New York June 18 2024: Nvidia (NVDA.O) became the world’s most valuable company on Tuesday, dethroning tech heavyweight Microsoft (MSFT.O), as its chips continue to play a central role in a race to dominate the market for artificial intelligence.
Shares of the chipmaker climbed 3.2% to $135.21, lifting its market capitalization to $3.326 trillion, just days after overtaking iPhone maker Apple (AAPL.O),to become the second most valuable company.
The stock has surged about 173% so far this year, compared with a rise of about 19% in Microsoft shares, with demand for its top-of-the-line processors outpacing supply. Tech giants Microsoft, Meta Platforms (META.O), and Google-owner Alphabet (GOOGL.O), are racing to build out their AI computing capabilities and dominate the emerging technology.
The surge in shares pushed the stock to a record high, adding over $103 billion to Nvidia’s market capitalization on Tuesday.
Increasing the appeal for its highly valued stock among individual investors, Nvidia recently split its stock ten-for-one, effective June 7.
“A stock split can reduce the price per share, making it more affordable for individual investors to buy. With Nvidia doing a 10:1 stock split, retail investors are the real winners here,” said Sam North, market analyst at investment platform eToro.
