With the new Chia cryptocurrency driving HDD prices higher and stronger retail demand expected in June, Mizuho raises its price targets on Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC) from $88 to $90 and Seagate (NASDAQ:STX) from $83 to $88. The firm says Western Digital will likely see more gains due to its strong retail presence, while Seagate sells through distributors. Mizuho warns that the demand spike could prove short-term unless Chia's strength continues, which could lead to HDD oversupply. Western Digital shares are up 1% pre-market to $77.19. Seagate is up nearly 1% to $105. Chia, which bills itself as an eco-friendly alternative to Bitcoin, is "farmed" with unused storage on a device, which is driving shortages of high-capacity HDDs.
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