I Bought the 2020 Crash. I’m Doing It Again With This Plan

BWB - Business With Brian•Nov 8, 2026

Summary

Brian presents a strategic thesis that market crashes often lead to significant gains within a year, provided investors avoid panic selling and buy during the dip. Brian maintains a 'dry powder' cash reserve of 5-10% specifically for days when the Nasdaq 100 drops significantly. To select stocks, Brian uses three criteria: a price drop similar to the index, a current price below fair value, and a strong 3-year rolling growth forecast. Brian suggests a portfolio allocation of 70% in large caps, 25% in mid-caps, and 5% in volatile small-caps to balance risk and recovery potential.

Brian highlights the following stocks as primary targets:

**Nvidia (NVDA):** Brian states this company is the foundation of almost every AI data center and recently lost $450 billion in market value in a single day. Despite a 9% drop, Brian did not buy more on this specific day only because it already represents 12% of Brian's portfolio, but Brian views it as significantly undervalued with a 38% annual growth forecast. Brian recommends it for those with lower existing exposure.

**Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM):** Brian describes this as the essential factory for all modern chips, including those for Apple and Nvidia, with plans to double advanced manufacturing capacity next year. Brian views it as a play that wins regardless of which chip designer dominates the market. Brian personally bought more shares on Thursday following its 11% decline, citing a 25% annual growth projection.

**ASML (ASML):** Brian notes this company is the sole manufacturer of machines required for cutting-edge chip production and has a backlog reaching into 2028. Brian emphasizes their pricing power because demand far exceeds their production capacity. Brian bought this stock on Thursday after it fell 9%, supported by a 26% annual growth forecast.

**AMD (AMD):** Brian identifies this as the most realistic alternative to Nvidia for large AI corporations, noting its data center business has nearly doubled in a year. The stock fell 17% on Thursday, which Brian considers an overreaction relative to its 49% annual growth forecast. Brian personally added this to the portfolio as the third purchase of the day.

**Lam Research (LRCX):** Brian points out that this company makes essential machines for layering circuits in chips and recently reported record revenue and a $1 billion share buyback. Although it fell 16%, Brian warns that one-third of its revenue comes from China, which is a key risk factor. Brian forecasts 34% annual growth for the company over the next three years.

**Credo Technology (CRDO):** Brian explains that this company produces energy-efficient cables for connecting AI servers, with revenue expected to grow over 80% this year. The stock fell 18% after management warned of slightly lower profit margins, which Brian notes as a risk to watch. Analysts see 100% upside over 12 months, though Brian is more conservative with a 46% growth forecast.

**Astera Labs (ALAB):** Brian discusses how this company's connectivity chips are becoming essential for cloud providers, resulting in 150% year-over-year revenue growth. The stock was one of the hardest hit, falling 20% on the day of the crash. Brian projects 45% annual growth, while noting that some analysts predict even higher short-term gains.

**IonQ (IONQ):** Brian highlights this quantum computing specialist for its $1.2 billion in signed contracts and its recent partnership with Nvidia’s quantum research center. The stock fell 11% and, while not yet profitable, Brian includes it on the list due to the massive backlog of future revenue. Brian acknowledges this is a high-risk, high-reward play for a small portion of the capital.

**Rambus (RMBS):** Brian argues that as AI servers require more memory, this manufacturer of memory interface chips will see continued record demand. The stock fell 16%, and while Brian's 23% growth forecast is solid, Brian notes that analysts are much more bullish with 68% price targets. Brian considers this a stable middle-ground investment.

**Cohu (COHU):** Brian identifies this as a recovery play in the chip testing space, with management expecting 30-40% revenue growth next year after winning major cloud customers. It saw the largest drop on Brian's list at 21%, providing a potential entry point for a company returning to profitability. Brian views it as an essential part of the semiconductor supply chain.

Brian concludes by explaining that while some speculative stocks like IREN or Oklo might bounce harder, they do not meet Brian's strict checklist for safety and revenue stability. Brian advises investors to have their own plan written down so they can act decisively without emotion during future market volatility.

Mentioned Stocks

NVDA

Sentiment: BUYAction: RECOMMENDED

Reasoning: Brian states that Nvidia is the core of AI data centers and is currently undervalued with a 38% annual growth projection. Brian notes it fell 9% on Thursday but did not personally buy more because it already constitutes 12% of Brian's portfolio, though Brian recommends it to others who are under-allocated.

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AMD

Sentiment: BUYAction: BOUGHT

Reasoning: Brian views AMD as the primary alternative to Nvidia for AI chips and notes its data center revenue is scaling rapidly. Brian personally bought the stock on Thursday after a sharp 17% decline, citing a 49% annual growth forecast.

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ASML

Sentiment: BUYAction: BOUGHT

Reasoning: Brian identifies ASML as a monopoly provider of lithography machines with demand outstripping supply until at least 2028. Brian bought more shares on Thursday following its 9% decline, targeting a 26% annual growth rate.

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TSM

Sentiment: BUYAction: BOUGHT

Reasoning: Brian highlights Taiwan Semiconductor as the critical manufacturer for all major chip designers with massive expansion plans. Brian personally invested more on Thursday after the stock dropped 11%, citing its 25% annual growth forecast.

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IONQ

Sentiment: BUYAction: RECOMMENDED

Reasoning: Brian includes this stock due to its $1.2 billion contract backlog and partnership with Nvidia. While not profitable yet, Brian views the 11% dip as an entry point for a small speculative position.

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CRDO

Sentiment: BUYAction: RECOMMENDED

Reasoning: Brian likes the company's position in high-growth AI server connectivity. Despite margin concerns and an 18% drop, Brian sees 46% annual growth potential.

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ALAB

Sentiment: BUYAction: RECOMMENDED

Reasoning: Brian states that Astera Labs is a winner regardless of which chip manufacturer dominates. Despite a 20% drop on Thursday, Brian forecasts 45% annual growth based on 150% current revenue increases.

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RMBS

Sentiment: BUYAction: RECOMMENDED

Reasoning: Brian argues that memory requirements for AI drive demand for Rambus chips. The stock fell 16% on Thursday, and Brian projects a solid 23% annual growth rate.

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LRCX

Sentiment: BUYAction: RECOMMENDED

Reasoning: Brian notes that Lam Research had its best quarter ever and is aggressively buying back shares. Despite the 16% drop and China-related risks, Brian projects 34% annual growth over the next three years.

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COHU

Sentiment: BUYAction: RECOMMENDED

Reasoning: Brian highlights that all AI chips must be tested and Cohu is returning to profitability with major new cloud customers. Brian notes its 21% drop provides a significant opportunity for a recovery play.

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