This account is managed by Noah's Arc Capital Management. Our goal is provide Wall Street level insights to main street investors. Our research focus is mainly on 20th century stocks (old economy) undergoing a 21st century transformation, but occasionally we'll write on companies that help transform 20th century firms as well. We look for innovations in a business model that will cause a stock to change dramatically.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the ...

Core Insights - The race for advancements in quantum computing is intensifying, with Infinian being a key player in Europe [1][2] - Quantum computing is expected to revolutionize various industries by solving complex problems that current computers cannot handle [5][10] Company Overview - Infinian has a long history in semiconductor development and is now focusing on quantum computing components [2] - The company aims to scale up quantum computing capabilities, particularly in terms of qubit count and fidelity [6][9] Quantum Computing Fundamentals - Quantum computing utilizes qubits, which can represent multiple states simultaneously, unlike classical bits [3] - This capability allows quantum computers to perform parallel calculations, making them efficient for solving mathematically hard problems [4] Industry Applications - Industries such as chemistry, drug discovery, life sciences, logistics, and financial services show significant interest in quantum computing applications [5] - The integration of quantum computing with AI is expected to enhance problem-solving capabilities across various sectors [6] Future Outlook - While quantum computing is still in its early stages, experts predict that practical applications may emerge by the end of the decade [10] - The technology poses potential challenges, particularly regarding encryption and security, as its computing power could undermine current protocols [8][9]

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Core Insights - The demand for AI infrastructure is rapidly increasing, benefiting companies like Astera Labs (ALAB) and Cisco Systems (CSCO) [2][3] - Both companies are crucial in building AI and cloud data center infrastructure, providing essential technologies for connectivity and scalability [3] Astera Labs Overview - Astera Labs specializes in high-speed, low-latency connectivity solutions for AI servers, reporting Q3 2025 revenues of $230.6 million, a 20% sequential increase and 104% year-over-year growth [4] - The company maintains strong profitability with a 76% non-GAAP gross margin and a 41.7% non-GAAP operating margin, alongside cash and marketable securities totaling $1.13 billion [4] - Growth opportunities include the transition to PCIe Gen6, the shift from 400G to 800G Ethernet modules, and the acquisition of aiXscale/Xscale photonics to enhance optical technology for AI clusters [6] Cisco Systems Overview - Cisco Systems is positioned as a key player in global AI and cloud infrastructure, generating $14.9 billion in revenues in Q1 fiscal 2026, an 8% year-over-year increase, with a non-GAAP EPS of $1.00, up 10% year-over-year [9] - The company anticipates $3 billion in AI infrastructure revenues for fiscal 2026, driven by a 15% growth in its Networking segment and $1.3 billion in hyperscaler orders [9] - Cisco's strengths include a comprehensive AI networking portfolio and leadership in Silicon One, with significant growth opportunities in sovereign cloud deployments and partnerships [13][14] Performance Comparison - Over the past six months, Astera Labs shares have increased by 48.4%, outperforming the sector's 26.7% gain, while Cisco Systems shares rose by 19.7% [16] - Astera Labs trades at a forward 12-month P/S multiple of 21.71, significantly higher than Cisco Systems' 4.94, reflecting its stronger growth trajectory [18] Investment Considerations - Astera Labs is viewed as a higher-growth opportunity in AI infrastructure, driven by increasing hyperscaler demand and strong financial momentum, while Cisco Systems offers broader diversification and stability [19]

Core Insights - Cisco Systems, Inc. is a major player in the IP-based networking industry with a market capitalization of $301.2 billion, indicating its significant size and influence in the communication equipment sector [1][2]. Stock Performance - Cisco's stock reached an all-time high of $80.06 on November 20 and is currently trading 4.7% below that peak, with a 13.7% increase over the past three months, outperforming the Nasdaq Composite's 7.4% rise during the same period [3]. - Year-to-date, Cisco's stock has surged 28.9%, and over the past 52 weeks, it has increased by 29.9%, surpassing the S&P 500's gains of 19.2% and 20.8% respectively [4]. - The stock has consistently traded above its 200-day moving average since April and above its 50-day moving average since mid-October, indicating a bullish trend [4]. Financial Performance - Following the release of better-than-expected Q1 results on November 12, Cisco's stock prices rose by 4.6%. The company's revenues for the quarter grew 7.5% year-over-year to $14.9 billion, exceeding market expectations by 71 basis points [5]. - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 9.9% year-over-year to $1, surpassing consensus estimates by 2% [5]. Competitive Position - Cisco has outperformed its peer, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, which experienced a 3.8% decline over the past 52 weeks [6]. - Among 23 analysts covering Cisco stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with a mean price target of $86.31, suggesting a 13.1% upside potential from current price levels [6].

Core Insights - Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Cisco Systems (CSCO) are key competitors in the networking sector, with HPE emerging as a direct rival to Cisco following its acquisition of Juniper Networks [1][2] HPE Overview - HPE's networking business encompasses a wide range of services including wired and wireless local area networks, data center switching, software-defined wide-area networks, cellular network software, network security, and HPE Aruba Networking [3] - The acquisition of Juniper Networks on July 2, 2025, enhanced HPE's networking capabilities, allowing it to expand beyond campus and branch networking to include routers, data-center networking, and firewalls [4] - HPE's Networking operating profit reached $360 million, reflecting a 43% year-over-year increase in Q3 of fiscal 2025, driven by the Juniper acquisition and improvements in Intelligent Edge, which achieved an operating margin of 22.7% [5] - Despite gains in networking, HPE faces challenges from low-margin traditional server and high-capex AI server segments, which constitute a significant portion of its revenue [6] CSCO Overview - Cisco Systems is recognized as a leader in the networking space, offering a comprehensive portfolio that includes switching, routing, wireless, servers, software, and SaaS services [9][10] - In Q1 of fiscal 2026, Cisco's networking revenues reached $7.77 billion, marking a 15% year-over-year increase, driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure and campus networking solutions [10][12] - Cisco has experienced five consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, with product orders growing in the high teens during Q1 of fiscal 2026 [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cisco's fiscal 2026 revenues is $60.8 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 7.3% [13] Comparative Analysis - Year-to-date, HPE shares have decreased by 1.2%, while CSCO shares have increased by 28.8% [15] - HPE trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.68X, significantly lower than Cisco's 4.93X, indicating a disparity in market valuation [16] Conclusion - Both HPE and CSCO are capitalizing on the growing demand for advanced networking systems driven by AI and high-performance computing. However, HPE is experiencing margin compression in its server business, raising concerns for investors [19]

Core Insights - Cisco will participate in several financial community events in December 2025, including conferences and investor meetings, but no new financial information will be disclosed during these events [1][2]. Group 1: Upcoming Events - Cisco will take part in the UBS Global Technology and AI Conference on December 2, featuring a fireside chat at 9:55 am PST with representatives Bill Gartner and Sami Badri [2]. - On December 10, Cisco will attend the Nasdaq London Investor Conference and the Barclays TMT Conference, with various representatives participating in investor meetings and a fireside chat at 1:20 pm PST [2]. - The Melius Research Conference in New York on December 11 will also include Cisco's participation, with Sami Badri representing the company [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Cisco is recognized as a global technology leader, focusing on transforming organizational connectivity and security in the AI era, with over 40 years of experience [3]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to innovation, productivity enhancement, and digital resilience through AI-powered solutions and services [3]. - Cisco aims to foster a more connected and inclusive future, reflecting its core purpose [3].

Core Points - Cisco will host its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on December 16, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. PST via audio webcast [1] - Stockholders of record as of October 17, 2025, can vote and ask questions online during the meeting [1] - A replay of the Annual Stockholder Meeting will be available within 24 hours on the Cisco Investor Relations website [2] Company Overview - Cisco is a global technology leader that has been connecting the world securely for over 40 years [3] - The company focuses on AI-powered solutions and services to enhance innovation, productivity, and digital resilience [3] - Cisco is committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future [3]

Core Insights - Cisco Systems' networking revenues increased by 15% year-over-year to $7.77 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure and campus networking solutions [1][9] - The company anticipates a multi-year, multibillion-dollar refresh opportunity in campus networking as demand for next-gen solutions like smart switches and Wi-Fi 7 products grows [2] - Cisco expects to generate over $2 billion from high-performance networking products, supported by strategic partnerships and the launch of the Unified Edge platform [3][9] Networking Revenue Growth - Networking product orders grew in the high teens for the fifth consecutive quarter, indicating robust growth across hyperscale infrastructure, enterprise routing, campus switching, and industrial IoT [2] - The demand for next-gen solutions is expected to drive significant revenue growth in fiscal 2026 [2] Competitive Landscape - Cisco faces strong competition from Arista Networks and Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the networking domain [4] - Arista Networks is gaining traction in high-performance switching products, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise is focusing on AI and IoT to diversify its business [5][6] Stock Performance and Valuation - Cisco shares have appreciated 29.6% year-to-date, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector's return of 23.5% [7] - The stock is trading at a premium with a trailing 12-month price/book ratio of 6.42X compared to the industry average of 6.05X [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 earnings is $1.01 per share, reflecting a 7.45% growth from the previous year [13]

Core Viewpoint - US technology companies, including Amazon and Qualcomm, oppose the allocation of the upper 6GHz band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) services, advocating instead for the entire 6GHz band to be designated for Wi-Fi services due to concerns over technical and commercial readiness [1][8][10] Group 1: Spectrum Allocation and Auction - The Indian government has stated that 400MHz of airwaves in the 6GHz band are available for auction, with an additional 300MHz expected by 2030, and 500MHz to be delicensed for low-power applications like Wi-Fi [2][10] - Reliance Jio is pushing for the entire 1200MHz spectrum in the 6GHz band to be included in the upcoming auction, despite the government's decision to delicence part of the band for low-power applications [2][10] - Airtel and Qualcomm have called for the deferment of the auction for the 6425-6725 MHz and 7025-7125 MHz bands, citing the need for ecosystem readiness and alignment with global standards [4][10] Group 2: Industry Associations' Stance - The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) opposes the delicensing of the 6GHz band, arguing that licensed IMT spectrum is essential for quality service and scalability for future applications like 6G [5][6][10] - COAI warns that delicensing any part of the 6GHz band could permanently limit India's digital capacity and affordable service provision [6][10] - The Manufacturers Association of Information Technology (MAIT) supports the idea of allowing unlicensed access in the lower 6GHz band and suggests extending this to parts of the upper 6GHz for future Wi-Fi generations [7][10]