What caused the sharp rise in selling expenses last quarter?

The sharp rise in selling expenses last quarter can be attributed to several factors: 1. **Increase in Sales and Marketing Personnel**: Companies like 51Talk Online Education Group and Zeekr Group saw significant increases in their sales and marketing expenses due to higher personnel costs related to increased sales and marketing personnel. This indicates a strategic expansion in their sales and marketing efforts, which can lead to higher expenses. 2. **New Product Development and Technology**: Zeekr Group's incremental design and development costs for new products and technologies contributed to the rise in selling, general, and administrative expenses. This suggests that the company is investing in its future growth and may lead to increased selling expenses as it markets new products. 3. **Strategic Shift and Market Expansion**: Companies like NIO Inc. experienced an increase in selling expenses as they expanded their vehicle deliveries and sales. This expansion can lead to higher marketing and sales expenses as they penetrate new markets and increase their customer base. 4. **Financial Difficulties and Cost Overruns**: Boeing faced financial difficulties and cost overruns on fixed-price contracts, which led to an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses. This indicates that such expenses can rise due to operational challenges within the company. In conclusion, the sharp rise in selling expenses last quarter can be attributed to a combination of factors including increase in sales and marketing personnel, new product development and technology, strategic shift and market expansion, and financial difficulties and cost overruns.