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Rise in memory chip costs puts pressure on electronics retailers

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Rise in memory chip costs puts pressure on electronics retailers

HP computers at a Best Buy store on Black Friday in New York, Nov. 28, 2025.

Victor J. Blue | Bloomberg | Getty Images

As the global artificial intelligence race accelerates, memory chips are getting more expensive. As a result, costs of some consumer electronics are beginning to rise for retailers and consumers alike.

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Memory storage, known as RAM, is crucial for all computing devices, including phones, tablets and laptops. The cost of chips has been rising due to a supply shortage driven largely by massive demand for AI data centers. Companies such as Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices and Google have been scrambling to secure RAM for their chips.

Apple on Thursday announced it’s raising its prices on MacBooks and iPads — passing along the rising cost of memory to consumers — with the potential for more price hikes down the road. The memory shortage is an “unprecedented challenge,” the company said in a statement.

Incoming Best Buy CEO Jason Bonfig said on a call with reporters earlier this month that the company expects its computing division will be the most affected by price hikes.

“We did see some staggered price increases in Q1, so moving to Q2, we do expect [average sale prices] to increase and units from an elasticity perspective to be impacted,” Bonfig said. “We did bring in more inventory in Q1, which you can see on our balance sheet, which does help us to mitigate it.”

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Memory costs

Soaring memory costs are expected to reduce global personal computer shipments by 10.4% and smartphone shipments by 8.4% in 2026, according to Ranjit Atwal, a senior director analyst at Gartner, citing February research. Gartner also projected that PC prices will increase by 17% and smartphone prices will grow by 13%, compared with 2025 levels.

“What’s happening this time around, compared to previous times that memory prices have gone up, is the extent with which prices of memory is increasing,” Atwal said. “Secondly is the length of time that we think prices will remain high. … This one is looking like it won’t be until the end of 2027 before we get to any type of regional pricing.”

While the price increases may not be immediately apparent in stores, Atwal said, it’s inevitable that the demand will outpace the supply. Some retailers pulled forward inventory in the first quarter in anticipation of the rising prices, he added, but that cushion can only last so long.

“It will catch up with everyone,” he said. “You end up in a point where you just have no control over what you can do. You have to pass it on, and that’s the difference now versus where we were before. The market’s more mature as well, so there’s an expectation that people are going to buy up anyway.”

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Consumers might not even be aware of the price hikes, Atwal said. Most people upgrade their laptops after four or five years and may not even remember what they previously paid or what the specifications of their old models were, he said.

That gap may lead to a somewhat “delayed impact” on consumer behavior, Atwal said, but the eventual effect is bound to hit them soon.

Customers still spending

So far, Bonfig said, Best Buy isn’t seeing any indication that consumers are pulling forward purchases or even that the rising memory costs are affecting their budgets.

“What we do with that customer is talk about what they’re replacing, talk about what their needs are and talk about how to get them into technology that is going to be substantially better in so many different ways,” Bonfig said. “That’s really the focus that we will continue to have, to make sure we have that broadness and assortment.”

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A Best Buy spokesperson told CNBC that the company still sees its customers spending and that very few of them are worried about memory. In the first quarter, Best Buy said it saw its ninth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales in computing.

Anthony Chukumba, an analyst at Loop Capital who covers Best Buy, told CNBC he thinks larger retailers such as Best Buy will fare better than smaller ones, because of the market share they hold. As suppliers navigate passing along the added costs, Chukumba said major retailers will have more “leverage” to avoid price hikes for as long as they can.

“A lot of times, investors think about things too simplistically, like, ‘Oh, rising memory costs because of AI, that must be very bad for Best Buy,’” Chukumba said. “There’s just nothing that Best Buy can do about it. … This is their business, they’re always managing these changes, and they’re seeing the same stuff that you’re seeing, probably before you’re seeing it, and in much more detail, and so they manage.”

Chukumba said he believes the long-term impacts of memory costs won’t be as significant as they may seem at the moment.

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“Because technology is constantly evolving, constantly becoming cheaper, you can have this headwind of higher memory prices, but if you’re buying something relative to what you would have bought a year ago, much less two years ago, it’s still going to have vastly superior capabilities, and the consumers are none the wiser,” he said.

It could also hit other retailers, such as Target, Amazon, Costco and Walmart. Target declined to comment on rising memory costs, and Amazon also declined to comment. Costco and Walmart did not respond to requests for comment.

Shortages and hikes

Still, the broader risks posed by the memory chip shortage could spell trouble.

According to Atwal, the Gartner analyst, the rising costs could lead to consumers holding onto their devices longer, leading to fundamental changes to upgrade cycles for products such as smartphones.

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“Consumers … will compromise on what they need, and the vendors are going to find it more difficult to push AI features, which are kind of dependent on this, and typically want a premium for them,” Atwal said.

Earlier this month, a coalition of organizations including the National Retail Federation wrote a letter to the U.S. Treasury and Commerce departments asking the government to examine the “urgent imbalance” of memory chips and the potential for “significant and sustained near-term price increases” for consumers.

“The real-world impacts of these trends have already begun to show themselves and threaten to deteriorate rapidly if the situation is not remedied,” the letter said.

The organizations urged the government to work with memory chipmakers and chip buyers to “protect against harm to consumers, workers, and businesses of all sizes.”

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Jon Gold, NRF’s vice president of supply chain and customs policy, told CNBC the trend could lead to a shortage of consumer electronics, in addition to the potential price hikes.

“There’s always only so much impact that retailers can take on their own, so they’ve got to work with their vendors the best they can to try and minimize price increases and the impact that’s having on consumers,” Gold said. “But the bigger impact is the lack of those memory chips is a lack of products potentially.”

Gold said that if consumers begin to hold on to devices for longer because of price increases and the cost difference for upgrading, it will affect both retailers and suppliers as the consumer electronics market stagnates.

“Unfortunately, it’s one more complicated factor for a retailer and others who are making long-term plans and who are making contracts six, nine, 12 months in advance,” Gold said. “It’s very complicated and very complex and more pressure on retailers and manufacturers.”

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Thailand Boosts Youth Protection With Safe Jobs and Skills Training

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Thailand Boosts Youth Protection With Safe Jobs and Skills Training

Labour Ministry implements three measures: safe holiday jobs, vocational training for non-students, and labour rights education. Strict child labour laws will be enforced, with workplaces encouraged to declare themselves child labour-free to boost international confidence and ensure youth well-being.


Key Points

  • The Labour Ministry is launching three proactive initiatives: promoting safe holiday work for over 10,000 students, offering vocational skills training for non-students, and educating youth on labour rights and safety to prevent exploitation.
  • Strict child labour laws, prohibiting employment under 15 and regulating work for 15-17 year olds, will be enforced. Workplaces are encouraged to declare themselves child labour-free to align with international standards.
  • This comprehensive approach emphasizes creating opportunities, education, and skill development alongside law enforcement to ensure children’s safety, well-being, and full potential.

Safe Holiday Work for Youth

The Labour Ministry is proactively addressing child labour and enhancing youth well-being through three primary initiatives. The first focuses on providing safe and legal employment opportunities during school holidays. By partnering with over 56 major national businesses, the ministry is facilitating more than 10,000 positions for students. This program enables young people to gain valuable work experience and earn income while ensuring they are protected under existing labour laws, thereby preventing them from falling into exploitative work during their breaks.

Skills Development for Future Employment

The second strategic measure targets young individuals who do not pursue further academic studies by equipping them with vocational skills. This initiative aims to facilitate a transition from unskilled labour to skilled employment, thereby improving their long-term career prospects and economic stability. Collaborating with educational institutions, the ministry will provide necessary support and training before these young people enter the formal labour market, ensuring they are better prepared and more competitive.

Empowerment Through Rights Education and Strict Enforcement

The third measure involves educating young people on their labour rights and workplace safety protocols, empowering them to recognize and resist exploitation. Complementing these proactive measures, the government reaffirms its commitment to strict enforcement of existing child labour laws, which prohibit employment for those under 15 and impose stringent welfare and safety regulations for those aged 15 to 17. Furthermore, workplaces are being encouraged to voluntarily declare themselves child-labour-free, aligning Thai labour standards with international expectations and bolstering global trade confidence.

Source : Thailand steps up child-labour protection with safe jobs and skills training

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Form 4 Clear Secure Inc For: 26 June

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5G Expansion and Customer Retention

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Verizon

Verizon Communications Inc. shares rose more than 0.72 percent on Friday, closing at $46.40 after gaining $0.33, as investors responded positively to the company’s continued customer additions and network performance.

The modest advance reflected confidence in Verizon’s position as a leading wireless provider with a focus on reliability and premium services. The company has maintained steady subscriber growth while expanding its 5G network and fiber broadband offerings.

Verizon’s postpaid phone net additions have remained strong, demonstrating its appeal to consumers and businesses seeking dependable connectivity. Its emphasis on network quality and customer service has supported retention and acquisition.

The company’s diversified business model, including wireless, fiber and business solutions, provides multiple revenue streams. Strategic investments in 5G infrastructure and fiber expansion support long-term growth prospects.

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Operational Performance

Verizon has reported consistent revenue growth driven by wireless service revenue and broadband expansion. Its ability to monetize network investments through higher-tier plans has contributed to financial improvement.

The company’s fiber business has shown strong growth as it expands availability of high-speed internet services. Fios offerings compete effectively in markets where they are available.

Enterprise solutions and business services provide additional revenue diversification. Verizon’s global network and security offerings appeal to corporate customers with complex connectivity needs.

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Operational efficiency initiatives have helped manage costs while maintaining service quality. The company’s scale provides advantages in infrastructure deployment and customer support.

Network Leadership

Verizon has invested heavily in 5G deployment, achieving broad coverage across the United States. Its focus on millimeter wave and mid-band spectrum has enabled high-speed connectivity in various environments.

The carrier continues upgrading its network with advanced technologies including carrier aggregation and dynamic spectrum sharing. These improvements enhance capacity and performance for customers.

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Fixed wireless access services have expanded rapidly, providing home broadband alternatives in many markets. Verizon’s 5G home internet offers competitive speeds and reliability.

The company’s network reliability and coverage have been recognized in independent studies. This reputation supports customer acquisition and reduces churn.

Strategic Initiatives

Verizon has pursued selective acquisitions and partnerships to enhance its capabilities. These moves have strengthened its position in 5G, fiber and enterprise services.

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The company’s focus on digital transformation includes improved customer interfaces and automated service processes. These investments aim to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

Sustainability initiatives include renewable energy adoption and responsible supply chain practices. Verizon’s environmental efforts align with corporate responsibility expectations.

Market Position and Competition

Verizon competes with T-Mobile and AT&T in the wireless market. Its emphasis on network quality and premium services differentiates it from competitors focusing on price and unlimited data.

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The carrier’s enterprise business serves large organizations with complex connectivity requirements. Its global reach and security expertise provide competitive advantages.

Fixed broadband competition from cable providers and fiber overbuilders requires continuous investment in network capabilities. Verizon’s fiber expansion strategy addresses this competitive dynamic.

International operations, while smaller than domestic businesses, provide additional revenue and growth opportunities. Regional market conditions influence international performance.

Investment Considerations

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Verizon’s shares appeal to income-oriented investors through its attractive dividend yield and history of consistent payouts. The stock’s defensive characteristics in the telecommunications sector provide stability.

Valuation metrics reflect expectations for steady growth and dividend support. Risks include competitive pressures, regulatory changes and execution challenges in network deployment.

Longer-term investors value Verizon’s essential service role and reliable cash flow generation. Its position in critical infrastructure supports sustained relevance.

Analysts generally maintain stable outlooks, citing the company’s network strength and customer base. Continued execution on growth initiatives could support further positive sentiment.

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Industry Trends

The wireless industry continues evolving with 5G deployment, increasing data consumption and emerging technologies. Carriers must balance infrastructure investment with returns on capital.

Consumer demand for unlimited data and high-speed connectivity drives network capacity requirements. Verizon’s focus on premium services aligns with this trend.

Fixed wireless access represents a significant opportunity to disrupt traditional broadband markets. Successful execution in this area could diversify revenue streams.

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Regulatory considerations around spectrum allocation and competition policy influence industry dynamics. Verizon’s advocacy for balanced regulation supports its business interests.

Future Outlook

Verizon’s strategic direction focuses on leveraging its network assets while developing new revenue streams in 5G and fiber. Its strong customer relationships and brand reputation provide foundations for continued success.

The company continues investing in network modernization and digital capabilities. Its ability to adapt to changing customer needs while maintaining service quality will influence long-term performance.

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Investors will monitor upcoming quarterly results for progress on subscriber metrics, revenue growth and margin trends. Management guidance will provide insight into execution priorities and market conditions.

The telecommunications sector’s fundamental demand drivers remain strong. Verizon’s competitive positioning and operational capabilities suggest potential for sustained performance.

As the company advances its network and service offerings, its contribution to American connectivity and digital economy will expand. Verizon’s progress will be watched closely by industry participants and investors.

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Form 4 Slide Insurance Holdings Inc For: 26 June

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Personalis CFO Aaron Tachibana sells $675,488 in company stock

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Uber: I Love Buying This Dip

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STRF: Senior Preferred, Double Digit Tax Deferred Yield, High Asset Coverage (NASDAQ:STRF)

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Victory Income Fund Q4 2025 Commentary

This article was written by

Cogent investment views on digital assets, macro, and derivatives. BTC Maxi. My investment philosophy centers around deep fundamentals, impactful narratives, and Austrian economics. Time horizon is the primary dividing factor for investment research. Long-horizon research will focus on digital assets, macro, and general value opportunities. Emphasis is placed on a global, long-run macro view as the basis for these investment considerations. Short-horizon research will focus on options and volatility for income generation and hedging.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Form 4 Faeth Therapeutics, Inc For: 26 June

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