- The Pragmatic Investor
- Posts
- ⏰Act Fast: Top 3 Tech Stocks To Buy Now
⏰Act Fast: Top 3 Tech Stocks To Buy Now
Is anyone else tired of hearing that tech stocks are too expensive, too risky, or too volatile? Seriously, every time the market hiccups, the doom-and-gloom brigade comes out, predicting the end of tech as we know it. Well, here’s a newsflash: the tech sector isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the opportunities it offers. Sure, the market took a nosedive in late July 2024, but let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t the beginning of the end; it’s just a pit stop. And if you’re smart, it’s your chance to jump in to acquire high quality stocks at more favorable prices while everyone else is running scared.
The Tech Stock Pullback: What Went Down?
Last week, tech stocks suddenly dropped, and it wasn’t entirely unexpected. The market had been on a tear for most of 2024, largely driven by the buzz around AI, cloud computing, and digital payments. But like any good party, there comes a time when things slow down.
The Federal Reserve has been signaling that it will keep interest rates higher for longer, which is never great news for tech companies that often rely on borrowing to fuel their growth. Combine that with some less-than-stellar earnings reports from big names like Apple and Microsoft, and you’ve got a recipe for a sell-off.
But here’s the thing: while the market reacted quickly, the underlying fundamentals of the tech sector haven’t changed. AI is still revolutionizing industries, cloud computing is still in its growth phase, and digital payments are only going to become more important. This dip? I see it as a temporary setback, not a long-term trend. And that means opportunity.
3 Tech Stocks to Buy Now
1. Alphabet Inc. (GOOG, GOOGL)
Alphabet remains one of the most compelling tech investments despite the recent market volatility. The company’s dominance in search, through Google, and its growing presence in cloud computing with Google Cloud, make it a cornerstone of any tech-focused portfolio. In the first quarter of 2024, Alphabet reported a 15% revenue increase to $80 billion, with Google Cloud contributing significantly to this growth, posting a 28% year-over-year increase in revenue.
Beyond its traditional search business, Alphabet is deeply invested in AI, which is expected to drive its next phase of growth. The company’s AI capabilities are integrated across its products, from Google Search enhancements to YouTube recommendations and Google Cloud AI tools. Alphabet’s financial strength is another key attraction, with over $140 billion in cash and marketable securities, providing it with ample resources to invest in future growth areas like quantum computing and autonomous vehicles.
As digital advertising continues to rebound and cloud adoption accelerates, Alphabet is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends. The stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 23, which, given its growth prospects, represents a reasonable valuation. For investors looking for a tech giant with diverse revenue streams and significant growth potential, Alphabet is a must-buy.
2. ASML Holding N.V. (ASML)
ASML is not a household name like Alphabet, but it plays a critical role in the tech industry. The Dutch company is the world’s leading supplier of photolithography machines, essential equipment used in the manufacturing of semiconductors. ASML’s extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems are crucial for producing the most advanced chips, making it a linchpin in the global semiconductor supply chain.
The demand for semiconductors is expected to grow exponentially as AI, 5G, and the Internet of Things (IoT) continue to expand. ASML’s machines are at the heart of this growth, as they enable the production of smaller, faster, and more efficient chips. In its most recent quarterly report, ASML posted a 22% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching €6.9 billion, and a net income of €1.9 billion.
The company’s backlog is another indicator of its strong future prospects. ASML reported a record-high backlog of over €40 billion, reflecting the insatiable demand for its cutting-edge equipment. As semiconductor manufacturers like TSMC and Samsung ramp up production to meet global demand, ASML’s machines will be in even higher demand. With a strong market position, technological leadership, and robust financials, ASML is a compelling buy for investors looking to gain exposure to the semiconductor industry.
3. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM)
TSMC is the world’s largest contract manufacturer of semiconductors, producing chips for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Qualcomm. TSMC’s leadership in advanced process technologies, including its 5nm and 3nm nodes, gives it a significant competitive edge. As AI, high-performance computing, and 5G drive demand for more powerful and efficient chips, TSMC is well-positioned to benefit from these trends.
In its latest earnings report, TSMC reported a 12% year-over-year increase in revenue, driven by strong demand for its 5nm and 3nm chips. The company’s gross margin also remained robust at 53%, reflecting its pricing power and efficiency. TSMC’s dominance in the foundry market is underscored by its 58% market share, far ahead of its competitors.
Looking ahead, TSMC is making significant investments in expanding its capacity, including new fabs in Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan. These investments are crucial as the world becomes increasingly reliant on advanced semiconductors for everything from smartphones to data centers. TSMC’s stock, trading at a forward P/E ratio of 18, offers a balanced mix of growth and value, making it an attractive option for tech investors.
Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity
Look, I get it. The market is jittery, and tech stocks took a hit. But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. The technology sector is still the driving force behind global innovation, and the companies leading this charge aren’t going anywhere. Alphabet, ASML, and TSMC are three of the best bets you can make right now. They’re at the forefront of the digital revolution, and this recent dip is your chance to get in on the action at a discount.
Here’s the thing: when everyone else is fearful, that’s exactly when you should be greedy. Warren Buffett said it best, and it’s advice I live by. This isn’t the time to shy away—it's the time to pounce. The future is tech, and these companies are the ones that will shape it. If you’re looking to strengthen your portfolio, now is the time to act.
Found these insights valuable? Elevate your investing game by subscribing to our blog for more in-depth analysis, strategies, and market trends. Stay ahead with expert tips and refine your portfolio. Share this post with friends interested in the stock market and let's build a smarter investing community together!
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Investing in the stock market involves risks, including the loss of principal. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not represent any company or organization. Readers should conduct their own research and due diligence before making any financial decisions. The author and publisher are not responsible for any losses or damages resulting from the use of this information.
Reply