidence, an AI-driven remediation engine for cybersecurity. The stock closed at $216.70, while fair value is estimated at $181.03, suggesting it is about 20% overvalued. Shares rose 4.08% in one day and 19.69% in one week. Qualys trades at 36.3x earnings, which is lower than peers but higher than the broader software group.
Two serious PHP security flaws called PHP2Shell were exposed this week, letting attackers take over servers and steal data. AI tools were used to find and exploit the flaws at massive speed after they became public. The PHP Foundation released a patch on October 21, but many older PHP versions remain unprotected. Regular users are advised to avoid broken websites, watch for phishing emails, and monitor bank statements.
StudyLabAI, a Kenyan ed-tech startup, built an AI-powered study platform that turns student slides, lecture recordings and notes into interactive tools. The company has signed up over 90,000 learners across more than 100 countries and has grown without raising outside funding.
Key Takeaways
- S&P Global reports Q3 earnings Oct. 27 with Kensho API customers topping 500, up over 70% from last quarter, but renewal delays threaten Market Intelligence growth.
- SpaceX super intelligence segment earned $7.56 billion in Q3, up 830% from $813 million a year earlier, including Grok AI and subscription platforms.
- Seismic's AI sales coach Mike Davis helps reps at Expedia, Visa and IBM win 5% more deals on average; company valued at $6 billion after merging with Highspot.
- Google partnered with Voltus to expand a virtual power plant adding 1,070 megawatts of capacity to support AI and data center energy needs in the PJM grid.
- Tom Lee says the AI stock selloff is nearing its end and sees buying opportunities in Nvidia, memory stocks, software and the Magnificent Seven.
- Marvell Technology launched new AI connectivity products for data centers, with shares rising on growing demand.
- Qualys stock trades about 20% above fair value at $216.70 despite strong interest in its AI-driven TruRisk Eliminate 2.0 security product.
- AI tools were used to exploit PHP2Shell security flaws at massive speed after they became public, though a patch was released Oct. 21.
- StudyLabAI has signed up over 90,000 learners across 100+ countries without raising outside funding, turning course materials into interactive AI study tools.
- SpaceX's X ad revenue rose from $454 million to $538 million in Q3 following the xAI acquisition.
S&P Global faces key Q3 test as Kensho APIs and $11T refinancing wall clash with sales delays
S&P Global reports Q3 results on Oct. 27 after a record Ratings quarter where revenue rose 17%. However, Market Intelligence grew only 6% as large customers delay renewals. Kensho API usage surged with over 500 LLM-ready customers, but the company must prove that AI traffic converts to real revenue. Management expects about $11 trillion in rated debt to need refinancing over the next 4.5 years.
S&P Global's Q3 results will show if Kensho AI growth can overcome renewal slowdown
S&P Global reports Q3 earnings on Oct. 27 with a key question: whether Kensho API momentum can offset slowing Market Intelligence renewals. LLM-ready API customers topped 500, up over 70% from last quarter, and API calls ran more than 5 times first-quarter levels. Large customers are stretching out renewals while negotiating AI use and IP protection. Full-year adjusted EPS guidance remains at $17.50 to $17.75.
Seismic's AI sales coach Mike Davis trains staff at Expedia, Visa and IBM
Seismic built an AI agent named Mike Davis that role-plays tough sales calls with employees at Expedia, Visa and IBM. The San Diego company, now valued at $6 billion, says the bot acts like a tireless sales manager. Expedia found that reps who practiced with Mike Davis won 5% more deals on average. Seismic merged with competitor Highspot in August to create the combined $6 billion company.
Marvell Technology launches new AI connectivity products for data centers
Marvell Technology announced new AI connectivity products designed to help customers process and analyze large amounts of data in real time. The products are part of Marvell's push to expand its portfolio in data centers, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. CEO said the innovation is expected to have a significant impact on the company's stock price. Marvell's shares have risen in recent months on growing demand.
Tom Lee says AI selloff is nearing its end and sees opportunity in Nvidia
Fundstrat Managing Partner Tom Lee said the recent AI stock selloff is near its end and presents a buying opportunity. He compared the current setup to Cisco's decline in 1997 before the stock resumed its advance. Lee pointed to Treasury yields falling back below 5% and possible Fed dovishness as reasons for optimism. He sees opportunity in Nvidia, memory stocks, software and the Magnificent Seven.
StudyLabAI offers AI tutors built from student course materials
Kenyan ed-tech startup StudyLabAI built an AI-powered study platform that turns student slides, lecture recordings, and notes into interactive tools. The company has signed up over 90,000 learners across more than 100 countries. It has grown without raising outside funding.
Qualys stock may be overvalued after AI security launch
Qualys released TruRisk Eliminate 2.0 with TruConfidence, an AI driven remediation engine for cybersecurity. The stock closed at $216.70, while fair value is estimated at $181.03, suggesting it is about 20% overvalued. Shares rose 4.08% in one day and 19.69% in one week. Qualys trades at 36.3x earnings, which is lower than peers but higher than the broader software group.
PHP cyber attacks highlight AI powered security risks for users
Two serious PHP security flaws called PHP2Shell were exposed this week, letting attackers take over servers and steal data. AI tools were used to find and exploit the flaws at massive speed after they became public. The PHP Foundation released a patch on October 21, but many older PHP versions remain unprotected. Regular users are advised to avoid broken websites, watch for phishing emails, and monitor bank statements.
SpaceX super intelligence segment drives rapid growth
SpaceX's super intelligence segment, previously called its AI business, earned $7.56 billion in Q3, up 830% from $813 million a year earlier. The division includes the Grok AI model and subscription platforms. X ad revenue rose from $454 million to $538 million. SpaceX acquired xAI before going public, bringing the AI business and social media site X under its control.
Google expands virtual power plant to support AI energy needs
Google partnered with Voltus to expand a virtual power plant in the PJM electric grid. The project gathers energy resources from homes and businesses and adds 1,070 megawatts of capacity. It aims to reduce strain on the grid during high demand periods. The effort responds to growing electricity needs from AI and data centers, and PJM serves about 67 million people across 13 states and Washington, D.C.
Sources
- S&P Global's AI Transition Faces Q3 Moment of Truth Oct. 27: Kensho APIs and $11T Refinancing Wall Need to Outrun Sales Bottlenecks
- S&P Global’s AI Transition Faces Q3 Moment of Truth Oct. 27: Kensho APIs and $11T Refinancing Wall Need to Outrun Sales Bottlenecks
- Mike Davis AI Sales Coach Used by Expedia, Visa, IBM
- Marvell Technology announces AI connectivity products: what it means for Marvell Technology stock
- Tom Lee Says AI Selloff Is Nearing Its End, Points To Setup Similar To Cisco's 1997 Rout — Sees Opportunity In NVDA, Software And Beyond
- Kenyan Startup StudyLabAI Gives Students an AI Tutor Built on Their Own Course Material
- Qualys (QLYS) Could Be 20% Above Fair Value After Its AI Security Launch
- I'm making these security changes in the wake of this week's AI cyber attacks — Windows users should do the same before the next one hits
- SpaceX's "Super Intelligence" Segment Just Made the Stock a Must-Own
- Google needs more electricity for AI. Its new solution starts inside homes and businesses
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