Space exploration, artificial intelligence and the metaverse. These are just three of the most interesting technological frontiers that exist today. And they all require advanced microchips to function. That’s why I’m sharing some of the best microchip stocks below.
Within each of these industries, there are big stock trades that you could make. However, there’s also one thing that all three of these frontiers have in common.
For microchip companies, it doesn’t matter if humans ever make it to Mars or create the metaverse. That’s because microchip companies are going to earn money regardless of whether or not these ventures are successful. Fail or succeed, they’re happy to sell Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg the microchips to help them try. In this sense, microchip companies are essentially selling pickaxes to gold diggers.
Microchips are also used in much more than just cutting-edge technology. Even though you never see them, microchips are working behind the scenes to power the world that you live in. As you read this a microchip is powering the computer or phone that you’re using. Even something as simple as watching Stranger Things on Netflix requires a couple of microchips.
For these reasons and more, many investors feel that they should include at least one microchip stock in their portfolio. If you’ve been contemplating buying, I’ve selected four that you should consider.
Let’s take a look at four of the best microchip stocks to buy.
Microchip Stocks to Buy
Note: I’m not a financial advisor and am just offering my own research and commentary. Please do your own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
Hottest Microchip Stock: Advanced Micro Devices
Advanced Micro Devices (Nasdaq: AMD) is an American semiconductor company based in Santa Clara, CA. It develops computer processors for both business and consumer markets.
So far in 2021, AMD’s stock is up close to 50%. It is also up an astounding 1,900% over the past five years. With this type of return, it’s easy to ask whether the ship has sailed for AMD. Also, we know that past returns are no predictor of future performance. However, according to AMD’s latest earnings release, it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon.
[Major Trend Alert: The Truth Behind the Global Chip Shortage]
In Q3 2021, AMD reported record revenue of $4.3 billion, up 54% YoY. It also posted a net income of $923 million, up 136% YoY. What’s impressive is that these numbers are compared to 2020, which was also a record year for AMD. In 2020, AMD posted annual revenue of $9.76 billion and a net income of $2.49 billion. Both of these numbers were annual records. So far through 2021, AMD is set to blow these 2020 records away.
One thing that has helped AMD succeed in the past year or so is how quickly it started prepping its supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic. AMD’s Chief Technology Officer Mark Papermaster stated, “Everybody has had to increase their focus on the supply chain but we did so from the very beginning of the pandemic.”
In terms of the global chip shortage, there are two other factors that have protected AMD. First, it focuses on more advanced chips which are less affected than mass-produced older chips. Also, AMD focuses on high-margin chips. This allows it to channel resources while also increasing its revenue.
Due to its recent earnings report, Advanced Micro Devices is currently one of the hottest microchip stocks to buy. However, the best microchip stock to buy for growth falls with another company.
Best Microchip Stock for Growth: Nvidia
Note: I own a small position in Nvidia
Nvidia (Nasdaq: NVDA) is another incredibly exciting microchip stock. It focuses on graphics processing units that are used for gaming, mobile computing and automotive markets.
In 2021, Nvidia posted annual revenue of $16.68 billion as well as a net income of $4.33 billion. These numbers were up 52% and 54% respectively. This strong performance is just part of the reason why its stock has surged over 100% in 2021.
Nvidia’s chips are incredibly powerful and are currently used in 342 of the world’s top 500 supercomputers (68%). In particular, Nvidia has a hand in powering autonomous vehicles and augmented reality. Notably, it works closely with Tesla. Tesla’s in-house supercomputer uses 5,000 Nvidia A100 GPUs.
Autonomous vehicles and augmented reality are two exciting up-and-coming industries. Check out these top augmented reality stocks. Over the next few decades, these industries should eventually play a critical role in society. This is why Nvidia was selected as the best microchip stock for growth.
Nvidia’s stock is up over 1,300% over the past five years.
[Don’t Miss: Former Tech Executive Issues Urgent Plea]
Best Microchip Stock for Dividends: Intel
Out of all the microchip stocks to buy, Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is the industry dinosaur. I mean this as a compliment. Intel was founded in 1968 and was instrumental in developing personal computers as we know them.
In 2020, Intel generated over $77 billion in revenue and a net income of close to $21 billion. Intel has experienced modest revenue growth of 7.13% on average over the past five years. This isn’t bad for a company of its size. However, it’s safe to say that Intel’s days of rapid growth are behind it. That said, it still may be one of the best microchip stocks for dividends.
Intel currently has a dividend yield of around 2.8%. The quarterly dividend payment is about $0.35 per share. Despite the current chip shortage and aftermath of COVID-19, Intel has stated that it’s committed to paying its dividend.
Intel’s stock is about breakeven year-to-date and is up close to 50% in the past five years.
Finally, let’s take a look at the best overall when it comes to microchip stocks…
Best Overall Microchip Stock: TSMC
When it comes to producing microchips, most companies focus on only one part of the process. Some companies design the chips while others actually manufacture them. A company that focuses only on manufacturing is known as a pure-play semiconductor foundry. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) is currently the world’s largest pure-play semiconductor foundry. It also ranks 11th on the list of the world’s largest companies by market capitalization.
The company was founded in 1987 and has a long history of ramping up production. Since 1994, it has delivered a CAGR of 17.4% in revenue and 16.1% in earnings. In 2020, TSM brought in $1.34 trillion (TWD) as well as $517.89 billion in net income.
TSM’s stock is up just 5% so far in 2021 but is up close to 300% over the past five years.
What’s currently exciting about TSM is that it has plans to open up a $12 billion new mega factory in Pheonix, Arizona. Over the next 10-15 years, it plans to build as many as six factories in Arizona. TSM is a little similar to Intel in that it’s already an immense company whose growth is mainly behind it. However, TSM is also in an incredibly unique position right now.
[Exclusive: His Firm Called Dotcom Crash – Now He's Back]
Due to COVID-19, supply chain issues and rising demand, the world is experiencing a global chip shortage. TSM was already one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of microchips. However, now it’s has taken center stage in the global supply chain.
Many different industries are waiting with checkbooks at the ready for TSM to ramp up its production. With aggressive expansion plans already in motion, TSM seems on the right path to capitalize on the situation.
TSM has great potential for growth as well as a solid dividend payment. For this reason, it’s considered one of the best overall microchip stocks.
I hope that you’ve found this article valuable when it comes to learning four high-powered microchip stocks to buy. As usual, all investment decisions should be based on your own due diligence and risk tolerance.
[“The Tech Shock” – Stocks to Buy and Companies to Avoid During the Global Chip Shortage]