Samsung and NVIDIA Expand South Korean Substrate Output for AI Chips

Vertiv (VRT) and Nvidia developed a method to reduce AI data center power and cooling setup time from 120 to 48 days. Vertiv estimates this could boost AI token output by 30% in the first year. VRT shares rose 4% to $212.51 on Oct. 21. The approach is being tested in a 41-megawatt Norway project. Vertiv's Q3 earnings report is scheduled for Oct. 28.

Nvidia (NVDA) shares fell 3.8% to $213.51 after introducing DSX POD, a modular AI-factory design aimed at reducing deployment time from six months to 14 days. Partners include Dell, HPE, and Lenovo, with deliveries expected in early 2027. GuruFocus notes strong fundamentals but warns of valuation concerns.

QumulusAI (QMLS) expanded its equipment lease financing with Tech Finance Co. to $123.6M for NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, up from $26M in May 2026. The 3-year leases cover GPU purchases for AI infrastructure, with TFC funding 85-90% of costs. QumulusAI avoids equity dilution and retains flexibility to acquire or return equipment at lease end.

Mercedes-Benz and NVIDIA are expanding their partnership to develop advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving technologies over the next decade. They will combine Mercedes-Benz's automotive expertise with NVIDIA's AI and computing capabilities, focusing on SAE Level 4 automation and automated luxury robolimousines. The collaboration will utilize NVIDIA's Hyperion architecture and Mercedes-Benz's MB.OS operating system, aiming to enhance safety and driving capabilities.

BNP Paribas reiterated its Outperform rating and $345 price target for Nvidia (NVDA) after the company's GTC Berlin presentations. Analyst Karl Ackerman highlighted Nvidia's plans for faster AI data-center deployment and optical networking advancements. The company expects its co-packaged optics plans to progress through 2026-2027 and introduced new systems like Vera Rubin and Groq 3 LPX.

Nvidia launched Minerva, AI operations software that monitors GPU clusters in data centers to detect and predict failures. It consolidates alerts and offers an AI assistant for troubleshooting. IREN is using it, and IBM, Tesla, and others plan to adopt it. Nvidia may invest up to $2.1B in IREN.