Consider Seagate (STX) as a core holding for the AI infrastructure theme, as the company has its data storage capacity fully allocated through 2026. For another 'picks and shovels' AI play, look at Corning (GLW), a key fiber optics supplier for data centers that recently secured a major deal with Meta. Traders may watch the

Texas Instruments (TXN)

• The company reported earnings after the bell, missing on both EPS ($1.27 vs. $1.30 expected) and revenue ($4.42B vs. $4.43B expected).
• Despite the misses, the stock was up significantly in after-hours trading (as much as 8%), driven by strong forward guidance for the first quarter (Q1).
• The Q1 guidance for revenue ($4.3B to $4.6B) and EPS ($1.22 to $1.48) appears to have beaten expectations.
• Key growth areas highlighted were Analog revenue (up 14% year-over-year) and Embedded processing revenue (up 8% year-over-year), which are important for the data center ecosystem.
• The market's positive reaction suggests investors are prioritizing future growth prospects in key sectors over the slight miss in the previous quarter.

Takeaways

• Bullish Sentiment: The strong guidance and positive market reaction indicate a bullish outlook for TXN, particularly due to its role in the data center buildout.
• Focus on Guidance: This is a classic example of the market looking forward, not backward. Strong guidance, especially in high-growth segments like data centers, can outweigh minor earnings misses.
• Potential Investment: For investors bullish on the semiconductor and data center theme, TXN's performance suggests it remains a strong player. The street is likely pricing in the possibility of them beating their own strong guidance in the next quarter.

Seagate (STX)

• The company reported a "double beat," with both EPS ($3.11 vs. $2.83 expected) and revenue ($2.76B vs. $2.82B expected) coming in ahead of estimates. Note: The transcript gives conflicting revenue numbers, but the context implies a beat.
• The stock initially dropped after the report but reversed course and was up over 9% after hours.
• The positive momentum was fueled by a very strong Q3 guide for both EPS and revenue, and a bullish earnings call.
• The CEO stated that their near-line capacity is fully allocated through calendar year 2026 and they are already discussing demand for 2028 with cloud customers.
• Seagate is viewed as a "memory play" and a key part of the AI data center buildout, similar to Micron (MU) and Western Digital (WDC). The stock was up 30% year-to-date going into earnings.

Takeaways

• Strong Bullish Sentiment: The commentary from the CEO points to massive, long-term demand for their data storage solutions, driven by the AI boom.
• AI Infrastructure Play: STX is a direct beneficiary of the need for massive data storage in AI data centers. The fact that they are booked years in advance underscores the strength of this trend.
• Investment Insight: Despite running up significantly before earnings, the report confirms the fundamental thesis. The stock holding its gains and moving higher suggests the market believes the growth story is just getting started. This is a key stock for investors wanting exposure to the "picks and shovels" of the AI revolution.

Iren (IREN)

• The stock had a massive day, closing up 14.5% at $59.99.
• The move was not based on a specific company headline but on strong speculation about a potential deal with Anthropic, a major AI company.
• Anthropic is reportedly doubling its fundraising plans, signaling massive growth and investment, which could benefit its infrastructure partners like IREN.
• Technical analysis suggests the chart is constructive. The next major resistance level is $63.
• If the stock can break through $63, the next target is $77. A break of all-time highs could potentially lead to triple-digit prices.

Takeaways

• Speculative AI Play: IREN is a high-beta data center stock that is moving on sentiment and potential future contracts related to the AI buildout.
• Key Levels to Watch: For traders and investors, $63 is the critical level to watch. A decisive move above it could signal further significant upside.
• High Risk/Reward: The investment is tied to a speculative catalyst (the Anthropic deal). While the potential upside is large, the risk is also elevated if the rumored deal does not materialize.

Investment Themes & Other Assets

US Dollar (DXY) & Hard Assets (Gold, Silver)

• Context: The US Dollar Index (DXY) has been "getting hit," falling significantly. This was partly attributed to comments from Donald Trump indicating he is not concerned about the dollar's decline. A weaker dollar is seen as a solution to the US debt problem.
• Silver (SLV) and Gold have been rallying strongly as the dollar weakens. The podcast host notes that buyers have been "relentless."
• Technical View on Silver: The chart is in a powerful uptrend. A key support level is $105. If it breaks below that, it could fall to $88. The next upside target is $125. The host is extremely bullish and would not sell for dollars, but might consider swapping some silver for gold or copper.
• Takeaways:
  • The "debasement trade" is in full effect. A weakening dollar is a major tailwind for hard assets like gold and silver, as well as potentially digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • Investors may consider exposure to precious metals as a hedge against a falling dollar and inflation. The trend appears strong and may have more room to run.

AI & Data Center Infrastructure

• Context: This was the dominant theme of the podcast. The buildout of AI is creating a "super cycle" for the companies that provide the underlying hardware.
• Key Stocks:
  • Micron (MU): Pumping after hours in sympathy with Seagate's strong report. The host notes that some have been calling for a "super cycle" in memory for a while.
  • Rich Tech Robotics (RR): A small-cap stock that jumped 45% on a partnership with Microsoft. This highlights the explosive potential of small companies that secure deals with big tech in the AI space.
  • Corning (GLW): A new idea presented as a key "picks and shovels" play. As a manufacturer of fiber optic cables ("the asphalt of the data center road"), it's essential for high-speed data transfer in new AI data centers. The stock saw massive volume on a deal with Meta.
  • Copper (FCX as proxy): The host is bullish on copper, viewing it as a catch-up trade and essential for data centers, EVs, and the electric grid.
• Takeaways:
  • The most significant investment opportunities may not be in the AI model creators themselves, but in the less-obvious infrastructure providers (memory, storage, networking, fiber, power, and raw materials).
  • Investors should look beyond the obvious names like NVIDIA to find alpha in peripheral segments of the AI buildout.

Big Tech (Meta, Microsoft, Tesla)

• Context: All three companies have earnings tomorrow, which will be a major market event. Technical analysis was provided for each.
• Meta (META): The chart suggests the stock is "done going lower" for now. A pullback to $630 would be seen as healthy. The average earnings move is about 10%.
• Microsoft (MSFT): The stock is technically in a downtrend and has bounced to a resistance level around $480. The host would "not take it short" but also would not buy it right before earnings, calling it a "hell no" proposition.
• Tesla (TSLA): The stock is in a consolidation phase. The host believes that even a $50 move up or down on earnings will not change the larger chart pattern. It's seen as a good stock for selling options premium.
• Takeaways:
  • Caution is advised ahead of big tech earnings. The technical setups for MSFT and TSLA suggest they are at key decision points, making pre-earnings trades risky.
  • The market is in a "wait and see" mode, with volume being light ahead of these major reports and the FOMC meeting.

Robinhood (HOOD) & Palantir (PLTR)

• Context: Both stocks, which were huge winners last year, have been underperforming to start this year. The host believes they are simply consolidating after massive runs.
• Robinhood (HOOD): Described as "not its moment." It's in a technical downtrend channel with the next major support around $95. The host notes that the stock is up 15-20x from its lows and a breather is normal.
• Palantir (PLTR): In a similar situation to HOOD. It's in a consolidation range with support in the mid-$150s and resistance around $170.
• Takeaways:
  • For long-term investors, consolidation in high-growth stocks is healthy and can be a buying opportunity.
  • Patience is required. These stocks may trade sideways or drift lower as money rotates into other hot sectors (like AI infrastructure and space) before they begin their next leg up. Expecting another 2-3x move this year may be unrealistic.