Looking back on processors and graphics chips stocks' Q4 earnings, we examine this quarters’ best and worst performers, including Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) and its peers.
The biggest demand drivers for processors (CPUs) and graphics chips at the moment are secular trends related to 5G and Internet of Things, autonomous driving, and high performance computing in the data center space, specifically around AI and machine learning. Like all semiconductor companies, digital chip makers exhibit a degree of cyclicality, driven by supply and demand imbalances and exposure to PC and Smartphone product cycles.
The 6 processors and graphics chips stocks we track reported a solid Q4; on average, revenues beat analyst consensus estimates by 4.34%, while on average next quarter revenue guidance was 8.05% above consensus. The whole tech sector has been facing a sell-off since late last year and while some of the processors and graphics chips stocks have fared somewhat better, they have not been spared, with share price declining 15.5% since earnings, on average.
Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO)
Originally the semiconductor division of Hewlett Packard, Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) is a semiconductor conglomerate that spans wireless, networking, data storage, and industrial end markets along with an infrastructure software business focused on mainframes and cybersecurity.
Broadcom reported revenues of $7.7 billion, up 15.7% year on year, beating analyst expectations by 1.3%. It was a mixed quarter for the company, with a very optimistic guidance for the next quarter but an increase in inventory levels.
"Broadcom's record first quarter results were driven by strong enterprise demand, and continued investments in next generation technology by hyperscale and service providers," said Hock Tan, President and CEO of
The stock is down 0.06% since the results and currently trades at $578.50.
Is now the time to buy Broadcom? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free.
Best Q4: AMD (NASDAQ:AMD)
Founded in 1969 by a group of former Fairchild semiconductor executives led by Jerry Sanders, Advanced Micro Devices or AMD (NASDAQ:AMD) is one of the leading designers of computer processors and graphics chips used in PCs and data centers.
AMD reported revenues of $4.82 billion, up 48.7% year on year, beating analyst expectations by 6.54%. It was a stunning quarter for the company, with a significant improvement in gross margin and a beat on the bottom line.
The stock is down 16.8% since the results and currently trades at $97.15.
Is now the time to buy AMD? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free.
Weakest Q4: Qorvo (NASDAQ:QRVO)
Formed by the merger of TriQuint and RF Micro Devices, Qorvo (NASDAQ: QRVO) is a designer and manufacturer of RF chips used in almost all smartphones globally, along with a variety of chips used in networking equipment and infrastructure.
Qorvo reported revenues of $1.11 billion, up 1.74% year on year, in line with analyst expectations. It was a weaker quarter for the company, with an increase in inventory levels and a slow revenue growth.
Qorvo had the weakest performance against analyst estimates and slowest revenue growth in the group. The stock is down 19.9% since the results and currently trades at $115.04.
Read our full analysis of Qorvo's results here.
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)
Founded in 1993 by Jensen Huang and two former Sun Microsystems engineers, Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) is a leading fabless designer of chips used in gaming, PCs, data centers, automotive, and a variety of end markets.
Nvidia reported revenues of $7.64 billion, up 52.7% year on year, beating analyst expectations by 2.87%. It was a very strong quarter for the company, with an increase in gross margin and a very optimistic guidance for the next quarter.
Nvidia pulled off the fastest revenue growth among the peers. The stock is down 17.5% since the results and currently trades at $218.70.
Read our full, actionable report on Nvidia here, it's free.
Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM)
Having been at the forefront of developing the standards for cellular connectivity for over four decades, Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM), is a leading innovator and a fabless manufacturer of wireless technology chips used in smartphones, autos and internet of things appliances.
Qualcomm reported revenues of $10.7 billion, up 29.9% year on year, beating analyst expectations by 2.59%. It was a strong quarter for the company, with an increase in operating margin and revenue guidance for the next quarter above analysts' estimates.
The stock is down 28.2% since the results and currently trades at $135.
Read our full, actionable report on Qualcomm here, it's free.
The author has no position in any of the stocks mentioned