Core Viewpoint - BofA Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan maintains a Buy rating on Dell Technologies with a price target of $165, anticipating strong AI server momentum ahead of the upcoming fiscal second-quarter earnings [1] Financial Projections - Mohan projects Dell to report revenue of $29.4 billion and EPS of $2.35, both at the high end of guidance, with AI server revenue of $7.3 billion and orders of $5 billion, resulting in a quarter-end backlog of $12.1 billion [2] - For fiscal 2026, Mohan expects full-year AI server sales to reach $20.7 billion, exceeding Dell's current guidance of over $15 billion, with a potential increase to at least $18 billion [3] Revenue Growth and Margins - Mohan models a 36% year-over-year growth in Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) revenue, driven by AI server shipments, with ISG margins projected at 9.3% in the second quarter, improving sequentially through fiscal 2026 [4] - The third-quarter revenue guidance is forecasted between $27 billion to $28 billion, with EPS of $2.55 ± 10 cents, and fiscal 2026 EPS expected at $9.50 ± 20 cents on revenue of $103 billion to $107 billion [4] Client Solutions Group Performance - On the Client Solutions Group (CSG) side, revenue is expected to be $13 billion, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase, driven by an 8% growth in commercial PC sales due to pre-tariff demand pull-ins [5] - Long-term earnings potential is projected to exceed $19 per share by 2030, with a 15% CAGR from 2025 to 2030, primarily driven by AI servers, margin improvements from product mix, and the adoption of AI PCs [5]

Core Insights - Intel Corporation (INTC) reported mixed second-quarter 2025 results, with revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate but adjusted earnings falling short [1][9] - The company is experiencing solid growth in artificial intelligence (AI) PCs, although margins are impacted by operational efficiency initiatives and cost-cutting measures [1][9] Financial Performance - Intel incurred a GAAP loss of $2.9 billion, or 67 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 billion, or 38 cents per share, in the same quarter last year [2] - Excluding non-recurring items, the non-GAAP loss was $400 million, or 10 cents per share, down from a net income of $100 million, or 2 cents per share, a year ago [3] - GAAP revenues were flat year over year at $12.85 billion, surpassing company guidance and consensus estimates of $12.05 billion [4][9] Segment Performance - Client Computing Group revenues decreased by 3% year over year to $7.9 billion, affected by customers reducing inventory levels due to macroeconomic challenges [5] - Datacenter and AI Group revenues improved by 4% year over year to $3.9 billion, driven by strong demand for AI server CPUs and Xeon 6 processors [6] - Total product revenues were $11.8 billion, down 1% year over year, while Intel Foundry revenues increased to $4.4 billion from $4.3 billion [7] Operating Margins - Non-GAAP gross margin declined to 29.7% from 38.7% a year ago, with a non-GAAP operating margin loss of 3.9% compared to a gain of 0.2% in the previous year [8] - Margins were negatively impacted by impairment charges and restructuring costs associated with operational realignment [8] Cash Flow and Liquidity - As of June 30, 2025, Intel had cash and cash equivalents of $9.64 billion and long-term debt of $44.02 billion [10] - The company generated $2.05 billion in cash from operating activities in the second quarter, down from $2.29 billion a year ago [10] Outlook - For the third quarter of 2025, Intel expects GAAP revenues to be between $12.6 billion and $13.6 billion, with a non-GAAP gross margin projected at 36% [11]

Financial Performance - Q2 2025 revenue was up 0.2% year-over-year, exceeding April outlook by $1.1 billion[17] - Non-GAAP gross margin decreased by 9.0 percentage points year-over-year, falling 6.8 percentage points below April outlook[17] - Non-GAAP EPS decreased by $0.12 year-over-year, $0.10 below April outlook[17] - The company projects Q3 2025 revenue between $12.6 billion and $13.6 billion[40] - The company expects approximately $18.0 billion in GAAP additions to property, plant and equipment for full-year 2025[47] Segment Performance - Client Computing Group revenue was $7.6 billion with a 26.1% segment operating margin[23] - Data Center and AI revenue was $4.1 billion with a 16.1% segment operating margin[25] - Network and Edge Group revenue was $4.7 billion with a -71.7% segment operating margin[28] - All Other segment revenue was $943 million with a 6.6% segment operating margin[32] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focused on disciplined foundry, revitalizing x86 ISA, addressing AI opportunity, and improving balance sheet[15] - Intel 18A is progressing with Intel 14A engagements underway[15] - The company is simplifying operations and improving execution[12] - The company expects Altera stake sale to close in Q3[33]

Investment Rating - Buy: Hon Hai, Wiwynn, Wistron, Gigabyte, ASUS, AVC; Neutral: Quanta, Inventec [8] Core Insights - The average year-over-year revenue growth for ten companies in the AI servers and AI PCs supply chain is expected to be +37% in June 2025, +27% in July 2025, and +18% in August 2025, driven by the ramp-up of AI servers and new product launches [1] - Rack-level AI servers are transitioning models, which may impact revenue growth in the second half of 2025 [1] - Geopolitical uncertainties are causing changes in end market demand, leading to a slower month-over-month growth forecast of -6% in June, -8% in July, and +2% in August 2025 [1] Company Summaries Hon Hai - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 17% YoY to NT$1,813 billion, driven by AI server demand and tariff-related consumption pull-ins [13] - May revenues were 6% below estimates, affected by slower customer pull-in momentum and negative exchange rate impacts [13] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$242 based on a 14.9x 2026E P/E multiple [15] Quanta - Anticipated 2Q25 revenues to grow 57% YoY to NT$488 billion, supported by AI server ramp-up [20] - May revenues were 13% below estimates, with a decline in notebook shipments [20] - Maintain Neutral rating with a target price of NT$273 based on a 12.8x 2026E P/E [23] Wiwynn - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 161% YoY to NT$202 billion, driven by strong demand for ASIC AI servers [38] - May revenues were 34% higher than estimates, reflecting continued strong demand [39] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$3,838 based on a 20.5x 2026E P/E [42] Wistron - Expected June revenues to grow 123% YoY to NT$198 billion, driven by AI server demand [47] - Strong revenue in May, up 162% YoY, supported by new product cycles [44] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$152 based on a 14.8x 2026E P/E [49] Gigabyte - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 32% YoY to NT$97 billion, supported by AI servers and VGAs [50] - May revenues were 79% above estimates, reflecting tariff-related pull-ins [51] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$344 based on a 14.0x 2026E P/E [55] AVC - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 67% YoY to NT$27 billion, driven by liquid cooling business [27] - May revenues were higher than estimates, reflecting the rising trend in liquid cooling [27] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$878 based on a 20.0x 2026E P/E [37] ASUS - Expected 2Q25 revenues to grow 21% YoY to NT$175 billion, supported by AI and gaming PCs [57] - May revenues were up 41% YoY, exceeding estimates [62] - Maintain Buy rating with a target price of NT$849 based on a 14.6x 2026E P/E [63] Inventec - Expected June revenues to be similar to May, supported by AI server ramp-up [65] - Maintain Neutral rating with a focus on AI server revenue contribution [65]

Core Insights - Dell Technologies (DELL) is well-positioned to capitalize on the strong demand for AI-capable PCs driven by the Windows 11 refresh cycle and enterprise upgrades [2][11] - The company is expanding its partnerships with major players like NVIDIA and Microsoft to enhance its AI capabilities and enterprise solutions [3][5][11] - Dell faces significant competition in the PC market from HP and Apple, which are also focusing on AI-enabled products [6][8] Group 1: AI and Market Demand - Dell's AI prospects are strong, with expansion from cloud service providers to enterprise deployments and edge computing [1] - The company reported CSG revenues of $12.50 billion in Q1 FY26, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase, driven by strong demand in the commercial segment [2][11] - Dell's partnership with Lowe's aims to enhance customer experiences through advanced AI and PC technologies, optimizing inventory and streamlining operations [4] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Dell faces stiff competition from HP, which is launching innovative AI PCs and expects 40-60% of all PCs to be AI-enabled within three years [6][7] - Apple's Mac business is thriving due to strong demand for its M4 chip products, further intensifying competition in the PC market [8] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - DELL's stock has risen 1.1% year to date, underperforming the broader Zacks Computer & Technology sector's return of 1.6% [9] - The forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio for DELL is 0.77X, significantly lower than the sector's 6.36X, indicating a premium valuation [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q2 FY26 earnings is $2.26 per share, reflecting an 11.5% increase in the past 30 days and a year-over-year growth of 19.58% [14]

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to several companies within the Taiwan Technology sector, including Wiwynn, Wistron, Hon Hai, Gigabyte, and various AI server components [25]. Core Insights - The Taiwan Technology sector is experiencing strong growth in ASIC AI servers and related components, with notable revenue increases reported by key players such as Wiwynn (+187% YoY) and Gigabyte (+108% YoY) [1][8]. - The report highlights a transition in server models expected in 3Q25, with a cautious outlook on rack-level AI server shipments due to macro uncertainties [9]. - The demand for components like liquid cooling, silicon photonics, rail kits, and chassis is anticipated to rise, driven by specification upgrades and the increasing adoption of AI technologies [9][10]. Summary by Sections ASIC AI Servers and Components - ASIC AI servers are showing robust growth, with Wiwynn's revenues up 187% YoY, significantly exceeding estimates [1][8]. - Baseboard-based AI servers also demonstrate strong performance, with Gigabyte achieving 108% YoY revenue growth [1][8]. - Liquid cooling solutions are gaining traction, with AVC reporting 87% YoY revenue growth [1][8]. Market Outlook - The report expresses caution regarding rack-level AI server shipments in the second half of 2025, while maintaining a positive outlook for ASIC and baseboard-based AI servers [9]. - The global market for AI servers is projected to reach 19,000 racks by 2025, indicating a significant growth opportunity [9]. Non-AI Sector Insights - The smartphone supply chain is expected to strengthen in 3Q25, with new high-end models being prepared for launch [10]. - AI PCs are anticipated to see continued penetration, with brands like ASUS and Lenovo leading the charge [10]. Investment Opportunities - Recommended investments include AI server ODMs and brands such as Wiwynn, Wistron, Hon Hai, and Gigabyte, as well as components like AVC, Fositek, and LandMark [11].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 5% increase in revenue in constant currency year over year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of revenue growth [8][22] - Non-GAAP operating profit fell short of expectations due to additional tariff costs, impacting earnings per share by approximately $0.12 [9][22] - Gross margin decreased to 20.7% year over year, influenced by increased tariff and commodity costs [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Personal Systems revenue grew 8% in constant currency, driven by strong commercial performance, with commercial revenue increasing by 9% year over year [10][26] - Print revenue declined 3% in constant currency, with growth in Europe offsetting a slowdown in North America and weak demand in China [12][28] - The operating margin for Personal Systems was 4.5%, below the guidance range, primarily due to higher tariff costs [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue growth was observed across all regions, with APJ growing 9%, Americas growing 5%, and EMEA growing 1% in constant currency [23] - The company expects the PC market to grow low single digits for the second half of the year, influenced by macroeconomic uncertainties [19][33] - The print market is anticipated to decline in low single digits for the calendar year, with expectations of a mid-single-digit decline in the second half [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on diversifying its manufacturing locations to mitigate geopolitical risks, with plans for nearly all products sold in North America to be built outside of China by June [9][10] - The Future Ready Accelerated Plan aims to deliver at least $2 billion in gross annual run rate structural savings by the end of fiscal year 2025 [19][30] - The company is committed to leveraging AI to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction, with a significant focus on AI PCs and related innovations [14][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the dynamic external environment, including shifting trade policies and tariffs, which impacted operating profit [7][22] - The company remains confident in its ability to navigate market uncertainties and expects to fully mitigate tariff costs by Q4 [18][33] - Future growth is expected to be driven by strong demand in commercial PCs and the adoption of AI technologies [19][66] Other Important Information - The company returned approximately $400 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [31] - Free cash flow was slightly negative due to timing of payments related to inventory actions taken for tariff mitigation [30][68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for the PC market in the second half of the year - Management noted strong demand in Q2, especially in commercial, but adopted a more prudent outlook for the second half due to economic conditions and price increases [42][43] Question: Size and growth of growth businesses - Growth businesses are performing well and are expected to represent more than 25% of the PC business by year-end, with solid growth in AIPCs and Workforce Solutions [49][50] Question: Personal Systems margins for the full year - Margins are expected to be in the 5% to 7% range for the full year, likely in the lower half due to Q2 impacts [55][56] Question: AI PCs and their impact on growth - The company is optimistic about AI PCs, which are expected to represent a significant portion of PC shipments in the coming years, driving higher average selling prices [66] Question: Mitigation actions for tariff impacts - The company has accelerated the shift of manufacturing out of China and implemented price increases across its portfolio to offset tariff costs [75][78]

Core Insights - The global PC market is projected to grow 2.1% year-over-year in 2025, with a CAGR of 0.4% from 2025 to 2029, reaching 422.6 million units by 2029 [1] - The demand for AI-powered PCs and the end-of-service for Microsoft Windows 10 in October 2025 are significant growth catalysts [3] Company Analysis: Apple - Apple's Mac business is experiencing strong demand for its M4 chip series, with new product launches enhancing its portfolio [3] - In Q1 2025, Apple gained market share, reaching 8.7%, a 70 basis point increase year-over-year, with shipments growing 14.1% to 5.5 million units [4] - The global availability of Apple Intelligence through macOS Sequoia 15.4 updates in multiple languages is expected to positively impact Mac's market prospects [5] - The consensus estimate for Apple's fiscal 2025 earnings has decreased by 0.8% to $7.12 per share, indicating a 5.48% growth over fiscal 2024 [10] - Apple has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with an average surprise of 4.68% over the last four quarters [11] - Year-to-date, Apple shares have declined by 17.1% [12] - Apple's valuation is considered stretched, with a forward Price/Sales ratio of 7.60X, resulting in a Value Score of D [14] Company Analysis: HP - HP is focusing on the growing interest in Generative AI-enabled PCs, forecasting that 40-60% of all PCs will be AI PCs within three years [6] - In Q1 2025, HP's market share was 20.2%, a 20 basis point increase year-over-year, with shipments growing 6.1% to 12.8 million units [8] - The consensus estimate for HP's fiscal 2026 earnings is $3.39 per share, down 1.7% over the past 30 days, indicating a slight increase of 0.3% over fiscal 2025 [9] - HP's earnings have lagged consensus estimates three times in the past four quarters, with an average negative surprise of 1.16% [11] - Year-to-date, HP shares have dropped by 11.2% [12] - HP shares are trading at a lower valuation compared to Apple, with a forward Price/Sales ratio of 0.51X and a Value Score of B [14] Conclusion - Apple's strong Mac portfolio and product innovations position it favorably in the market, while HP's reliance on China for manufacturing presents significant risks [17] - Apple is rated as a stronger investment option compared to HP, which has a weaker rating [17]

Summary of CDW FY Conference Call - May 13, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: CDW (CDW) - **Industry**: Technology Solutions and Services Key Points and Arguments Macroeconomic Concerns - There is significant macroeconomic volatility and uncertainty, but technology remains essential for competitive advantage and employee attraction [2][3] - Customers are cautious due to policy uncertainty, yet there is pent-up demand for technology across various sectors [3][4] Demand and Growth Outlook - CDW anticipates muted growth in specific sectors like federal and education, but overall technology spending remains strong [4][11] - The commercial space has shown a steady return to growth over the last two quarters, although enterprise solutions have experienced some variability [9][10] Tariff Impact - CDW has leveraged tariff uncertainties to assist customers by providing pre-tariff pricing on client devices, particularly in the K-12 sector [6][7] - The company maintains strong relationships with customers, which helps navigate complexities arising from tariff changes [7][8] International Business Performance - CDW's international business has performed well despite geopolitical uncertainties, with a cautious outlook for the fiscal year [18] AI and Technology Investments - CDW is positioned as a full-stack organization, focusing on AI investments to enhance efficiency, personalization, and customer experience [19][20] - The company has established healthcare innovation labs to facilitate customer engagement and technology exploration [22][23] Client Device Market - Growth in client devices has been broad-based, with education seeing more pre-buying activity compared to enterprise [28][29] Cloud Strategy - CDW is focused on scaling its cloud business, emphasizing professional and managed services to drive customer engagement [32][33] - The company views cloud and security as high-growth areas for future acquisitions [35][36] Financial Performance - Gross margins have expanded significantly over the past six years but are plateauing due to shifts in product mix [50][51] - Operating expenses have been consistently expanded to support growth initiatives, with a focus on balancing customer service and cost leverage [53][54] Government and Education Sector Exposure - The federal government sector has shown a modest decline, while state and local government business has grown modestly [59][60] - The K-12 education sector may experience muted spending due to economic pressures [61] Pricing and Demand Elasticity - Price increases due to tariffs have been largely accepted by customers, with spending continuing despite economic uncertainties [62] - CDW operates as a cost-plus provider, successfully passing on price increases while maintaining gross profit neutrality [63] Additional Important Insights - CDW's strategy emphasizes a full lifecycle approach, integrating consultancy and managed services with product sourcing to enhance customer experience [38][40] - The company is actively refining its go-to-market strategy to capture opportunities across various customer segments [46] - CDW's ability to adapt its pricing and bundling strategies based on customer behavior is a key focus for future growth [107][108]

Core Viewpoint - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is expected to show improved financial performance in its upcoming Q1 2025 results, potentially reversing its current stock decline of over 20% in 2025 [1][2]. Financial Performance - AMD's revenue is projected to increase by 30% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with a two percentage point rise in non-GAAP gross margin, indicating stronger earnings growth [4]. - Analysts forecast a 50% increase in AMD's Q1 earnings, driven by a significant rise in personal computer (PC) sales, which saw a 6.7% increase in global shipments compared to the previous year [5][9]. Market Dynamics - The client segment contributed 27% to AMD's revenue in 2024, with a remarkable 52% revenue increase last year despite only a 1% rise in global PC shipments [6]. - AMD's market share in the client processor market rose by 8.4 percentage points to 23.8% in Q4 2024, suggesting substantial growth potential [7]. AI and Data Center Growth - The demand for AI chips is expected to continue growing, with TSMC reporting that AI chip revenue is on track to double this year, benefiting AMD's data center business [10]. - AMD's data center revenue increased by 69% year-over-year in Q4 2024, positioning the company well in the competitive AI data center market [11]. Technological Advancements - TSMC is set to begin mass production of 2-nanometer chips this year, which could enhance AMD's performance and energy efficiency, with a projected 15% performance increase and 35% reduction in energy consumption compared to the 3nm node [12][13]. Valuation and Investment Opportunity - AMD's stock is currently valued at 21 times forward earnings, which is lower than the Nasdaq-100 index's forward earnings multiple of 24.5, presenting an attractive buying opportunity [14]. - With expected earnings growth of 33% in 2025 and 35% in 2026, AMD could regain investor confidence if it delivers strong quarterly results and guidance [15].