STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments Try to Spark Chip Sector Rebound
Both companies noted strong demand for their automotive businesses
Lam Research (LRCX) last week sparked a sell-off in chip stocks when it reported a rare shipment miss. Then Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) added insult to injury just a day later when it gave a dim full-year outlook for smartphone demand. This was followed up in recent days by similarly downbeat forecasts from fellow chipmakers SK Hynix and AMS.
However, the sector could be ready to rebound some today. Specifically, STMicroelectronics NV (NYSE:STM) just painted a much brighter picture with its rest-of-year outlook, and Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:TXN) also lifted its full-year forecast. Let's take a closer look at STM and TXN shares below.
STM Sees 'Healthy Demand' in 2H 2018
STMicroelectronics shares are trading up 4.8% this morning at $22.34, thanks to the company's better-than-expected first-quarter results. More importantly, CEO Carlo Bozotti said, "For the second half of the year, we see healthy demand ... including smartphones." Bozotti specifically noted strong demand in the automotive space, as well.
STM stock is now back in the black on a year-to-date basis, recently enjoying support from the 200-day moving average. While the securityhas some ground to make up to reclaim the multi-year high of $25.30 from January, it still sports a year-over-year lead north of 40%. Considering this, it's not surprising to note that all five covering brokerage firms say the chipmaker is a "strong buy."
TXN Also Cites Automotive Demand
Shares of Texas Instruments are also gaining after earnings, last seen up 2% at $100.01. The Dallas-based company posted a first-quarter earnings beat, and provided an upbeat second-quarter outlook, while also highlighting increasing demand for its automotive business. In response, Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank raised their price targets to $110 and $107, respectively.
TXN traded as high as $120.75 back in January, but has since grinded lower to sit just above the 200-day moving average -- a trendline is hasn't touched since a pullback last summer. Unlike STM, though, most analysts are actually bearish on the semiconductor stock, with 15 of the 25 in coverage maintaining tepid "hold" or worse recommendations.