国芯网·2025-10-27 13:01Core Insights - The AI boom has significantly increased the valuations of chip manufacturers, leading to higher employee compensation, with some employees potentially earning millions of dollars due to stock options [1][3]. Group 1: Employee Compensation and Retention - Many stock awards require several years to vest, incentivizing employees to stay longer with the company; leaving early means forfeiting substantial rewards [3]. - Companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom are using stock-based incentives to retain key talent amid surging demand for AI chips [3][4]. - Employees at Nvidia and Broadcom have reported substantial increases in the value of their stock awards, with some seeing gains of over 350% since 2023 [4]. Group 2: Market Performance - Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom have outperformed major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft in stock price increases since 2023 [3][4]. - Specific examples include an Nvidia employee whose stock value increased from $488,000 to over $2.2 million, and a Broadcom employee whose stock rose from $66,000 to approximately $265,000 [3][4]. Group 3: Employee Sentiment - Employees express a strong attachment to their stock options, with some feeling trapped in a "lottery win" mentality, making it difficult to consider leaving for other opportunities [4]. - The concept of "golden handcuffs" is prevalent, as employees are reluctant to resign due to the potential loss of significant stock value [4].