Investment

Enthusiasm for AMD's AI Market Impact May Be Exaggerated

Published March 13, 2024

Recently, share prices for Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) have risen sharply, keeping up with Nvidia Corp., another heavyweight in the chipmaking industry. However, the optimism surrounding AMD’s potential gains from advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) may be too high, raising concerns about the sustainability of its share price surge.

Reasons for Skepticism

The rally in AMD's stock has pushed its valuation to high levels, with its shares trading at 51 times estimated earnings. This surge has positioned AMD as one of the most expensive stocks in the semiconductor space. In contrast, Nvidia is not only cheaper but is also hailed as a leader in processing chips crucial for AI, making traders question AMD's meteoric rise.

Comparing Growth and Expectations

When it comes to growth expectations, Nvidia seems to outshine AMD. Analysts predict Nvidia's revenue to climb significantly, while forecasts for AMD’s profit and revenue have been decreasing. Moreover, Nvidia's performance has been bolstered by positive earnings reports linked to AI, whereas AMD’s revenue forecast has been less optimistic. Adding to AMD's challenges, regulations have limited the sale of its powerful AI chip in the Chinese market without a license.

Market Reaction and Analyst Views

While there is some expectation that AMD will eventually become a significant player in the AI market, current sentiments are mixed. Wall Street analysts show a more cautious stance towards AMD, with a lower consensus rating compared to Nvidia. Moreover, the intense excitement for AI chipmakers is reminiscent of the dot-com era and raises concerns about a market driven by hype rather than solid fundamentals.

AMD, Nvidia, AI