fff
Information

Arm and Qualcomm Stocks Fall 9% as Memory Crunch Deepens

Writer
Priyansh Bakshi
timer
February 5, 2026
Arm and Qualcomm Stocks Fall 9% as Memory Crunch Deepens blog thumbnail

Global semiconductor majors Arm Holdings and Qualcomm have come under pressure after their latest quarterly updates highlighted an unexpected challenge: a severe shortage of memory chips. The issue is not about weak demand for smartphones but about where memory makers are choosing to deploy their capacity.

Artificial intelligence infrastructure is consuming an unprecedented amount of advanced memory. Data centres require high-bandwidth memory to train and run AI models, and suppliers have diverted production to this high-margin segment. As a result, the smartphone ecosystem is facing tight availability and rising prices.

Why the Market Reacted Sharply

Arm Holdings, whose technology powers most smartphones in the world, saw its shares drop more than eight percent in extended trading. Management indicated that limited memory availability would restrict the number of phones that brands can manufacture in the coming quarters. Since Arm earns royalties on every device shipped, lower volumes directly affect its revenue outlook.

Qualcomm, the leading provider of mobile processors, echoed similar concerns. Chief Executive Cristiano Amon told analysts that several Chinese manufacturers have already signalled plans to build fewer phones because they cannot secure enough memory chips. The guidance for the current quarter disappointed investors who were expecting a stronger recovery in handset demand.

How AI Is Reshaping the Chip Supply Chain

Memory companies such as Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron are racing to expand production of high-bandwidth memory used in AI servers. Building new fabrication lines is capital intensive and takes more than a year. Until new capacity comes on stream, suppliers are prioritising data centre customers over consumer electronics.

This shift has created an unusual situation where smartphone demand exists but components are missing. The electronics industry is therefore bracing for higher bill of material costs. Consumers may see price hikes, particularly in mid-range devices where margins are already thin.

Intel’s leadership has warned that the imbalance could persist until 2028, suggesting that the problem is structural rather than temporary. Taiwanese chipmaker MediaTek also described the situation as evolving, indicating limited visibility on when supplies will normalise.

Silver Linings for Arm and Qualcomm

Despite the near-term pain, both companies are positioning themselves to benefit from the AI wave. Arm designs are increasingly being adopted in data centre processors, while Qualcomm is developing chips for AI-enabled laptops and edge devices. These new revenue streams can gradually reduce dependence on the cyclical smartphone market.

Another positive trend is the focus on premium phones. Brands are allocating scarce memory to flagship models where profitability is higher. This supports Qualcomm’s sales of advanced processors and helps Arm earn better royalty rates even if overall volumes soften.

What It Means for the Indian Market

India is one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets, yet it remains sensitive to price changes. A global memory shortage can translate into delayed launches and higher retail prices, especially in the value segment that dominates Indian sales.

Domestic electronics manufacturers and assemblers may face margin pressure if component costs rise faster than consumer prices. However, companies linked to data centres and AI infrastructure could see incremental opportunities as global investment flows increase.

For Indian investors, the episode is a reminder that technology supply chains are deeply interconnected. Movements in US and Taiwanese semiconductor firms often ripple through local IT services, contract manufacturing and telecom sectors. Maintaining a diversified portfolio and relying on strong research becomes essential in such volatile phases.

Navigating Technology Cycles with Discipline

Short-term market reactions can be sharp, but structural trends like AI adoption tend to create long-term winners. Evaluating businesses on balance sheet strength, innovation pipeline and customer diversification is more important than chasing headlines.

Platforms such as Swastika Investmart help investors stay informed with SEBI-registered research, technology-enabled trading tools and responsive customer support. Access to timely insights allows individuals to separate temporary disruptions from lasting opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are memory chips in short supply?
Manufacturers have shifted capacity toward high-bandwidth memory for AI data centres, leaving less production for smartphone components.

How does this affect Arm and Qualcomm?
Both companies depend on smartphone volumes for a large part of revenue. Fewer phones mean lower royalty and processor sales in the near term.

Will phone prices rise in India?
Higher component costs may push brands to increase prices or prioritise premium models, which can affect budget buyers.

Is the shortage temporary?
Industry leaders expect constraints to continue for several years until new factories become operational.

Final Thoughts

The slide in Arm and Qualcomm shares highlights how rapidly AI is reshaping the semiconductor landscape. While the memory crunch poses challenges for smartphone growth, it also opens doors to new AI-driven revenue streams. Indian investors should track these shifts carefully and align portfolios with businesses that can adapt to the changing technology cycle.

Begin your investment journey with informed decisions and strong research support.

👉Open your trading account with Swastika Investmart today

Alert! Missed out on winning option trades? Master the art of successful option buying. Register Now