Nvidia's stock has experienced a remarkable surge over the past year, soaring by approximately 258%. The demand for the company's specialized data center chips, designed for AI workloads, has played a significant role in driving this growth. The introduction of generative AI has further accelerated the company's business, making it a top pick for investors.
Nvidia's market value is projected to soar to nearly $5 trillion in the next year, according to Wall Street analysts. This is due to accelerating demand for AI-centric processors and the company's proprietary software coupled with its best-in-class chips. Of the 57 analysts who offered an opinion on the stock, 53 rated it a buy or strong buy.
The resurgence of stock splits in 2024 can be attributed to companies like Walmart, Williams-Sonoma, and Broadcom announcing splits, making their stocks more accessible to employees and investors. Historically, stocks have notched 25% total returns in the 12 months after a split is announced, compared to 12% for the broad index6. Companies with a retail focus appear to be more interested in appealing to retail investors, driving the trend.