Why did the Brainchip share price surge 12% in May?

It was certainly not all smooth sailing for the AI hardware developer though.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Brainchip shares soared 12% during May
  • It came amid momentum for artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, driven by US chip developer Nvidia's latest guidance
  • However, Brainchip shareholders sold down shares on the day of the company's AGM

The Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) share price had a roller coaster ride during the month of May.

Brainchip shares gained 12% in May, rising from 40.5 cents at market close on 28 April to 45.5 cents on 31 May. In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) share price slid nearly 3% during the month.

So what impacted the Brainchip share price in May?

a man sits at a computer in deep thought with hand on chin in a darkened room as though it is late and night and he is working on cybersecurity issues.

Image source: Getty Images

Rollercoaster ride

Shares in the artificial intelligence (AI) hardware company soared 24% between market close on 17 May and 22 May. But they tumbled back to earth, losing nearly 18% on 23 May. The company's share price then bounced back nearly 10% from market close on 23 May to 31 May.

Momentum in the AI sector may have provided Brainchip shares with a boost in May.

Brainchip is aiming to commercialise its Akida neuromorphic processor to perform artificial intelligence computing solutions.

In the US, AI chip developer Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) stormed ahead in late May following the release of its second-quarter revenue guidance.

This may have boosted Australian AI shares, such as Brainchip.

However, Brainchip shares crashed on 23 May, the day of the company's annual general meeting presentation.

Commenting at the AGM, Brainchip chairman Antonio J. Viana said:

Let me be clear, nobody at BrainChip is happy or content with our current position. We haven't hit any significant stride yet with respect to revenue.

The trick for many companies comes when the move from technology to product takes place. In the past, BrainChip frankly hasn't gotten this right. We haven't had a product that can see its way into end production systems.

More than 50% of shareholders voting at the meeting voted against the company's remuneration report.

Share price snapshot

The Brainchip share price has shed nearly 60% in the past 12 months.

This ASX technology share has a market capitalisation of nearly $737 million based on the latest share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

defence personnel operating and discussing defence technology
Technology Shares

Why EOS shares are tumbling 11% today as investors weigh a key defence catalyst

EOS shares fall 11% as investors await a key contract update.

Read more »

Buy and sell written on a white cube.
Technology Shares

Why this top fundie is tipping Life360 shares for outsized gains

A leading fund manager believes Life360’s beaten-down shares could be set for a large rebound.

Read more »

Robot humanoid using artificial intelligence on a laptop.
Technology Shares

Xero shares push higher on deal with AI giant Anthropic

This tech stock is avoiding the market selloff on Friday.

Read more »

A man sits in despair at his computer with his hands either side of his head, staring into the screen with a pained and anguished look on his face, in a home office setting.
Technology Shares

Why are Weebit Nano shares crashing 15% today?

Let's see why this tech stock is sinking on Friday.

Read more »

A woman scratches her head, thinking is this a no-brainer?
Technology Shares

Down 65%: Are Pro Medicus shares in the buy zone yet?

Pro Medicus has had one of its toughest periods yet...

Read more »

Red arrow going down, symbolising a falling share price.
Technology Shares

Why is this battered ASX tech stock losing big today?

Analysts remain bullish and see 110% upside for the growth share.

Read more »

A dollar sign embedded in ice, indicating a share price freeze or trading halt
Technology Shares

This ASX tech stock is frozen today. Here's what's going on

ASX tech stock enters halt as a capital raising looms.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Technology Shares

Which ASX tech stock is surging 11% on strong trading update?

Let's see what is getting investors excited on Thursday.

Read more »