Analysts expect Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOM) to report a fourth-quarter earnings beat, driven by sustained strength in its core 5G handset business. However, this expected solid performance is set against a backdrop of increasing questions from analysts and investors about the tangible timeline for monetizing the company’s significant investments in artificial intelligence.

Check out QCOM’s stock price here.

QCOM ‘Still Early' In The AI Race

Louis Navellier, Chief Investment Officer at Navellier & Associates, affirmed this outlook, stating he expects the company to beat estimates.

Despite this positive outlook for the core business, the market’s focus has shifted to the AI story, where analysts are urging patience.

Navellier noted that while Qualcomm has announced an AI chip to compete with Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ NVDA), it is “not out yet and they’re not monetizing it.”

Additionally, Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management said that Qualcomm's announcement is a sign that it is "still early" in the AI race.

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