NVIDIA vs. Broadcom: The Smarter AI Stock to Buy for March 2026

Core Insights - March has historically been a strong month for the stock market, with AI stocks showing impressive gains, particularly NVIDIA and Broadcom, both of which reported strong quarterly earnings [1][7]. NVIDIA - NVIDIA reported record fiscal fourth-quarter 2026 revenues of $68.1 billion, a 73% increase year over year and a 20% increase sequentially, driven by its data center segment which generated $62.3 billion, up 75% year over year [1][2]. - The company projects fiscal first-quarter 2027 revenues of $78 billion, reflecting strong demand for data center products and confidence in global AI adoption [2]. - NVIDIA maintains exceptional gross margins, reporting a non-GAAP gross margin of 75.2% in the fiscal fourth quarter, with expectations to remain near 75% in the upcoming quarter [2][12]. - NVIDIA's shares are more attractively priced, trading at 25.14 times forward earnings compared to Broadcom's 31.38 times [10][12]. Broadcom - Broadcom reported record fiscal fourth-quarter 2025 revenues of $18 billion, a 28% increase year over year, primarily driven by a 74% increase in AI semiconductor revenues [3][4]. - The company expects AI semiconductor revenues to double year over year in the fiscal first quarter 2026 to $8.2 billion, with overall revenues projected at $19.1 billion, indicating another 28% year-over-year increase [4]. - Broadcom's fiscal fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA was $12.2 billion, representing 68% of revenues, with guidance for the first quarter remaining high at 67% [5]. - The company generated $7.47 billion in free cash flow, equivalent to 41% of its revenues, providing flexibility for debt repayment, reinvestment, and shareholder rewards [6]. Comparative Analysis - Both companies exhibit strong quarterly results and confidence in future growth, with NVIDIA showing dominance in hyperscale AI and Broadcom demonstrating high margins and cash flow [7][8]. - Broadcom's debt-to-equity ratio stands at 76.3%, significantly higher than NVIDIA's 6.3%, indicating greater financial risk for Broadcom [8]. - NVIDIA is positioned as the superior buy due to its dominant data center leadership, lower debt levels, and attractive valuation [12].