Why Investors Are Still Bullish on Tech Stocks

TL;DR:

• Asian tech stocks, despite recent drops, remain attractive to investors due to long-term AI prospects.
• Companies like TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix are expected to see significant earnings growth by 2025.
• Investors are hedging their bets, but many see the recent sell-off as a buying opportunity.

In the dynamic world of artificial intelligence (AI) and tech investments, Asia is at the forefront. Despite recent market fluctuations, investors remain optimistic about the region’s tech stocks. The debate on whether the AI rally has peaked continues, but many see the current drawdown as an opportunity to buy. Let’s dive into why Asia’s tech stocks are still a hot topic.

The Resilience of Asian Tech Stocks

Asian tech stocks have seen their steepest-ever two-day drop this week, but this hasn’t dampened investor confidence. Companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix are still considered attractive investments. William Yuen, investment director at Invesco Hong Kong, believes that these stocks are more appealing now than they were two weeks ago due to their recent price drops.

Long-Term Prospects for AI

The long-term prospects for AI remain bright. Despite the recent rout, analysts have boosted their earnings estimates on key Asian chip stocks. Morgan Stanley, for instance, reinstated TSMC as its top pick, citing the company’s “quality and defensive nature during an elongated semi downcycle.”

Strong Earnings and Growth Expectations

Both TSMC and Samsung reported solid second-quarter results, with TSMC’s margin guidance indicating a potential price increase for its leading-edge chips. These companies, along with SK Hynix, are expected to see earnings growth of 26% to 55% by 2025. This is significantly higher than the average growth expected for MSCI Asia-Pacific Index members.

Why Investors Are Still Bullish

Dominant Market Position

TSMC is the dominant foundry, which puts it in a strong position. Ganesh Ramachandran, from Lazard Asset Management, believes that TSMC’s market leadership makes it a solid investment. Similarly, SK Hynix’s memory business is cyclical but is showing signs of recovery.

Valuation and Price Drops

The recent price drops have made Asian tech stocks more affordable. The valuation on the Bloomberg Asia-Pacific Semiconductors Index has dropped below its 10-year average, making these stocks more appealing to investors.

Hedging Bets and Future Outlook

While investors are optimistic, they are also hedging their bets. Demand for protection against further drops in TSMC and Samsung shares has increased. The volatility skew on TSMC has climbed to near the most bearish level since May 2023.

Key Catalysts for Growth

Morgan Stanley analysts, including Charlie Chan, believe that price hike confirmations and ongoing AI capital expenditures (capex) strength will be key catalysts for growth. These factors are expected to drive the earnings growth of companies like TSMC and Samsung.

The Role of AI in Asia’s Tech Boom

AI is a significant driver of Asia’s tech boom. Companies are investing heavily in AI to stay competitive. The combined market value of TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix stands at US$1.2 trillion, compared with US$312 billion a decade ago. Their weight in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index has increased to almost 15% from less than 4% at the end of 2007.

Investment Strategies for Tech Stocks

Maintaining Tech Positions

Investors like William Yuen are maintaining their tech positions and are ready to add more if the opportunity arises. This strategy reflects a long-term view of the AI and tech industry’s potential.

Buying on the Dip

The recent sell-off is seen as a buying opportunity by many investors. With valuations dropping and earnings estimates rising, tech stocks in Asia are becoming more attractive.

Conclusion: The Future of AI and Tech in Asia

The future of AI and tech in Asia looks promising. Despite recent market fluctuations, investors remain bullish on Asian tech stocks. Companies like TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix are expected to see significant earnings growth, driven by AI investments and strong market positions. While investors are hedging their bets, the long-term prospects for AI and tech in Asia are undimmed.

Comment and Share:

What do you think about the future of AI and tech stocks in Asia? Are you bullish or bearish on companies like TSMC and Samsung? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments.

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