The Unpredictable Journey of Tech Stocks: Apple and Nvidia

by Frank McDougall
in $$$, PC
on 26 August 2024

The recent market turmoil on August 5th left many investors bewildered. Japanese stocks, typically strong performers, plummeted 12%, marking the worst decline since 1987. This unexpected crash was attributed to the strengthening of the yen, which led investors who had borrowed yen to buy stocks worldwide to face margin calls. Even the European markets suffered losses, dragging the US market down by around 3%.

Amidst this chaos, tech giants like Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia also experienced significant declines. Nvidia, in particular, dropped 6.4%, raising concerns about its position in the trillion-dollar market cap club. To add to the unease, renowned investor Warren Buffett sold nearly half of his Apple holdings without any prior explanation. This move left many questioning whether something dramatic had occurred or if Buffett no longer had confidence in the stock.

However, it’s essential to remember that people’s opinions and strategies can change, even in the case of seasoned investors like Buffett. The swift decline of stocks like Nvidia and Apple doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of backbone; rather, it exposes the inherent volatility and fickleness of the stock market. Just a few weeks after the crash, Apple managed to regain some ground, reaching $226 per share, albeit still down from its previous high of $237 on July 15th. Nvidia also saw fluctuations, dropping from $140 to $107 in a short period.

The skepticism surrounding tech stocks during this period was primarily fueled by concerns about overvaluation and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates. However, the focus now shifts to Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report and the expectations investors have. Analysts are anticipating positive numbers, including a $2 billion upside surprise for the reported quarter and a $2 billion lift for the current quarter. Additionally, any reassurance regarding the next generation Blackwell chip platform would be highly valued.

Apart from Nvidia’s performance, observers are also interested in the company’s cash position. A significant buyback program could help dispel lingering doubts about the company’s legitimacy, especially as some still perceive it as smoke and mirrors. Furthermore, market watchers are curious about any statements Nvidia’s CFO, Colette Kress, may make regarding the company’s balance sheet and potential plans for the cash on hand.

Turning to Apple, the company finds itself in a transition phase from primarily a hardware company to a software and fee-based enterprise. While this transformation may not be immediately apparent, Apple’s association with Microsoft-backed OpenAI holds significant promise. Unlike the traditional razor business model, where the razor and blade are inseparable, Apple has essentially been handed the blade by OpenAI without incurring manufacturing costs. This new arrangement allows Apple to reap profits from selling the razor (hardware) while avoiding the additional expense of producing the blade (artificial intelligence product).

With Apple’s stock trading at 31 times forward earnings, compared to P&G’s 24 times forward earnings, the potential for Apple’s growth becomes even more intriguing. If P&G were to experience a similar arrangement where they no longer needed to manufacture the blades, the profit potential would be immense.

As the markets continue their volatile dance, only time will reveal the true trajectory of these tech giants. Investors eagerly await the outcome of Nvidia’s earnings report and anticipate any further surprises from Apple’s evolving business model. The only certainty in the tech sector seems to be the unpredictability of stock prices and the ever-shifting landscape of opportunities and risks.

Facts:
1. The recent market turmoil on August 5th led to significant declines in tech stocks, including Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia.
2. Nvidia experienced a 6.4% drop, raising concerns about its position in the trillion-dollar market cap club.
3. Warren Buffett sold nearly half of his Apple holdings without explanation, leading to speculation about the reasons behind his decision.
4. Apple managed to regain some ground after the crash, reaching $226 per share, although still down from its previous high.
5. Nvidia also saw fluctuations, dropping from $140 to $107 in a short period.
6. Skepticism around tech stocks during this period was fueled by concerns about overvaluation and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates.

The most important questions and their answers:
1. Why did tech stocks, including Apple and Nvidia, decline during the market turmoil? The declines were a result of concerns about overvaluation and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates.
2. What caused Warren Buffett to sell nearly half of his Apple holdings? The reasons behind Buffett’s decision are unknown, leading to speculation and questions about whether something dramatic had occurred or if Buffett lost confidence in the stock.
3. Will Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report meet positive expectations? Analysts are predicting positive numbers for Nvidia’s reported quarter, including a $2 billion upside surprise, and high expectations for the current quarter. The performance of the next generation Blackwell chip platform will also be highly valued.
4. What is the significance of Apple’s association with Microsoft-backed OpenAI? Apple’s association with OpenAI allows it to benefit from selling hardware (razor) while avoiding the cost of producing the artificial intelligence product (blade). This new arrangement has potential for increased profitability.
5. How does Apple’s stock valuation compare to other companies? Apple’s stock is trading at 31 times forward earnings, compared to P&G’s 24 times forward earnings, indicating the potential for Apple’s growth.

Key challenges or controversies:
1. The volatility and fickleness of the stock market expose tech stocks to unpredictable declines and fluctuations.
2. Concerns about overvaluation and uncertainty surrounding interest rates contribute to skepticism surrounding tech stocks.
3. The reasons behind Warren Buffett’s sell-off of Apple holdings are unknown, leading to speculation about the stock’s future prospects.
4. Nvidia’s legitimacy is still perceived skeptically by some, and a significant buyback program could help dispel doubts.
5. Apple’s transition from a hardware company to a software and fee-based enterprise presents challenges and uncertainties, despite the potential benefits of its association with OpenAI.

Advantages of the topic:
1. Opportunities for potential growth in tech stocks like Apple and Nvidia.
2. The potential profitability of Apple’s new business model, particularly the association with OpenAI.
3. Positive expectations for Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report.
4. The market’s focus on the performance and future plans of these tech giants indicates investor interest and potential opportunities.

Disadvantages of the topic:
1. The volatility and unpredictability of the stock market can lead to declines and fluctuations in tech stocks.
2. Concerns about overvaluation and uncertainty surrounding interest rates may impact investor confidence.
3. The reasons behind Warren Buffett’s sell-off of Apple holdings are unknown, causing uncertainty and speculation about the stock.
4. Skepticism and doubts surrounding the legitimacy of Nvidia and the need for a significant buyback program to address them.

The source of the article is from the blog publicsectortravel.org.uk