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Qualcomm’s Strong Forecast Overshadowed by Expected Samsung Loss

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Qualcomm projected stronger-than-expected quarterly sales and profit on Wednesday, buoyed by a rebound in premium smartphone demand, but its stock slipped in after-hours trading amid concerns over a potential loss of business from Samsung next year.

For the quarter ending in December, the chip designer forecast revenue and adjusted earnings at midpoints of $12.2 billion and $3.40 per share, beating analyst expectations of $11.62 billion and $3.31, according to LSEG data.

However, CEO Cristiano Amon said the company expects to supply about 75% of the modem chips for Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup — down from 100% for the current Galaxy S25 models. The announcement sent Qualcomm shares down 2.7% in extended trading after a 4% rise earlier in the day.

Despite the setback, Amon emphasized that Qualcomm is diversifying beyond smartphones into automotive, laptop, and data center chips, as longtime client Apple moves toward producing its own modems.

He also revealed that Qualcomm is in discussions with a “large hyperscaler” — an AI-focused computing company — following its recent deal with Humain, an AI firm backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

The company’s fiscal fourth-quarter results also outperformed expectations, with $11.27 billion in sales and $3 per share in adjusted profit, compared to estimates of $10.79 billion and $2.88.

Amon said the forecast reflects a surge in demand for high-end smartphones capable of running AI applications, especially in markets like China and India, where consumers are “upgrading from mid-range to premium.”

Nvidia to Supply Over 260,000 Blackwell AI Chips to South Korea

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Nvidia, the U.S. semiconductor leader, announced it will deliver more than 260,000 of its latest Blackwell AI chips to South Korea’s government and major conglomerates, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and Naver. The move solidifies South Korea’s position as an emerging artificial intelligence powerhouse in Asia.

The agreement follows a meeting between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, and leading business figures on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju. While the deal’s value and delivery schedule were not disclosed, Huang highlighted that just as Korea has led in producing ships, cars, and semiconductors, it can now “export intelligence” to the world through AI.

South Korea’s government plans to use over 50,000 of the chips to enhance its AI infrastructure, while Samsung, SK Group, and Hyundai will each deploy up to 50,000 chips in smart factories and autonomous systems. Internet giant Naver will purchase 60,000 chips to boost its computing power for projects like the National AI Computing Center.

Amid ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions that have restricted Nvidia’s access to the Chinese AI chip market, the company is expanding its footprint in alternative markets such as South Korea. The partnership reinforces Nvidia’s role in driving global AI advancement, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, robotics, and autonomous driving.

Lam Research Forecasts Higher Revenue Amid Strong AI Chipmaking Demand

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Lam Research has projected second-quarter revenue above Wall Street expectations, driven by surging demand for semiconductor manufacturing tools used in artificial intelligence applications. The Fremont, California-based firm said it expects revenue of around $5.20 billion, plus or minus $300 million, for the quarter ending December 28 — ahead of analysts’ forecasts of $4.81 billion, according to LSEG data.

The company’s shares rose 2.2% in after-hours trading and have already doubled this year, fueled by global investment in AI-driven chip production. Lam, a leading supplier of wafer fabrication equipment (WFE), provides critical tools used in the complex processes of chip wiring and wafer etching.

Lam faces competition from industry heavyweights such as Applied Materials, Analog Devices, and ASML, but remains well-positioned as chip designers expand capacity to meet escalating computing demands. The firm reported $5.32 billion in revenue for the previous quarter, surpassing expectations, and adjusted earnings of $1.26 per share versus $1.22 projected. The AI semiconductor boom continues to lift equipment makers across the global chip supply chain.