Tag: Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Geopolitical Tensions and the 'Silicon Shield': Why Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) Remains a Tech Titan

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Taiwan's semiconductor industry sits at the crossroads of global technology and geopolitics. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on advanced chips for everything from smartphones to artificial intelligence, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM) has emerged as the critical node in this ecosystem. However, recent geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan, combined with rising global demand, have spotlighted TSMC's delicate yet dominant position in the technology supply chain. As nations prioritize supply chain resilience, TSMC's role becomes ever more significant—both as a technological leader and a symbol of geopolitical strategy often referred to as Taiwan's "Silicon Shield."

TSMC’s Unmatched Market Position

TSMC is the world's largest semiconductor foundry, producing chips for tech giants such as Apple Inc. (AAPL), NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD). It controls over 60% of the global semiconductor market, a staggering figure that grows even more critical when isolating advanced chips. In the third quarter of 2024, 3-nanometer and 5-nanometer chips accounted for 52% of TSMC's wafer revenue, showcasing its dominance in cutting-edge technology. TSMC’s ability to manufacture at such precision and scale is unmatched, solidifying its position as the backbone of the modern tech world.

Demand for TSMC's chips remains robust, particularly in high-performance computing (HPC) and smartphones, which comprised 51% and 34% of its Q3 2024 revenue, respectively. The rise of artificial intelligence, driven by surging demand for GPUs and AI accelerators, has further cemented TSMC's relevance. Its advanced node technologies are essential for AI training and inference workloads, making the company indispensable to the development of generative AI models and future technological breakthroughs.

Beyond its dominance in cutting-edge technologies, TSMC's ability to attract customers across sectors—from automotive to IoT—positions it as a diversified yet focused enterprise. Its broad customer base mitigates the risk of over-reliance on any single industry, contributing to its financial stability and competitive advantage.

The Geopolitical Pressures: Risk and Opportunity

The geopolitical backdrop for TSMC has grown increasingly complex. Tensions between China and Taiwan raise concerns about potential disruptions in the global chip supply chain. Given Taiwan's strategic importance—producing more than 90% of the world’s most advanced chips—the consequences of any disruption would ripple across industries worldwide. As semiconductors underpin critical sectors like defense, healthcare, and energy, the global economy's reliance on TSMC underscores Taiwan’s geopolitical significance.

In response, both the United States and Europe have made semiconductor self-sufficiency a strategic priority. The U.S. CHIPS Act, providing subsidies and incentives for domestic chip production, reflects these efforts to reduce dependency on Taiwan. Yet, despite global efforts, replicating TSMC's scale and expertise remains a colossal challenge. Establishing semiconductor fabs demands years of investment, advanced engineering capabilities, and skilled labor—areas where TSMC already holds an intractable lead.

The geopolitical tensions also create opportunities for TSMC. As nations prioritize securing semiconductor supply chains, TSMC’s technological edge positions it as the go-to partner for governments and corporations alike. Its unparalleled expertise allows it to extract significant value while collaborating with international stakeholders to ensure stability in chip production.

Diversifying Away from Geopolitical Hotspots

To address geopolitical uncertainty, TSMC has embarked on a strategy to diversify its manufacturing locations. Projects in the United States, Japan, and Germany are part of this effort to ensure operational continuity while addressing concerns about geographic concentration.

In Arizona, TSMC’s investment in a multi-fab project marks a significant step toward global expansion. Its first fab, focusing on 4-nanometer technology, is set to begin production in early 2025. This is part of a larger initiative that will eventually include 3-nanometer production, bolstering TSMC’s ability to serve American customers. Meanwhile, in Japan, TSMC’s facility in Kumamoto started volume production in Q3 2024, targeting specialty technologies crucial for automotive and industrial applications. Land preparation for a second Kumamoto fab is underway, with production expected by 2027.

Europe has also become a focal point in TSMC's diversification strategy. A fab in Dresden, Germany, is under construction and will cater to automotive and industrial chip demand. While overseas fabs come with higher costs—including labor, energy, and material expenses—TSMC’s leadership believes these investments will enhance its long-term resilience. To offset higher costs, TSMC relies on its technological leadership and economies of scale, ensuring that its operations remain efficient and cost-effective compared to competitors.

Financial Performance: A Testament to Strength

TSMC's recent financial results underscore its operational excellence and growth potential. In Q3 2024, TSMC reported revenue of NT$759.7 billion ($23.5 billion), a 39% year-over-year increase. Net income rose to NT$325.3 billion, up 54.2% year-over-year, with a net profit margin of 42.8%. These figures reflect robust demand for TSMC's advanced process technologies, particularly 3nm and 5nm chips, as well as the company’s ability to optimize costs and increase capacity utilization.

The company’s financial outlook for Q4 2024 remains strong, with projected revenue between $26.1 billion and $26.9 billion and a gross profit margin between 57% and 59%. TSMC’s annualized return on equity (ROE) reached 33.4% in Q3 2024, highlighting its ability to generate substantial value for shareholders. While overseas expansion will temporarily dilute gross margins by 2-3%, TSMC’s consistent cash flow generation and disciplined capital allocation ensure it remains on solid financial footing.

Capital expenditure for 2024 is expected to exceed $30 billion, with 70-80% allocated to advanced technologies. This level of investment highlights TSMC’s commitment to maintaining its technological edge in an increasingly competitive landscape. By reinvesting profits into research, development, and capacity, TSMC ensures it remains ahead of competitors in delivering next-generation semiconductor technologies.

Investment Perspective: The Case for TSMC

Despite geopolitical concerns, TSMC's leadership in semiconductor manufacturing makes it a compelling investment opportunity. The growing demand for AI, smartphones, and high-performance computing ensures long-term growth for the company. Additionally, its proactive approach to diversifying manufacturing locations reduces exposure to geopolitical risks. The strategic balance between overseas expansion and technological innovation reinforces TSMC’s ability to navigate challenges while capitalizing on opportunities.

For investors, TSMC offers strong financial performance, robust demand outlook, and strategic positioning in a world increasingly dependent on advanced semiconductors. While geopolitical tensions pose risks, TSMC's dominance in leading-edge chip production and its global diversification efforts make it a resilient tech titan in uncertain times. With record-breaking earnings, solid margins, and a promising future driven by AI and advanced technologies, TSMC remains a cornerstone investment for those seeking exposure to the semiconductor industry’s exponential growth.

Tech-Healthcare Crossover: Why Alphabet (GOOGL) Could Surge with AI-Driven Health Innovations

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The integration of technology into healthcare is creating a dynamic shift across sectors, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a powerful tool in medical diagnosis, patient care, and data management. At the forefront of this tech-health convergence is Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), which, leveraging its AI capabilities, has made substantial inroads into the healthcare market. By combining its expertise in data science and machine learning, Alphabet is positioning itself not only as a leader in the tech space but as a transformative player in health solutions—a pivot that could drive significant long-term growth for the company.

Alphabet’s involvement in healthcare is vast, including projects such as DeepMind's AI research, Google Health's digital health records, and Verily's life sciences initiatives. Each of these divisions underscores the company’s commitment to using AI and big data to advance diagnostics, treatment options, and healthcare infrastructure. With recent advancements and increased financial backing, Alphabet’s ventures in health technology are setting the stage for an era of accelerated growth and potential stock gains.

Key Partnerships and Financial Growth

Alphabet’s healthcare expansion has seen recent milestones that underscore its long-term potential. In its latest quarterly report, the company highlighted a revenue growth of 15% year-over-year, with a particular focus on advancements in its AI-driven projects, including Google Cloud’s generative AI applications that assist medical organizations with data analysis and machine learning capabilities. Google Cloud, which grew by 35% year-over-year to $11.4 billion in Q3 2024, is instrumental in Alphabet’s healthcare endeavors, offering scalable AI solutions to hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, and insurance providers.

Alphabet’s collaboration with major healthcare entities also solidifies its position. For example, DeepMind’s AlphaFold, an AI system capable of predicting protein structures, is utilized by pharmaceutical companies for drug discovery, illustrating how Alphabet’s technology can accelerate medical research and bring innovations to market faster. Verily, another Alphabet subsidiary has also strengthened its presence in the health sector through partnerships focused on precision health, which tailors treatments based on genetic and lifestyle data. These developments point to Alphabet’s potential for capturing a share of the growing digital health market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 21.1% to reach $1.64 trillion globally by 2033.

Diversification Beyond Core Revenue Streams

Alphabet’s healthcare and “Other Bets” segments reflect a strategic shift away from its reliance on advertising, with healthcare ventures steadily contributing to its diverse revenue portfolio. As of Q3 2024, Alphabet’s "Other Bets" generated $388 million, a 30.6% year-over-year increase, indicating the growing role of non-core ventures, including health-focused initiatives, in the company’s overall revenue structure. In addition, Alphabet’s increased spending on research and development—$12.4 billion in Q3 2024—highlights the company’s commitment to innovation in AI, cloud services, and healthcare solutions.

These investments are not only expanding Alphabet’s technological capabilities but are laying the foundation for sustained growth in healthcare. Given the healthcare industry’s high barriers to entry, Alphabet’s established technology infrastructure and substantial R&D investments give it a competitive edge that will be difficult for other entrants to replicate. This focus on R&D also signals to investors Alphabet’s forward-looking approach, emphasizing sustainable growth over immediate gains, which could contribute to long-term stock value.

Competitive Edge: Outpacing Rivals in AI Healthcare Solutions

Alphabet’s foray into healthcare places it in competition with tech giants like Amazon.com (AMZN), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), and Apple Inc. (AAPL), all of which have also ventured into health tech. However, Alphabet differentiates itself through its end-to-end capabilities in AI and machine learning. For instance, Google Cloud's Vertex AI is being adopted by healthcare providers for predictive analytics and personalized patient care, which highlights its utility in a clinical setting. This platform is increasingly popular among healthcare firms due to its scalability and compatibility with complex medical data—a feature that Alphabet’s competitors are still developing.

Amazon’s healthcare focus remains predominantly in pharmacy and healthcare logistics, while Microsoft, though making strides with partnerships like Nuance for voice-enabled healthcare documentation, lacks the extensive data capabilities seen in Alphabet’s offerings. Apple, meanwhile, has focused largely on consumer health tracking through devices, a narrower approach compared to Alphabet’s multi-faceted healthcare strategy. As Alphabet deepens its AI capabilities, especially in diagnostics and hospital data systems, it maintains a unique position with significant growth prospects in a competitive landscape.

Investment Recommendation: Strong Long-Term Growth Potential

Alphabet’s robust entry into healthcare, bolstered by its AI prowess and strategic partnerships, marks it as a compelling option for long-term investors interested in tech-health crossovers. Its diversified revenue streams and significant investments in cloud-based healthcare solutions present strong potential for sustainable growth. Additionally, Alphabet’s increased revenue from its “Other Bets” segment—primarily driven by Verily and DeepMind—provides promising signals for investors looking to capitalize on the growing digital health market.

Investors, however, should consider certain risk factors. Regulatory scrutiny in both the tech and healthcare sectors poses a risk that could impact Alphabet’s operational freedom and financial performance. Additionally, healthcare’s stringent compliance requirements and Alphabet’s limited history in this industry mean that unexpected challenges could arise. However, Alphabet’s financial strength and commitment to compliance and R&D serve as mitigants to these risks.

For investors with a long-term outlook, Alphabet’s current ventures in healthcare, coupled with its unparalleled expertise in AI, make it a solid stock to consider for growth-focused portfolios. As AI-driven innovations continue to reshape healthcare, Alphabet is well-positioned to capture value, making it a stock with substantial potential upside in the coming years.

Apple (AAPL) Eyes India: Why This Growing Market Could Drive Long-Term Growth

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Over recent years, Apple Inc. (AAPL) has taken decisive steps to establish a significant presence in India, aiming to capture market share in one of the world's most dynamic emerging economies. The tech giant has expanded both manufacturing operations and retail stores in India, signaling its commitment to this burgeoning market.

This shift is evident in Apple’s latest moves, such as launching its online store in 2020, opening flagship retail locations in Mumbai and Delhi in 2023, and deepening manufacturing collaborations with local suppliers. Apple’s recent quarterly report highlights its focus on India as it grapples with a maturing smartphone market in established regions like the U.S. and China.

India’s distinct demographics and rising digital economy are attractive to global tech companies. However, Apple’s premium pricing strategy, which differs from local competitors like Xiaomi and Samsung, poses both a challenge and an opportunity. As Apple aims to leverage India’s manufacturing capabilities and growing consumer purchasing power, its expansion in this market could serve as a vital long-term growth driver.

India’s Market Potential

India presents a unique set of opportunities for Apple. With a population exceeding 1.45 billion, a significant proportion of which is under 30 years old, the demand for smartphones and tech products is expected to remain strong. This demographic is increasingly tech-savvy, and with improving economic conditions, disposable income is on the rise, leading more consumers to consider premium brands.

The growth of India’s middle class—projected to reach 583 million people by 2025—underscores the market’s potential. The country’s smartphone market is one of the world’s largest, expected to reach $88.99 billion by 2032, growing at an estimated annual rate of 8.1% from $44.15 billion in 2023. With only around 6.5% (by volume) of the Indian smartphone market in Apple’s portfolio as of 2023, there is considerable room for expansion if the company can establish itself as an aspirational brand accessible to the upper and upper-middle-income segments.

Apple’s Strategy in India

Apple’s strategy to scale in India includes both manufacturing and direct sales initiatives. Over the past several years, the company has invested in local manufacturing through partnerships with suppliers like Foxconn and Pegatron. These efforts align with India’s “Make in India” initiative, which incentivizes local production and is estimated to lower Apple’s import-related expenses by 20-22%. Manufacturing locally also helps Apple bypass high import duties on foreign-made goods, making its products more affordable and competitive.

Retail expansion has been another focus. Apple’s high-profile store openings in India signify a deeper market engagement beyond just selling devices through third-party retailers. These stores allow Apple to directly shape customer experience, an area where it has traditionally excelled globally. In addition, Apple’s focus on building brand loyalty through AppleCare services and an expanding ecosystem of devices could help establish a stable base of users in India. By nurturing a high-quality, localized support network, Apple further distinguishes itself from competitors who may lack equivalent after-sales service.

Competitive Landscape

Apple faces formidable competition in India, primarily from well-established Android-based companies such as Xiaomi, Samsung, and Vivo. These brands dominate the Indian market, largely due to their extensive portfolio of budget-friendly and mid-range devices. Xiaomi, for instance, offers entry-level smartphones under $150, while Samsung maintains a diverse product line that appeals to different segments of Indian consumers. This affordability has helped these brands capture significant market share.

Despite Apple’s market share challenges, its brand equity and product quality give it an edge in the premium segment. Even as Android devices capture the majority of the overall market share, Apple’s premium-tier devices, like the iPhone 16, remain highly desirable for status-conscious consumers who associate Apple products with quality and innovation. Over time, a strong foothold in this segment could enable Apple to expand into mid-tier segments as it scales its manufacturing capabilities and benefits from cost efficiencies derived from local production.

Investment Recommendation

Given Apple’s strategic positioning in India and the promising economic trajectory of the country, Apple’s growth prospects in this market are substantial. However, the expansion is not without risks. The company remains vulnerable to regulatory shifts, currency fluctuations, and stiff competition, particularly from low-cost local and international brands. Furthermore, Apple’s premium pricing strategy could limit its potential customer base in a market where many consumers are price-sensitive.

Nonetheless, Apple’s recent revenue performance—reporting a record $94.9 billion in Q4 2024 (up 6% year-over-year), driven in part by rising international sales—suggests a sound foundation for international expansion. Investors might view Apple’s India focus as a positive factor in the company’s long-term growth as it diversifies revenue sources beyond its traditional strongholds.

Apple represents a solid “buy” for investors focused on long-term growth, especially as India’s smartphone market grows. A conservative approach could be to “watch” the stock, particularly for any potential regulatory shifts or challenges with local competitors. Investors seeking resilience and steady returns may find Apple’s strategic approach to India both compelling and necessary as the company positions itself for robust growth in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

The October Effect: Why Microsoft’s Cloud Strength May Outperform Apple’s Consumer Reliance

Posted on by The INO.com Team

October has historically earned a reputation for market turbulence, with some of the most significant market crashes occurring during this month—the 1929 and 1987 crashes being the most infamous examples. This seasonal market phenomenon, often dubbed the "October Effect," is linked to increased volatility and sell-offs as investor sentiment becomes more cautious. For tech stocks, which are often traded at high valuations, this period can be particularly sensitive.

However, not all tech companies are affected equally. As the market braces for potential October volatility, Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) appears better positioned than Apple Inc. (AAPL). With its enterprise-driven model and dominance in the growing cloud computing sector, Microsoft has demonstrated resilience in uncertain times. On the other hand, Apple, with its consumer-focused product lines, could be more vulnerable to fluctuations in consumer spending, a key driver of its revenue.

Cloud Computing’s Predictability vs. Consumer Cyclicality

Microsoft's transformation over the last decade has given it a clear advantage in market volatility, thanks to its cloud computing dominance. In fiscal 2023, Microsoft’s cloud division, anchored by Azure, generated $110 billion in annual revenue, accounting for over 50% of its total sales. This marks a major shift from its earlier reliance on Windows and Office software sales. The company’s Azure platform alone saw a 26% year-over-year increase in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023, reflecting sustained demand for cloud services from both businesses and government entities. This revenue stream is built on multi-year contracts, providing Microsoft with a predictable cash flow that is less influenced by short-term market movements or consumer sentiment.

Apple, in contrast, relies heavily on consumer product sales, with the iPhone being its crown jewel. In fiscal 2023, Apple reported about $383 billion in revenue, with more than 50%—approximately $200 billion—coming from iPhone sales. Despite the growth of its services division, which contributed 22% of revenue, Apple’s dependency on consumer hardware remains significant. When consumer spending dips, such as during recessions or periods of economic uncertainty, Apple’s revenues can feel the impact more directly.

Moreover, Microsoft’s software business—products like Office 365 and LinkedIn—adds further stability. Its productivity suite generates steady, recurring revenue through subscriptions, appealing to businesses and consumers alike. During economic downturns, businesses are unlikely to cut back on essential services like cloud infrastructure or productivity tools. In comparison, Apple’s high-end product lines, which include iPhones, MacBooks, and wearables, could see demand slow if consumer discretionary spending tightens.

Historical Performance During Downturns

When looking at past instances of market volatility, Microsoft’s stock has shown greater resilience than Apple’s. During the 2020 COVID-19 crash, Microsoft’s shares fell by about 20%, but the stock rebounded quickly due to strong demand for cloud services as businesses shifted to remote work. Apple's stock, by contrast, initially dropped by nearly 30% before recovering. The key difference lies in the nature of the revenue streams. Microsoft’s enterprise contracts provided a buffer, while Apple’s reliance on consumer spending made it more susceptible to the initial economic shock.

Even in 2022, a year defined by high inflation and aggressive rate hikes, Microsoft outperformed Apple during periods of heightened volatility. Microsoft's stock fell about 30% from peak to trough, while Apple experienced a steeper decline of approximately 34%. Though both companies rebounded later in the year, the defensive qualities of Microsoft's business model became apparent in these instances.

How October Volatility May Impact the Two Giants

The October Effect, though historically inconsistent, often signals an uptick in market volatility. This heightened uncertainty could lead to sell-offs, particularly in sectors like technology, where valuations are stretched. While Apple has weathered previous storms admirably, its dependence on high-ticket consumer products makes it more exposed to a potential downturn in consumer sentiment. If fears of economic slowdown or inflation drive down consumer spending, Apple's hardware sales could suffer. Moreover, the potential delay in launching new products due to supply chain issues, which has affected Apple in recent years, could add to its volatility in October.

On the other hand, Microsoft’s business model is more insulated. Even during periods of market stress, the demand for cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and productivity software remains robust. Enterprises are unlikely to cut back on these critical services, providing Microsoft with a layer of stability that few companies can match. With the global cloud market expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.2% from 2024 through 2030, according to Grand View Research, Microsoft’s dominant position in this sector ensures its long-term growth prospects remain intact, even if market turbulence continues.

What Should Investors Do?

For investors eyeing October with caution, Microsoft presents a more defensive investment option. Its diversified revenue streams, particularly its growing cloud division, make it less reliant on short-term consumer trends. Microsoft's strong cash position and lower exposure to consumer sentiment offer a buffer during times of market volatility, aligning it with investor preferences for safer assets during economic uncertainty.

Apple, while still a powerhouse in the tech world, faces a greater degree of risk if October brings about a downturn. Its consumer-driven model means that any decline in spending could directly impact its revenues. That said, Apple’s services business has been growing steadily, and its robust ecosystem ensures it will remain a strong contender in the long term. However, in the context of short-term market volatility, Microsoft’s enterprise-heavy model makes it a more attractive option for risk-averse investors.

While both Microsoft and Apple are titans of the tech world, the former’s cloud dominance and financial prudence offer greater stability during periods of market uncertainty. Investors seeking a more resilient portfolio amid potential October market volatility might consider increasing their allocation to Microsoft, while those with a higher risk tolerance may still see opportunity in Apple’s long-term innovation potential.

How China’s Stimulus Could Affect Tech Stocks Globally

Posted on by The INO.com Team

After months of sluggish economic growth and fears of missing its growth targets, China has unveiled a sweeping set of stimulus measures aimed at reviving its economy. These policies included cuts to interest rates, loans to investors and companies for stock buybacks, and promises of substantial fiscal support. The People’s Bank of China’s (PBOC) coordinated efforts are aimed at reducing borrowing costs and boosting confidence in an economy struggling with issues like the ongoing property crisis and high youth unemployment.

Despite some analysts questioning the long-term sustainability of the stimulus, the market has responded with enthusiasm. Mainland China's CSI 300 Index surged 8.5%, marking its best performance since 2008, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose by 4.2%.

As these aggressive policies aim to jump-start the struggling economy, the impact could reach far beyond China's borders, with global tech stocks poised to benefit significantly. Companies like Apple Inc. (AAPL), NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM), and QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM) rely on China not only for manufacturing but also as a major consumer market. With lower interest rates and improved liquidity in China, demand for tech products could surge, directly benefiting these tech giants.

Furthermore, the PBOC’s promise of potential fiscal stimulus adds another layer of optimism. If China follows through on its hints of trillion yuan-level spending, particularly in infrastructure and technology sectors, it could further boost global tech companies that provide critical components for these developments.

Many are drawing parallels to 2008 when China’s swift and massive stimulus response to the global financial crisis jump-started not only its economy but also helped boost global demand. However, that stimulus left China with long-term challenges, including local government debt, overcapacity, and excess housing.

While some investors remain cautious after past false starts, the current stimulus package has injected new optimism into the market. Tech stocks, in particular, offer an attractive opportunity as lower interest rates make them more appealing for investors seeking higher returns. Therefore, fundamentally sound stocks like AAPL, NVDA, TSM, and QCOM could be worth considering for those looking to tap into the potential upside driven by China’s recovery efforts.

Stock to Hold:

Apple Inc. (AAPL)

With China being one of Apple's largest markets for premium tech products, the country’s economic recovery could stimulate demand for iPhones, MacBooks, and other high-end devices. Lower interest rates and improved liquidity might encourage consumers to invest in Apple’s premium offerings, further driving the company's revenue in this region.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended June 29, 2024, AAPL’s total net sales increased 4.9% year-over-year to $85.78 billion, with $14.73 billion in sales from Greater China. Its gross margin rose 8.9% from the year-ago value to $39.68 billion, while its operating income came in at $25.35 billion, up 10.2% year-over-year. On the bottom line, AAPL’s net income and EPS amounted to $21.45 billion and $1.40, representing increases of 7.9% and 11.1%, respectively, from the prior year’s quarter.

Street expects AAPL’s revenue for the current year (ended September 2024) to increase marginally from the prior year to $390.52 billion, while its EPS is expected to grow by 9.2% year-over-year to $6.69. For the fiscal year 2025, both revenue and EPS are anticipated to reach $419.84 billion and $7.41, indicating a 7.5% and 10.7% year-over-year growth, respectively.

Shares of the dominant tech player have surged more than 36% over the past year and approximately 21% year-to-date. Also, its 12-month price target of $248.07 reflects a 6.5% potential upside.

However, while the outlook is promising, investors should remain cautious of geopolitical tensions that could affect production and sales. Ongoing U.S.-China trade disputes may disrupt Apple’s supply chain, leading to increased costs or delays. As Apple relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing, any escalation in tensions could pose risks to its market performance.

Stocks to Buy:

NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)

With the frenzy around Artificial intelligence (AI) in the stock market, the AI darling Nvidia has been on an impressive run this year. The stock has surged over 145% year-to-date and nearly 179% in the past 12 months, thanks to the robust demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs), which help run and train AI algorithms.

Nvidia’s revenue for the second quarter that ended July 28, 2024, increased 122% year-over-year to $30.04 billion and exceeded the analysts’ expectations of $28.75 billion. The company's bottom line also remained buoyant, with operating income surging 174% from the year-ago value to $18.64 billion. NVDA’s non-GAAP net income amounted to $16.95 billion or $0.68 per share, compared to $6.74 billion or $0.27 per share in the previous year’s quarter, respectively.

Moreover, analysts remain bullish on the chipmaker’s long-term prospects. For the fiscal year ending January 2025, NVDA’s revenue and EPS are expected to grow by 106.1% and 119.2% from the prior year to $125.54 billion and $2.84, respectively.

Furthermore, out of 42 analysts that rated NVDA, 39 rated it Buy, while three rated it Hold. The 12-month median price target of $152.44 indicates a 25.5% upside potential from the last closing price. As China accelerates its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing, this stock could boost your portfolio returns significantly.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSM)

As China's tech sector surges, demand for semiconductors is set to soar, potentially contributing nearly 19% to the country’s GDP by 2026. Headquartered in Hsinchu City, Taiwan, TSM manufactures, tests, and markets integrated circuits and other semiconductor products globally. Its products are used in automotive electronics, high-performance computing, and mobile device markets.

TSM’s net sales increased 40.1% year-over-year to NT$673.51 billion ($21.25 billion) in the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024. Its gross profit grew 37.6% from the prior year’s quarter to NT$358.13 billion ($11.29 billion), while its income from operations came in at NT$286.56 billion ($9.04 billion), up 41.9% year-over-year. In addition, the company’s net income and EPS increased 36.3% year-over-year to NT$247.85 billion ($7.82 billion) and NT$9.56, respectively.

The consensus EPS estimate of $6.60 for the current year ending December 2024 represents a 27.4% improvement year-over-year. The consensus revenue estimate of $88.40 billion for the same period indicates a 29.1% increase from the prior year.

Moreover, the stock has gained more than 99% over the past year, which is impressive. Its 12-month price target of $205 reflects an 18.4% potential upside.

QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)

QCOM specializes in foundational technologies for the wireless industry. The company operates through three segments: Qualcomm CDMA Technologies; Qualcomm Technology Licensing; and Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives.

QCOM’s revenue increased marginally year-over-year to $9.39 billion in the fiscal second quarter (ended March 24, 2024). Its non-GAAP net income grew 14.1% from the year-ago value to $2.76 billion, while its EBIT rose 31.8% year-over-year to $2.49 billion over the period. The company’s non-GAAP EPS increased 13.5% from the year-ago value to $2.44.

Buoyed by its strong financial performance, the company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.85 per common share to its shareholders on September 26, 2024. QCOM pays an annual dividend of $3.40, which translates to a 2% yield on the current price. Plus, it has a payout ratio of 34.1%.

Street expects QCOM’s revenue for the fourth quarter (ended September 2024) to increase 13.8% from the prior year to $9.86 billion. Its EPS for the same period is expected to grow by 26.1% year-over-year to $2.55. It is no surprise that the company has topped the revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

Over the past year, the stock has returned nearly 50%. Moreover, out of 21 analysts that rated QCOM, 13 rated it Buy, while seven rated it Hold. The 12-month median price target of $218.25 indicates a 31.3% upside potential from the last closing price.