MediaTek Soars 19% in Two Days on AI Chip Deal With Google

TLDR

• MediaTek gained 19 percent over two days and closed at a record high on Monday.
• The surge followed reports of a growing partnership between MediaTek and Google on AI chips.
• MediaTek’s rally pushed the broader Taiex Index in Taiwan to a new all-time high.
• Fund managers shifted to MediaTek as exposure limits to TSMC were already reached.
• Analysts at Morgan Stanley highlighted MediaTek’s strong potential in AI-specific chips.

Taiwan’s MediaTek surged 19% in two trading days, gaining 8.6% on Monday and closing at a new all-time high. This rally followed reports of growing collaboration with Google on custom tensor processing units (TPUs) for AI systems. The spike also pushed the Taiex Index to a record high, reflecting broader strength across Taiwan’s chip sector.

Fund Managers Switch to MediaTek as TSMC Hits Exposure Limits

MediaTek’s latest momentum follows fund managers reallocating from TSMC due to exposure caps in major indexes like MSCI Emerging Markets. TSMC now accounts for almost 12% of several Asia-focused indices, leaving limited room for additional institutional buying. Active managers with strict limits have begun shifting capital into MediaTek.

With TSMC reaching crowding levels, many investors are forced to rotate into alternatives without changing overall exposure to Taiwan’s chip sector. MediaTek, with rising AI credibility, has become a prime candidate. While TSMC maintains its position as a leading supplier for Apple, Nvidia, and Google, exposure ceilings are pushing funds toward MediaTek.

TSMC’s shares have soared since late 2022 and continue to rise, leaving less upside for fresh entrants. Some investors are attempting to trade around TSMC using structured products and ETFs. However, many managers are opting for direct exposure to MediaTek’s growing AI business instead.

MediaTek Gains Traction on AI Shift and Google Partnership

Traders are reacting to MediaTek’s expansion into AI chips as it reallocates resources from traditional smartphone semiconductors. This move aligns with the growing global demand for custom hardware designed to accelerate artificial intelligence performance. Google’s involvement has reinforced investor confidence in MediaTek’s AI roadmap.

Analysts from Morgan Stanley led by Charlie Chan noted strong potential in MediaTek’s AI-specific integrated circuits. “We see large potential,” they wrote, citing the company’s strategic shift and partnership with Google. Although Google also works with Broadcom, MediaTek could benefit from diversifying AI suppliers.

Morningstar’s Phelix Lee said MediaTek’s guidance might be conservative, pointing out Google orders were only included through October. The recent rally suggests traders expect those numbers to rise. This optimism helped drive the stock’s steep two-day increase.

Taiwan Chip Stocks Rise but MediaTek Leads on AI Focus

Other Taiwanese chipmakers such as Nanya Technology and United Microelectronics also advanced on Monday. Still, MediaTek stood out for its pivot to AI chips, contrasting with its peers’ traditional semiconductor focus. This distinction drew stronger inflows from funds seeking AI exposure.

MediaTek’s performance helped lift the entire Taiex Index to a new high, showing strong sector-wide momentum. While Nanya and UMC gained, they did not match MediaTek’s 19% rise. Traders appear to favor companies shifting toward high-growth AI segments.

Investors continue monitoring MediaTek’s developments closely as the company expands its custom chip offerings. The company is seen as a key player in Taiwan’s evolving semiconductor landscape. Recent trading volumes reflect a sharp rise in institutional interest.

TSMC’s upcoming earnings are expected Thursday, and analysts predict an increase in its capital expenditure forecast. Any such move may influence chip sector flows further.

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