Sales of Samsung's latest foldable phone are outpacing the prior model by 50%, a sign that the category is establishing momentum https://t.co/3wtFwRySGz ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the **US Communications Equipment and Hardware** industry, highlighting various companies including **Apple (AAPL)**, **Dell (DELL)**, **Arista Networks (ANET)**, **Cisco Systems (CSCO)**, **NetApp (NTAP)**, and **Super Micro Computer (SMCI)** [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Investor Sentiment**: There is a more bearish sentiment among investors towards hardware OEMs compared to component or networking stocks, primarily due to demand impacts from macroeconomic conditions and Section 232 investigations [1]. 2. **AI Networking Stocks**: After a significant underperformance in Q1 due to concerns over data center capex slowdown, AI networking stocks like **ANET** and **COHR** are regaining favor due to expanding total addressable markets (TAMs) for Ethernet and transceivers [1]. 3. **Smartphone/PC Market**: Positive news regarding higher sell-in for consumer stocks like **AAPL** and **HPQ** appears to be priced in, with investors lacking conviction to look beyond the September quarter [1]. 4. **Crowded Long Positions**: **CSCO** and **APH** are identified as crowded long positions, indicating a high level of investor interest [1]. 5. **Negative Sentiment on NTAP/SMCI**: There is a negative sentiment surrounding **NTAP** and **SMCI**, as indicated by the Citi Quant Crowding Composite scorecard [1]. 6. **Data Center Build-Out**: Continued expansion in data center build-out is expected to enhance the scale-out Ethernet TAM, with a focus on Tier 2 spenders like **Oracle** and GPU-as-a-service providers [2]. 7. **AI Adoption in Servers**: The broadening adoption of AI, including neoclouds and sovereigns, is a positive driver for AI-exposed server OEMs like **DELL**, although there are concerns about margin pressures on **SMCI** [3]. 8. **PC Sell-In Trends**: Better-than-expected PC sell-in in Q2 is seen as a short-term positive for PC-related OEMs and distributors, but lack of demand visibility may limit stock performance through the summer [4]. 9. **Storage Sector Outlook**: For **PSTG**, while there is optimism regarding the Meta deal, skepticism remains about additional hyperscaler announcements. **NTAP** faces skepticism regarding revenue acceleration drivers in 2H FY26 amid potential competition [5]. 10. **Component Sector Performance**: The HDD sector fundamentals are improving, with expectations that **WDC** shares may outperform **STX** in the near term due to STX's crowded position. Estimates for connector companies like **APH**, **TEL**, and **GLW** are expected to rise, although **APH** may take a breather due to crowding [6]. Additional Important Insights - The conference highlighted the importance of macroeconomic factors and regulatory investigations impacting investor sentiment and stock performance across the communications equipment and hardware sector [1][3][4]. - The potential for new product launches, such as a foldable phone from **AAPL**, is generating excitement, although there are concerns about regulatory risks associated with Google TAC payments [4]. - The overall sentiment in the industry reflects a cautious optimism, with specific stocks showing potential for recovery while others face challenges due to competitive pressures and market dynamics [1][2][3][4][5][6].

Yeah, we've been hearing about this for a number of years, Sarah. In fact, it like going back six or seven years that Apple was kind of dabbling in this idea of a foldable phone. The latest that we have though, I I'll refer to Mingchin Quo.He's that analyst over at TF International Securities. He's really tapped into the supply chain. He says this is going to go into mass production uh towards the back half of next year, so 2026, presumably for a fall or a holiday launch like that.And this is also coming, S ...

Product Development & Market Entry - Apple is reportedly considering launching a foldable iPhone as early as next year, aiming for a fall or holiday launch in 2026 [1][2] - The potential foldable iPhone launch is seen as a strategy to find the next growth driver, especially with Apple shares experiencing double-digit declines since January [1] - The foldable phone market is already established, with Samsung launching its latest version, priced at $2,000, indicating the high-end positioning of this technology [2][3] Pricing & Revenue Implications - A foldable iPhone could help Apple boost revenue amid slowing iPhone sales, but the unproven technology and high cost (potentially $2,000 or more) could be a barrier [4][6] - The high price point of foldable phones, exemplified by Samsung's $2,000 device, suggests Apple's version would likely be similarly expensive [3][6] - While the sticker price is high, consumers often use payment plans or trade-ins, mitigating the initial cost [7] Technology & Design - Apple has been exploring foldable phone concepts for six or seven years, with the technology now potentially mature enough for a viable product [1][3] - The improved design of foldable phones, such as Samsung's latest model, makes them more appealing and functional [3] - The foldable phone could potentially replace the need for both a phone and an iPad, offering a single device solution [6] Market Dynamics & Consumer Adoption - Foldable phones are popular in markets like Asia, particularly China, but their overall market share is still significantly lower than regular smartphones [5] - The technology has reached an inflection point where it is catching up to the ultimate vision, as seen with the Samsung device, suggesting Apple is nearing a similar stage [7][8]

Product Analysis - Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the first foldable phone with the potential to win over mainstream consumers [1]

Samsung introduced a far thinner foldable phone as well as a cheaper model, looking to take the category mainstream before Apple's arrival next year https://t.co/rTmqLViExM ...