Seeking Crypto Exposure? Use This Tool

Written By Michael Gary Scott

Zacks Thematic Screens lets you dive into 30 dynamic investment themes shaping the future. Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge technology, renewable energy, or healthcare innovations, our themes help you invest in ideas that matter to you.

For those interested in viewing the Thematic lists, please click here >>> Thematic Screens – Zacks Investment Research.

Let’s take a closer look at the Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Technology theme and analyze a few stocks that the screen returned, such as Riot Platforms RIOT and Marathon Digital MARA.  

Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Technology

Cryptocurrency is a secure digital currency operating on decentralized blockchain networks, which record transactions transparently in a distributed ledger. This structure makes cryptocurrencies resistant to government interference. Each “block” in the blockchain is chronologically linked, forming a secure “chain.”

Blockchain technology has diverse applications beyond cryptocurrencies, including supply chain management, healthcare, finance, and voting systems. Companies in this field range from those developing blockchain infrastructure to firms applying the technology, such as crypto mining operations.

Marathon Digital

Marathon Digital is a publicly traded company that mines Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies while also supporting the blockchain ecosystem. The company is one of the largest Bitcoin miners in North America and one of the biggest holders of Bitcoin among publicly traded companies. 

Marathon Digital shares have been red-hot over the last three months, gaining nearly 90% and widely outperforming. The momentum here is certainly uplifting for investors, particularly considering that the stock is down 40% over the last three years overall.

Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

At the end of 2024 Q3, Marathon Digital held 26,747 Bitcoin on its balance sheet, up sharply from 15,174 in the same period last year. Specifically, the company mined 2,070 BTC and purchased 6,210 BTC throughout the period.

Riot Platforms

Riot Blockchain develops, operates, and supports blockchain technologies, primarily focusing on Bitcoin mining and digital infrastructure. The company mines Bitcoin in its facilities in central Texas and Kentucky.

See also  Exploring 2 Promising Tech Stocks for Future GrowthUnleashing the Potential of Tech Stocks

The tech landscape has been abuzz with activity, propelling the Nasdaq Composite to a 13% surge since the start of the year. The allure of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming various tech sectors has captivated investors, driving optimism for the future. Industries ranging from cloud computing to chip production, data centers, autonomous vehicles, and consumer products have all felt the reverberations of AI's disruptive force, setting the stage for prolonged growth.

The Resilience of Tech Stocks Over Time

The tech industry boasts a storied history of delivering consistent gains, making it an enticing playground for both novice and seasoned investors alike. This sector thrives on the perpetual cycle of demand for hardware and software upgrades, rarely experiencing stagnation from one year to the next.

Over the past decade, the Nasdaq-100 Technology Sector index has soared by an impressive 409%, weathering the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic and market upheavals in 2022. Despite these challenges, the rise of AI and other cutting-edge technologies indicates that the tech domain remains fertile ground for prospective investors in the years ahead.

An In-Depth Look at Two Compelling Tech Stock Picks1. Advanced Micro Devices

At the forefront of chip manufacturing, Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) commands a pivotal position in the tech realm. The company's chips power a myriad of devices, from custom-built PCs and laptops to cloud platforms and video game consoles. With AMD's chips nestled inside everyday gadgets, the company's pervasive influence often goes unnoticed.

In a groundbreaking move back in 2020, AMD clinched exclusive chip supply deals with industry giants Sony and Microsoft for their flagship gaming consoles, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, respectively. The immense success of these consoles, garnering nearly 80 million units sold collectively, underscores the profitability of AMD's strategic partnerships.

Despite its illustrious past, AMD's recent focus on expanding its footprint in the AI domain has captured industry attention. Competing head-on with Nvidia in the AI sphere, AMD has rolled out its MI300X AI GPUs, a critical component for constructing AI models. The company launched this GPU lineup in December of the previous year, with early signs indicating a promising trajectory.

In the first quarter of 2024, AMD witnessed a 2% uptick in revenue year over year, surpassing Wall Street projections by $20 million. While this growth may seem modest, the robust performance of key segments signals positive momentum. Notably, a surge in GPU sales fueled an 80% revenue spike in the data center segment, alongside an impressive 85% revenue surge in the client segment driven by heightened CPU sales.

Although AMD faces fierce competition from Nvidia as it vies for market share and looks to expand its AI PC division, the company's long-term prospects appear bright. Furthermore, AMD's price-to-earnings ratio has plummeted by 75% over the past six months, reflecting a potential uptick in stock value. Given its commanding stance in the tech industry, AMD emerges as a compelling stock option for investors eyeing 2024 and beyond.

2. Amazon

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) stands out as a premier avenue for tech investment, thanks to its diversified business model. While Amazon initially made waves through its online retail dominance, the company has diversified its portfolio significantly over the years. Alongside securing a mammoth market share in e-commerce, Amazon has emerged as a heavyweight in cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS), ventured into video streaming, grocery services, satellite ventures, and now set its sights on AI technologies.

Amazon's Dominance in Tech & AI Markets Amazon's Dominance in Tech & AI Markets

RIOT shares have been understandably hot over the last three months, gaining more than 90% and widely outperforming like MARA.

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Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Riot Platforms’ latest set of quarterly results were met with positivity, with the company producing 1,104 BTC throughout the period. Riot Platforms exited the period with 10,427 BTC, all of which were produced via the company’s self-mining operations.

Bottom Line

Zacks Thematic Screens lets you dive into 30 dynamic investment themes shaping the future. Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge technology, renewable energy, or healthcare innovations, our themes help you invest in ideas that matter to you.

Upon running the Zacks Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Technology screen, both stocks above – Marathon Digital MARA and Riot Platforms RIOT – were returned.

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