Nvidia shares rise on strong Q1 earnings, despite export control headwinds

Core Viewpoint - Nvidia reported strong first-quarter earnings, exceeding analysts' expectations, but projected lower second-quarter sales due to tightening export controls to China affecting its AI chips [1][2]. Financial Performance - First-quarter net income increased by 26% year-over-year, reaching nearly $19 billion, while revenue rose to $44 billion, marking a 69% increase from the previous year [2]. - Revenue from data centers was $39 billion in the first quarter, up 10% from the previous quarter and 73% from the same period last year [3]. Strategic Developments - Nvidia is investing in U.S. factories and collaborating with partners to produce AI supercomputers domestically [3][4]. - The company’s CEO highlighted the launch of the Blackwell NVL72 AI supercomputer, which is now in full-scale production [3]. Market Demand - Global demand for Nvidia's AI infrastructure is described as incredibly strong, with AI inference token generation increasing tenfold in just one year [6]. - The CEO emphasized that AI is becoming essential infrastructure, akin to electricity and the internet, positioning Nvidia at the center of this transformation [6]. Export Challenges - Nvidia was informed by the U.S. government on April 9 that it would require a license to export its H20 products to China, leading to a charge of several billion dollars in the first quarter [7][10]. - The company incurred a $4.5 billion charge related to excess inventory and purchase obligations due to diminished demand for H20 products [10]. - Nvidia anticipates missing $8 billion in sales in the second quarter due to these export restrictions [10].