Blockchain: A Double-Edged Sword

In a recent CNBC interview, Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, shed light on the controversial topic of blockchain. While she acknowledges its significance, Su describes it as ‘a bit of a distraction in the short term.’ It sounds a bit like saying candy is important, but too much will rot your teeth, right?

The Importance of Focus

Su emphasized AMD’s focus on core markets amid blockchain buzz. With the company experiencing growth that exceeded expectations in Q1, she reinforced the idea that getting caught up in the blockchain hype could cloud clearer business decisions. Think of it like being at a buffet—you can sample everything, but too many desserts can spoil your appetite for the main course!

Long-Term Outlook

When asked whether she believed blockchain was just a passing fad, Su remained optimistic. “The long-term technology around blockchain is an important technology… I think it’ll be here for the next 3, 4, 5 years,” she said. It’s like asking if smartphones are just a phase—though trends may shift, the foundation they’ve built is here to stay.

The AMD Growth Story

On April 25, AMD’s stock surged by 11% following the announcement of impressive earnings. When grilled about the impact of Ethereum mining on their success, Su clarified that mining constituted only around 10% of revenue. Much like a good magician, she knows how to redirect attention—acknowledging blockchain yet keeping the spotlight on AMD’s robust product offerings.

A Dynamic Market Landscape

Interestingly, Su’s cautious approach to blockchain is in stark contrast to her statements from December when she claimed AMD was keen to explore cryptocurrency mining. It’s clear that the tech landscape is dynamic, and so are the strategies of its key players—even if it sometimes looks like they are playing hopscotch in a minefield!