Nvidia stock soars: How the AI boom lifted the chipmaker's market cap

Show Caption

Hide Caption

Fake AI-generated images will become more common and harder to detect

Experts say AI-generated images are going to become more common and realistic. Here’s how these images contribute to misinformation.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

There are just a handful of companies that have surpassed the $1 trillion market cap, including Google parent Alphabet, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, Amazon and Apple.

On Tuesday, California-based Nvidia’s market cap jumped high enough to be among their ranks. 

The chipmaker, which makes graphics processing units (GPUs) that help power generative artificial intelligence platforms, has seen its stock price soar as more companies look to expand their AI offerings.

Nvidia hit a market cap of $1 trillion Tuesday with shares opening at $405.95, although it eased below that milestone by midday after shares dipped below $404.86.

The company’s valuation puts it above Facebook parent company Meta, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and Elon Musk’s Tesla.

What does Nvidia do?

A new wave of generative AI from the likes of OpenAI and Google has been a boon for Nvidia, which had its stock price jump more than 180% so far this year. 

Reuters reports that Nvidia produces about 80% of GPUs, which are chips designed to handle the math needed for AI computing. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, for instance, was created with thousands of Nvidia AI-optimized GPUs.

The company highlighted its work with generative AI technology during its earnings call last week and reported a stronger-than-expected forecast for the second quarter, noting that it expects sales of about $11 billion compared with estimates of $7.15 billion. The company on Monday also made a series of announcements on new products, including a new supercomputer meant to help establish the next generation of AI applications.

Fake or fact? 2024 is shaping up to be the first AI election. Should voters worry?

Generative AI: Fear over AI dangers grows as some question if tools like ChatGPT will be used for evil

Nvidia share price

Nvidia shares were trading up 3.54% at $403.24 on the Nasdaq early Tuesday afternoon.

AI is no Shakespeare: Why ChatGPT, other tools are unlikely to take your writing job