** Nvidia NVDA.O shares gaining 1.9% to $224.07 on Wed ahead of qtrly results after the bell, with focus on high growth expectations and ramp of new AI processor

** Analysts on avg expect the chipmaker to report qtrly rev up 79% to $78.86 bln and adj EPS of $1.76 vs $0.96 yr-ago, per LSEG

** Last qtr, the co beat estimates and raised its forecast; investors are now weighing competition from Advanced Micro AMD.O and rivals, including hyperscalers designing their own chips

** BofA analysts said in a report on Tue that investors will also focus on potential for higher cash return and ramp of new Vera Rubi processor. BofA analysts also said increased dividend could help dispel concerns about circular financing related to NVDA's investments in other AI cos

** NVDA stock is up ~21% YTD vs the Nasdaq's .IXIC ~13% rise, and is ~5% below its all-time intraday high of $236.54 from May 14

** Stock recently traded at 23x fwd earnings, a discount to its five-yr avg of 36x, per LSEG data