Microsoft has made a significant move to secure its artificial intelligence capabilities, signing a five-year cloud services contract with IREN worth $9.7 billion. This deal provides Microsoft with crucial access to Nvidia's advanced chips, specifically the GB300 processors, without the need to build new data centers. IREN will deploy these Nvidia processors through 2026 at its Childress, Texas campus, which boasts 750 megawatts of capacity. A 20% prepayment from Microsoft will help IREN finance its $5.8 billion Dell deal. Microsoft's CFO, Amy Hood, anticipates that the AI capacity shortage will persist until at least mid-2026, highlighting the strategic importance of this agreement. The company recently reported strong quarterly sales of $77.7 billion, an 18% increase, further underscoring its robust financial position.The broader AI market continues its strong surge, driving significant profits for major tech companies and boosting US stock markets in October. Companies like Meta, Alphabet (Google's parent company), and Microsoft have all reported strong financial results, directly attributing their success to substantial investments in artificial intelligence. Alphabet, for instance, recently raised 6.5 billion in euros to support its expanding AI initiatives, marking its second successful euro funding round.In the semiconductor space, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has observed China's significant advancements in AI technology, alongside indications that China may be easing its export ban on Nexperia chips. Meanwhile, investors are closely watching for upcoming earnings reports from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Palantir this week. While AMD remains a strong player in AI, securing deals with IBM and Oracle, its stock valuation is currently considered high. In contrast, Micron (MU) presents a potentially more affordable investment opportunity in the AI sector, benefiting from the increasing demand for faster memory and storage in global data centers. Micron's High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) business is a key growth driver, with HBM revenue projected to reach $1.2 billion in Q4 fiscal 2025. The company has already secured pricing for most of its HBM3E supply through 2026 and is actively negotiating for HBM4 products.Broadcom (AVGO), a vital provider of semiconductor and infrastructure software for AI, announced its first-ever quarterly dividend of $4.10 per share, signaling strong financial health despite its stock being considered undervalued. Another new player in the market is Qnity Electronics (Q), an AI spin-off from DuPont, which began trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Qnity specializes in manufacturing semiconductors by supplying essential chemicals and materials for electronic devices.Beyond the established giants, new ventures are also making waves. Elizabeth Nammour, a former security engineer at Airbnb, founded Teleskope, an AI security startup that recently raised $25 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $32.2 million. Teleskope's AI security platform helps companies find, control, and manage sensitive data, already serving 23 customers and experiencing 600% year-over-year growth.The market's positive momentum, partly fueled by AI and strong performances from companies like Amazon, also brings discussions about the energy demands of AI. George Pollack from Signum Global Advisors highlighted a "trilemma" concerning AI's energy needs, renewable energy, and consumer electricity costs, particularly in the context of potential policy changes like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft secured a five-year, $9.7 billion deal with IREN for access to Nvidia's GB300 processors to meet high AI demand.
- Microsoft's CFO expects the AI capacity shortage to last until at least mid-2026.
- Meta, Alphabet (Google), and Microsoft reported strong financial results, driven by AI investments.
- Alphabet raised 6.5 billion in euros to fund its AI investments.
- Teleskope, an AI security startup, raised $25 million in Series A funding, bringing its total to $32.2 million.
- Micron's High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) business is a key AI growth driver, with HBM revenue projected at $1.2 billion in Q4 fiscal 2025.
- Broadcom announced its first quarterly dividend of $4.10 per share, highlighting its role in AI infrastructure.
- Qnity Electronics, an AI spin-off from DuPont, began trading on the NYSE, specializing in semiconductor materials.
- Investors are awaiting earnings reports from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Palantir this week.
- The AI market's energy demands are prompting discussions about policy and infrastructure.
Microsoft secures Nvidia chips with $9.7 billion IREN deal
Microsoft signed a five-year cloud services contract worth $9.7 billion with IREN. This deal gives Microsoft access to Nvidia chips, which helps them keep up with the high demand for AI. Microsoft made a 20% prepayment as part of the agreement. The company recently reported strong quarterly sales of $77.7 billion, an 18% increase.
Microsoft secures Nvidia chips from IREN in $9.7 billion deal
Microsoft made a $9.7 billion deal with IREN for access to Nvidia's advanced chips over five years. This helps Microsoft meet the high demand for AI computing power without building new data centers. IREN will deploy Nvidia processors through 2026 at its Childress, Texas campus, which has 750 megawatts of capacity. Microsoft's prepayment will help IREN finance its $5.8 billion Dell deal. Microsoft CFO Amy Hood expects the AI capacity shortage to last until at least mid-2026.
IREN to supply Nvidia GB300 chips to Microsoft for $9.7 billion
IREN, a data center operator, signed a cloud services contract with Microsoft worth about $9.7 billion. Under this five-year agreement, IREN will provide Microsoft with access to Nvidia's GB300 processors. This deal helps Microsoft secure advanced chips for its cloud services.
AI investments boost markets and tech company profits
The AI market is experiencing a strong surge, with major tech companies investing heavily. Berkshire Hathaway reported a rebound in operating profit, leading to its largest cash pile ever. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang noted that China has significant AI technology, and there are signs that China is easing its export ban on Nexperia chips. US markets ended October higher, with all major indexes showing gains. Investors are now watching for earnings reports from Advanced Micro Devices and Palantir this week.
AI drives US stock gains in October
US stock markets saw significant gains in October, largely due to the strong performance of AI-related companies. China's manufacturing activity slowed slightly, with its PMI at 50.6 for October. Baidu's robotaxi service, Apollo Go, reached 250,000 weekly rides by October 31, matching Waymo's earlier numbers. Berkshire Hathaway also reported a rebound in operating profit, leading to its largest cash pile. Investors are now looking forward to earnings reports from Advanced Micro Devices and Palantir this week.
Former Airbnb engineer raises $25 million for AI security startup Teleskope
Elizabeth Nammour, a former security engineer at Airbnb, founded Teleskope and raised $25 million in Series A funding. M13 led the investment, with Primary Venture Partners and Lerer Hippeau also participating, bringing total funding to $32.2 million. Teleskope offers an AI security platform that helps companies find, control, and manage sensitive data. The idea came from Nammour's experience at Airbnb, where she developed similar software. Teleskope currently has 23 customers and has grown 600% year-over-year, with 85% of its pilot programs converting to paid customers.
Micron offers better AI stock value than AMD
While Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is strong in AI with deals from IBM and Oracle, its stock valuation is high. Micron (MU) presents a more affordable investment opportunity in the AI sector. Micron benefits from the growing demand for faster memory and storage in global data centers. Its High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) business is a key growth driver, with HBM revenue soaring to $1.2 billion in Q4 fiscal 2025. Micron has secured pricing for most of its HBM3E supply through 2026 and is negotiating for HBM4 products.
AI investments boost profits for Meta Alphabet Microsoft
Major US tech companies like Meta, Alphabet, and Microsoft reported strong financial results. These companies showed that their investments in artificial intelligence are successfully driving significant profits. This indicates a positive trend for tech giants focusing on AI development.
Broadcom announces first dividend as AI enabler
Broadcom (AVGO), a key provider of semiconductor and infrastructure software for AI, announced its first-ever quarterly dividend of $4.10 per share. This move signals the company's strong financial health and commitment to its shareholders. Broadcom's products are essential for the data centers and cloud infrastructure that power AI applications. Despite its crucial role in the AI ecosystem, the company's stock is considered undervalued. The AI market is expected to grow rapidly, positioning Broadcom well for future success.
DuPont AI spin-off Qnity Electronics starts trading in New York
Qnity Electronics (Q), an AI spin-off from the chemical company DuPont, began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. The company specializes in manufacturing semiconductors by providing essential chemicals and materials for circuit boards and electronic devices. DuPont shareholders received one share of Qnity for every two shares of DuPont they owned. Qnity Electronics started trading at just under $100 per share, and Wolfe Research initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $110 price target.
Alphabet raises 6.5 billion euros for AI investments
Alphabet successfully raised €6.5 billion in euros to support its growing investments in artificial intelligence. This marks Alphabet's second time raising funds in euros, following its debut in April. The company saw strong demand, with the spread tightening across different tranches of the offering.
Amazon and AI boost stock market gains
The stock market began the month with positive gains, driven by strong performances from Amazon and the AI sector. IREN's shares surged after it announced a $9.7 billion deal with Microsoft for Nvidia chips. George Pollack from Signum Global Advisors discussed a "trilemma" for the Trump administration regarding AI's energy needs, renewable energy, and consumer electricity costs. He mentioned the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which reduces green energy tax credits, and the end of the federal pause on LNG export permits. Investors are now awaiting Palantir's latest earnings report.
Sources
- Microsoft enters approximately $9.7B contract with IREN that gives it access to Nvidia chips
- Microsoft signs $9.7 billion contract with IREN for Nvidia chips
- Microsoft signs $9.7 billion contract with IREN for Nvidia chips
- CNBC Daily Open: AI trade frenzy seems driven by a 'virtuous' cycle
- CNBC Daily Open: U.S. stocks' gains in October owe much to AI
- Former Airbnb engineer raises $25 million for AI security platform Teleskope
- This AI Stock Is Cheaper Than AMD and Crushing It in Returns
- US Tech Earnings: AI Investments Drive Strong Results for Major Players
- This Dirt Cheap AI Stock Just Announced Its First-Ever Dividend
- DuPont AI Spin-Off Qnity Electronics Begins Trading in New York
- Alphabet raises €6.5bn in euros on surging AI investment
- Amazon and the AI trade sustain stock gains
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