"Patience is a Super Power" - "The Money is in the waiting"
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

The Trump Administration has recently invested in both MP Materials and Intel! Question: who might be next, and why!

 


These critical U.S. companies were named in the CHIPS Act and have received preliminary agreements (Preliminary Memoranda of Terms, or PMTs)—but for which funding has not yet been fully disbursed (i.e., not finalized yet):

Ed Note:
It appears the Trump administration is turning giveaways from the chips act, into "investments" in those companies targeted. This report speculates on which companies might be next, after investments have been made in Intel and MP Materials.



1. Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP)

  • The U.S. Department of Commerce signed a non-binding Preliminary Memorandum of Terms (PMT) to provide approximately $162 million under the CHIPS and Science Act, aimed at bolstering domestic semiconductor supply for automotive, defense, and aerospace industries. That funding has not yet been finalized.
    Z2Data+10NIST+10TSMC+10

  • In a twist, Microchip later backed off pursuing the grant for expansion of its Gresham, Oregon facility. That further suggests no disbursement has occurred yet.
    KGW+1


2. Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU)

  • Micron has a preliminary agreement for a $6.1 billion CHIPS Act grant to build a chip fabrication campus in Clay, New York ("megafab") and boost capacity in Boise, Idaho.
    Chuck Schumer's Senate Website+15Wikipedia+15

  • As of now, this remains preliminary, which implies that funding has not been fully disbursed.
    Barron'sThe Verge


3. GlobalFoundries (NASDAQ: GFS)

  • In February 2024, GlobalFoundries signed a preliminary agreement for over $1.5 billion in CHIPS funding to strengthen domestic legacy chip supply.
    New York Post+1

  • The award was later finalized in November 2024—meaning the preliminary stage was completed and funding is now moving forward.
    Wikipedia


4. Intel (NASDAQ: INTC)


Summary Table

CompanyPreliminary Agreement?Finalized?Status
MicrochipYes, ~$162 M PMTNo, not finalizedFunding has not been disbursed
MicronYes, ~$6.1 B PMTNo, not finalizedStill in preliminary stage
GlobalFoundriesYes, ~$1.5 B PMTYes, finalizedFunding now moving forward
IntelYes, ~$8.5 B PMTYes, finalizedFunds now to be disbursed

Companies still in preliminary-only stage (no final disbursement yet):

  • Microchip Technology (MCHP) – ~$162 M PMT, not finalized.

  • Micron Technology (MU) – ~$6.1 B PMT, not finalized.


    Ed Note:  

  • Listen to any hints of more investments coming from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik in late September or before!

narrowing to AI tech & infrastructure and focusing on U.S.-domiciled names, here’s a balanced list of 10 companies that (a) are strategically important for American tech leadership, and (b) could see outsized upside if the U.S. government explicitly takes a position or expands incentives.


Core chip manufacturing (the foundation)

1) Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) — Leading-edge and advanced packaging fabs across AZ/OH/OR/NM; already the single biggest CHIPS Act beneficiary (grants + loans). A direct stake would further de-risk multi-node U.S. capacity and supply chain resilience. ReutersU.S. Department of Commerce

2) Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) — U.S. leader in DRAM/HBM and NAND; memory is the oxygen of AI clusters. The White House already announced a preliminary CHIPS package up to ~$6.1B for new U.S. fabs—government equity/co-investment would accelerate HBM ramp critical to training/inference. The White HouseThe Verge

3) GlobalFoundries (NASDAQ: GFS) — Only U.S. pure-play foundry at scale, trusted for DoD needs; finalized up to $1.5B CHIPS award to expand New York and modernize Vermont (incl. GaN). A government position would fortify secure domestic supply for auto/defense/edge-AI. NISTGlobalFoundries

4) Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) — Mature-node MCUs/analog that go into everything from defense systems to data-center controls; ~$162M preliminary CHIPS support to expand U.S. fabs. Additional public backing would harden this critical “everywhere silicon” tier. NIST


AI compute & systems (where the work gets done)

5) Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ: SMCI) — Designs/racks full AI systems (GB200/NVL72, HGX B200) and leads on liquid-cooling at rack scale; a federal position signals confidence in domestic AI-server capacity and speeds deployments for gov/defense workloads. SupermicroSupermicro

6) Arista Networks (NYSE: ANET) — The Ethernet backbone for AI clusters (400/800G today, 1.6T on deck). Government support would catalyze U.S.-based networking scale-out across federal/HPC sites. Arista Networks

7) Lattice Semiconductor (NASDAQ: LSCC) — Ultra-low-power FPGAs for edge-AI, control, and security—ideal for ruggedized, power-constrained defense/industrial endpoints. A stake would expand “AI at the edge” capacity domestically. latticesemi.com+1


AI data-center infrastructure (power, cooling, reliability)

8) Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) — Power distribution & advanced liquid-cooling that make giga-scale AI sites possible; expanding NA solutions specifically to ease AI deployments. Federal backing would accelerate retrofits/new builds across critical facilities. Vertiv InvestorsVertiv


Materials & devices that unlock performance

9) Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) — Silicon-carbide (SiC) devices and materials for efficient power (AI data centers, high-power PSUs, EV charging). Proposed $750M CHIPS support + large private capital—public co-investment would speed U.S. SiC capacity vital to AI power chains. WolfspeedSEC

10) MP Materials (NYSE: MP) — U.S. rare-earths mining/separation; DoD has already funded HREE separation at Mountain Pass. A deeper stake would cement a domestic magnet/REE supply for defense, motors, and data-center equipment.

(Recently turned into an investment in the company by the administration)  

U.S. Department of Defense


Why these 10?

  • National-security leverage: Together they span logic, memory, foundry, servers, networking, power/cooling, edge FPGAs, SiC power, and REE supply—i.e., every chokepoint between sand and AI output.

  • Policy momentum: CHIPS/DPA precedents exist (Intel, Micron, GlobalFoundries, Microchip; DoD for MP). Additional capital or a formal government position would reduce financing risk and accelerate

Friday, August 22, 2025

Every portfolio should be anchored! Cautious investors might consider a balanced approach in uncertain times!

 


Here’s a structured report on five “anchor” stocks across different market segments that a cautious investor might hold for upside in a bull market while seeking protection in a bear market.


Anchor Stocks for a Balanced Portfolio

1. Apple (AAPL) – Technology

  • Rationale: Apple is the world’s largest company by market cap and a core anchor in the tech sector. Its strong ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Services) provides recurring revenue, and its balance sheet holds significant cash reserves.

  • Bull Market Upside: Innovation in AI, wearables, and services could expand margins and boost earnings.

  • Bear Market Protection: Strong brand loyalty, consistent cash flow, and a fortress balance sheet make Apple more resilient than most tech peers.


2. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) – Healthcare

  • Rationale: J&J is a diversified healthcare giant with exposure to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products. Its products are largely non-cyclical.

  • Bull Market Upside: New drug approvals and med-tech expansion can drive growth.

  • Bear Market Protection: Healthcare demand is steady regardless of economic cycles, making JNJ a safe haven during downturns.


3. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) – Financials

  • Rationale: The largest U.S. bank, JPMorgan is well-capitalized and a leader in consumer, corporate, and investment banking.

  • Bull Market Upside: Rising deal activity, lending growth, and wealth management expansion provide earnings leverage.

  • Bear Market Protection: JPM’s diversified operations, strong liquidity, and regulatory oversight provide stability compared to smaller banks.


4. Procter & Gamble (PG) – Consumer Staples

  • Rationale: PG owns globally recognized brands like Tide, Pampers, and Gillette. Its products are essential, even in recessions.

  • Bull Market Upside: Brand pricing power and global scale allow PG to capture growth in emerging markets.

  • Bear Market Protection: Demand for household goods is steady, making PG a defensive anchor stock.


5. NextEra Energy (NEE) – Utilities / Renewable Energy

  • Rationale: NextEra is the largest U.S. utility and a global leader in renewable energy. Utilities are historically defensive, and NEE adds a growth component through clean energy investments.

  • Bull Market Upside: Expansion in renewables and infrastructure spending supports long-term growth.

  • Bear Market Protection: As a utility, demand for electricity is stable, cushioning against economic downturns.


Summary

These five anchor stocks provide a blend of:

  • Growth (Apple, JPMorgan, NextEra)

  • Stability (Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble)

Together, they represent technology, healthcare, financials, consumer staples, and utilities—five distinct sectors. This diversification helps cautious investors ride the bull market while softening the blow of a bear market.


Here’s the expanded report with valuation metrics for each of the five anchor stocks, plus one ETF recommendation that complements them.


Anchor Stocks for a Balanced Portfolio

1. Apple (AAPL) – Technology

  • Market Cap: ~$3.2T

  • P/E Ratio: ~29

  • Dividend Yield: ~0.5%

  • Beta: ~1.2 (slightly more volatile than market)

  • Notes: Apple’s strong balance sheet ($160B+ cash) and recurring service revenue provide cushion in downturns, while AI and product refreshes fuel upside.


2. Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) – Healthcare

  • Market Cap: ~$370B

  • P/E Ratio: ~14

  • Dividend Yield: ~3.3%

  • Beta: ~0.5 (much less volatile than market)

  • Notes: One of only two U.S. companies with AAA credit rating. Its mix of pharma, medical devices, and consumer health adds resilience.


3. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) – Financials

  • Market Cap: ~$600B

  • P/E Ratio: ~11

  • Dividend Yield: ~2.3%

  • Beta: ~1.1 (close to market risk)

  • Notes: The strongest U.S. bank balance sheet, with global reach and consistent earnings power across economic cycles.


4. Procter & Gamble (PG) – Consumer Staples

  • Market Cap: ~$400B

  • P/E Ratio: ~23

  • Dividend Yield: ~2.4%

  • Beta: ~0.4 (very defensive)

  • Notes: Reliable dividend grower, 60+ years of increases. Essential products offer protection in recessions.


5. NextEra Energy (NEE) – Utilities / Renewables

  • Market Cap: ~$160B

  • P/E Ratio: ~19

  • Dividend Yield: ~2.6%

  • Beta: ~0.5 (defensive with steady cash flow)

  • Notes: Combines utility stability with renewable growth exposure, making it a rare “defensive growth” stock.


Complementary ETF: Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)

  • Category: Large-cap U.S. dividend growth companies

  • Expense Ratio: 0.06% (very low)

  • Dividend Yield: ~2%

  • Volatility: Lower than S&P 500 (Beta ~0.9)

  • Why It Complements the Anchors:

    • Focuses on high-quality companies with at least 10 years of consecutive dividend growth.

    • Provides diversification across 300+ holdings, including Microsoft, J&J, PG, and PepsiCo.

    • Smooths returns in bear markets while offering upside in bull markets.


Summary

This Anchor Portfolio of five stocks (AAPL, JNJ, JPM, PG, NEE) gives exposure to tech, healthcare, financials, consumer staples, and utilities—a broad, defensive yet growth-ready mix. Adding VIG ETF layers in dividend-growth diversification, ensuring capital protection in downturns and steady upside in expansions.


Let’s add a Canadian-listed ETF that serves as a solid complement to the anchor stocks, while being easily accessible to Canadian investors.


Canadian Complementary ETF

iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (XIU.TO)

  • Category: Large-cap Canadian blue-chip stocks

  • Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)

  • Expense Ratio (MER): ~0.18%

  • Dividend Yield: ~3.0%

  • Beta: ~0.9 (slightly less volatile than the S&P 500)

Why XIU Works as a Complement

  • Diversification in Canadian Market: Covers Canada’s 60 largest companies (banks, energy, telecoms, consumer).

  • Bear Market Cushion: Heavy weighting in banks and utilities makes it defensive.

  • Bull Market Upside: Exposure to resource and energy companies provides growth if commodities surge.

  • Dividend Stability: Canadian banks and telecoms (RBC, TD, BCE, Telus) are strong dividend payers.

  • Liquidity: XIU is one of the oldest and most liquid ETFs in Canada.


Alternative Canadian Option (Dividend-Focused):

Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VDY.TO)

  • MER: ~0.22%

  • Dividend Yield: ~4.3% (higher income focus)

  • Holdings: Primarily banks, pipelines (Enbridge, TC Energy), telecoms.

  • Best For: A cautious investor wanting more income stability while still participating in bull markets.


Summary and Rationalization

  • For a core Canadian anchor ETF: XIU.TO (broad, stable, diversified).

  • For extra income/dividend protection: VDY.TO.

Together with the U.S. Anchor Stocks + VIG, these ETFs give you cross-border diversification, income in downturns, and strong upside in recoveries.

Monday, July 7, 2025

The importance of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) used in technologies from Smart phones and AVs to National Defense and Space Tech, cannot be overstated!

 


A small, retail investor looking to gain exposure to rare earth materials might consider MP Materials (MP) and Avalon Advanced Materials (AVL/AVLNF) or Ucore (UCU.t)

Here is how I am approaching the investment, with strategies tailored to risk profile, capital allocation, and market timing.


๐Ÿงพ Step-by-Step Investment Approach

1. Understand Their Profiles

CompanyTickerExchangeStageRegionRisk Level
MP MaterialsMPNYSE (USA)MatureUSALow-to-Medium
Avalon Advanced MaterialsAVLTSX-V (Canada) / OTCQB (AVLNF)Early-stageCanadaHigh (speculative)

2. Diversified Allocation Strategy (Example for $10,000 Portfolio)

Risk AppetiteMP MaterialsAvalon (AVL)Cash / Other
Conservative$7,000 (70%)$1,000 (10%)$2,000 (20%)
Balanced$5,000 (50%)$3,000 (30%)$2,000 (20%)
Aggressive$3,500 (35%)$5,000 (50%)$1,500 (15%)

Why?

  • MP Materials gives you stability, cash flows, and policy tailwinds.

  • AVL offers asymmetric upside if Canada builds its rare earth value chain and AVL scales successfully.


3. Entry Strategy

✅ MP Materials (MP):

  • Buy in tranches on pullbacks or near $16–$18 (historical support levels).

  • Consider:

    • Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) monthly.

    • DRIP (Dividend Reinvestment Plan) if/when dividends resume (none currently).

    • Long-term hold (5+ years), especially as magnet plant comes online in Texas (2025–2026).

✅ Avalon (AVL / AVLNF):

  • Higher volatility—treat as venture capital–style bet.

  • Entry near lows (e.g., <$0.20 CAD) may offer multi-bagger potential if milestones hit.

  • Buy small initial position; increase only after:

    • Major partner/funding announcement.

    • Processing milestones with Saskatchewan Research Council.

    • Government contracts or grant programs.


4. Monitor These Catalysts

MP MaterialsAvalon / Nechalacho
U.S. DoD magnet plant progressFinancing or JV for full-scale processing
Q4/Q1 financials (growth + margins)Offtake agreements for heavy REEs
EV/OEM contracts (GM, Tesla, etc.)Indigenous partnerships & ESG momentum
REE price trends (Nd-Pr especially)Federal critical mineral program funding (Canada)

5. Alternative / Supplementary Exposure

If you want a broader REE basket, consider:

  • ETFs (Note: very few pure-play REE ETFs exist):

    • ๐ŸŸข REMX – VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF

      • MP is a top holding. AVL may be included in future if it grows.

      • Includes Lynas (AUS), Iluka, China Northern Rare Earth, etc.

      • Ucore Rare Metals (constructing a heavy REE separation plant in Louisiana)

  • Battery Metals ETFs – Broader exposure but with lithium/cobalt/nickel too.


๐Ÿ”š Final Thoughts

RecommendationMP MaterialsAvalon Advanced Materials
Buy if you want...Stability + growth + U.S. policy exposureHigh-risk, high-reward REE growth
Best time to enterOn dips below $20Sub-$0.25 CAD on good volume
Exit horizonHold through 2030Re-evaluate after 12–24 months

Conclusion:
๐Ÿ”’ Use MP Materials as your anchor investment in rare earths—de-risked, policy-supported, with upside from magnet integration.

MPs new Magnet plant in Texas


๐Ÿ”ฅ Use AVL as a speculative levered bet on Canada’s REE independence and heavy rare earth supply growth. 

Ongoing Projects & Goals

  • Avalon continues advancing its lithium strategy via its Separation Rapids lithium JV (with Sibelco), its Snowbank lithium deposit, and Lilypad lithium-caesium claims in Ontario.

  • Concurrently, they’re progressing work on the Nechalacho rare earths & zirconium project in the Northwest Territories, which is important for tech and defense supply chains as it is North America's largest deposit of "Heavy" REE's or HREE's . The Northern Miner+6

  • A key focus is the development of Ontario’s first mid‑stream lithium hydroxide processing plant, based in Thunder Bay, to create a supply link between northern lithium resources and battery producers in southern markets.

Update July 21st 2025

Bought...
UCU - TSX
UCORE RARE METALS INC-NEW

Recent news:
"Ucore Launches US Department of Defense Funded $18.4 Million Commercial Rare Earth Refining Project in Louisiana"

From GROK Ai

(MP's) Mountain Pass mine alone may not suffice to meet future needs, making additional mining capacity a strategic priority.

UCore Rare Metals brings advanced separation technology to the table, designed to process rare earth concentrates at high efficiency and low cost.

Ed Note:

Ucore's strengths are, it's separation technology is designed for "Heavy" REEs (Unlike MP) and it's 

Bokan-Dotson Ridge property (Alaska) is rich in Heavies.


See...Ucore.com/Bokan for more information on that project!