Forget the Magnificent 7, it's now the Magnificent 2

Core Insights - The AI landscape is evolving, with companies like Alphabet and Broadcom developing specialized AI chips, reducing reliance on Nvidia, which remains a leader in AI hardware [1][2] - The initial "Magnificent Seven" (Mag 7) stocks, which included major tech players, are showing signs of underperformance compared to emerging AI-focused companies [5][11] - Companies like Micron and Credo Technology have demonstrated significant revenue and earnings growth, outperforming many of the Mag 7 stocks [6][7][9] Group 1: AI Market Dynamics - The AI buildout is accelerating, revealing new beneficiaries beyond the traditional tech giants [2] - Only Alphabet and Nvidia have generated excess returns against the market benchmark, indicating a maturing AI trend [3][5] - The Mag 7 stocks, initially seen as a one-trade opportunity, are now facing challenges in maintaining growth [4][10] Group 2: Performance Metrics - In Q3 2025, Micron reported a 57% sales growth and 167% EPS growth, while Credo Technology saw a remarkable 272% sales growth and 857% EPS growth [8] - The Mag 7 stocks showed modest growth, with Nvidia leading at 62% sales growth and 60% EPS growth, while Tesla experienced a decline in EPS by 31% [9] - The overall performance of the Mag 7 stocks lagged behind the S&P 500, which rose by 16.4% last year [3][5] Group 3: Future Projections - Capital expenditures for major hyperscalers are projected to reach $527 billion in 2026, indicating a significant increase in investment in AI infrastructure [12] - Companies are increasingly turning to the bond market for financing AI initiatives, with Meta raising $30 billion in bonds [13] - The path to AI monetization is becoming clearer, with companies like Microsoft and Meta already capitalizing on AI features for revenue growth [15][16] Group 4: Investment Strategies - Investors are advised to adopt a tactical approach to technology stocks, focusing on emerging performers rather than relying solely on established giants [19] - The semi equipment manufacturers are highlighted as a potential area for growth, driven by increased demand for semiconductor production [20] - Despite underperformance, owning the entire Mag 7 basket still yielded a 23% gain last year, suggesting a diversified approach may still be beneficial [21]