Broadcom Inc. has seen a significant increase in its stock price due to an optimistic forecast for its AI chip sales.
The company's CEO, Hock Tan, stated that they expect the market opportunity for AI and related connectivity chips to reach between $60 billion and $90 billion by the end of fiscal year 2027. This projection is in contrast to the $12.2 billion generated in the AI segment for fiscal 2024.
Tan emphasized that this market opportunity is primarily driven by three current hyperscale customers, identified as Google, Meta Platforms, and ByteDance. Broadcom is confident in its ability to capture a leading market share in this sector. The forecast does not include potential business from Apple and OpenAI, with whom Broadcom is currently in production discussions.
Following these announcements, Broadcom's stock surged over 21% to reach $219.92. The company's fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report showed an adjusted profit of $1.42 per share, a 28% increase from the previous year, and sales of $14.05 billion, a 51% rise.
Analysts have responded positively to Broadcom's performance, with at least 17 Wall Street analysts raising their price targets for the stock.
Broadcom's entry into the custom AI accelerators market puts it in direct competition with Marvell Technology, Nvidia, and Advanced Micro Devices. The company is set to ship its next-generation custom AI chip, featuring 3-nanometer scale circuits, in the spring, potentially placing it ahead of Marvell in this technological race.
Broadcom's strategic partnerships with major tech firms could further enhance its market position. The company's focus on innovation and meeting the demands of hyperscale customers are crucial factors for future growth. With a strong performance relative to its peers, Broadcom ranks second among 39 stocks in the fabless semiconductor industry group.
As the demand for AI technology continues to grow, Broadcom's proactive approach in securing partnerships and expanding its product offerings positions it well to capitalize on the anticipated growth in the AI chip market. The company's commitment to advancing its technology and maintaining competitive pricing will be essential in navigating this dynamic landscape.