Semiconductor giant Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:AVGO) could highlight surging demand for artificial intelligence chips when the company reports fourth-quarter financial results Thursday after market close.

• Broadcom stock is at critical resistance. Why did AVGO hit a new high?

Here are the earnings estimates, what analysts are saying ahead of the results and the key items to watch.

Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect Broadcom to report fourth-quarter revenue of $17.49 billion, up from $14.05 billion in last year's fourth quarter, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in three straight quarters and in eight of the past 10 quarters overall.

Broadcom has also posted 10 straight record quarters for revenue with the amount getting higher each report. The current estimate would set a new record once again for an 11th straight quarter.

Analysts expect Broadcom to report fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1.86, up from $1.42 in last year's fourth quarter.

The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in three straight quarters and in nine of the past 10 quarters overall.

Guidance from the company calls for fourth-quarter ...