Taiwan Semiconductor earnings on Thursday upended chip stocks–here’s why

Taiwan Semiconductor earnings on Thursday upended chip stocks–here’s why

On Thursday, July 15, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM), the world’s leading chip foundry, reported earnings of 93 cents a share for the second quarter, up 18% year over year. That was inline with analyst estimates. Sales rose 28%. The company raised its revenue guidance for the third quarter to a range of $14.6 billion to $14.9 billion. The midpoint of that range, $14.75 billion, was above the Wall Street consensus estimate of $14.57 billion. Sales in the third quarter of 2020 are $12.4 billion.Taiwan Semiconductor said that it now expects sales to grow more than 20% this year, an increase from the 20% target announced earlier in the year. For 2020-2025, the company raised its revenue forecast to a compound annual growth rate of 15% from a previous target of 10% to 15%. But the stock dropped 5.5% on July 15 and fell another 1.52% on Friday, July 16. Why?

Can China’s Internet giants make it a 3-day rally tomorrow?

Can China’s Internet giants make it a 3-day rally tomorrow?

Chinese regulators gave unconditional approval Tuesday to Tencent Holdings (TCEHY) to acquire Sogou, China’s second-largest search engine company. That was a huge relief to investors who in recent weeks have seen Beijing crack down on the country’s big Internet companies. Tencent shares were 1.44% on Wednesday after climbing 4.23% on Tuesday. Ali Baba, which gained 3.40% on Tuesday, added 0.95% today.

News that White House and Senator group have struck a deal on infrastructure sends the usual suspects higher today

The White House has announced that it has struck an infrastructure deal with a bipartisan group of 10 Senators. There are almost no details on the deal and it’s not at all clear that President Biden will be able to convince the progressive wing of his own party to support the deal. On the other side of the aisle, Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has not endorsed the deal. As I do the math, if only the 5 Republican Senators who were part of the negotiating group vote for the deal in the Senate, it will fail to clear the 60-vote threshold necessary for passage if McConnell and other Republicans decide to filibuster the legislation. All that aside, today the usual infrastructure stocks gained.

Nvidia joins small group of “must-own” stocks

Nvidia joins small group of “must-own” stocks

If you’re building a portfolio and want e-commerce exposure, you buy Amazon (AMZN). For smartphones, you buy a stake in Apple (AAPL). For electric cars, it’s Tesla (TSLA). There’s a small group of stocks that are “must own” stocks for any growth portfolio because they encapsulate a key growth trend. I’d now add Nvidia to the list.

Taiwan Semiconductor earnings on Thursday upended chip stocks–here’s why

Splits still work? Nvidia gains 4.1% on news of 4 for 1 split

Nvidia’s (NVDA) board has declared a 4 for 1 stock split effective after the close on July 19. Assuming that share holders approve at the company’s June 3 annual meeting. (Gee, you think shareholders would vote against a split?) The stock is up 4.1% today, May 24, at the close. On first look, it seems that news of a split still boosts the price of a stock. But the Nvidia story is a bit more complicated than that.

Taiwan Semiconductor earnings on Thursday upended chip stocks–here’s why

Applied Materials “stomps” Wall Street earnings projections: I’d use any post-earnings weakness to buy

The chip shortage that has hurt technology companies such as Apple (AAPL) and hammered auto producers continues to pay dividends to Applied Materials (AMAT), the dominant manufacturer of equipment used to make semiconductors. Yesterday, May 20, after the market close in New York, Applied Materials reported fiscal second-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.63 a share against 89 cents a share in the second quarter of the last fiscal year. Revenue rose to $5.58 billion from $3.96 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

My pick for rising farm commodity prices is Deere; adding it to Jubak Picks Portfolio

My pick for rising farm commodity prices is Deere; adding it to Jubak Picks Portfolio

Wheat prices hit new highs at $7.46 a bushel at the end of April. That the highest since February 2013. Corn climbed to a new eight year high. The day soybeans rose for a tenth straight session to reach on eight year high.
When the prices of farm commodities climb, it’s tough times ahead at the grocery store for consumers. But it’s good times ahead for farmers and that means increasing sales of tractors and other farm equipment for Deere (DE). I’m adding the shares to my 12-18 month Jubak Picks Portfolio

Trick or Trend: The secret message in the first quarter’s 6.4% GDP growth–buy stocks in the service sector for the June quarter

Trick or Trend: The secret message in the first quarter’s 6.4% GDP growth–buy stocks in the service sector for the June quarter

When it comes down to company earnings, we’re seeing a huge lag in revenue growth for companies in the service sector. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts (WH),for example, which reported first quarter results today, April 30, saw revenue fall to $303 million in the first quarter of 2021 from $410 in the first quarter of 2020. But, and I think this is the clear implication of the first quarter GDP numbers, those service companies will close that gap in the June quarter as companies open more services–Disney (DIS) opened its California theme parks today, for example–and consumers feel safer in going to theme parks or restaurants or gyms.