Broadcom (AVGO) shares have retreated sharply in recent months, sliding more than 23% from their 52-week high. The pullback comes despite strong, AI-driven demand and strength in the infrastructure software offerings. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty has made investors cautious, while questions around margins have added to the pressure. Together, these factors have weighed on sentiment, even as Broadcom’s end markets remain resilient. More News from Barchart Wall Street, however, remains optimistic on ...

Core Insights - Texas Instruments (TXN) stock has shown moderate returns over the past year compared to peers benefiting from the AI and data center boom [2] - The company is expected to see a significant recovery in free cash flow by 2026 due to lower capital expenditures, despite slower revenue growth [2] - TXN's strategic focus on industrial, automotive, and data center markets is projected to account for 75% of its revenue by 2025 [2] Revenue and Profitability - TXN's operating margin stands at 34.8%, which is lower than Broadcom's (AVGO) 40.8%, indicating a focus on industrial and automotive sectors [2] - The company's last twelve months (LTM) revenue growth is 9.9%, which is less than that of competitors like Analog Devices (ADI) and AVGO, attributed to their strong AI chip offerings [2] Valuation Metrics - TXN's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 35.44, reflecting a cautious outlook on its industrial and automotive sectors [3] - The stock has increased by 8.5%, but this is overshadowed by competitors who are excelling due to advancements in AI and data center growth [3]

Core Insights - The Zacks Equity Research team has highlighted several stocks, including Broadcom Inc., Oracle Corp., Mastercard Inc., Geospace Technologies Corp., and Gencor Industries, Inc., in their Analyst Blog [1][2] Group 1: Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) - Broadcom's shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry over the past year, with a growth of +62.1% compared to the industry’s +49.5% [4] - The company anticipates first-quarter fiscal 2026 AI revenues to double to $8.2 billion, driven by strong demand for networking products and custom AI accelerators [5] - The acquisition of VMware has positively impacted its infrastructure software solutions, although gross margin is expected to contract sequentially due to high debt levels [6] Group 2: Oracle Corp. (ORCL) - Oracle's shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the past year, with a growth of +16.4% compared to the industry’s +2.7% [7] - The cloud infrastructure business is experiencing accelerating revenue growth, supported by strategic partnerships and competitive pricing [8] - However, competition from hyperscalers and the transition from license revenue to subscription models may pressure margins and create near-term earnings volatility [9] Group 3: Mastercard Inc. (MA) - Mastercard's shares have declined -3.1% over the past year, while the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry has seen a decline of -16.4% [10] - The company expects adjusted operating expenses to grow at the high end of mid-teens YoY in 2025, driven by increased investments [10] - Despite challenges, acquisitions and collaborations are expanding addressable markets, with net revenues rising 16% YoY in the first nine months of 2025 [11] Group 4: Geospace Technologies Corp. (GEOS) - Geospace Technologies has outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Measuring Instruments industry over the past year, with a growth of +82.7% compared to the industry’s +32.5% [13] - The Smart Water segment is a core growth driver, achieving 10.4% revenue growth in fiscal 2025 due to rising adoption of Hydroconn and Aquana [14] - However, the company faces near-term execution and margin risks, particularly in its Energy Solutions segment [15] Group 5: Gencor Industries, Inc. (GENC) - Gencor Industries' shares have declined -13.6% over the past year, while the Zacks Manufacturing - Thermal Products industry has declined -39% [16] - The company has experienced a sharp backlog decline, reducing near-term visibility, and faces challenges with obsolete inventory reserves and lower R&D spending [16] - Despite these risks, Gencor has a strong balance sheet with $136.3 million in cash and no debt, providing flexibility for future investments [17]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks have seen significant gains, with Palantir Technologies' shares increasing over 23 times in the last three years [1] Company Summaries - **Palantir Technologies**: The stock has a consensus 12-month price target indicating a potential upside of around 14%, but analysts predict it may not be the top AI stock moving forward [2] - **Broadcom**: - Broadcom has been a strong performer in the AI sector, with a 28% year-over-year revenue increase in Q4 2025 due to robust demand for AI semiconductors [4] - The average price target for Broadcom suggests a potential increase of approximately 38%, with one analyst forecasting a nearly 62% rise in the next 12 months [5] - The company's AI-related order backlog reached over $73 billion at the end of 2025, with expectations for AI chip revenue to double in Q1 2026 [6] - **Microsoft**: - Microsoft has underperformed in the AI stock market, with only single-digit percentage growth over the last 12 months, but analysts are optimistic about future performance [7] - The consensus price target indicates a potential upside of around 38%, with strong analyst support—45 out of 58 rated it a "buy" or "strong buy" [8] - The company's Azure and cloud services revenue surged by 40% year-over-year in Q1 of fiscal 2026, driven by the growth of generative AI [9]

January 19, 2026 10:47 AM GMT TSMC | Asia Pacific TSMC investor feedback post- 4Q25 results Investors are asking more strategic questions – not just reacting to earnings – a few days after the print, as well as asking what's next. We recently raised our PT to NT$2,088 and predicted a 4-5% move higher after the strong beat (see our CDI). Taiwan shares rose 4% over the past two trading days, offsetting profit taking pressure and showing that results were indeed strong. However, investors are now asking more s ...

Core Insights - Beth Kindig is a veteran technology analyst with over 14 years of experience in both private and public markets, recognized for her accurate predictions on emerging tech trends [1] - She is known as the "Queen of Nvidia" for her early calls on AI semiconductors, demonstrating a strong track record in identifying winning investments ahead of consensus [1] - The Tech Insider Network, founded by Beth, has achieved over 210% cumulative returns since 2020, with a 27% annualized return, showcasing its effectiveness in tech portfolio management [1] Company and Industry Analysis - The technology sector surpassed oil as the world's most valuable industry in 2010, with Beth at the forefront of this transition in Silicon Valley [1] - As of 2023, Beth held a 45% allocation in AI semiconductors, significantly higher than other notable investors like Stanley Druckenmiller, who had a 29% allocation [1] - The Tech Insider Network combines real tech industry experience with active portfolio management, focusing on providing individual investors with access to high-quality research similar to that available to institutions [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for fiscal year 2025 grew 24% year on year to a record $64 billion, driven by AI semiconductors and VMware [5] - Q4 total revenue was a record $18 billion, up 28% year on year, exceeding guidance due to better-than-expected growth in AI semiconductors and infrastructure software [6] - Q4 consolidated adjusted EBITDA reached a record $12.12 billion, up 34% year on year [6][12] - Gross margin for Q4 was 77.9% of revenue, better than guidance due to higher software revenues and product mix [12] - Free cash flow in Q4 was $7.5 billion, representing 41% of revenue [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Semiconductor revenue for Q4 was $11.1 billion, with year-on-year growth accelerating to 35%, driven by AI semiconductor revenue of $6.5 billion, which was up 74% year on year [6][14] - Infrastructure software revenue for Q4 was $6.9 billion, up 19% year on year, with total contract value booked exceeding $10.4 billion [10][14] - Non-AI semiconductor revenue for Q4 was $4.6 billion, up 2% year on year, with a forecast of approximately $4.1 billion for Q1, flat from a year ago [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI networking demand is strong, with a current order backlog for AI switches exceeding $10 billion [8] - Total order backlog for AI components is over $73 billion, expected to be delivered over the next 18 months [9] - Infrastructure software backlog increased to $73 billion, up from $49 billion a year ago [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects AI revenue to continue to accelerate and drive most of its growth, while non-AI semiconductor revenue is anticipated to remain stable [11] - Infrastructure software revenue is expected to grow at a low double-digit percentage, driven by VMware growth [11] - The company is focusing on advanced packaging capabilities in Singapore to address supply chain challenges [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that spending momentum for AI is expected to continue accelerating into 2026 [5] - There is a recognition of the challenges in the non-AI semiconductor market, with limited signs of recovery in enterprise spending [10][80] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to meet demand despite potential supply chain bottlenecks [74] Other Important Information - The company announced a 10% increase in its quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.65 per share, marking the 15th consecutive increase since initiating dividends in fiscal 2011 [17] - The company has extended its share repurchase program, with $7.5 billion remaining through the end of calendar year 2026 [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on AI backlog and customer-owned tooling - Management confirmed the $73 billion backlog for AI components and emphasized that bookings are expected to continue growing [22][23] - Management downplayed the notion of customers moving towards complete self-sufficiency in tooling, suggesting that custom AI accelerators will still be necessary [25] Question: Impact of TPU sales on market dynamics - Management indicated that TPU sales are primarily a substitution for GPUs and that moving to custom accelerators is a long-term strategic decision [28] Question: Supply chain resiliency and bottlenecks - Management acknowledged challenges in the supply chain but expressed confidence in their ability to manage and mitigate these issues through advanced packaging initiatives [74] Question: Expectations for AI revenue growth in fiscal 2026 - Management noted that while they expect AI revenue to continue accelerating, they refrained from providing specific guidance for the full year [50] Question: Clarification on OpenAI contract - Management confirmed that the OpenAI agreement is a multi-year journey and will not contribute significantly in 2026 [54][57] Question: Diversity of growth among existing customers - Management indicated that growth is well spread out among existing customers, with significant contributions from XPUs and related components [66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q4 2025 reached a record $18 billion, up 28% year on year, driven by strong growth in AI semiconductors and infrastructure software [5][12] - For fiscal year 2025, consolidated revenue grew 24% year on year to a record $64 billion, with AI revenue increasing 65% to $20 billion [4][15] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was a record $12.12 billion, up 34% year on year, representing 68% of revenue [5][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Semiconductor revenue for Q4 was $11.1 billion, up 35% year on year, with AI semiconductor revenue of $6.5 billion, up 74% year on year [5][13] - Infrastructure software revenue for Q4 was $6.9 billion, up 19% year on year, with total contract value booked exceeding $10.4 billion [10][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AI networking demand is strong, with a current order backlog for AI switches exceeding $10 billion [8][9] - Non-AI semiconductor revenue for Q4 was $4.6 billion, up 2% year on year, but flat sequentially due to wireless seasonality [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects AI revenue to continue to accelerate and drive most of its growth, while non-AI semiconductor revenue is anticipated to remain stable [11][17] - Infrastructure software revenue is expected to grow at a low double-digit percentage, driven by VMware growth [11][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that spending momentum for AI is expected to continue accelerating into 2026, with a forecast of $19.1 billion in consolidated revenue for Q1 2026, up 28% year on year [11][17] - The company anticipates that the AI backlog of $73 billion will be delivered over the next 18 months, with expectations for further bookings [9][31] Other Important Information - The company announced a 10% increase in its quarterly common stock cash dividend to $0.65 per share, marking the 15th consecutive increase since initiating dividends in fiscal 2011 [16] - The company has a gross principal fixed-rate debt of $67.1 billion with a weighted average coupon rate of 4% [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on AI backlog and customer-owned tooling - Management confirmed the $73 billion backlog for AI components and expressed confidence in continued bookings, stating that the concept of customer-owned tooling is overblown [20][21][24] Question: Impact of TPUs on market dynamics - Management indicated that the transition from GPUs to TPUs is a transactional move, while developing custom accelerators is a long-term strategic decision [27][28] Question: AI revenue growth expectations - Management acknowledged the dynamic nature of AI backlog and indicated that while they initially projected 60%-70% growth for AI revenues in 2026, the trend appears to be accelerating [46][47] Question: OpenAI contract details - Management confirmed that the OpenAI contract is a multi-year journey, with significant contributions expected from 2027 to 2029, but not much in 2026 [52][74] Question: Supply chain resiliency and bottlenecks - Management expressed confidence in supply chain management and indicated that they are addressing potential bottlenecks proactively [67][70]

Group 1 - Broadcom Inc. is experiencing a transition from sustaining growth to accelerating growth, driven by a structural shift in AI demand and a strengthening software cash engine [2] - AI semiconductors have reached $5.2 billion in quarterly revenue, with custom XPUs making up 65% of the mix, indicating strong partnerships with hyperscalers [3] - The company has provided Q4 AI guidance of $6.2 billion, with management expressing confidence in significantly higher growth next year [4] Group 2 - The VMware acquisition has become a powerful private-cloud utility, generating 77% operating margins and $7 billion in free cash flow [4] - Over 90% of top customers have transitioned to subscription models, allowing Broadcom to enter Phase 2 of monetization by upselling security and disaster recovery services [4] - Despite some gross-margin pressure from a higher XPU mix, operating and EBITDA margins remain strong at approximately 65% and 67%, supported by a $110 billion backlog [6] Group 3 - Broadcom is positioned as a dual-moat business, being an AI connectivity leader backed by a resilient and expanding software franchise [6] - The stock price of Broadcom has appreciated approximately 106.07% since the previous bullish thesis coverage, indicating successful execution of the company's strategy [7] - The current thesis emphasizes accelerating AI visibility and the dual-moat model, aligning with previous analyses [7]

Core Insights - Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) shares increased by 11.1% to close at $377.96, following a notable trading volume, contrasting with a 3.9% loss over the past four weeks [1] - The company is benefiting from strong momentum driven by growth in AI semiconductors and successful VMware integration [1] Earnings Expectations - Broadcom is projected to report quarterly earnings of $1.87 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 31.7% [2] - Expected revenues are $17.5 billion, which is a 24.5% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2] - Trends in earnings estimate revisions are correlated with near-term stock price movements, indicating potential strength in the stock [2] Stock Performance and Rankings - The consensus EPS estimate for Broadcom has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, suggesting that the stock's price may not continue to rise without earnings estimate revisions [3] - Broadcom currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - In the same industry, Marvell Technology (MRVL) saw an 8.2% increase in its stock price, closing at $83.79, despite a -7.9% return over the past month [3] Marvell Technology Insights - Marvell's consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report is $0.75, representing a year-over-year change of 74.4% [4] - Marvell also holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4]