La catena delle opzioni mostra i dati chiave delle opzioni azionarie di Samsung Electronics Co a vari prezzi di esercizio e date di scadenza. I trader utilizzano queste informazioni per analizzare potenziali operazioni e valutare il sentiment del mercato per Samsung Electronics Co..

Samsung Electronics Co (OTC:SSNLF) Azioni, Catena delle Opzioni

Samsung Electronics is a diversified electronics conglomerate that manufactures and sells a wide range of products, including smartphones, semiconductor chips, printers, home appliances, medical equipment, and telecom network equipment. More than half of its profit is generated from semiconductor business, and a further 20-25% is generated from its mobile handset business, although these percentages vary with the fortunes of each of these businesses. It is the largest smartphone and television manufacturer in the world, which helps provide a base demand for its component businesses, such as memory chips and displays, and is also the largest manufacturer of these globally.

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Il settore dei chip per IA sta esplodendo, con opportunità di investimento imperdibili per chi cerca rendimenti elevati e sicuri.

Boom dei chip per l&#39;intelligenza artificiale: quali azioni comprare ora?

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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artificial intelligence server</a> company Super Micro Computer, Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) stock has risen over 1,336% in the last five years, backed by demand for AI hardware and infrastructure in line with the AI boom.
Aswath Damodaran, a Professor of Finance at the Stern School of Business at New York University, proclaimed the need for investments in infrastructure to accomplish <a target="_blank" href="https://aswathdamodaran.substack.com/p/ais-winners-losers-and-wannabes-valuing" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI ambitions</a>.
The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 posed a positive catalyst for the server market, as demand for AI servers increased with the generative AI boom.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43442520/strong-iphone-upgrades-ai-features-and-services-growth-fuel-apples-momentum-bofa-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple May Face Limited Tariff Impact, Trump Administration Could Ease DOJ Pressure: BofA</a>
Dell, Super Micro, and Hewlett Packard are the Big 3 Original Equipment Manufacturers of the AI server market. However, &#8220;Original Design Manufacturer direct&#8221; sales dominate as Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and its Big Tech peers continue to have their servers custom-made, as per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insight/post-insight-research-notes-blogs-ai-servers-are-now-one-third-of-the-global-server-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">Counterpoint</a>.
Super Micro&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://ir.supermicro.com/financials/sec-filings/default.aspx" rel="noreferrer noopener">gross margin</a> ranged between 15%-18% in the last three fiscals <a target="_blank" href="https://investors.hpe.com/financial/annual-reports" rel="noreferrer noopener">compared to</a> Hewlett Packard&#8217;s 33.4%-35% and <a target="_blank" href="https://investors.delltechnologies.com/financial-information/sec-filings?field_nir_sec_form_group_target_id=471&amp;field_nir_sec_date_filed_value=&amp;filter_type=&amp;relative_date_range_after=&amp;relative_date_range_before=&amp;exact_date_range_after=&amp;exact_date_range_before=&amp;items_per_page=10" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dell&#8217;s 22%-24%</a> due to the companies&#8217; diversified product portfolio with potentially higher margin segments.
Also, Super Micro priced its AI servers at a discount versus rivals to win market share, Reuters cited CFO David Weigand during a quarterly earnings call.
Super Micro&#8217;s stock value lost 25% in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42520765/super-micro-drops-below-50-day-average-faces-nasdaq-100-removal-just-months-after-entry" rel="noreferrer noopener">last six months</a> as auditor Ernst &amp; Young quit in October over governance concerns. The company tapped BDO USA as its new auditor.
Super Micro, scrutinized by a Hindenburg Research report and a U.S. Department of Justice probe for alleged accounting fraud, has until February 25 to file its delayed financial reports. The stock lost its position in the Nasdaq 100 index in December 2024, months after joining it in July 2024.
According to the AI server company&#8217;s latest <a target="_blank" href="https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0001375365/b47ec77a-b669-438b-82d3-553ab0d77e45.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterly report</a>, Super Micro&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41355570/super-micro-expands-liquid-cooled-ai-servers-with-nvidia-power" rel="noreferrer noopener">customers include</a> Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>), and Micron Technology, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>).
Super Micro remains <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42709635/super-micro-and-nvidia-expand-in-taiwan-with-green-energy-and-ai-projects" rel="noreferrer noopener">engaged in constructive endeavors</a>, including collaborating with Taiwan&#8217;s Guo Rui to form a renewable-energy-powered computation center in Taiwan. Reportedly, Nvidia plans to build a secondary headquarters in Taiwan.
Super Micro launched new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43500503/whats-going-on-with-ai-infrastructure-provider-supermicros-stock-today" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI data center solutions</a> with Nvidia Blackwell, and it has production plants in San Jose, Europe, and Asia.
In January, Super Micro began shipping <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42900090/super-micro-begins-shipping-max-performance-servers-with-intel-xeon-6900-series-processors" rel="noreferrer noopener">max-performance servers</a> with Intel Xeon 6900 processors optimized for AI, HPC, and GPU-intensive tasks.
On January 30, Super Micro CEO Charles Liang <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/charlesliang/status/1885087135922847978" rel="noreferrer noopener">tweeted</a> about expanding its partnership with Elon Musk&#8217;s AI startup,&nbsp;xAI.
On Tuesday, Super Micro reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43646949/supermicro-sees-conservative-40-billion-revenue-target-despite-auditor-exit-stocks-50-slide" rel="noreferrer noopener">preliminary second-quarter</a> revenue of $5.6 billion—$5.7 billion (below the $5.89 billion consensus), up 54%.&nbsp;
The company cut its fiscal year 2025 guidance to $23.5 billion—$25 billion from its previous forecast of $26 billion—$30 billion (versus the $24.92 billion consensus). It projected fiscal year 2026 revenue of $40 billion versus the $29.92 billion consensus.
The company expects to file&nbsp;its delayed annual and quarterly reports to the U.S. SEC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43651025/smci-climbs-66-in-wednesday-pre-market-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">by the deadline</a>.
Analysts rerated the stock upon the results.
<ul>
<li>Wedbush analyst Matt Bryson maintained Super Micro with a Neutral and raised the price target from $24 to $40.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee maintained Super Micro with an Underweight and raised the price target from $23 to $35.</li>
<li>Needham analyst Quinn Bolton suspended the rating on Super Micro.</li>
</ul>
Wedbush: Super Micro&#8217;s softer, uninspiring results, the vision of a significantly more robust future, and plans to file its financials before the deadline should reduce uncertainty.
Bryson expects the business to expand considerably in the first half of 2026. However, he is also hesitant to model as aggressively as management forecasts.
JP Morgan: Despite the near-term softness, Super Micro surprised with an updated full-year guide, which implied a strong revenue inflection that the company expects will start a robust AI server revenue cycle.
The price target boost reflects increased conviction from the management team to meet regulatory deadlines.
Needham: Super Micro&#8217;s preliminary revenue and gross margin results fell slightly short of expectations as customers waited to order new Blackwell systems and aggressive pricing on Hopper products.
Bolton maintained his suspended rating as he awaited the filing of the annual and quarterly reports.
Investors can gain exposure to Super Micro through Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTI#NYSE">VTI</a>) and Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;SMCI stock closed at $39.68 on Wednesday.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43442424/meta-outspends-apple-and-amazon-on-arvr-betting-big-on-future-of-smart-glasses-and-ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Bets Big on Future of Smart Glasses and AI, Outspends Apple and Amazon on AR/VR</a></li>
</ul>
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Super Micro Rides AI Server Boom, Analysts See Big 2026 Growth Despite Near-Term Challenges

Meta Platforms Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) is reportedly in negotiations to acquire&nbsp;FuriosaAI Inc., a Seoul-based AI chip startup. The acquisition deal is expected to&nbsp;be finalized as early as&nbsp;this month.
What Happened: Mark Zuckerberg&#8216;s Meta is in discussions to acquire FuriosaAI, a South Korean AI chip startup founded by June Paik, a former Samsung (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>)and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) engineer, according to a Forbes <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkang/2025/02/11/meta-in-talks-to-buy-korean-ai-chip-startup-founded-by-samsung-engineer/">report</a> on Tuesday. FuriosaAI specializes in developing accelerators that optimize AI applications and has created its own AI chip, Warboy in 2021, after which it launched the advanced accelerator chip RNGD in August.
"RNGD will be an ideal choice for the large-scale deployment of advanced generative AI models such as Meta&#8217;s Llama 2 and Llama 3," stated FuriosaAI.
CEO Paik has previously highlighted the need for an alternative semiconductor ecosystem, citing the high cost and limited supply of Nvidia&#8217;s AI accelerators. FuriosaAI&#8217;s models reportedly offer a more cost-effective solution, with system chip construction costs amounting to about half of Nvidia&#8217;s.
SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43591228/sam-altmans-openai-set-to-finalize-in-house-ai-chip-reducing-dependence-on-nvidia-report">Sam Altman&#8217;s OpenAI Set To Finalize In-House AI Chip, Reducing Dependence On Nvidia: Report</a>
Why It Matters: This move by the Zuckerberg-led company comes in the wake of aggressive AI initiatives that have been driving the company&#8217;s growth. According to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43646615/top-analyst-says-metas-ai-push-could-add-100-per-share-while-tesla-faces-ev-headwindswhy-hes-still-bullish-on-musks-robotics-vision">Meta&#8217;s AI-driven monetization</a> strategy could potentially add an incremental $100 per share.
The acquisition talks are also happening at a time when Meta Platforms is looking to challenge&nbsp;Nvidia Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)&nbsp;and lessen its strong dependence on the world&#8217;s leading GPU manufacturer for AI chips. Last month, Meta revealed that its capital expenditures could reach up to $65 billion in 2025, with a substantial share dedicated to AI infrastructure investments.
Conrad van Tienhoven, a portfolio manager at Riverpark Capital told Bloomberg, "I have long viewed Meta as the biggest beneficiary of AI outside of maybe Nvidia, and I think more people are coming around to that idea.&#8221; Tienhoven elucidated that Meta's investment has reshaped its approach to ad targeting and measurement, leading to enhanced growth and increased average revenue per user.
<ul>
<li>READ MORE: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/news/25/02/43644404/100-invested-in-nvidia-20-years-ago-would-be-worth-this-much-today">$100 Invested In NVIDIA 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today</a></li>
</ul>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Markets

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Eyes Acquisition Of Korean AI Chip Startup Founded By Former Samsung And AMD Engineer

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tsmc" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock surged 256%</a> in the last five years as it succeeded in tapping the artificial intelligence boom as a leading contract chipmaker.
It manufactures chips for everything from Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) processors to chips for Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) electric vehicles, especially their Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems, to Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) smartphones.
All the aforementioned companies command over a trillion-dollar market cap. International Data Corp expects Taiwan Semiconductor to command a 67% share of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42947562/taiwan-semiconductor-begins-4nm-chip-production-in-arizona-eyes-11-4-billion-q4-profit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global foundry market</a> in 2025.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43502533/harley-davidson-q4-earnings-struggles-with-sales-drop-but-new-touring-models-boost-market-share" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harley-Davidson Struggles With Sales Drop In Q4, But New Touring Models Boost Market Share</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10115024/newplot-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-774936" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10115024/newplot-5.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10115024/newplot-5-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Reportedly, Taiwan Semiconductor is set for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42843001/taiwan-semiconductor-ramps-up-production-in-japan-us-and-germany-to-diversify-away-from-china" rel="noreferrer noopener">full-capacity production</a> in the U.S. and Germany after commercializing its debut Japanese chip plant in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture, last December.
Its total investment&nbsp;in the U.S. stands at $65 billion, where Apple is its largest customer. Also, Nvidia is&nbsp;exploring the production&nbsp;of the front-end process of Blackwell AI chips at Taiwan Semiconductor's Arizona plant.
Meanwhile, the chipmaker remains committed to its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43432143/taiwan-semiconductor-plans-massive-1nm-fab-25-in-taiwan-boosting-advanced-chipmaking-capacity" rel="noreferrer noopener">ambitions for domestic expansion</a>. It plans to build a massive 1nm fab in Tainan and expand advanced chip production with six new 12-inch plants. It also targets 1nm and 1.4nm expansion in Taiwan.
The contract chipmaker's move reflects continued demand for Nvidia GPU growth and production of custom-made ASIC chips for Broadcom and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), which cater to smartphones, PCs, automotive, and other applications.
All the aforementioned semiconductor companies were beneficiaries of the AI boom. Reportedly, a third of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42762874/broadcom-thrives-with-114-stock-surge-in-ai-boom-while-intel-faces-steep-decline" rel="noreferrer noopener">ten global companies</a> worth over $1 trillion came from the chip industry.
The Taiwanese chipmaker's stock gained 59% in the last 12 months, reaching a trillion-dollar valuation as U.S. Big Tech giants, including Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), splurge on their AI data center ambitions to tap the growing demand for AI and cloud computing.
Daniel Ives of Wedbush told Reuters he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42793394/nvidias-2-trillion-ai-rally-fueled-by-chips-startups-and-robotics" rel="noreferrer noopener">expects tech stocks</a> to surge 25% in 2025, backed by Trump's regulatory policies and AI capital expenditures.
On February 10, Taiwan Semiconductor disclosed that it expects first-quarter revenue at the lower end of $25 billion—$25.8 billion (versus the&nbsp;$24.97 billion consensus estimate) as the <a target="_blank" href="https://pr.tsmc.com/english/news/3204" rel="noreferrer noopener">January 2025 earthquake</a> in Taiwan affected its operations.
However, the chipmaker reiterated its gross margin outlook of 57%—59%. The margin outlook signifies the chipmaker's AI chip moat, differentiating it from Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) and Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>).
Taiwan Semiconductor's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43022654/taiwan-semiconductor-q4-earnings-3nm-and-5nm-nodes-lead-topline-growth-expands-margins-issues-strong-q1-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter revenue</a> hit $26.88 billion, up 38.8% (versus a consensus estimate of $26.28 billion), driven by demand for AI chips and advanced node technologies.
As its 3-nm and 5-nm chips gained traction, its gross margins expanded by 600 bps to 59%.
The Taiwanese chipmaker committed fiscal 2025 capex worth $38 billion—$42 billion (versus $29.8 billion a year ago), signifying continued AI momentum.
Taiwan Semiconductor trades at a PE ratio of 29.9x versus Nvidia's 51.3x and Apple's 36.1x.
Goldman Sachs' Bruce Lu&nbsp;had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42825523/taiwan-semi-likely-for-upside-backed-by-ai-demand-and-advanced-node-pricing-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">expressed optimism over</a> Taiwan Semiconductor's prospects, citing AI demand and advanced node growth. In 2025, Taiwan Semiconductor's price hikes for 3 and 5-nm nodes (while Intel and Samsung grappled with their AI technology) could boost its margins to over 59%.
Taiwan Semiconductor aggressively expanded its CoWoS capacity in 2024 and will double its capacity again in 2025. Lu sought Taiwan Semiconductor's view on potential new applications beyond AI, such as PCs or smartphones that will also adopt the CoWoS technology.
Taiwan Semiconductor has around 31.6 million shares in the U.S.&nbsp;ETF&nbsp;market. The largest&nbsp;ETF&nbsp;holder is the VanEck Semiconductor&nbsp;ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) with approximately 16.60 million shares.
Price Action:&nbsp;TSM stock closed higher by 0.89% to $207.95 on Monday.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43501055/fiserv-q4-earnings-merchant-financial-solutions-fuel-growth-double-digit-outlook-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiserv Q4 Earnings: Merchant, Financial Solutions Fuel Growth, Double-Digit Outlook For 2025</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

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TSLA

Taiwan Semiconductor's Trillion-Dollar Valuation: The Chipmaker Enabling AI Boom

A federal appeals court in San Francisco showed skepticism toward Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) efforts to overturn a jury verdict in favor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43453177/googles-fight-against-epic-gamess-antitrust-win-hits-roadblocks-judges-say-apple-case-doesnt-apply" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">of </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43453177/googles-fight-against-epic-gamess-antitrust-win-hits-roadblocks-judges-say-apple-case-doesnt-apply" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fortine</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43453177/googles-fight-against-epic-gamess-antitrust-win-hits-roadblocks-judges-say-apple-case-doesnt-apply" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">-maker</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43453177/googles-fight-against-epic-gamess-antitrust-win-hits-roadblocks-judges-say-apple-case-doesnt-apply" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Epic Games</a>.
Afederal judge decided that parts of&nbsp;Elon Musk's&nbsp;lawsuit against&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;will advance to trial. This legal battle centers on Musk's efforts to halt OpenAI's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43484737/chatgpt-maker-openais-future-hangs-in-the-balance-as-judge-says-musks-lawsuit-will-partially-proceed-to-trial" rel="noreferrer noopener">transition to&nbsp;a for-profit model</a>.
Earnings Results
Spotify Technology&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) reported fourth-quarter&nbsp;earnings of $1.88 per share, which missed the&nbsp;analyst consensus estimate of $2.06 and sales of $4.53 billion (4.24 billion euros), up by 16% year-on-year, which beat the analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43463926/spotify-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-higher-arpu-and-premium-growth-drive-profitability-issues-strong-q" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of $4.15 billion</a>.
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) &nbsp;reported third-quarter revenue of $1.37 billion, missing analyst estimates of $1.39 billion and adjusted earnings of 72 cents per share, beating analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43548484/take-two-interactive-software-q3-earnings-revenue-miss-eps-beat-bookings-up" rel="noreferrer noopener">estimates of 57 cents per share</a>.
Palantir Technologies Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) reported&nbsp;fourth-quarter&nbsp;revenue of&nbsp;$827.52 million, beating the&nbsp;consensus estimate of&nbsp;$775.91 million. The company reported&nbsp;fourth-quarter&nbsp;adjusted earnings of 14 cents per share, beating analyst estimates <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43449486/palantir-q4-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-us-revenue-up-52-customer-count-up-43-strong-guidance-th" rel="noreferrer noopener">of 11 cents per share</a>.
Smartphones
Apple Inc.&#8216;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) Watch Series 10&nbsp;users are reportedly voicing their dissatisfaction over the limited selection of watch faces available, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43425734/apple-watch-faces-are-a-mess-series-10s-biggest-feature-is-limited-to-just-four-faces-frustrating-users" rel="noreferrer noopener">despite the device's advanced features</a>.
Apple&nbsp;is reportedly gearing up to unveil five new products in March, including the iPhone SE 4, M4 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43428732/apples-spring-2025-lineup-iphone-se-4-m4-macbook-air-and-more-expected-soon" rel="noreferrer noopener">MacBook Air, and a new iPad Air</a>.
Apple&nbsp;has increased the monthly subscription cost for its&nbsp;AppleCare+&nbsp;service <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43485288/apple-raises-monthly-applecare-prices-for-all-iphones-and-you-can-no-longer-buy-the-warranty-upfront-in-stores" rel="noreferrer noopener">across all iPhone models in the U.S</a>.&nbsp;
Samsung Electronics Co.&#8216;s&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) Galaxy S25 Ultra&nbsp;is available at a significantly lower price than<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43429568/samsung-offers-galaxy-s25-ultra-at-a-discount-of-up-to-1020-making-it-3x-cheaper-than-apples-iphone-16-pro-heres-how-you-can-get-it-for-almost-free" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43429568/samsung-offers-galaxy-s25-ultra-at-a-discount-of-up-to-1020-making-it-3x-cheaper-than-apples-iphone-16-pro-heres-how-you-can-get-it-for-almost-free" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Inc.&#8217;s</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43429568/samsung-offers-galaxy-s25-ultra-at-a-discount-of-up-to-1020-making-it-3x-cheaper-than-apples-iphone-16-pro-heres-how-you-can-get-it-for-almost-free" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43429568/samsung-offers-galaxy-s25-ultra-at-a-discount-of-up-to-1020-making-it-3x-cheaper-than-apples-iphone-16-pro-heres-how-you-can-get-it-for-almost-free" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone 16 Pro</a>.&nbsp;
Technology &amp; Online Retail
LinkedIn, owned by&nbsp;Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>),&nbsp;Indeed&nbsp;and&nbsp;Greenhouse&nbsp;have all introduced new AI-powered tools designed to help job seekers gauge their chances of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43425534/linkedin-and-indeed-are-finally-holding-employers-accountable-new-ai-tools-will-show-job-seekers-their-chances-of-getting-a-response" rel="noreferrer noopener">receiving responses from potential employers</a>.
Nvidia Corp.&#8217;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) GeForce RTX 5090&nbsp;and&nbsp;5080&nbsp;graphics&nbsp;cards have sold out&nbsp;almost immediately after their release. However, gaming enthusiasts can still acquire these powerful GPUs through <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43428596/rtx-5090-and-5080-are-sold-outbut-you-can-still-get-one-with-these-high-end-prebuilt-gaming-pcs" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-end prebuilt gaming PCs</a>.
Microsoft has quietly removed a workaround that allowed users to install&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43455003/windows-11-disaster-microsoft-quietly-removes-workaround-for-unsupported-pcs-leaving-millions-stranded" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windows 11</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43455003/windows-11-disaster-microsoft-quietly-removes-workaround-for-unsupported-pcs-leaving-millions-stranded" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;on unsupported PCs</a>.
Microsoft has recruited top talent from&nbsp;Google DeepMind. This recruitment is part of an effort led by&nbsp;Mustafa Suleyman&nbsp;to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43518599/microsoft-poaches-top-deepmind-ai-talent-behind-googles-podcasting-feature-mustafa-suleymans-zurich-ai-lab-expands" rel="noreferrer noopener">expand Microsoft's AI lab in Zurich</a>.
Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) decided not to comply with the European Union's AI Code of Practice.&nbsp;Joel Kaplan, the new head of global affairs at Meta, made this announcement, escalating the company's<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43487588/metas-global-affairs-head-dismisses-eus-ai-regulations-reignites-regulatory-tensions-for-the-mark-zuckerberg-led-tech-giant" rel="noreferrer noopener"> ongoing disputes with European regulators</a>.
Alphabet CEO&nbsp;Sundar Pichai&nbsp;hinted at potential future monetization strategies for Gemini AI, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43488268/googles-gemini-ai-could-soon-include-adssundar-pichai-hints-at-future-monetization-beyond-subscriptions" rel="noreferrer noopener">including the introduction of ads</a>.
Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)&nbsp;is gearing up to introduce a&nbsp;major AI upgrade&nbsp;to its&nbsp;Alexa&nbsp;voice assistant with a press event <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43517995/amazons-remarkable-alexa-is-coming-heres-what-to-expect-from-the-ai-overhaul-and-its-potential-10-monthly-fee" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly in New York on Feb. 26</a>.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
OpenAI&nbsp;revealed a new feature for ChatGPT&nbsp;called "deep research," which autonomously plans and executes multi-step data searches. This feature allows users to input questions using text, images, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43425315/openais-deep-research-promises-ai-powered-analysis-heres-what-it-can-and-cant-do" rel="noreferrer noopener">and files like PDFs or spreadsheets</a>.
OpenAI&nbsp;introduced a comprehensive rebranding initiative <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43485775/openais-big-rebrand-chatgpt-parent-wants-to-reflect-a-more-organic-future-with-new-logo-typeface" rel="noreferrer noopener">featuring a new logo and typeface</a>.
OpenAI is contemplating a shift in its open-source strategy as it faces&nbsp;mounting competition from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43426111/openai-rethinks-open-source-as-deepseek-gains-ground-sam-altman-hints-at-major-changes-in-ai-model-development" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese companies like&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43426111/openai-rethinks-open-source-as-deepseek-gains-ground-sam-altman-hints-at-major-changes-in-ai-model-development" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeepSeek</a>.
Advanced Micro Devices Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) CEO&nbsp;Lisa Su&nbsp;has addressed&nbsp;DeepSeek&#8217;s&nbsp;AI advancements and their potential <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43487668/amd-ceo-lisa-su-on-deepseeks-ai-disruption-training-and-inference-with-less-infrastructure-is-a-good-thingbut-gpus-not-asics-will-still-power-the-future-of-ai-chips" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact on the semiconductor market</a>.
Alphabet CEO&nbsp;Sundar Pichai&nbsp;recognized the progress made by China's&nbsp;DeepSeek&nbsp;but said that&nbsp;Google's Gemini&nbsp;remains ahead in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43487551/sundar-pichai-acknowledges-deepseeks-ai-advancementsbut-says-googles-gemini-still-leads-in-cost-performance-and-latency" rel="noreferrer noopener">efficiency, cost, and performance</a>.
Aravind Srinivas, CEO of&nbsp;Jeff Bezos-backed&nbsp;Perplexity AI, believes many startup founders fail because they chase market trends instead of working<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43452421/aravind-srinivas-ceo-of-jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-reveals-why-most-startups-fail-the-thing-that-most-people-get-wrong" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on problems they truly care about</a>.
Palantir&nbsp;advised its clients to avoid using AI models <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43453280/peter-thiels-palantir-sounds-alarm-on-chinas-deepseek-citing-national-security-threat-but-says-it-wont-drop-clients-who-use-it" rel="noreferrer noopener">from Chinese startup&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43453280/peter-thiels-palantir-sounds-alarm-on-chinas-deepseek-citing-national-security-threat-but-says-it-wont-drop-clients-who-use-it" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeepSeek</a>.
Palantir chief technology officer&nbsp;Shyam Sankar&nbsp;warned that the U.S. is in an &#8220;AI arms race&#8221; with China, calling for&nbsp;urgent action&nbsp;to maintain dominance as the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43453553/palantirs-shyam-sankar-us-is-at-war-with-china-in-ai-and-the-time-to-act-was-yesterday" rel="noreferrer noopener"> race for artificial intelligence escalates</a>.

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Consumer Tech News (Feb 3-Feb 7): Meta Plans Not To Comply With The EU AI Code Of Practice, Apple Raises AppleCare+ Service' Subscription Cost & More

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductor" rel="noreferrer noopener">Application-specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) vendor</a> Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) entered the trillion-dollar valuation club in 2024, rubbing shoulders with Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>).
Broadcom stock surged over 634% in the last five years and over 84% in the previous 12 months.
Gartner estimates worldwide semiconductor revenue reached $626 billion in 2024, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-02-03-gartner-says-worldwide-semiconductor-revenue-grew-18-percent-in-2024#:~:text=Samsung%20Electronics%20Regained%20No.,1%20Spot%20in%202024" rel="noreferrer noopener">up 18.1%</a>. Graphics processing units&nbsp;(GPUs) and&nbsp;AI&nbsp;processors for data center applications (servers and accelerator cards) were the key drivers for the chip sector in 2024.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43540659/arms-rising-royalties-and-v9-adoption-strengthen-market-position-analysts-say" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arm&#8217;s Rising Royalties and v9 Adoption Strengthen Market Position, Analysts Say</a>
Gartner expects the revenue to reach $705 billion in 2025, backed by&nbsp;demand for AI and&nbsp;generative AI (GenAI)&nbsp;workloads, which led data centers to become the second-largest semiconductor market in 2024, behind smartphones.
Broadcom was ranked sixth amongst global semiconductor vendors based on its 2024 revenue. Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) reclaimed the top spot from Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) thanks to a strong rebound in memory device prices. Intel&#8217;s AI PCs and the Core Ultra chipset failed to offset the limited success of its AI accelerator offering and the modest growth in its x86 business. Nvidia moved from the fifth position to the third position. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) moved from eighth to ninth position.
However, Broadcom&#8217;s enterprise value is over $1 trillion, compared to Samsung&#8217;s $183 billion and Intel&#8217;s $113 billion. Nvidia&#8217;s is over $3 trillion, and Apple&#8217;s is over $3.5 trillion.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/07115201/newplot-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-772310" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/07115201/newplot-1.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/07115201/newplot-1-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
In fiscal year 2024, Broadcom&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42480891/broadcom-reports-four-fold-increase-in-ai-chips-revenue-expects-continued-momentum-boasts-of-cost-reduction-in-vmware-after-acquisition-heres-what-happened" rel="noreferrer noopener">revenue was $51.6 billion</a> (up by 44%), with semiconductor revenue accounting for $30.1 billion and infrastructure software revenue accounting for $21.5 billion.&nbsp;Out of total semiconductor revenue, AI revenue was $12.2 billion (up by 220%, driven by its AI XPUs and Ethernet networking portfolio).&nbsp;
Broadcom&#8217;s infrastructure software revenue was $21.5 billion, courtesy of the integration of VMware.&nbsp;The company doubled the AI XPU shipments to hyperscale customers.
China accounted for 20.3% of Broadcom&#8217;s revenue in fiscal 2024, down from 32.2% in fiscal 2023 and 35.0% in fiscal 2022, as per <a target="_blank" href="https://investors.broadcom.com/financial-information/annual-reports" rel="noreferrer noopener">regulatory filing</a>. It marks the repercussions of the U.S. semiconductor embargo against China, citing national security interests.
Also, China released the DeepSeek AI model that said it could <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/25/01/43260751/not-just-deepseek-alibaba-unveils-ai-model-to-rival-openais-operator" rel="noreferrer noopener">outdo the likes</a> of OpenAI at a fraction of the cost, leading to a selloff in the U.S. tech sector.
The U.S. tech sector is already grappling with investor concerns over the sustainability of the huge AI investments by the U.S. Big Techs.
Last December, Broadcom chief Hock Tan <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42613368/broadcom-expects-decade-long-ai-chip-boom-as-big-tech-invest-billions" rel="noreferrer noopener">told investors that</a> Broadcom&nbsp;could generate&nbsp;tens of billions of dollars in additional annual revenue from AI chips by 2027. This was backed by the AI frenzy from U.S. Big Tech giant OpenAI and Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI, which he expected to continue for at least the next decade.
Tan expects customers to&nbsp;build clusters of up to 1 million AI chips by 2027. He flagged that&nbsp;even 1 million chips may not suffice the AI ambitions of OpenAI and Anthropic.
Meanwhile, analysts expect Broadcom to gain from the DeepSeek selloff as AI shifts toward cost-effective, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43266292/broadcom-marvell-could-thrive-from-deepseeks-ai-breakthrough" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-performance silicon solutions</a>.
Last December, reports indicated Apple was working with Broadcom to develop a server chip designed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42439155/broadcom-stock-jumps-on-apple-ai-chip-report-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">for AI tasks</a>.
Also, in 2024, Broadcom bagged multi-generational AI ASIC programs with OpenAI and a fifth major customer, positioning itself for an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40505439/broadcom-secures-major-wins-with-openai-google-meta-as-it-targets-150b-ai-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">over $150 billion</a> AI semiconductor opportunity over the next five years, as per JPMorgan&#8217;s Harlan Sur.
The analyst Sur flagged Broadcom is on track to ramp Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google&#8217;s next-gen 3nm TPU AI processor with expected revenues of over $8 billion in 2025 and $10 billion in 2026.
Sur expects Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) to become Broadcom&#8217;s next multi-billion dollar customer. Broadcom expects VMware&#8217;s Annualized Billing Value (ABV) to top $3 billion in the first quarter, up from $2.7 billion sequentially.
According to its regulatory filing, Taiwan Semiconductor manufactured ~95% of Broadcom&#8217;s wafers during fiscal year 2024. Still, Broadcom reported over 64% gross margin in fiscal 2024, which indicates its pricing power.
BofA Securities&#8217; Vivek Arya&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/02/43474406/nvidia-still-a-top-pick-as-microsoft-meta-stick-with-gpus-despite-deepseek-challenge-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">expressed continued optimism</a> over Broadcom&#8217;s prospects, which are backed by an AI compute/networking demand frenzy. However, he does not expect Nvidia GPUs to lose their 80%+ share. Arya flagged ASICs taking over a 10%-15% share of the overall accelerator market.
Broadcom has an EV/EBITDA multiple of 47.9x versus Nvidia&#8217;s 41.7x and Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s 13.8x, signifying the premium valuation the former two enjoy backed by their AI moat.
Broadcom&nbsp;has ~599.2 million shares in the U.S.&nbsp;ETF&nbsp;market. The largest&nbsp;ETF&nbsp;holder is the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), with ~90.58 million shares.
Price Action:&nbsp;AVGO stock is down 2.10% at $226.31 at last check Friday.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43533402/roblox-q4-earnings-topline-and-user-growth-miss-estimates-fy25-outlook-lags-stock-slides" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roblox Q4 Earnings: Topline And User Growth Miss Estimates, FY25 Outlook Lags, Stock Slides</a></li>
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Photo via Shutterstock

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Broadcom's Trillion-Dollar Run: Analyst Expects ASIC To Take 10%-15% Market Share Backed By AI Compute Demand

OpenAI chief Sam Altman, currently in Korea, wants to meet with Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) Chair Lee Yong and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son on Tuesday.
SoftBank agreed to set up a joint venture in Japan with OpenAI to offer AI services to corporate customers, Reuters reports. The joint venture, dubbed SB OpenAI Japan, will be owned by OpenAI, a company established by SoftBank and its domestic telecoms arm. SoftBank will pay $3 billion annually to use OpenAI&#8217;s technology across Softbank group companies.
OpenAI and SoftBank may ask Samsung to invest in their Stargate venture project, the Korea Herald <a target="_blank" href="https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10411658" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
In January 2024, Altman visited Samsung&#8217;s production facility in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Altman had voiced plans to develop such AI-specific hardware via a partnership.
The industrialists will likely discuss potential collaboration on advanced AI technology, including producing an AI-specific device.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence-stocks" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence frenzy</a> is in no mood to slow down as global companies forge partnerships to integrate technology into various operations.
Donald Trump&#8217;s second time as the US President was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43139410/softbanks-role-in-500-billion-stargate-ai-venture-seen-as-major-growth-driver-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-timed with</a> the $500 billion &#8220;Stargate&#8221; AI venture with OpenAI, SoftBank Group Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBF#OTC">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SFTBY#OTC">SFTBY</a>), Oracle Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>), and Abu Dhabi&#8217;s MGX.
Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google earmarked over $1 billion in OpenAI rival Anthropic, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43127416/anthropic-gains-big-with-google-backing-aiming-for-60-billion-valuation-and-surging-ai-revenue" rel="noreferrer noopener">intensifying competition with</a> Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43382010/samsung-q4-earnings-12-revenue-growth-closes-gap-with-apple-in-premium-phones-eyes-ai-powered-growth-in-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung Q4 Earnings: 12% Revenue Growth, Closes Gap With Apple In Premium Phones, Eyes AI-Powered Growth In 2025</a>
Anthropic was also on the verge of securing a further $2 billion from Silicon Valley venture capital investors in a deal likely to triple the start-up&#8217;s valuation to about $60 billion versus OpenAI&#8217;s $157 billion valuation. Like Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) and Microsoft, OpenAI and Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI raised over $10 billion in 2024.
Altman also met Samsung rival SK Hynix Chair Chey Tae-won and CEO Kwak Noh-jung to discuss potential collaboration on AI memory chips, including high bandwidth memory AI services, the Korea Herald <a target="_blank" href="https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10411364" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. This meeting followed the previous discussions between Chey and Altman in Seoul in January 2024 and in the US in July.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/25/02/43440540/samsungs-jay-y-lee-acquitted-shifting-focus-to-business-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung&#8217;s Jay Y. Lee Acquitted, Shifting Focus To Business Challenges</a></li>
</ul>
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Sam Altman in Korea: OpenAI Seeks AI Deals With Samsung, SK Hynix, and SoftBank Amid Global AI Boom

Seoul High Court on Monday acquitted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/samsung" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consumer electronics company</a> Samsung Electronics Co (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) executive Chair Jay Y. Lee of fraud and stock-rigging charges. The ruling removes a legal hurdle for Lee as Samsung navigates business challenges.
Lee has faced graft allegations since 2017, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-03/samsung-s-lee-wins-appeal-ruling-clearing-him-of-charges?srnd=phx-technology&amp;sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43165472/samsung-taps-google-ai-qualcomm-tech-for-galaxy-s25-to-rival-apples-iphone" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung Taps Google AI, Qualcomm Tech for Galaxy S25 to Rival Apple&#8217;s iPhone</a>
South Korean prosecutors first indicted Lee for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/02/36935104/samsungs-jay-y-lees-court-win-fuels-companys-ambitions-sharpens-nvidia-rivalry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allegedly providing horses</a> and other payments to a former president&#8217;s confidante to win support for his succession. The case triggered the impeachment of then-President Park Geun-hye.
Monday&#8217;s ruling involved a 2015 merger between two of Samsung Group&#8217;s units. Prosecutors charged Lee with manipulating that deal.
Samsung has fallen behind SK Hynix&nbsp;in making the best memory chips for artificial intelligence, hampering its chip-making profit. At the same time, the Trump administration&#8217;s aggressive tariffs perpetrated uncertainty over Samsung&#8217;s mobile and consumer businesses.
Lee had faced a five-year prison sentence and a 500 million won ($341,000) fine.
Last week, Samsung reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43382010/samsung-q4-earnings-12-revenue-growth-closes-gap-with-apple-in-premium-phones-eyes-ai-powered-growth-in-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter revenue</a>&nbsp;growth of 12% to 75.8 trillion Korean won ($52.2 billion). Due to soft market conditions, operating profit declined by 30% Q/Q to 6.5 trillion Korean won.
Samsung flagged slow demand for conventional chips in personal computers and mobile phones, which is taking a toll on its memory business. Earnings were impacted by rising R&amp;D costs and early investments in expanding advanced-chip processing capability. 
Samsung&#8217;s memory and foundry division posted 30.1 trillion Korean won in revenue (versus 21.7 trillion Korean won Y/Y), backed by a higher blended DRAM average selling price (ASP) due to the higher sales of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and high-density DDR5 for servers.
Reportedly, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) is eying the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42168509/amd-teams-up-with-taiwan-semi-to-take-on-samsung-in-smartphone-market" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smartphone market with</a> advanced APUs leveraging Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) 3nm process, targeting Samsung&#8217;s flagship models.
In 2024, Lee, during his <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39310074/samsung-chairman-engages-in-strategic-talks-with-meta-amazon-and-qualcomm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two-week visit</a> to the U.S., met with Mark Zuckerberg of Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Andy Jassy of Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>). The discussions revolved around artificial intelligence, cloud service, and semiconductor collaborations.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43399736/apple-and-tesla-supplier-stmicroelectronics-plans-up-to-3000-job-cuts-in-italy-and-france" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple And Tesla Supplier STMicroelectronics Plans Up to 3,000 Job Cuts in Italy and France</a></li>
</ul>
Image credits: Arcansel on Shutterstock.

Asia

Legal

Management

Samsung's Jay Y. Lee Acquitted, Shifting Focus To Business Challenges

Samsung Electronics Co.'s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) Galaxy S25 Ultra is available at a significantly lower price than Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) iPhone 16 Pro.&nbsp;
What Happened: The Galaxy S25 Ultra, part of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43165472/samsung-taps-google-ai-qualcomm-tech-for-galaxy-s25-to-rival-apples-iphone">newly launched Galaxy S25 Series</a>, is priced at $1299 for the 512GB model, down from its original $1419, thanks to a &#8220;double the storage for free&#8221; deal.
Samsung&#8217;s trade-in program further reduces the cost, offering up to $900 off with an eligible device trade-in, potentially bringing the price down to $399. The Galaxy S25 and S25+ models also benefit from trade-in savings of up to $500 and $700, respectively.
This is an effective discount of $1,020, which means you can get the S25 Ultra at just $349. In comparison, Apple&#8217;s iPhone 16 Pro (512 GB) was priced at $1,299, making the difference almost three times.
Apple users can get $40–$630 when trading in an iPhone, with trade-in values varying based on the eligible device&#8217;s condition, year, and configuration.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43425534/linkedin-and-indeed-are-finally-holding-employers-accountable-new-ai-tools-will-show-job-seekers-their-chances-of-getting-a-response" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">14 Million Job Seekers Didn&#8217;t Hear Back From Potential Employers In Just A Single Quarter Last Year: Now LinkedIn Is Moving To Change That With AI Help</a>
In addition to the phone discounts, Samsung is providing &#8220;Instant Savings&#8221; on accessories. Customers can purchase the Galaxy Buds3 Pro for $19, reduced from $249, and the Watch Ultra for $250, originally priced at $649, when buying the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
This exclusive pre-order offer is available only on Samsung&#8217;s official website and runs until Feb. 6, with deliveries starting Feb. 7.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Preliminary data from IDC shows <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42986042/apple-sees-market-share-decline-in-2024-as-chinese-smartphone-brands-surge-globally-idc">global smartphone shipments</a> grew 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024, reaching 331.7 million units. This marks six consecutive quarters of growth.&nbsp;
Apple and Samsung remained the top smartphone brands. However, both saw year-over-year declines as Chinese rivals gained market share with budget-friendly devices and rapid expansion in China.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Samsung Offers Galaxy S25 Ultra At A Discount Of Up To $1020, Making It 3x Cheaper Than Apple's iPhone 16 Pro: Here's How You Can Get It For Almost Free

Samsung Electronics Co (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/samsung" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported fourth-quarter revenue</a> growth of 12% year-on-year to 75.8 trillion Korean won ($52.2 billion).
Operating profit declined by 30% Q/Q to 6.5 trillion Korean won due to soft market conditions, especially for IT products, and higher R&amp;D expenditures.
The DS Division (encompassing Memory and S.LSI / Foundry) posted 30.1 trillion Korean won in revenue (versus 21.7 trillion Korean won Y/Y) backed by a higher blended DRAM average selling price (ASP) due to the increased sales of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and high-density <a target="_blank" href="https://www.samsung.com/global/ir/financial-information/earnings-release/" rel="noreferrer noopener">DDR5 for servers</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43165472/samsung-taps-google-ai-qualcomm-tech-for-galaxy-s25-to-rival-apples-iphone" rel="noreferrer noopener">Samsung Taps Google AI, Qualcomm Tech for Galaxy S25 to Rival Apple&#8217;s iPhone</a>
The division reported 2.9 trillion Korean won in operating profit (versus a loss of (2.2) trillion Korean won Y/Y).
Samsung Display Corp Division, posted 8.1 trillion Korean won in revenue (versus 9.7 trillion Korean won Y/Y). The division reported 0.9 trillion Korean won in operating profit (versus 2.0 trillion Korean won Y/Y) due to sluggish smartphone demand and rising competition for the mobile display business.
The Mobile eXperience (MX) and Networks businesses posted 25.8 trillion Korean won in revenue (versus 25.0 Korean won Y/Y). The division reported 2.1 trillion Korean won in operating profit (versus 2.7 trillion Korean won Y/Y).
The quarterly capex was 17.8 trillion Korean won, with 16 trillion Korean won allocated to the DS Division and 1 trillion Korean won to SDC.
While overall earnings improvement may be limited in the first quarter of 2025 due to weakness in the semiconductors business, the company aims to pursue growth through increased sales of smartphones with differentiated AI experiences and premium products in the Device eXperience (DX) Division.
For 2025, the company plans to enhance technological and product advantages in AI, meet future demand for high-value-added products, and drive sales growth in premium segments.
Samsung, in a preliminary earnings report, flagged sluggish demand for conventional chips used in personal computers and mobile phones weighed on its memory business, with earnings also dented by rising R&amp;D costs and early investments in expanding advanced-chip processing capability, the Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/samsungs-net-profit-beats-consensus-but-chip-woes-weigh-cad40447?mod=tech_lead_pos1" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
SK Hynix has left Samsung behind in HBM, Eric Ross of Cascend Securities, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/31/samsung-fourth-quarter-profit-falls-short-of-estimates-as-ai-demand-remains-strong.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> CNBC. Micron Technology, Inc also gained ground, Ross told. PC and smartphone DRAM markets are under price pressure, he added.
Nabila Popal of IDC told CNBC that Samsung&#8217;s share of the premium market has inched closer to market leader Apple Inc thanks to the former&#8217;s Galaxy S24 series featuring Galaxy AI.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43352019/amazon-cuts-more-jobs-in-cost-saving-push-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon Cuts More Jobs in Cost-Saving Push: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Earnings

Guidance

Samsung Q4 Earnings: 12% Revenue Growth, Closes Gap With Apple In Premium Phones, Eyes AI-Powered Growth In 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, earnings are expected to remain weak due to delayed entry into the flagship system-on-a-chip (SoC) market. However, demand for core products such as image sensors and DDI is expected to increase on the back of flagship smartphone launches.
Looking ahead to the first quarter of 2025, earnings are expected to remain weak due to sluggish mobile demand and fixed-cost burden stemming from lower utilization rates.
 &nbsp;

Reported Earlier, Samsung Expects Overall Memory Market Demand To Recover From Q2; Expects Earnings To Remain Weak In Q1

The Company posted KRW 75.8 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 6.5 trillion in operating profit in the quarter ended December 31, 2024. For the full year, it reported KRW 300.9 trillion in annual revenue and KRW 32.7 trillion in operating profit.
 &nbsp;

Reported Earlier, Samsung Electronics Says Q1 Overall Earnings Improvement May Be Limited Due To Weakness In Semiconductors Business

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has joined forces with Elon Musk's SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) to bring Starlink satellite texting capabilities to iPhones.
What Happened: Apple has integrated the Starlink satellite network into its latest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43257851/ios-183-released-with-urgent-security-fixes-heres-why-every-iphone-user-should-update-immediately">iPhone software update</a> iOS 18.3, released on Monday, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-29/apple-and-spacex-link-up-to-support-starlink-satellite-network-on-iphones">reported</a> Bloomberg.
T-Mobile has initiated a limited beta test, allowing some iPhone users to experience the Starlink service.
Participants in the beta received messages from T-Mobile, informing them of their inclusion in the Starlink program. The company said that the test will initially support select smartphones, with plans to expand to more devices, the report noted.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43221500/ios-18-4-preview-updates-to-siri-more-languages-for-apple-intelligence-and-robot-vacuum-support-everything-we-know-so-far">iOS 18.4 Preview: Updates To Siri, More Languages For Apple Intelligence, And Robot Vacuum Support — Everything We Know So Far</a>
Currently, the Starlink service is limited to texting, but SpaceX and T-Mobile aim to include data and voice capabilities in the future.
The service is available only in the U.S. for now, contrasting with Apple&#8217;s satellite connectivity provider Globalstar (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSAT#AMEX">GSAT</a>) service, which operates in multiple countries.
Why It Matters: This partnership marks a significant shift, as T-Mobile had previously only mentioned Starlink compatibility with Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) devices.&nbsp;
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
T-Mobile has also expanded the beta to include some users with Android 15, the newest version of Alphabet Inc's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google's operating system.
Both the Starlink and Apple satellite services are intended for use in remote areas, like hiking trails, where <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33350183/iphone-14-crash-detection-feature-saves-drivers-life-in-terrifying-400-feet-cliff-fall">cellular coverage is unavailable</a>.
The Apple satellite service is supported on most modern iPhone models, and the company is also planning to introduce it on the Ultra smartwatch later this year, the report noted.
T-Mobile US is set to discuss its fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. The company&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41501756/t-mobile-reports-strong-q3-results-service-revenues-grew-5-yoy-fcf-grew-29-raised-fy24-guidance">third-quarter revenue</a> reached $20.16 billion, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $20.01 billion. Apple&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43198886/apples-q1-earnings-might-not-miss-a-beat-even-as-iphone-sales-stumble-analyst">first-quarter earnings</a> report is expected on Jan. 30.
Price Action: Apple&#8217;s stock rose by 3.65% on Tuesday, ending the day at $238.26, and saw a further increase of 0.038% in after-hours trading, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. TMUS&#8217;s stock dropped 0.17% on Tuesday, closing at $221.06, but gained 0.12% in after-hours trading.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

GSAT

TMUS

Apple Surprises Users With Starlink Beta, Teams Up With Elon Musk's SpaceX And T-Mobile To Bring Satellite Texting For iPhone Users In iOS 18.3

President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;on Monday revoked former President&nbsp;Joe Biden's&nbsp;comprehensive executive order on artificial intelligence as part of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/01/43106379/trump-reverses-bidens-ai-policies-on-day-1-what-it-means-for-tech-giants-nvidia-amd-alphabet" rel="noreferrer noopener">his&nbsp;first actions in office</a>.&nbsp;
Biden&#8217;s AI executive order mandated that developers of AI systems posing threats to national security or public safety report the results of safety tests to the U.S. government and tasked the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop standards for safety testing.
Sam Altman, CEO of&nbsp;OpenAI, has publicly expressed his support for President&nbsp;Donald Trump.&nbsp;This revelation comes years after he praised LinkedIn co-founder&nbsp;Reid Hoffman&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43153571/openais-sam-altman-flip-flops-on-trump-as-500-billion-stargate-ai-project-is-announced-years-after-praising-reid-hoffman-for-stopping-his-re-election" rel="noreferrer noopener">for stopping his re-election</a>.
Gaming
Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>) reported preliminary financial results&nbsp;for the third quarter, now projecting a mid-single-digit decline in live services net bookings largely due to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/25/01/43146917/electronic-arts-stock-is-sliding-after-the-close-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">slowdown in Global Football</a>.
EA now expects revenue of $1.883 billion versus estimates of $2.507 billion, according to&nbsp;<a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>. The company anticipates third-quarter earnings of $1.11 per share, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in line with analyst estimates</a>.
Social Media
Meta Platforms, Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Instagram&nbsp;announced a new video creation app called ‘Edits' <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43078310/mark-zuckerbergs-instagram-doubles-down-on-tiktok-rivalry-with-new-edits-app-to-lure-creators-as-the-potential-shutdown-sparks-alternatives" rel="noreferrer noopener">to attract&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43078310/mark-zuckerbergs-instagram-doubles-down-on-tiktok-rivalry-with-new-edits-app-to-lure-creators-as-the-potential-shutdown-sparks-alternatives" rel="noreferrer noopener">TikTok</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43078310/mark-zuckerbergs-instagram-doubles-down-on-tiktok-rivalry-with-new-edits-app-to-lure-creators-as-the-potential-shutdown-sparks-alternatives" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;users</a>.
Jeff Bezos-backed&nbsp;Perplexity&nbsp;reportedly bid to merge with&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;U.S. on Saturday, but&nbsp;Wedbush&nbsp;analyst&nbsp;Dan Ives&nbsp;hinted&nbsp;Elon Musk's X&nbsp;could ultimately&nbsp;seal <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/43078206/jeff-bezos-backed-perplexity-reportedly-makes-50-billion-move-to-merge-with-tiktok-but-elon-musks-x-remains-this-analysts-favorite-bidder" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the deal&nbsp;amid rising speculation</a>.
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) bull&nbsp;Ross Gerber&nbsp;has&nbsp;voiced doubts&nbsp;about the effectiveness of an executive order in overriding existing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/43078675/tesla-bull-ross-gerber-says-trumps-executive-order-cant-override-law-in-tiktok-ban-fight" rel="noreferrer noopener">laws concerning the&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/43078675/tesla-bull-ross-gerber-says-trumps-executive-order-cant-override-law-in-tiktok-ban-fight" rel="noreferrer noopener">TikTok</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/43078675/tesla-bull-ross-gerber-says-trumps-executive-order-cant-override-law-in-tiktok-ban-fight" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;ban</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43152718/tesla-to-have-a-choppy-first-half-owing-to-new-ev-policies-deliveries-and-margins-however-this-analyst-expect-over-20-upside-from-current-level-with-a-500-target-price" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Set For A &#8216;Choppy&#8217; First Half Amid New EV Policies, But This Analyst Sees 20% Upside For Elon Musk&#8217;s EV Company With A $500 Price Target</a>
Billionaire investor&nbsp;Bill Ackman&nbsp;has expressed his admiration for&nbsp;Elon Musk's X, formerly&nbsp;Twitter, while voicing concerns <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43079998/bill-ackman-praises-elon-musks-x-but-raises-concerns-about-tiktoks-harmful-influence-on-society-put-aside-the-china-issues-i-do-think-its-not-been-a-healthy-thing" rel="noreferrer noopener">about TikTok's influence on society</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43078570/mrbeast-unhappy-with-billionaires-silence-on-feeding-the-hungry-after-overwhelming-interest-about-tiktok-purchase-when-i-fundraise-its-crickets" rel="noreferrer noopener">MrBeast Unhappy With Billionaires&#8217; Silence On Feeding The Hungry After Overwhelming Interest About TikTok Purchase: &#8216;When I Fundraise It&#8217;s Crickets&#8217;</a>
LinkedIn, owned by&nbsp;Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>),&nbsp;has been accused by Premium users of sharing private data for AI model <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43152356/linkedin-hit-with-lawsuit-for-violating-user-privacy-allegedly-sharing-private-data-for-ai-model-training" rel="noreferrer noopener">training without their consent</a>.
Microsoft&nbsp;CEO Satya Nadella addressed&nbsp;Elon Musk's&nbsp;skepticism about the ambitious Project Stargate&#8217;s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43152627/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-stands-firm-after-elon-musk-questions-stargates-100-billion-funding-potential-all-i-know-is-im-good-for-my-80-billion" rel="noreferrer noopener">$100 billion funding potential</a>.
Smartphones &amp; Technology
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is reportedly bringing its AI smarts to the&nbsp;Mac's Mail&nbsp;app with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43080333/apples-making-your-macs-mail-much-smarter-heres-whats-coming" rel="noreferrer noopener">the upcoming&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43080333/apples-making-your-macs-mail-much-smarter-heres-whats-coming" rel="noreferrer noopener">macOS 15.4</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43080333/apples-making-your-macs-mail-much-smarter-heres-whats-coming" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;update</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43097512/apples-ai-advances-cant-offset-chinese-market-slowdown-says-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s AI Advances Can&#8217;t Offset Chinese Market Slowdown, Says Analyst</a>
Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) and Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google have decided to collaborate for developing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43151196/samsung-google-team-up-to-develop-ar-glasses-entering-the-race-against-meta-and-apple" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">augmented reality glasses</a>.
Image: Shutterstock

Consumer Tech News (Jan 20-Jan 24): Trump Revokes Biden's AI Policies, Meta Launches New 'Edits' App To Lure TikTok Users & More

Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google has agreed to acquire a part of HTC&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/arvr" rel="noreferrer noopener">extended reality (XR) business</a> for $250 million following the recent launch of its Android XR platform.
The deal&nbsp;involves&nbsp;transferring some of the HTC VIVE engineering staff to Google and granting non-exclusive <a target="_blank" href="https://blog.google/feed/android-xr-htc-agreement/" rel="noreferrer noopener">intellectual property rights</a>. HTC retained the rights to use and develop the technology.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41458752/metas-smart-glasses-dominate-ray-ban-stores-ai-features-still-missing" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta&#8217;s Smart Glasses Dominate Ray-Ban Stores, AI Features Still Missing</a>
The transaction marks the second major deal between the companies after Google&#8217;s&nbsp;$1.1 billion purchase of HTC&#8217;s smartphone unit in 2017, TechCrunch <a target="_blank" href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/22/google-buys-part-of-htc-virtual-reality-unit-for-250-million/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Google said the acquisition will boost Android XR platform development across headsets and glasses.
Recently, Google tapped Samsung Electronics Co (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) to develop&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43151196/samsung-google-team-up-to-develop-ar-glasses-entering-the-race-against-meta-and-apple" rel="noreferrer noopener">augmented reality glasses</a> shortly after Samsung launched Project Moohan, a mixed-reality headset that operates on Google&#8217;s&nbsp;Android XR&nbsp;platform.
Google held $93.23 billion in cash and equivalents as of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1652044/000165204424000118/goog-20240930.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener">September 30, 2024</a>.
Google&#8217;s rival Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) plans to launch its AR glasses, Artemis, in 2027.
In 2024, Meta showcased its&nbsp;Orion AR&nbsp;glasses. Analysts, including Andrew Boone of JMP Securities, Scott Devitt of Wedbush, and Jason Helfstein of Oppenheimer, flagged Meta&#8217;s leadership in AR/VR with its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41054106/meta-analysts-highlight-ai-vr-advances-see-growth-pushing-it-toward-apple-like-valuation" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion glasses and</a> cost-effective Quest headsets.
Price Action: GOOGL stock is up 0.71% at $204.45 at the last check on Thursday.
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Photo via Google

SNAP

Google Taps HTC's Talent in $250 Million Deal to Lead AR/VR Innovation

On Wednesday, Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) showcased its latest <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39379666/qualcomm-stock-surges-with-samsung-partnership-for-galaxy-s25-whats-driving-the-gro" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galaxy S25 smartphones</a> powered by Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) chips and Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-galaxy-s25-series-sets-the-standard-of-ai-phone-as-a-true-ai-companion" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial-intelligence model</a>.
Samsung aimed to launch the Galaxy S25 Edge in the first half of 2025, ahead of Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)&nbsp;slimmer <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42935529/apples-slimmest-iphone-yet-the-iphone-17-air-expected-this-fall" rel="noreferrer noopener">iPhone 17 Air launch</a>. The iPhone 17 Air boasts 8GB of RAM to support Apple Intelligence AI features.
Samsung&#8217;s AI-powered smartphone <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42986042/apple-sees-market-share-decline-in-2024-as-chinese-smartphone-brands-surge-globally-idc" rel="noreferrer noopener">succumbed to rivalry</a> from Apple in the luxury market and Chinese firms in the affordable and budget segment.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/42168509/amd-teams-up-with-taiwan-semi-to-take-on-samsung-in-smartphone-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">AMD Teams Up With Taiwan Semi To Take On Samsung In Smartphone Market</a>
Samsung kept the prices of its Galaxy S25 series intact at $799 and $1,299.
Samsung&#8217;s Language AI team lead, Park Ji-sun, told Reuters that the company was ahead of the industry regarding its AI features. Park told Reuters that the new Galaxy S25 leveraged Gemini as its default AI engine with in-house voice assistant, Bixby.
The Galaxy S25 promised a more personalized AI experience. The phone can execute multiple tasks with a single command.
Samsung leveraged Qualcomm&#8217;s&nbsp;Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for the entire Galaxy S25 lineup. Samsung is reportedly considering using the Exynos chip in its foldable phones.
In 2024, JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee flagged Qualcomm as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40898388/qualcomm-analyst-sees-opportunity-in-regaining-share-with-samsung-after-apple-reven" rel="noreferrer noopener">making up for</a> the loss of&nbsp;Apple revenue for its mobile SOC (and modem) technology through its collaboration with&nbsp;Samsung and diversification into the automotive and IoT sectors.
Price Action: QCOM stock is down 0.43% at $169.51 premarket at last check Thursday.
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Photo via Samsung

Samsung Taps Google AI, Qualcomm Tech for Galaxy S25 to Rival Apple's iPhone

On Wednesday, Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) teased the ultrathin Galaxy S25 Edge, which can potentially take on Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) rumored iPhone 17 Air in the race for the slimmest smartphone.
What Happened: Samsung showcased the Galaxy S25 Edge at the Samsung Unpacked event in San Jose, California. This model, part of the S25 lineup is expected to debut in the first half of 2025.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">S25 Edge is looking real edgy &#x1f525; <a href="https://t.co/3pG9lJOdvH">pic.twitter.com/3pG9lJOdvH</a>
&mdash; Spigen (@SpigenWorld) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpigenWorld/status/1882203278030819581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43021026/apple-stock-has-moved-up-4-2-since-iphone-16-launched-analyst-says-it-has-another-8-upside-as-manufacturing-cost-decline-bolsters-cupertinos-margins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Stock Has Moved Up 4.2% Since iPhone 16 Launched, Analyst Says It Has Another 8% Upside As Manufacturing Cost Decline Bolsters Cupertino&#8217;s Margins</a>
The S25 Edge will join the flagship Galaxy S25 series, which includes advanced AI features and voice commands. According to the company, the S25 Edge will be available in the U.S. and other markets by mid-year.
The S25 Edge will incorporate technologies from the Ultra model in a slimmer design, aiming to offer top performance and standout aesthetics at a more accessible price point.
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Galaxy Unpacked January 2025: Official Livestream" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HinL5jCy_oI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Why It Matters: Earlier it was reported that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42935529/apples-slimmest-iphone-yet-the-iphone-17-air-expected-this-fall">Apple&#8217;s iPhone 17 Air</a>, expected this fall, is rumored to be a testing ground for future technologies, potentially being about 2 millimeters thinner than existing models.
This aligns with Apple&#8217;s tradition of launching slimmer devices, as seen with the MacBook Air and iPad Air.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41195325/apple-might-have-just-found-the-technology-to-power-its-thin-iphone-17-air-display">Apple&#8217;s collaboration with Novatek</a> on OLED displays incorporating Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI) technology could significantly influence the design of future iPhones.
This technology is expected to be mass-produced by the second quarter of 2025, potentially making Apple one of its first clients.
Moreover, reports suggest that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42500942/apple-eyes-2026-to-launch-foldable-iphones-and-ultralight-devices-as-it-looks-to-revitalize-sales-momentum-report">Apple&#8217;s plans for 2026</a> include launching foldable iPhones and ultralight devices, indicating a broader strategy to revitalize sales momentum with innovative designs.
According to preliminary figures from International Data Corporation (IDC), global smartphone <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42986042/apple-sees-market-share-decline-in-2024-as-chinese-smartphone-brands-surge-globally-idc">shipments rose by 2.4% in the</a> fourth quarter of 2024, reaching 331.7 million units.
This marks the sixth straight quarter of growth in shipments. After two years of decline, the year ended on a positive note with a 6.4% overall increase, totaling 1.24 billion units shipped.
Apple and Samsung retained the top two spots in the smartphone market but faced year-over-year declines, losing market share to Chinese rivals focused on affordable devices and rapid growth in China.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Samsung Teases Galaxy S25 Edge, To Take On Apple's Rumored iPhone 17 Air

Samsung Electronics Co. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) and Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google have decided to team up to develop <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43114842/meta-expands-ai-wearables-with-oakley-smart-glasses-camera-equipped-earbuds-in-development">augmented reality glasses</a>.
What Happened: The development was confirmed by TM Roh, the president of Samsung's Mobile Experience division, in an <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-22/samsung-set-to-enter-ar-glasses-market-in-race-with-meta-apple">interview</a> with Bloomberg.
However, the specific details and a release timeline remain undisclosed. The companies &#8220;will try to reach the quality and readiness we want as soon as possible,&#8221; he stated.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/43150781/netflix-crushed-q4-thanks-to-sports-squid-game-says-gary-black-analyst-highlights-low-attrition-despite-price-hikes-predicts-stock-upside">Netflix Crushed Q4 Thanks To Sports, Squid Game, Says Gary Black: Analyst Highlights Low Attrition Despite Price Hikes, Predicts Stock Upside</a>
The development follows the introduction of Samsing's Project Moohan, a mixed-reality headset, that operates on Google&#8217;s Android XR platform.
The South Korean giant is still finalizing the release date and price for this product, expected to launch in 2026, the report noted.
According to Roh, the company is trying to ensure there is sufficient content available for the device for which Samsung and Google are partnering with third-party developers.&nbsp;
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Samsung-Google collaboration will compete with major players like Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) in the rapidly growing AR market.
Meta plans to introduce its AR glasses, named Artemis, in 2027. Apple has been secretive about its AR ambitions.
Last year, Meta also unveiled its Orion AR glasses, described as an &#8220;impressive demo&#8221; but <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41084112/mark-zuckerberg-says-orion-is-probably-going-to-be-the-next-major-platform-after-phones-metas-new-ar">not intended for consumer sale</a>. In 2024, Snap Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>) has also entered the AR space <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40909648/snap-unveils-smart-glasses-to-bring-ar-technology-to-physical-world-what-investors-need-to-know">with its smart glasses</a>.
Notably, Google&#8217;s earlier AR venture, Google Glass Enterprise, was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/03/31376205/what-went-wrong-with-google-glass-enterprise-inside-look-at-the-discontinued-ar-project">discontinued in 2023</a> due to challenges like privacy concerns.
Photo Courtesy: dennizn on Shutterstock.com
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Samsung, Google Team Up On AR Glasses Development, Duo To Enter Race Against Meta And Apple

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contract chipmaker</a> Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) chief C.C. Wei opted to maintain a low profile by skipping President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8217;s inauguration, including donations to the Trump camp, Bloomberg reports.
The inaugural committee raised over <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42938119/lockheed-martin-donates-1m-to-trumps-inaugural-committee-as-speculation-grows-over-elon-musk-led-doge-crackdown-on-traditional-defense-contracts" rel="noreferrer noopener">$170 million for January events</a>, thanks to donors including&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>),&nbsp;Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>),&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>),&nbsp;Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google, and&nbsp;Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>).
Big Tech giant leaders, including Apple&#8217;s Tim Cook, Amazon&#8217;s Jeff Bezos, and Tesla Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) Elon Musk will attend the inauguration on January 20.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/01/43038644/citi-cheap-valuation-investment-banking-and-trading-outlook-paired-with-accelerating-buybacks-sparks-optimism-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Citi Outperforms Analyst Expectations With 12% Revenue Growth, Confirms $20 Billion Buyback Plan</a>
Reuters reports that Wei blamed the crisis of skilled workers, supply chain gaps, and inadequate chip plant construction regulations for delaying the construction of its Arizona project.
Wei added that Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s U.S. plant is unlikely to procure the most advanced chip technology before factories in Taiwan due to compliance issues, construction, and other regulations.
Wei told Reuters that building the new Arizona factory took at least twice as long as in Taiwan due to the complex regulations that made it challenging to employ the chipmaker&#8217;s latest technology in the U.S. before Taiwan.
Previously, Taiwan Semiconductor stated most of its chip manufacturing would remain in Taiwan, especially for the most advanced chips.
Trump had called out Taiwan during <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41604100/trump-goes-after-taiwan-semiconductor-on-joe-rogan-podcast" rel="noreferrer noopener">his presidential campaigns</a> for allegedly&nbsp;sabotaging America&#8217;s chip industry. He verbally attacked the U.S. CHIPS Act and pledged to slap tariffs on Taiwanese chips. He had also flagged the lack of a formal defense treaty between the U.S. and Taiwan.
Additionally, before handing over the charge to the Trump government, the Biden administration launched another round of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42897081/nvidia-and-ai-chip-stocks-brace-for-impact-as-biden-administration-considers-new-china-export-ban-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence technology sanctions</a> on countries, including China and Russia, to restrict their warfare capabilities.
China has been a key semiconductor market for companies like Taiwan Semiconductor. Washington aims to maintain its semiconductor position dominance and share control with its allies, including Taiwan, the Netherlands (home to ASML Holding (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/asml#NASDAQ">ASML</a>)), and South Korea (home to Samsung Electronics (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ssnlf#OTC">SSNLF</a>)).
Wei told Bloomberg that he found the semiconductor sanctions &#8220;manageable&#8221; and does not expect them to affect chips for non-AI sectors such as cars and crypto-mining.
On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43022654/taiwan-semiconductor-q4-earnings-3nm-and-5nm-nodes-lead-topline-growth-expands-margins-issues-strong-q1-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter revenue</a> of $26.88 billion (NT$868.46 billion), up 38.8%, topping the consensus estimate of $26.28 billion.
As its 3-nm and 5-nm technologies gained traction, the chipmaker&#8217;s gross margins expanded by 600 bps to 59%.
It expects first-quarter 2025 revenue of $25.0 billion—$25.8 billion versus the&nbsp;$24.97 billion consensus. It projects a gross margin of 57%—59%. Taiwan Semiconductor committed $38 billion—$42 billion to fiscal 2025 capex versus actual capex of $29.8 billion a year ago.&nbsp;
During the earnings call, Wei expressed conviction in producing chips of the same quality in Arizona as in Taiwan with a smooth ramp-up process.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged 109% in the last 12 months.
Investors can gain exposure to companies engaged in the manufacturing of semiconductors through VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>)
and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;TSM stock traded higher by 0.20% to $215.21 premarket at the last check on Friday.
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Photo by Jack Hong via Shutterstock

ASML

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

Taiwan Semi Chief To Skip Trump Inauguration, Calls US Semiconductor Sanctions 'Manageable'

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ai-chips" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artificial intelligence chip stocks</a> including Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Marvell Technology, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), and Micron Technology, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), are trading higher Thursday in sympathy with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43022654/taiwan-semiconductor-q4-earnings-3nm-and-5nm-nodes-lead-topline-growth-expands-margins-issues-strong-q1-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">upbeat quarterly print</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor is the key contract chipmaker behind Nvidia&#8217;s graphics processing units&nbsp;(GPU) and Apple Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) smartphones.
However, on Wednesday, the Biden administration announced its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42897081/nvidia-and-ai-chip-stocks-brace-for-impact-as-biden-administration-considers-new-china-export-ban-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest semiconductor regulations</a>, including extended licensing requirements on companies like Taiwan Semiconductor, which manufactures chips, and packaging companies, citing national security threats.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42981814/apple-and-nvidia-supplier-taiwan-semiconductor-leads-semiconductor-market-with-64-share" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple And Nvidia Supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Leads Semiconductor Market with 64% Share</a>
Chipmakers like Taiwan Semiconductor and&nbsp;Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) must <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43003008/taiwan-semi-samsung-intel-may-face-stricter-us-rules-on-chip-exports-to-china-over-security-concerns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ramp up due diligence</a> especially with China-based firms.
Washington imposed sanctions on 16 Chinese companies, including Sophgo Technologies, for building their country&#8217;s chip industry, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-15/us-unveils-new-rules-to-restrict-flow-of-advanced-chips-to-china?srnd=phx-technology&amp;sref=TBDibEcD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> the Commerce Department.
On Monday, the U.S. disclosed sanctions on the sale of AI chips by Nvidia and other advanced makers to data centers in most countries.
The rules for AI chips follow&nbsp;controls&nbsp;announced in December that aim to block Beijing&#8217;s access to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40198085/huawei-and-baidu-increase-samsung-hbm-purchases-as-us-curbs-loom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-bandwidth memory</a> chips from Micron.
Semiconductor chip stocks enjoyed a massive upside in 2024, backed by the AI boom.
A third of the top ten global companies with valuations above $1 trillion in 2024 came from the chip industry.
Investors can gain exposure to stocks of companies that manufacture semiconductors through ProShares Ultra Semiconductors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USD#NYSE">USD</a>) and Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXQ#NASDAQ">SOXQ</a>).
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AI Chip Stocks Gain Momentum On Taiwan Semiconductor Performance;  Biden's Semiconductor Sanctions Kick In

On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) fourth-quarter results beat forecasts, fueled by demand for advanced processor node technologies for artificial intelligence applications.
The contract chipmaker, which supplies chips for&nbsp;Nvidia Corp&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) graphics processing unit&nbsp;(GPU)&nbsp;and Apple, Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) smartphones, guided first-quarter revenue <a target="_blank" href="https://investor.tsmc.com/english/quarterly-results/2024/q4" rel="noreferrer noopener">above the consensus</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor reported fourth-quarter revenue of $26.88 billion (NT$868.46 billion), up 38.8% year-over-year, topping the analyst consensus estimate of $26.28 billion.
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Net income and earnings per share were NT$374.68 billion and NT$14.45 per share ($2.24) versus <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus of $2.23</a>.
In dollar terms, revenue growth was 37.0% year over year and 14.4% quarter over quarter. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41373163/nvidia-supplier-tsmc-reports-q3-revenue-earnings-beat-amid-rising-demand-for-ai-chips" rel="noreferrer noopener">The top-line performance</a> aligned with the company&#8217;s guidance of $26.1 billion—$26.9 billion.
Taiwan Semiconductor said its business was supported by demand for its 3-nm and 5-nm technologies. However, it expects smartphone seasonality to impact the first quarter, partially offset by continued growth in AI-related demand.
The company said 3-nm accounted for 26% of the total revenue, 5-nm accounted for 34%, and 7-nm technologies accounted for 14%. 7-nm and more advanced technologies comprised 74% of the total wafer revenue.
Margin Profile:&nbsp;Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s AI technology moat helped it expand its fourth-quarter gross margins by 600 bps to 59%, as its 3-nm and 5-nm chips gain traction at the cost of&nbsp;Intel Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) and&nbsp;Samsung Electronics&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>),&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42825523/taiwan-semi-likely-for-upside-backed-by-ai-demand-and-advanced-node-pricing-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">which struggled to transition</a>&nbsp;into advanced nodes. Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s operating margin expanded by 740 bps to 49%.
Outlook: Taiwan Semiconductor is guided for first-quarter 2025 revenue of $25.0 billion-$25.8 billion versus the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">$24.97 billion consensus estimate</a>. It expects a gross margin of 57%—59% and operating profit margins of 46.5%—48.5%.
The company earmarked fiscal 2025 capex worth $38 billion-$42 billion (versus $29.8 billion a year ago) amid intensifying geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, with the former eying tougher <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43003008/taiwan-semi-samsung-intel-may-face-stricter-us-rules-on-chip-exports-to-china-over-security-concerns" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence technology</a> restrictions on the latter, citing national security concerns.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged over 103% in the last 12 months.
Investors can gain exposure to semiconductor manufacturing stocks through the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action: TSM stock traded higher by 4.86% at $216.85 premarket at the last check on Thursday.
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Photo by wakamatsu.h via Shutterstock

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