Broadcom Positive Momentum with Question Marks Ahead of Q3 Earnings
Broadcom is set to release its Q3 earnings report. Will AI-driven growth continue to fuel its success?
Dec 12 2024
Key Highlights
AI Driving Success, but Caution Ahead
Broadcom is entering its Q3 earnings report with significant momentum. The company, which has evolved into a central figure in the artificial intelligence (AI) space, is poised to deliver a strong performance with analysts projecting revenue of $14.1 billion for the quarter—a remarkable 50% increase compared to last year. This surge in growth is largely fueled by the ongoing AI boom, which has driven demand for hardware solutions in data centers, networking, and storage.
Since the beginning of the year, Broadcom's stock has surged by 60%, outpacing the broader market, with the NASDAQ index up only 33%. Much of this growth can be attributed to the company’s investments in AI-focused data centers, which have proven to be highly lucrative. Additionally, the announcement of a strategic partnership with Apple to develop specialized AI chips has further boosted investor confidence and added significant value to Broadcom's stock.
Google and AI Demand Slowing Down
Despite the positive outlook, some analysts are raising concerns about the sustainability of this growth. Christopher Denley from Citigroup highlights potential headwinds for the company, especially with a slowdown in orders from one of its key customers: Google. Google's demand for AI chips, which has been a major contributor to Broadcom's recent success, may decelerate in the coming quarters. This cautionary note has led to questions about whether Broadcom will meet the market's expectations for Q4 revenue, which is projected to grow by 4%.
Even with the uncertainty surrounding its fourth-quarter outlook, analysts remain largely optimistic about Broadcom’s long-term prospects. The company’s strong free cash flow continues to be a major asset, with analysts expecting it to represent 37% of revenue in Q3. Additionally, Broadcom’s free cash flow is set to grow by $3.7 billion in 2024, to a total of $21 billion, a large portion of which is being returned to shareholders via dividends and stock buybacks.
Oppenheimer's Rick Schafer is particularly bullish, projecting a 25% revenue increase in 2025, driven by the rising demand for cloud computing and AI systems. Schafer forecasts earnings of $6.06 per share next year, with an upward trajectory to $6.91 per share by 2026, positioning Broadcom as one of the leading players in the AI chip market, second only to Nvidia.
Game-Changer for Broadcom
One of the most exciting developments for Broadcom is its new collaboration with Apple. The two companies recently announced a strategic partnership to develop a custom AI chip, named Baltra, which is expected to hit the market by 2026. This marks Apple’s first foray into the development of a hardware component designed exclusively for AI applications, highlighting the growing importance of AI in the tech landscape.
This partnership strengthens Broadcom’s position as a trusted supplier of technology to major players like Apple, and further cements its role in the expanding AI market. The new chip, alongside Broadcom’s previous work on radio frequency components for 5G networks with Apple, underscores the company’s ability to tailor its technology to meet the specific needs of top-tier clients.
The AI chip market is expected to grow significantly, with forecasts predicting it will reach $45 billion by 2028. Broadcom’s expertise in developing custom chips positions it well to compete with rivals like Marvell Technologies for a share of this lucrative market. As the demand for AI-optimized hardware continues to rise, Broadcom’s innovations in this space are set to fuel its long-term growth.
Conclusion
Broadcom strong position in the AI space, coupled with its strategic partnerships and solid financials, gives it a promising future. However, concerns about a potential slowdown in Google’s AI orders could present challenges in the near term. Despite these risks, analysts remain optimistic about Broadcom’s ability to weather any storms and continue its growth trajectory, particularly with its new venture into custom AI chips with Apple.
With a robust free cash flow, solid revenue growth projections, and a competitive edge in the semiconductor space, Broadcom is poised to remain a key player in the rapidly evolving AI market. Investors will need to keep a close eye on upcoming earnings reports, particularly Q4, to determine whether any slowdown in Google’s orders will affect Broadcom’s overall performance.
AVGO Stock Analysis
Total Score

Strengths
Earnings are forecast to grow
Outperform the market
Investors confidence is positive
Trading below its fair value
Risk Analysis
Downgraded on weak valued
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Please note that the article should not be considered as investment advice or marketing, and it does not take into account the personal data and requirements of any individual. It is not a substitute for the reader's own judgment, and it should not be considered as advice or recommendation for buying or selling any securities or financial products.