Intel heads into its April 23 earnings with rising investor expectations , but the key question remains whether AI-driven CPU demand can offset ongoing margin weakness . Revenue Stable, But Margins Under Pressure Intel is expected to deliver Q1 revenue around US$12.4 billion , slightly above the midpoint of its guidance range. However, the real concern lies in profitability: Gross margin guided at 34.5% , down from 39.2% a year ago EPS near breakeven (~US$0.00) vs US$0.13 last year This highlights continued pressure from costs, utilisation, and product mix , despite improving demand signals. AI CPUs: A Key Growth Driver Intel’s near-term bullish case centers on AI-related CPU demand , particularly its Xeon processors. A key development is its partnership with Alphabet , which reinforces: Intel’s role in AI data centre infrastructure Growing demand for AI inference and general-purpose computing Investors will watch c...
Wall Street Recap
U.S. equities bounced back, recouping recent losses amid inflation relief:
- S&P 500: +1.09% to 5930.85
- Dow Jones: +1.18% to 42840.26
- Nasdaq: +1.03% to 19572.60
Key developments include:
- Berkshire Hathaway boosted its stake in Occidental Petroleum, acquiring $409.2 million worth of shares over three days.
- Trump Media & Technology (DJT.US) fell 6% after Donald Trump transferred 115 million DJT shares, valued at over $4 billion, to a revocable trust.
Bursa Market Insight
Malaysia’s FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI closed lower at 1591.41 (-0.54%):
- Top Gainer: PBBANK (1295.MY) up 2.19% to RM12.14
- Top Loser: PETDAG (5681.MY) down 4.23% to RM19.02
Corporate Highlights
1. Top Glove (TOPGLOV.MY)
- Swung to a net profit of RM5.47 million in 1QFY2025, reversing a loss of RM57.71 million a year ago.
- Revenue surged 79.5% to RM885.89 million, driven by glove sales projected to rise 60% in FY2025, benefiting from U.S. tariffs on Chinese gloves.
2. Kenergy (KENERGY.MY)
- FY2024 net profit surged 44.5% to RM19.22 million, with revenue up 15% to RM113.1 million.
- Strong 4QFY2024 performance included revenue growth of 23.1% q-o-q, attributed to increased industrial process plant sales.
3. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (AIRPORT.MY)
- Khazanah Nasional Bhd and EPF's takeover offer of RM11 per share was deemed fair by Hong Leong Investment Bank.
- However, MAHB's non-interested directors recommended rejecting the bid as unfair and unreasonable.
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