Both chip stocks have had excellent years thus far
This morning, Mizuho weighed in on chip stocks Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) and Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA). The brokerage firm upped its price targets on AMD and NVDA stocks to $36 and $295, respectively, while complimenting the former's competitive advantage over blue-chip rival Intel (INTC).
AMD Stock Has Room to Run
In response, AMD stock is up 1.6% to trade at $32.94. The new price target represents territory the stock hasn't reached since 2006. Overall, the red-hot chip stock has more than tripled in 2018 alone, and is on pace for a seven-week winning streak. In fact, the shares touched a 12-year peak of $34.14 just last week, thanks to a bullish analyst note.
A short squeeze could keep the wind at AMD's back. Short interest fell by 12% in the past two reporting periods, yet the 146.58 million shares still sold short represent nearly 16% of the stock's total available float. Tailwinds could also come from a continued shift in analyst sentiment. Of the 20 brokerages covering the equity, nine still rate it a "hold" or worse. Furthermore, AMD's average 12-month price target sits at $22.62, a 31% discount to its current perch.
NVDA Options a Bargain Right Now
Looking at Nvidia, the stock was up 0.8% to trade at $276.19, at last check. The chip stock nabbed a record high of $285.22 back on Sept 4, and boasts a 42% lead in 2018. NVDA has been in a channel of higher highs and lows since mid-2017, with pullbacks contained by its 32-week moving average.
Those looking to speculate on Nvidia stock's short-term trajecotry may want to consider options. This is based on NVDA's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 29%, which arrives in the 7th percentile of its annual range. In other words, low volatility expectations are being priced into short-term contracts.