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Nvidia’s Earnings: Key Insights and Impacts on Tech Stocks and AI Computing

Emilia Wright | November 26, 2024

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Nvidia Earnings and Their Ripple Effect on Other Tech Stocks

As the leader in the AI computing space, Nvidia’s (NVDA) quarterly earnings report sends ripples throughout the technology sector. Following an upbeat third-quarter review, investors are now focused on Nvidia’s fourth-quarter outlook, which, despite showing strong product momentum, has generated mixed reactions due to tempered growth expectations.

The Latest Earnings and Guidance

In its recently concluded third quarter, Nvidia posted a revenue guidance of $37.5 billion for the fourth quarter, translating to a modest sequential growth rate of 6.8%. While the figure itself remains impressive, some investors were left disappointed. Over the past five quarters, Nvidia had maintained a steady growth trajectory of about $4 billion per quarter, but the latest guidance indicates a significantly lower projection of $2.4 billion for the upcoming quarter.

Despite this, Nvidia’s momentum in product innovation remains robust. The company is aggressively ramping up its H200 GPU accelerator, which is already seeing noteworthy performance from major cloud providers like Microsoft Azure (MSFT). Additionally, Nvidia’s forthcoming Blackwell architecture is progressing well, with industry giants like Dell Technologies (DELL) announcing GB200-based systems.

Understanding Industry Dynamics

Nvidia’s Chief Executive Jensen Huang has stated that demand for Blackwell products is poised to exceed supply for several quarters, indicating a sustained appetite for Nvidia’s cutting-edge AI technologies. The company has yet to announce any significant delays or setbacks in its product roadmap, suggesting that recent rumors of delays or overheating issues may be overstated.

The implications of Nvidia’s earnings extend beyond its own balance sheet—its results offer valuable insights into the broader landscape of AI computing. For example, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) remains the second-largest provider of AI GPUs and is gearing up for the launch of its MI300 and MI325 products. This could lead to meaningful adoption as customers broaden their supply chains to mitigate risk and leverage better pricing.

Meanwhile, Intel (INTC) trails in the race with its Gaudi 3 AI accelerators. Should Nvidia’s growth stabilize, Intel may face an uphill battle to establish itself as a credible third option in the AI computing market.

Nvidia’s Ecosystem Partners

Amidst these dynamics, Nvidia’s ecosystem partners are also positioning themselves strategically. Dell has emerged as a top infrastructure provider, being the first to showcase a GB200-based rack, while competitors like Super Micro Computer (SMCI) strive to resolve internal challenges.

In terms of cloud services, Microsoft’s Azure platform has exhibited strong leadership, being at the forefront of publishing H200 benchmark results and preparing for early adoption of Blackwell products. Smaller specialized firms like CoreWeave may face challenges should there be delays in Blackwell integration, as their business models are heavily reliant on swift deployments of new technologies.

The Future of AI Computing

The coming quarters will be critical in determining whether Nvidia and the broader AI ecosystem can sustain their growth momentum. The expanding demand for AI infrastructure directly benefits related tech companies specializing in storage, cooling solutions, and various data center components. This has created a ripple effect throughout the technology supply chain, highlighting the broader economic implications of the AI computing boom.

While Nvidia’s results indicate that the strong demand for AI technologies continues, the moderation in growth rate may suggest a transition from an initial surge in AI infrastructure investments to a more steady, long-term increase. Companies like Pure Storage (PSTG), Micron Technology (MU), and Vast Data have also benefited from this evolving landscape.

Investor Takeaway

For investors and industry observers alike, the key question remains: is the current trend a temporary plateau, or are we witnessing the onset of a new normal in AI computing growth rates? As the market matures and competition intensifies, Nvidia’s ability to execute its Blackwell rollout and meet ongoing demand will be paramount. Thus, the performance of Nvidia in the coming quarters could serve as a bellwether for the entire tech sector’s health buoyed by AI computing.