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Macro

Samsung Leads AI Boom, Eyes on AMD & Amazon for Future Demand

Samsung's AI-driven semiconductor success boosts earnings, as Eli Lilly and NXP outperform, amidst Eurozone's economic resilience and Amazon's AI strategy in focus.

By Bill Bullington

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4/30, 11:33 EDT
S&P 500
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Amazon.com, Inc.
Eli Lilly and Company
NXP Semiconductors N.V.
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Key Takeaway

  • Samsung surpasses Apple as the largest smartphone provider, driven by AI demand; its net profit quadruples.
  • Eli Lilly raises FY24 EPS projections on strong sales of weight loss drugs, with LLY stock up ~6% in premarket.
  • Advanced Micro Devices, Amazon, and Super Micro are key to watch for further AI demand indications after market close.

Samsung Leads AI Surge

Samsung Electronics Co. has significantly outperformed expectations, with its semiconductor division returning to profitability thanks to a surge in artificial intelligence (AI) spending by major companies like Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc. The company reported a net income of 6.62 trillion won ($4.8 billion) for the March quarter, more than quadrupling its earnings from a year earlier. This performance is attributed to the rebound in demand for memory chips, essential for AI and modern electronics, after a severe downturn. Samsung's success in the semiconductor space is a testament to the growing importance of AI technology in driving market demand.

Eli Lilly and NXP Semiconductors Exceed Expectations

Eli Lilly And Co and NXP Semiconductors NV have both reported earnings that surpassed consensus and whisper numbers. Eli Lilly's success is largely due to the strong sales of its weight loss drugs, leading to a significant stock price increase and an upward revision of its FY24 EPS projection. NXP Semiconductors, a leader in automotive semiconductors, also saw its stock price rise following better-than-expected earnings. These performances highlight the strength of companies with innovative products and technologies in high-demand sectors.

European Economy Shows Resilience

The Eurozone economy has demonstrated resilience by avoiding a recession, with Q1 GDP growth at 0.3% quarter-over-quarter, surpassing the 0.1% consensus. However, this stronger-than-expected GDP data has led to selling in European stocks due to diminished expectations for rate cuts. This situation underscores the delicate balance central banks must maintain between fostering economic growth and managing inflationary pressures.

Amazon's AI Focus Under the Microscope

Amazon.com Inc.'s upcoming earnings report is highly anticipated, with investors keen to assess the company's progress in monetizing AI through its web services segment. The tech giant's heavy investment in AI technology and cloud services is expected to generate significant revenue in the coming years. However, the market's reaction will heavily depend on Amazon's ability to provide clear guidance on its AI strategy and its impact on profitability. This scrutiny comes in the wake of mixed reactions to tech companies' AI spending and its perceived benefits.