Key Points An upgrade cycle could take Qualcomm higher even as its contract with Apple ends in 2027. Other business segments appear to be set to pick up the slack. 10 stocks we like better than Qualcomm › Among the longtime stalwarts in the semiconductor industry that lead the way in artificial intelligence (AI), not many have struggled more than Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM). Qualcomm remains the leading innovator in the smartphone chipset market, and it has incorporated AI features into its latest phon ...

Core Viewpoint - The "2025 Electronic Semiconductor Industry Innovation Development Conference and International Electronic Circuit (Greater Bay Area) Exhibition" (CPCA Show Plus) will take place from October 28 to 30, 2025, in Shenzhen, focusing on innovation-driven development in the semiconductor and electronic circuit industries [1]. Industry Growth and Trends - The PCB manufacturing industry in China experienced robust growth in the first half of 2025, with revenue reaching approximately 183 billion RMB, reflecting a year-on-year increase of over 10% driven by terminal demand and the expansion of emerging applications [4]. - The exhibition aims to leverage the advantages of the Greater Bay Area to stimulate the PCB industry's growth in the AI era by connecting upstream and downstream enterprises [4]. Exhibition Highlights - CPCA Show Plus 2025 will feature over 300 renowned exhibitors, showcasing a comprehensive range of products from PCB manufacturing processes to semiconductor and packaging substrates, providing a one-stop procurement and collaboration service [1][4]. - Key exhibitors include leading companies in the PCB manufacturing sector and those covering advanced materials, equipment, and chemicals, emphasizing a full industry chain approach [5]. Technological Innovations - The exhibition will present smart manufacturing solutions such as automated production lines, AI quality inspection systems, and digital twin factories, aimed at enhancing production efficiency and precision management in the electronic circuit and semiconductor industries [5]. - The event will also highlight sustainable development practices, showcasing green materials, energy-efficient production equipment, and clean production processes to support the industry's low-carbon transformation [5]. Networking and Collaboration - CPCA Show Plus 2025 is expected to attract over 45,000 professional attendees from global PCB application enterprises, research institutions, and buyers, facilitating supply-demand matching and technical exchanges [7]. - The exhibition will feature specialized zones for ceramic substrates, top PCB companies, and academic innovation, allowing attendees to focus on industry dynamics and trends [7]. International Promotion - The event has been promoted through various domestic and international media channels to enhance the global presence of China's electronic manufacturing industry, attracting notable companies from the application demand side [10]. Forums and Activities - A series of forums and activities will be held alongside the exhibition, including the 47th Sino-Japanese Electronic Circuit Autumn Conference, focusing on AI empowerment and industry breakthroughs [13]. - Specialized forums will address various topics, including low-altitude economy, commercial aerospace, and AI technology innovations, catering to diverse attendee interests [14]. Invitation to Industry Stakeholders - CPCA Show Plus 2025 serves as a platform for industry stakeholders to explore opportunities and drive upgrades in the semiconductor sector, inviting global enterprises, experts, and partners to participate [16].

Group 1 - Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ:QCOM) is recognized as one of the best semiconductor stocks with significant upside potential, particularly in the 5G chipset and intellectual property markets [1][2] - QCraft has established its European headquarters in Germany and has partnered with Qualcomm to accelerate the deployment of next-generation intelligent driving solutions on the Snapdragon Ride™ platform [1][2] - Morningstar analysts predict that Qualcomm's licensing business (QTL) and chip business (QCT) will continue to generate strong cash flow, reinforcing the company's narrow moat rating and market leadership [2][3] Group 2 - Apple's transition to its own baseband chips is seen as a medium- to long-term challenge for Qualcomm, but it is not expected to be a fatal issue due to Qualcomm's anticipated growth in the automotive and Internet of Things semiconductor markets [3] - Despite facing government investigations and customer backlash, Qualcomm's QTL is expected to maintain a steady flow of high-margin royalties in the future, contributing to its status as a stock with significant upside [3]

Core Insights - Comcast is shifting its growth strategy towards enterprise technology, leveraging artificial intelligence to diversify and capture higher-value opportunities as traditional cable and media businesses face slower expansion [1][4] - The MachineQ unit is a key component of this strategy, providing AI-powered insights and transforming raw sensor data into actionable intelligence for enterprises [2][5] Competitive Positioning - Comcast's MachineQ differentiates itself by offering a fully integrated, end-to-end IoT service that simplifies adoption and provides real-time AI insights, competing against major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Cisco [3][5] - Amazon has established a strong position in enterprise IoT with AWS IoT Core, while Microsoft and Cisco have also enhanced their offerings with AI-driven features [3] Investment Outlook - The expansion of MachineQ indicates Comcast's ambition to diversify beyond its core media and broadband business, aiming to tap into enterprise technology budgets [4] - Success will depend on scaling adoption and demonstrating efficiency gains for customers, positioning MachineQ as a potential long-term growth lever [4]

Core Viewpoint - Edgewater Wireless Systems Inc. reported its financial results for Q1 FY2026, highlighting progress in its Spectrum Slicing technology, securing non-dilutive funding, and enhancing capital structure flexibility [1][4]. Financial Summary - As of July 31, 2025, Edgewater reported cash of C$622,753, with current assets of C$909,936 and current liabilities of C$1,623,803, resulting in a working capital deficiency [4]. - The company recorded a net loss of C$359,956 for the quarter, with a basic and diluted loss per share of C$0.002, driven by operating expenses of C$359,736 [4][6]. Business Highlights - The company executed a capital-efficient plan focusing on its Spectrum Slicing silicon/IP strategy and strengthening ecosystem engagement [2]. - Edgewater received approximately C$921,000 from the FABrIC program, contributing to a C$2.4 million development project [5]. - The company completed the packaging of its RF front-end and initiated prototyping of an Arm-powered AI subsystem [5]. Capital Structure and Funding - Edgewater received TSXV approval to extend the maturity of its 2022 unsecured convertible debentures from September 1, 2025, to September 1, 2027, with an acceleration provision if the VWAP reaches C$0.18 for 10 consecutive trading days [5]. Outlook and Priorities - The company aims to commercialize Spectrum Slicing through silicon/IP licensing and reference designs, with near-term priorities including advancing baseband and AI subsystems and deepening service-provider engagements [7].

Core Insights - The smart grid market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing demand, government initiatives, and technological advancements [1][3][4] Industry Analysis - The smart grid market is disrupting traditional power utilities and the power sector, with a focus on technology, macroeconomic, and regulatory trends [1] - The transmission investment is projected to grow from $372.6 billion in 2025 to $573.7 billion by 2030, reflecting a strong expansion through the 2030s [3] - Transmission investment was $343.2 billion in 2024, with a growth rate of 10.5% over 2023, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2% from 2025 to 2030 [4] Technological Trends - AI is enhancing smart grids by utilizing real-time data for demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, and renewable integration, leading to improved reliability and sustainability [5] - Companies like Nvidia and Utilidata are collaborating to develop software-defined smart grid chips to make regional electrical grids more efficient [5] Utility Innovations - Utilities such as Duke Energy and Xcel Energy are leveraging AI for operational improvements, including fleet management and predictive maintenance [6] - E.ON is using machine learning algorithms to predict maintenance needs for medium voltage cables, aiming to reduce outages [6] - Southern Company is integrating electric vehicles into the grid using AI technology from WeaveGrid, optimizing energy distribution and planning for EV infrastructure [6]

Core Insights - The Zacks Outsourcing industry is experiencing rising demand for business process outsourcing (BPO) due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness, alongside increasing cybersecurity risks driving the need for outsourcing solutions [1][5][6] Industry Overview - Outsourcing involves delegating internal operations to external resources to enhance operational efficiency, primarily serving small and medium-sized enterprises [3] - Services offered include HR support, payroll management, benefits administration, retirement planning, and insurance services, allowing businesses to focus on core competencies [4] Current Trends - There is consistent growth in BPO and IT outsourcing, with a long-term outlook indicating that outsourced IT services will encompass a wide range of functions, driven by a shortage of in-house engineering talent [5] - The urgency for robust cybersecurity measures is increasing, with companies focusing on employee training and outsourced cybersecurity services to mitigate risks [6] - Innovations such as IoT, cloud computing, AI, and ML are transforming the outsourcing landscape, improving efficiency and competitiveness [7][8] Industry Performance - The Zacks Outsourcing industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 35, placing it in the top 14% of 246 Zacks industries, indicating bright near-term prospects [9] - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed compared to the broader Zacks Business Services sector and the S&P 500, declining by 1.9% while the sector and S&P 500 grew by 3.7% and 17.7%, respectively [11] - The industry trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 16.43X, lower than the S&P 500's 23.34X and the sector's 21.4X, indicating a cheaper valuation compared to peers [12] Promising Companies - **The Brink's Company (BCO)**: Provides cash and valuables management services with a 5% organic growth rate in Q2 2025, driven by strong demand for precious metals and successful customer acquisition efforts [13][15] - **Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI)**: A Professional Employer Organization with a record increase of 10,100 worksite employees added year-over-year in Q2 2025, supported by strong client retention and new product adoption [16][17] - **Capgemini SE (CGEMY)**: A consulting company with robust commercial momentum, achieving a book-to-bill ratio of 1.08 in Q2 2025, driven by high-value services in Cloud and Data, and AI [18][20]

Group 1 - Shanghai Yingtong Shuo Mi Technology Co., Ltd. has been established with a registered capital of 10 million yuan [1] - The company's business scope includes IoT technology services, IoT technology research and development, AI application software development, AI industry application system integration services, and intelligent robot research and development [1] - The company is jointly held by Yingtong Communications and other stakeholders [1]

Core Viewpoint - Israel has transformed from a "startup nation" to a global semiconductor powerhouse, playing a crucial role in reshaping the global chip landscape [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Development - The establishment of Motorola's semiconductor R&D center in Israel in 1964 marked the beginning of the country's semiconductor industry [3]. - The entry of major tech companies like Microsoft and National Semiconductor in the 1970s helped build a robust industry framework, transitioning Israel from a pure R&D hub to a base with both R&D and manufacturing capabilities [3][4]. - The 1980s to 2000s saw significant breakthroughs, including Intel's development of the 8088 processor, which became a key component in the rise of the global PC industry [4]. Group 2: Key Players and Innovations - Israeli companies have made notable innovations, such as Galileo Technology's development of the first true flash file system in 1990, which revolutionized storage devices [5]. - Mobileye's introduction of the first ADAS-specific processor in 2004 established it as a leader in the automotive semiconductor sector, culminating in its acquisition by Intel for $15.3 billion [6][9]. - Other significant acquisitions include Mellanox by NVIDIA for $6.9 billion and Habana Labs by Intel for approximately $2 billion, enhancing their respective positions in data center and AI chip markets [11][12]. Group 3: Competitive Advantages - Israel's semiconductor industry benefits from a strong local ecosystem supported by multinational companies, high R&D investment (4.3% of GDP), and a vibrant startup culture with around 70 semiconductor startups raising $5.5 billion [30][31]. - The education system emphasizes engineering and technology, producing a skilled workforce that supports the industry's growth [30]. Group 4: Opportunities and Challenges - Emerging technologies like AI chips and IoT align well with Israel's existing technological capabilities, presenting growth opportunities [33]. - However, challenges such as talent retention, geopolitical risks, and increasing global competition pose significant threats to the industry [34][36]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The future of Israel's semiconductor industry hinges on its ability to leverage existing strengths while addressing challenges, with potential for growth in AI and edge computing sectors [36][37]. - Strategies to enhance talent retention, diversify supply chains, and focus on design and R&D rather than full-scale manufacturing will be crucial for maintaining its competitive edge [37].

Group 1 - Qualcomm Inc. is recognized as one of the best value stocks in Goldman Sachs' portfolio, leveraging next-generation mobile communication solutions across various ecosystems [1] - The company is utilizing Adobe's generative AI platform, GenStudio, to enhance its content creation supply chain, allowing for customized content production and measurement of personalized experiences [1] - Qualcomm's automotive revenue is projected to grow significantly, expected to reach $9 billion by 2030, up from $4 billion in 2025, reflecting a strong CAGR of 40% over the last five years [2] Group 2 - Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology, known for pioneering 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity, and designs advanced semiconductor products including Snapdragon mobile processors [2] - The company is focusing on expanding its automotive and IoT businesses, indicating a strategic shift towards these high-growth sectors [2]