Companies

Investment Insights on Broadcom, Marvell, Amazon, and Apple

Published December 16, 2024

This article discusses key investment insights focusing on Broadcom, Marvell, Amazon, and Apple.

Broadcom's Impressive Earnings Performance

Broadcom, a leading semiconductor company, recently announced its Q4 earnings, surpassing analyst expectations by 2%. The company recorded a remarkable fiscal year 2024 revenue of $51.6 billion, a 44% increase from the previous year. This surge was largely attributed to an astonishing 220% growth in AI-related revenue, which reached $12.2 billion. Their strong performance in the semiconductor and infrastructure software segments also contributed significantly. Further, Broadcom's adjusted EBITDA grew 37% to hit $31.9 billion, and its free cash flow amounted to $21.9 billion. Following these impressive results, the company declared an 11% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.59 per share for fiscal 2025, marking their fourteenth consecutive annual dividend increase since 2011.

Broadcom's stock has surged this year, climbing 95% to reach all-time highs after the stellar report. The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) but analysts may soon raise earnings estimates based on these promising results. The ongoing investments in AI infrastructure are driving the stock market, positioning AVGO as a significant player in this essential technological sphere.

Custom AI Chips: A New Frontier for Broadcom and Marvell

This week has highlighted the rise of custom silicon, especially in the context of AI technology. Broadcom's recent achievements echo the patterns seen with Marvell, which also experienced strong growth in custom AI sales, aided by a new collaboration with Amazon. Broadcom recently secured a deal with Apple to develop tailored AI solutions as part of Apple's server expansion.

The increasing demand for customized chips, known as Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), is essential for optimizing specific AI tasks. Companies like Marvell and Broadcom are stepping up to meet this demand, joining industry leaders like Nvidia in offering specialized solutions. These custom chips are designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making them advantageous for focused AI applications, though they do not cater to broader tasks.

Stock Performance of Broadcom

Following its excellent quarterly results and optimistic guidance, Broadcom's stock witnessed a rally, achieving all-time highs with a single-day gain of over 22%. This bullish move came after several months of consolidation, where investors awaited confirmation of the company's growth potential. The strong growth in AI revenue and advancements in custom silicon markets acted as catalysts for this upward momentum.

Looking ahead, Broadcom's long-term outlook appears highly favorable. With projected earnings growth of 16.5% annually over the next three to five years, the company is poised to take advantage of the increasing investments in AI infrastructure and specialized chip solutions. This quarter's results further solidify Broadcom's role as a vital player in the evolving complexities of the semiconductor market.

Is Broadcom a Buy for Investors?

Given Broadcom's strong performance and encouraging outlook, it could be a compelling stock for those looking to engage with the growing AI industry.

Nonetheless, with the stock surging over 22% in one session and reaching record highs, prospective buyers may want to consider waiting for a potential price correction before establishing a position. Investors with confidence in Broadcom's capabilities in the custom AI sector may find opportunities to buy shares gradually, especially as the company is well-equipped to benefit from ongoing growth in AI and data-focused technologies.

Conclusion

Broadcom, Marvell, Amazon, and Apple represent significant players in the tech and investment landscape—each driving forward with innovations that capitalize on the burgeoning AI market.

Broadcom, Marvell, Amazon, Apple