Tobias

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares fell 6% after preliminary Q1 2026 results missed expectations, forecasting $5 billion revenue instead of $6-7 billion. The company attributes this to “design win upgrades” shifting revenue to Q2. Despite this, CEO Charles Liang anticipates strong customer demand and reiterated revenue of at least $33B for FY 2026, driven by AI market share gains. Recent design wins exceed $12 billion, set for Q2 delivery. A detailed update will be provided during the November 4 earnings call.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz refutes the idea that AI will replace cloud software, arguing they are interconnected. He believes agentic AI will accelerate SaaS adoption as providers integrate AI to enhance their offerings. CrowdStrike’s AI-powered Falcon platform benefits from this trend, protecting both its own services and other SaaS providers like Salesforce. The market reflects this confidence, with CrowdStrike’s stock surging and outperforming the cybersecurity sector, indicating strong investor belief in the company’s AI-driven cloud security strategy.

The U.S. Commerce Department denies reports of negotiating equity stakes in quantum computing firms like IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave in exchange for federal funding, despite market reactions to the initial Wall Street Journal report. The denial follows earlier government investments in strategic sectors like semiconductors and rare earth mining, fueling debates about government involvement in private enterprise. Potential applications span various industries, while military implications drive further interest. The sector faces challenges including revenue generation, long development cycles, and a skilled labor shortage. Nonetheless, advancements like Google’s “quantum advantage” attract investment.

President Trump reversed plans for a federal surge in San Francisco after conversations with tech leaders like Nvidia’s Huang and Salesforce’s Benioff, who expressed optimism about the city’s future. Trump cited Mayor Lurie’s progress on tackling crime. This reversal, a victory for San Francisco, followed initial support for federal intervention from some tech figures, later revised amid criticism. Recent data shows decreasing crime rates and a resurgence in economic activity, driven by AI innovation and venture capital investment. The interplay between politics, business, and technology shapes San Francisco’s revitalization.

OpenAI has acquired Software Applications Incorporated, a firm specializing in AI-powered interfaces for macOS. The deal, terms undisclosed, brings all 12 Software Applications employees to OpenAI. Their flagship product, Sky, uses natural language processing to enhance Mac user interaction across various tasks. This move aims to integrate AI directly into everyday tools, aligning with OpenAI’s vision to seamlessly embed AI capabilities within existing workflows. This follows previous OpenAI acquisitions like Statsig and io, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to expanding AI development.

Reports of imminent government equity stakes in quantum computing companies like IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave have spurred market speculation, though the Commerce Department downplays immediate acquisitions. While acknowledging ongoing funding discussions, particularly regarding national security, companies remain mostly silent. Potential support contrasts with recent semiconductor deals, as quantum firms lack substantial revenue and face intense competition from hyperscalers like Google and IBM. The structure of government intervention, balancing national security needs with taxpayer risk and private investment, remains critical.

The U.S. government is reportedly exploring equity stakes in quantum computing firms in exchange for federal funding, signaling a strategic push to secure leadership in this critical technology. While denied by the Commerce Department, the initial report spurred market gains for companies like IonQ, D-Wave, and Rigetti. This potential move aligns with Washington’s trend of acquiring stakes in companies deemed vital to national security, reflecting concerns about technological competition, particularly with China, and the need to bolster domestic capabilities in strategic sectors like rare earths and semiconductors.

SAP is making a big push in enterprise AI, CEO Christian Klein cites AI as key to customer deals. Q3 cloud backlog surged 23% to €18.8B, showing demand for AI-infused cloud services. While Q3 revenue rose 7% to €9.08B, it slightly missed estimates. Deutsche Bank maintains a positive outlook, but SAP is guiding towards the lower end of its cloud revenue forecast. Klein emphasizes focusing on practical AI applications and value creation, stressing the importance of real-world adoption. SAP aims to transform into an AI-first entity.

Alibaba is launching Quark AI Glasses, its first venture into AI wearables, powered by its Qwen large language model and Quark AI assistant. Pre-orders begin October 24th at 4,699 yuan (discounted to 3,999 yuan), shipping in December. Alongside, Alibaba introduces “AI Chat Assistant” in its Quark app, featuring photo editing, problem solving, and AI-assisted writing. This move signifies Alibaba’s push into consumer-facing AI, positioning it against competitors like Meta and Xiaomi in the smart glasses and digital assistant market.

Key morning headlines: Tesla’s earnings disappointed, prioritizing robotaxis and AI, triggering a share drop. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines reported strong earnings, contrasting Tesla’s struggles. The US imposed sanctions on Russian oil giants, causing prices to surge. Meta is cutting AI jobs amid superintelligence concerns. Starbucks workers are preparing for a strike vote over pay and working conditions, potentially impacting upcoming earnings.