Today’s Top Stories: Nvidia Earnings, ASML, Strategy, and Target In Focus

TLDR

• Nvidia reports earnings after the close, with analysts expecting $1.78 EPS and $79.2B in revenue, up ~80% year-over-year
• Jim Cramer warned that Nvidia often rallies then faces “relentless hammering” as investors sell into strength
• ASML jumped 6.7% after UBS reinstated it as top European semiconductor pick, raising its price target to €1,900
• TD Cowen raised its price target on Strategy to $400, keeping a Buy rating with over 140% implied upside
• Target beat earnings expectations with $1.71 EPS vs $1.46 estimated, and raised its full-year sales growth forecast

Nvidia: The Biggest Earnings Report of the Week

Nvidia is the most watched stock in the market today. The AI chip leader reports earnings after the close, and expectations are high.

Analysts expect earnings of about $1.78 per share on revenue of roughly $79.2 billion. That would represent revenue growth of nearly 80% compared to a year ago.

Data-center revenue is the key number to watch. AI chip demand from cloud companies, AI labs, and large enterprises has been the main driver of Nvidia’s growth in recent quarters.

Investors also want updates on gross margins, Blackwell chip demand, the impact of China export restrictions, and guidance for the next quarter.

Will a Good Report Be Enough?

Jim Cramer flagged a pattern worth watching. He said Nvidia’s earnings history often includes an initial rally, followed by “relentless hammering” as investors sell into strength.

His point is that even a strong report may not move the stock higher if the market already expects perfection.

Competition is also on investors’ minds. Custom AI chips from large cloud customers, AMD, and in-house hardware projects from big tech companies are all part of the conversation.

If Nvidia delivers solid guidance and addresses concerns about China and margins, it could support the broader AI trade. If the stock sells off after results, pressure could spread to semiconductors and the Nasdaq.

ASML: European Chip Stock Surges on UBS Upgrade

ASML rose 6.7% after UBS reinstated the stock as its top European semiconductor pick. UBS raised its price target to €1,900 from €1,600.

UBS expects ASML’s earnings to stay ahead of consensus through 2027 and 2028, driven by continued demand for advanced chipmaking tools.

Why ASML Matters to the AI Trade

ASML makes lithography systems, which are essential for producing the most advanced chips in the world. Without these machines, chipmakers cannot manufacture the processors that power AI workloads.

Rising AI demand means chipmakers need more production capacity. That puts ASML at the center of the global semiconductor supply chain.

The 6.7% move also showed that investors are not just buying U.S. AI chip stocks. They are buying the broader global supply chain that makes those chips possible.

Strategy: TD Cowen Stays Bullish on Bitcoin Treasury Stock

Strategy drew attention after TD Cowen raised its price target to $400 from $395 and kept a Buy rating. That implies more than 140% upside from the prior close.

Strategy holds a large Bitcoin treasury and uses leverage and capital raises to grow those holdings. The company’s software business still exists, but the market values it almost entirely based on its Bitcoin position.

High Upside, High Risk

TD Cowen’s call signals confidence in Strategy’s approach to Bitcoin accumulation. But the stock remains one of the most volatile in the market.

If Bitcoin falls, Strategy can drop sharply. If Bitcoin rises, the stock tends to attract momentum buyers quickly.

For investors who want amplified Bitcoin exposure through the stock market, Strategy remains one of the most watched names.

Target: Earnings Beat, but Investors Stay Cautious

Target reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.71 per share, beating the $1.46 estimate. Revenue came in at $25.44 billion, above the $24.66 billion forecast.

Comparable sales improved, helped by stronger customer traffic. Target also raised its full-year sales growth forecast, a sign its turnaround plan may be gaining traction.

Mixed Stock Reaction Despite the Beat

Despite the earnings beat, the stock reaction was mixed. Investors remain cautious about consumer spending and whether Target’s first-quarter improvement can hold through the rest of the year.

Margins and the broader retail environment are still concerns. One strong quarter is not enough to fully restore confidence after a difficult stretch for the retailer.

The post Today’s Top Stories: Nvidia Earnings, ASML, Strategy, and Target In Focus appeared first on CoinCentral.