The buildout of AI infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific is in high gear. Masayoshi Son and Mukesh Ambani are among the region's wealthiest taking the lead.Read more: https://t.co/tszLuJ6xJl https://t.co/jZiBSrl5gi ...

Core Insights - The current market environment shows signs of asset bubbles, with stocks significantly outpacing earnings and high valuations in various asset classes, including gold and junk bonds [1][2] - The S&P 500 index has reached 6,700, nearly double its value from five years ago, largely driven by major tech companies that represent about 40% of the index [1] - Gold prices are nearing record highs, which is unusual in a rising stock market, indicating a potential market hedging against risks [5] Stock Market Dynamics - The S&P 500's growth is heavily influenced by the "Magnificent 7" tech companies, which are making substantial investments in AI, suggesting a transformative impact on the market [1] - Despite an inverted yield curve from June 2022 to August 2024, which typically signals an impending recession, the market has experienced a strong rally, attributed to AI investments [4] Asset Class Performance - Gold and coffee prices are at or near record highs, while Bitcoin has surged over 130% since being included in exchange-traded funds in January 2024, reflecting a risk-on sentiment among investors [2] - Junk bonds are trading at high valuations, indicating a lack of perceived risk in the market, which may not align with underlying economic indicators [2] Economic Indicators - Historical patterns suggest that bubbles form through a cycle of optimism and credit expansion, leading to eventual market corrections [3] - The current market sentiment may be influenced by a mix of optimism in tech and underlying fears, as indicated by the simultaneous rise in gold prices [5]

[Music] Hey, Morgan. Open AAI is asking the Trump administration to help lower the cost of AI infrastructure according to a letter obtained by Bloomberg. The startup wants the White House to expand a Key Chips Act tax credit to cover AI data centers and related components like transformers.Now, this comes just one day after OpenAI faced blowback over a comment made by its CFO implying that it would look for a government backs stop for its $1.4% trillion in comput deals. They have since been walking that bac ...

Government Policy & Industry Support - OpenAI requests Trump administration to revamp Chips Act tax credit to lower AI infrastructure costs [1] - OpenAI explores ways the US can support an industrywide data center build-out for AI [1]

Economic Growth & Resilience - US economy defies tariff doomsday predictions, showing continued growth [1] - AI infrastructure is contributing to economic growth [1] - Corporate balance sheets are healthy, providing resilience and investment power [1] - American companies' investments are powering economic growth [1] Potential Risks & Softening - Potential risks include labor market drops, tariffs passed to consumers, and asset valuation adjustments [2] - Expectation of a period of economic softening [2] Overall Outlook - Reasonably positive outlook for the economy, expecting around 26 (likely referring to a specific economic indicator, but without context, the unit is unclear) [2] - US economy demonstrates resilience and strength compared to other regions [2]

Core Insights - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners reported strong financial results for Q3 2025, with a 9% increase in funds from operations (FFO) per unit to $0.83, driven by organic growth and inflationary benefits [2][6][47] - The company achieved over $3 billion in asset sales year-to-date, with a realized internal rate of return (IRR) exceeding 20% and a 4x multiple on capital [3][12] - The company is well-positioned for growth entering 2026, with significant investments in AI infrastructure and new acquisitions [2][7] Financial Performance - Net income for Q3 2025 was $440 million, a substantial increase from a net loss of $52 million in the same period last year [5][40] - FFO for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, reached $1.938 billion, up from $1.822 billion in 2024 [5][6] - Revenues for Q3 2025 were $5.975 billion, compared to $5.270 billion in Q3 2024, reflecting strong operational performance [40] Strategic Initiatives - The company secured six new investments totaling over $1.5 billion, including a $140 million project with Bloom Energy for AI data centers [7][8] - Two utility acquisitions in Asia-Pacific were announced, including a $270 million natural gas infrastructure business in New Zealand and a $500 million industrial gas business in South Korea [9][10] - The acquisition of Colonial Enterprises, the largest refined products pipeline in the U.S., was completed in July 2025 [11] Capital Recycling - Brookfield Infrastructure generated over $3 billion in proceeds from asset sales and is on track to achieve an additional $3 billion over the next 12 to 18 months [12][13] - Significant recent sales include a 26% interest in an Australian export terminal, generating $350 million in proceeds, and a 28% interest in a North American gas storage platform, raising approximately $230 million [13][14] Segment Performance - The utilities segment generated FFO of $190 million, slightly up from $188 million in the prior year, benefiting from inflation indexation [17] - The transport segment reported FFO of $286 million, down from $308 million, primarily due to asset sales [18] - The data segment saw a 62% increase in FFO to $138 million, driven by strong organic growth and contributions from acquisitions [20] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - Total liquidity at the end of Q3 2025 was $5.5 billion, including $2.5 billion at the corporate level [22] - The company executed financings to enhance liquidity and support growth initiatives, including a corporate issuance of medium-term notes totaling C$700 million [21] Distribution and Dividend Declaration - The Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.43 per unit, representing a 6% increase compared to the prior year [23] - The distribution is payable on December 31, 2025, to unitholders of record as of November 28, 2025 [23] Unit Repurchases and ATM Program - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners plans to increase repurchases of its outstanding limited partnership units under its normal course issuer bid program [24] - The company is exploring the establishment of an at-the-market (ATM) equity program to issue additional shares when market conditions are favorable [25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the September quarter were $1.14 billion, reflecting a 6% sequential increase and exceeding guidance by $10.4 million [15][24] - Non-GAAP gross margin was reported at 56.7%, impacted by inventory reserve charges of $71.8 million and underutilization charges of $51 million [15][24] - Non-GAAP operating margin increased to 24.3% of sales, with operating expenses at 32.4% of sales [15] - Non-GAAP net income was $199.1 million, translating to earnings per diluted share of $0.35, which was $0.02 above guidance [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The microcontroller (MCU) business grew 9.7% sequentially, while the analog business saw a 1.7% increase [4] - Sales from data center products, particularly Gen 4 and Gen 5, showed strong growth, although from previously low levels [4][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was observed in the Americas and Asia, while Europe remained flat, which is considered acceptable for a summer quarter [4] - The data center market exhibited the strongest sales performance, with significant increases in bookings and shipments of PCIe switches and related products [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on advanced technology, highlighted by the introduction of the industry's first 3-nanometer-based PCIe Gen 6 switch, aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure [10][12] - A strategic shift towards high-performance data center products is underway, with plans to expand offerings in the AI and FPGA markets [76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a softer overall business environment compared to previous quarters, impacting December quarter guidance, which is expected to be down 1% sequentially [28][29] - Despite the current challenges, there is optimism for strong performance in the March, June, and September quarters of 2026, driven by improved backlog and bookings [50][52] Other Important Information - Inventory levels decreased by $73.8 million sequentially, with inventory days down to 199 days [16][17] - The company is undergoing a restructuring plan, including the sale of its Fab 2 facility, which is expected to be completed by December 2025 [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the current environment compare to 90 days ago? - Management indicated a slightly softer tone in the business environment, affecting December quarter guidance, which is better than seasonal expectations [28] Question: What is the outlook for inventory reserve and underutilization charges? - Management stated that while it is difficult to predict, they expect these charges to decrease in stronger quarters ahead [30][31] Question: What is the status of long-term supply agreements (LTSAs)? - Management clarified that they have been flexible with customers regarding LTSAs, allowing them to adjust their requirements without forcing purchases [39][40] Question: What drives confidence in above-seasonal growth for the next three quarters? - Confidence is based on improved backlog visibility and strong bookings, with expectations for inventory replenishment in the March quarter [50][52] Question: What is the expected impact of inventory charges on gross margins? - Management indicated that as inventory charges decrease, gross margins are expected to improve, potentially reaching a target of 65% in the future [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the September quarter were $1.14 billion, reflecting a 6% sequential increase and exceeding guidance by $10.4 million [15][24] - Non-GAAP gross margin was reported at 56.7%, impacted by $51 million in underutilization charges and $71.8 million in inventory reserve charges [15][24] - Non-GAAP operating margin increased to 24.3% of sales, with operating expenses at 32.4% of sales [15] - Non-GAAP net income was $199.1 million, translating to earnings per diluted share of $0.35, which was $0.02 above guidance [15][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The microcontroller (MCU) business grew 9.7% sequentially, while the analog business saw a 1.7% increase [4] - Sales from Gen 4 and Gen 5 data center products experienced strong growth, although from previously low levels [4][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was observed in the Americas and Asia, while Europe remained flat, which is considered acceptable for a summer quarter [4] - The data center market showed the strongest sales performance, with significant increases in bookings and shipments of PCIe switches and related products [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on advanced technology products, including the introduction of the industry's first 3 nm-based PCIe Gen 6 switch, aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure [9][10] - A strategic shift towards high-performance data center products is underway, with plans to expand offerings in the FPGA business unit and AI-focused initiatives [76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted a softer overall business environment compared to previous expectations, impacting guidance for the December quarter [28] - Despite a challenging December quarter, the company anticipates strong momentum in the following quarters, particularly in March, June, and September 2026 [25][50] Other Important Information - Inventory levels decreased by $73.8 million sequentially, with inventory days down to 199 days [16][17] - The company has entered into a purchase and sales agreement to sell its Fab 2 wafer fabrication facility as part of a restructuring plan [7][8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Characterization of current business environment versus 90 days ago - The company noted a slightly softer tone in the business environment, impacting December quarter guidance, which is better than seasonal expectations [28] Question: Update on inventory reserve and underutilization charges - Management indicated uncertainty in predicting future charges but expects improvements in the coming quarters as sales grow [30][31] Question: Insights on long-term supply agreements (LTSAs) - The company clarified that it has dismantled many obligations under LTSAs, allowing customers flexibility in their purchasing [36][39] Question: Confidence in above-seasonal growth for the next three quarters - The company cited strong visibility in backlog and bookings as key drivers for confidence in upcoming quarters [47][50] Question: Expectations for gross margin improvements - Management indicated that inventory write-offs are expected to normalize quicker than underutilization charges, with a path to improved gross margins [80][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 2026 were $1.14 billion, reflecting a 6% sequential growth and exceeding the midpoint of guidance by $10.4 million [12][13] - Non-GAAP gross margin increased to 56.7%, impacted by inventory reserve charges of $71.8 million and underutilization charges of $51 million [12][13][22] - Non-GAAP operating margin rose to 24.3% of sales, with operating expenses at 32.4% of sales [13][22] - Non-GAAP net income was $199.1 million, translating to earnings per diluted share of $0.35, which was $0.02 above guidance [13][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Microcontroller (MCU) business grew 9.7% sequentially, driven by strong demand for 32-bit MCUs [3][4] - Analog business saw a 1.7% sequential increase [4] - Data center products, particularly Gen 4 and Gen 5, experienced strong sales growth, although from previously depressed levels [3][4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales growth was observed in the Americas and Asia, while Europe remained flat, which is considered acceptable for a summer quarter [3] - The data center market showed the strongest performance, with increased bookings and shipments as inventory corrections occurred [18][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on advanced technology with the introduction of the industry's first 3-nanometer-based PCIe Gen 6 switch, aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure [4][8] - A strategic shift towards high-performance data center products is underway, with plans to expand offerings in the AI and FPGA markets [70] - The company aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce inventory write-offs and underutilization charges in the upcoming quarters [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a softer overall business environment compared to previous expectations, but still anticipates better-than-seasonal growth in the upcoming quarters [25][26] - The company expects net sales for the December quarter to be approximately $1.129 billion, down 1% sequentially, with a non-GAAP gross margin guidance of 57.2% to 59.2% [22][23] - Management expressed optimism about strong bookings and a robust backlog for the March quarter, indicating potential for sequential growth [45][46] Other Important Information - Inventory levels decreased by $73.8 million sequentially, with inventory days down to 199 days [14][15] - The company is undergoing a restructuring plan, including the sale of its Fab 2 facility, which is expected to close in December 2025 [5][6] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the current environment compare to 90 days ago? - Management noted a slightly softer tone in the business environment, impacting guidance for the December quarter, but bookings were strong [25][26] Question: What is the outlook for inventory reserve and underutilization charges? - Management indicated uncertainty in predicting future charges but expects improvements in the upcoming quarters as sales grow [28][29] Question: What is the status of long-term supply agreements (LTSAs)? - Management clarified that they have been flexible with customers regarding LTSAs, allowing them to adjust their requirements without forcing purchases [34][36] Question: What drives confidence in above-seasonal growth for the next three quarters? - Management cited a strong backlog and increased bookings as indicators of potential growth, despite current low lead times [44][46] Question: What is the expected impact of underutilization and inventory write-offs on gross margins? - Management expects these charges to decrease over time, positively impacting gross margins as sales improve [60][62]

BMD trading lower along with most of the semicmplex. And more broadly here, it has been a pattern that we've seen throughout this earnings season. Tech companies beating estimates, even raising their forecast, and the stock falls.We're seeing it again this morning with Qualcomm. So, let's dig into what that reflects about the AI trade and where investors should be positioned right now. Joining me, Ivana Dilvka, Spear Invest founder and CIO, and Sylvia Jablonsky, Defiance ETF's CEO and CIO.Ivana, I want to s ...