Tag: Semiconductor

Release – Conduent Recognized as a Leader in 2024 NelsonHall Report on Multi-Process HR Transformation Services

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on CNDT

MAY 31, 2024

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Conduent Incorporated (Nasdaq: CNDT), a global technology-led business solutions and services company, today announced that NelsonHall, a global analyst firm, has named the company a market leader in the 2024 NelsonHall Evaluation and Assessment Tool (NEAT) for Multi-Process HR Transformation Services for Large Enterprises. This year’s NelsonHall NEAT evaluates participants across a range of criteria and business situations in specific areas of capability, company focus, and geographic coverage.

“Conduent has proven capabilities and well-established HR operational expertise in the Large Enterprise market segment, where 80% of its business supports organizations with over 15,000 employees,” said Liz Rennie, HR Technology and Services Research Director at NelsonHall. “It delivers digital transformations with AI, automation, optimization, engagement, and accuracy, and brings ongoing operational refinements in areas such as employee experience and omni-channel digital solutions. Conduent’s partnership approach and delivery expertise are well-suited to supporting the transformation of complex and large organizations.”

For Large Enterprise Focus, this year’s NEAT report recognizes Conduent for:

  • The breadth of its Human Capital Solutions, including HR administration, global payroll data management services, benefits administration, and learning services;
  • Ability to drive global processes and support products such as HRO-in-a-Box, with more than 120 globally configurable and digitally enabled processes spanning the HR lifecycle (from recruitment to retirement);
  • Investment in front-end proprietary technology with a design approach that uses personas to drive personalization. Proprietary applications include Life@Work Connect, chat automation and real-time dashboards with program analytics and service levels;
  • Capability to serve clients on leading Cloud HCM platforms, including Oracle Cloud, SAP SuccessFactors, and Workday; and
  • CX approach to employee experience supported by an employee-centric delivery model.

“As NelsonHall noted, Conduent remains committed to providing our HR clients with solutions that are grounded in leading digital HR technology so that HR functions can perform better, while also increasing employee engagement and satisfaction,” said Jeff Weiner, Vice President and General Manager of Human Capital Solutions at Conduent. “NelsonHall’s recognition is a great affirmation that the work and investments we are putting into our offerings and delivering to our clients is positively impacting the employee’s experience and is a differentiator when HR teams need to select a partner.”

NelsonHall defines leaders as providers that exhibit a high capability relative to their peers to deliver both immediate benefit and future client requirements. In addition to Large Enterprise Focus, Conduent was also a “Leader” in Overall, Efficiency Focus, Europe Focus, Multi-Country Focus and North America Focus in this year’s NelsonHall NEAT Report. Earlier this year NelsonHall named Conduent a leader in HR Benefits Administration.

To read the custom report of Conduent’s evaluation in the 2024 NelsonHall NEAT Report, visit https://insights.conduent.com/reports/mphr-transformation-neat-report.

About NelsonHall

NelsonHall is the leading global analyst firm dedicated to helping organizations understand the ‘art of the possible’ in digital operations transformation. With analysts in the U.S., U.K., Continental Europe, and Asia, NelsonHall provides buy-side organizations with detailed, critical information on markets and vendors (including NEAT assessments) that helps them make fast and highly informed sourcing decisions. And for vendors, NelsonHall provides deep knowledge of market dynamics and user requirements to help them hone their go-to-market strategies. NelsonHall’s analysis is based on rigorous, all-original research, and is widely respected for the quality and depth of its insight.

About Conduent

Conduent delivers digital business solutions and services spanning the commercial, government and transportation spectrum – creating valuable outcomes for its clients and the millions of people who count on them. The Company leverages cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation and advanced analytics to deliver mission-critical solutions. Through a dedicated global team of approximately 59,000 associates, process expertise and advanced technologies, Conduent’s solutions and services digitally transform its clients’ operations to enhance customer experiences, improve performance, increase efficiencies and reduce costs. Conduent adds momentum to its clients’ missions in many ways including disbursing approximately $100 billion in government payments annually, enabling 2.3 billion customer service interactions annually, empowering millions of employees through HR services every year and processing nearly 13 million tolling transactions every day. Learn more at www.conduent.com.

Note: To receive RSS news feeds, visit www.news.conduent.com. For open commentary, industry perspectives and views, visit http://twitter.com/Conduent, http://www.linkedin.com/company/conduent or http://www.facebook.com/Conduent.

Trademarks
Conduent is a trademark of Conduent Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contacts

LISA PATTERSON

Conduent

lisa.patterson@conduent.com

+1-816-305-4421

GILES GOODBURN

Conduent

ir@conduent.com

+1-203-216-3546

Synopsys Bets Big on Simulation Software with $35 Billion Ansys Acquisition

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

In one of the largest tech industry mergers of recent years, Synopsys has announced it will acquire engineering simulation software maker Ansys in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $35 billion. The deal combines two leading players in software tools for semiconductor and electronic product design, expanding Synopsys’ total addressable market as it aims to create an integrated platform for chip design and beyond.

The merger agreement will see Synopsys pay around $390 per share for Ansys – $197 per share in cash plus about one-third of a Synopsys share for each Ansys share. This represents a premium of roughly 20% over Ansys’ recent share price. Ansys shareholders will own 16.5% of the combined company once the acquisition is finalized, expected in the first half of 2025 pending regulatory approvals.

Synopsys plans to fund the cash component of the deal through a combination of $16 billion in new debt financing and $3 billion cash on hand. The company had $1.4 billion in cash reserves as of October 2022. Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi has acknowledged the deal will not be accretive to earnings for at least 12 months post-closing due to financing and integration costs.

Expanding Synopsys’ Platform from Silicon to System

For Synopsys, a leading vendor of electronic design automation (EDA) software used by semiconductor companies, the deal strategically expands its platform. Ansys provides physics-based simulation software that helps engineers virtually test product design, performance and safety across industries like automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics and medical devices.

Synopsys aims to combine its strengths in chip design with Ansys’ expertise in simulating mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic effects at the full system level. This can help Synopsys address the entire electronic system lifecycle – from silicon to software to system integration.

The merger can also unlock new integrated workflows between the companies’ complementary technologies. For instance, connecting Ansys’ simulation tools to Synopsys’ ARC processor IP and DSO.ai AI-driven debugging solution. Such integration can speed up testing and validation for customers building advanced chips, electronics and embedded software.

Leveraging Ansys’ Footprint Across Industries

Another driver for Synopsys is leveraging Ansys’ customer footprint across major industries developing smart, connected products. As a leader in physics simulation, Ansys serves over 11,000 organizations globally. Its customer base includes manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, 5G telecom and medical technology.

The merger can open cross-selling opportunities for Synopsys to provide its EDA tools – from IP libraries to verification software – to Ansys’ customers working on chip-centric system designs. It also gives Synopsys greater exposure to growing demand for simulations, modelling and digital twins driven by trends like metaverse platforms, autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things.

According to Synopsys, the combined company will have a total addressable market exceeding $50 billion by 2025 – significantly broadening its market beyond EDA software. In addition, Ansys’ recurring revenue base can provide Synopsys more stability to weather downturns in the historically cyclical semiconductor market.

Executing a Complex Tech Industry Merger

Despite the strategic benefits, executing a merger of this scale will be complex. Ansys has over 3,700 employees worldwide. Integrating its engineering teams and R&D roadmap with Synopsys’ will take time and care. Synopsys also has work ahead to achieve the full vision of a integrated “silicon-to-software” platform based on the combined portfolios.

Most importantly, the companies need to preserve Ansys’ neutrality and multi-vendor interoperability as it moves under Synopsys’ ownership. Any perception that Ansys will favor Synopsys’ own tools following the merger could drive customers to exploring alternatives. Maintaining Ansys as an “open platform” will be key.

Nonetheless, the deal provides Synopsys – already on a strong growth trajectory – a significant opportunity to expand its enterprise software footprint. If successful, it could cement Synopsys as the premier player in next-generation chip design workflows and empower even smarter, connected, electronics-driven experiences. But realizing Ansys’ full value will require skillful integration by Synopsys at a scale it has never attempted before.

Microchip Secures $162M in Federal Funding to Amplify U.S. Chip Production Capacities

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

The U.S. government is making a strategic $162 million bet on accelerating domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities through a major grant for Microchip Technology. The move aims to strengthen supply chain security for critical technologies while reducing dependence on overseas chip production.

Announced by the Department of Commerce, the funding will help Microchip Technology significantly expand output of mature-node semiconductors and microcontroller units at two fabrication plants in the United States.

The boosted stateside capacity for these legacy chips, used across autos, consumer devices, telecom infrastructure, aerospace and defense, is a core tenet of the Biden administration’s “Chips for America” initiative to rebuild domestic chipmaking.

For investors, the government subsidization provides a buffer against supply shocks in key end-markets for Microchip and peers specializing in current-generation chips. The build-out of U.S. semiconductor infrastructure also unlocks new revenue opportunities associated with “onshoring” trends.

Strategic Tech Security Play

The $162 million grant, which still requires finalization, represents the second major award under the Chips for America program passed by Congress in 2022. The legislation allocated $52.7 billion towards strengthening U.S. semiconductor R&D and manufacturing.

The hefty government funding aims to insulate the U.S. from the global chip shortages and supply chain disruptions experienced during the pandemic, which rippled across the auto sector, consumer appliance makers, and other key domestic industries.

“The award will help reduce reliance on global supply chains that led to price spikes and long wait lines for everything from autos to washing machines during the pandemic,” said Lael Brainard, Director of the White House National Economic Council.

The U.S. chip funding arrives amid mounting concern over economic and national security risks associated with foreign chipmaking dominance. America now accounts for only 12% of worldwide semiconductor manufacturing, down from 37% in 1990, according to SIA data. Meanwhile, East Asia now represents 75% of fabrication, led by Taiwan at 92% of the advanced chips market.

As chips become more vital for technologies like EVs, 5G, and AI, U.S. officials seek to curb dependence on overseas production capacity to ensure domestic tech leadership. The risks became evident as COVID-related shutdowns drove severe chip shortages.

Doubling Down on Legacy Chip Lines

The direct grants to Microchip Technology will expand legacy chip production at the firm’s factories in Colorado and Oregon. Microchip specializes in microcontroller, analog, and flash memory chips used in everything from cars to defense systems.

The $90 million Colorado facility investment will triple output of 8-inch wafers for mature-node integrated circuits. The $72 million Oregon fab funding will double microcontroller manufacturing.

The ramped up legacy chip capacities reinforce Microchip’s competitive position as demand intensifies for current-generation semiconductors across tech and automotive. The expansions build on the firm’s January announcement of an $800 million investment to triple Oregon fab output.

For investors, the state support helps de-risk Microchip’s domestic production scale-up amid turbulent macroeconomic conditions and provides a backstop as management executes its capacity roadmap.

The funding also spotlights the ongoing critical role of mature node chips, even as leading-edge semiconductors grab headlines. While crucial for advanced chips, restoring U.S. leadership in legacy nodes directly serves major industries where shortages have hammered bottom lines.

First Moves in U.S. Chip Reshoring

The planned Microchip award marks an early win under the broader Chips and Science Act Passed by Congress. The bipartisan legislation codified semiconductor manufacturing and R&D funding as a strategic priority, authorizing $52 billion in incentives.

The law sets aside $39 billion in semiconductor manufacturing subsidies, $11 billion for R&D, and $2 billion for legacy chip production – recognizing the outsized importance of lagging U.S. capacities in mature node manufacturing.

The Microchip grants constitute the second such funding award under the Act, following $35 million granted in December to a BAE Systems semiconductor facility that produces chips for defense platforms.

But this represents merely the tip of the iceberg, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo forecasting about a dozen total semiconductor subsidy awards in 2024 potentially worth billions each. The incoming wave of sizeable incentives promises to radically reshape the domestic chipmaking landscape.

For institutional investors, the government initiatives lend viability to plans from Intel, Micron, and other U.S. firms to build large-scale domestic fabrication plants. The investments will drive growth while reducing exposure to offshore production risks.

The amplified U.S. chipmaking capacities will also benefit semiconductor equipment providers and material/gas suppliers up and down the supply chain. As the push accelerates in 2023 and 2024, investors have an opportunity to position for the resshoring trend.

Overall, the expansion of U.S. chip fabrication driven by the incoming subsidies provides a long-term structural tailwind. With semiconductors only becoming more indispensable, boosting domestic manufacturing enhances the tech independence and leadership vital for national security interests. The Microchip awards represent an early step on the path towards reclaiming domestic chip dominance.

Microsoft Makes Waves with New AI and ARM Chips

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Microsoft made waves this week by unveiling its first ever custom-designed chips at the Ignite conference. The tech giant introduced two new processors: the Maia 100 chip for artificial intelligence workloads and the Cobalt 100 chip for general computing purposes. These new silicon offerings have the potential to shake up the chip industry and cloud computing markets.

The Maia 100 is Microsoft’s answer to the AI accelerators from rivals like Nvidia and Amazon. It is tailored to boost performance for AI tasks like natural language processing. During Ignite, Microsoft demonstrated Maia handling queries for its Bing search engine, powering the Copilot coding assistant, and running large OpenAI language models.

Microsoft has been collaborating closely with OpenAI and is a major investor in the AI research company. OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT was trained on Azure using Nvidia GPUs. By designing its own chip, Microsoft aims to reduce reliance on third-party silicon for AI workloads.

Though performance details remain unclear, Microsoft stated that Maia handles AI tasks with high throughput and low latency. It emphasized efficiency as a key design goal. The chip was engineered in close consultation with Microsoft’s internal AI teams to ensure it fits their requirements.

Microsoft has created novel liquid cooling technology called Sidekicks to work alongside Maia server racks. This advanced thermal management unlocks Maia’s full processing capacity while avoiding the overheating issues that often plague GPU-powered data centers.

When available on Azure, Maia will provide customers access to specialized AI hardware on demand instead of buying dedicated GPUs. Microsoft did not provide a timeline for Maia’s availability or pricing. But offering it as a cloud service instead of a physical product sets Maia apart from AI chips from Intel, Nvidia and others.

The second new chip announced at Ignite was the Cobalt 100 ARM-based processor for general computing. It is expected to deliver a 40% performance boost over existing Azure ARM chips from Ampere.

Microsoft believes Cobalt will provide a compelling alternative to Intel’s server CPUs for cloud workloads. Companies like Amazon have already demonstrated success in cloud data centers by transitioning from Intel to custom ARM chips.

Virtual machines powered by Cobalt will become available on Azure in 2024. Microsoft is currently testing it for key services like Teams and Azure SQL database. More efficient ARM servers can translate to lower costs for cloud customers.

The Cobalt announcement highlights Microsoft’s growing reliance on ARM architecture across its cloud infrastructure. ARM chips are known for power efficiency in mobile devices, but companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Apple now recognize their benefits for data centers too.

By designing its own server-class ARM processor, Microsoft can optimize performance and features specifically for its cloud services. With both Maia and Cobalt, Microsoft aims to give Azure a competitive edge over rivals like AWS and Google Cloud.

Microsoft has lagged behind in cloud infrastructure market share, but introducing unique silicon could help close the gap. Its vertically integrated approach produces chips tailor-made for AI and its cloud platform. With demand for AI compute and cloud services booming, Microsoft’s gambit on custom chips could soon pay dividends.

Nvidia and Chip Stocks Tumble Amid Escalating China-U.S. AI Chip Export Tensions

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Shares of Nvidia and other semiconductor firms tumbled Tuesday morning after the U.S. announced stringent new curbs on exports of artificial intelligence chips to China. The restrictions spooked investors already on edge about the economic fallout from deteriorating U.S.-China relations.

Advanced AI chips like Nvidia’s flagship A100 and H100 models are now barred from shipment to China, even in downgraded versions permitted under prior rules. Nvidia stock plunged nearly 7% on the news, while chip stocks like Marvell, AMD and Intel sank 3-4%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index lost over 5%.

The export crackdown aims to hamper China’s progress in developing cutting-edge AI, which relies on massive computing power from state-of-the-art chips. U.S. officials warned China could use next-generation AI to threaten national security.

“We have specific concern with respect to how China could use semiconductor technologies to further its military modernization efforts,” said Alan Estevez, an under secretary at the Commerce Department.

But hampering China’s AI industry could substantially dent revenues for Nvidia, the dominant player in advanced AI chips. China is estimated to account for billions in annual sales.

While Nvidia said the financial impact is not immediate, it warned of reduced revenues over the long-term from tighter China controls. Investors are concerned these export curbs could be just the beginning if tensions continue to escalate between the global superpowers.

The escalating trade barriers also threaten to disrupt global semiconductor supply chains. Many chips contain components sourced from the U.S., Japan, Taiwan and other countries before final manufacturing and assembly occurs in China. The complex web of cross-border production could quickly seize up if trade restrictions proliferate.

Nvidia and its peers sank Tuesday amid fears of being caught in the crossfire of a technology cold war between the U.S. and China. Investors dumped chip stocks on worries that shrinking access to the massive Chinese market will severely depress earnings.

AI chips are essential to powering everything from data centers, autonomous vehicles, and smart devices to facial recognition, language processing, and machine learning. As AI spreads across the economy, demand for specialized semiconductors is surging.

But rivalries between the U.S. and China now threaten to put a ceiling on that growth. Both nations are aggressively competing to dominate AI research and set the global standards for integrating these transformative technologies. Access to the most powerful AI chips is crucial to these efforts.

By curbing China’s chip supply, the U.S. administration aims to safeguard America’s edge in AI development. But tech companies may pay the price through lost revenues if China restricts access to its own market in retaliation.

For the broader stock market already on edge about resurgent inflation, wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and rising interest rates, the intensifying technology cold war represents yet another worrying threat to global economic growth. While a severe downturn may ultimately be avoided, the rising risk level underscores why investors are growing more anxious.