Business

One Semiconductor Stock Rising in the Shadows of Nvidia

Published May 12, 2024

While Nvidia's domination in the semiconductor industry is well-known, there is a less-talked-about competitor that is starting to make waves. Semiconductors play a vital role in the artificial intelligence (AI) market, with Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices being the top players.

A New Contender Emerges

Quietly edging its way into the competition, Qualcomm has implemented new cost-saving strategies and is actively competing against the industry giants. Their recent earnings report for the second fiscal quarter shows positive signs of a company on the upswing.

Qualcomm's Financial Turbulence

Although 2023 brought a sharp increase in semiconductor demand, largely benefiting Nvidia, Qualcomm's journey was less stellar. A graphical analysis of Qualcomm's finances reveals a recent decline in revenue and operating margins. The company's handset and IoT segments experienced a drop in sales by 22% and 19%, respectively, with challenging economic factors to blame.

Signs of a Turnaround for Qualcomm

However, the latest financial results indicate a promising trend. Qualcomm has exceeded its revenue and earnings projections for two quarters in a row, driven by stringent cost cuts and robust handset sales. These developments suggest a potential revival of the company's growth trajectory.

Is Qualcomm a Worthy Investment?

When assessing stock options within the semiconductor sphere, Qualcomm presents as an undervalued choice based on its price-to-sales (P/S) ratio. Its recent 50% stock price surge in six months only adds to the value proposition it offers to investors.

Beyond individual companies, the semiconductor sector as a whole is experiencing a surge, partly fueled by advancements in AI technologies. While Qualcomm participates in this upward trend, it's also carving out a stronger position for itself with solid progress in its turnaround strategy. Given its comparatively lower valuation after the recent rally, Qualcomm stands out as an attractively priced investment option, potentially offering portfolio diversification benefits.

semiconductors, Investment, Qualcomm