After Qualcomm (QCOM) announced an agreement to increase its acquisition offer to NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) to $127.50 from $110 per share, Stifel analyst Kevin Cassidy said he believes this was done in an effort to expedite shareholder approval as Qualcomm management fends off Broadcom's (AVGO) attempted takeover. Broadcom previously stated that its $82 per share offer was effective if the NXP deal was terminated or completed at the previous price, noted Cassidy, who expects Qualcomm shares could return to the $55-$60 range if Broadcom withdraws. He keeps a Hold rating and $82 price target on Qualcomm shares based on Broadcom's acquisition offer.

Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley raised the firm's price target on Broadcom (AVGO) to $1,500 from $1,405 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares after hosting management for meetings. Broadcom is one of the unique companies that has a comprehensive view of the semis industry while also capable of providing an "intimate look" at the artificial intelligence market via custom silicon, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm says management highlighted the company's inroads with the consumer-facing AI world, providing a differing viewpoint versus Nvidia's (NVDA) vision of the world - pointing to a two-part market of consumer and enterprise that could grow to a 50/50 split over time. Barclays came away from the meetings "with a valuable second opinion on the future of AI and a greater appreciation for the company's many ways to win."

Barclays analyst Tom O'Malley raised the firm's price target on Broadcom to $1,500 from $1,405 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. The analyst increased the price after hosting management for meetings.