Follow along for our picks of the best silicon stocks to watch out for.
Silicon stocks are becoming increasingly popular, as silicon products are used in many industries, such as automotive, construction, medical, electronics, and textiles.
With the rollout of 5G and the significant shift to electronic vehicles, the silicon industry is forecasted to grow rapidly in the coming years.
The digitalization of industrial economies is also driving cloud computing, data center expenditure, and semiconductor demand.
The companies that produce it could profit as the world’s economy opens up again and becomes even more reliant on silicon.
According to Allied Market Research, the silicon market value in 2018 was just roughly $18.2 billion, and it’s predicted to reach $91.4 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 22.5 to 2026.
If you want to gain exposure to silicon and semiconductor stocks, keep reading for our top picks.
Best Silicon Stocks
Marvell Technology (NASDAQ: MRVL)
Marvell Technology is a leading developer of silicon-based solutions for the storage, networking, and mobile markets.
The company has a strong track record of innovation and provides products used in a wide variety of applications.
Marvell’s silicon offerings are used in data center storage solutions, enterprise networking gear, smartphones, and other mobile devices.
The company is well-positioned for future growth as the demand for silicon-based solutions continues to increase.
Marvell’s products are in high demand because of their superior performance and low cost.
According to its most recent report, the company has now seen six consecutive quarters of sales increase.
Revenue increased by 61% YoY in the most recent quarter.
Marvell has been focused on funding its R & D efforts and plans to bring new products to market.
In fact, Marvell spent $1 billion on research and development in the first nine months of 2021 — almost a third of its revenue.
In the long run, Marvell is focused on growing its cloud computing business.
Both of Marvell’s acquisitions this year, Inphi and Innovium, could boost the company’s top line.
These will assist Marvell in selling more chips used in the switches that transfer data within enormous data centers controlled by cloud firms, such as Amazon.com and Microsoft.
Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC)
Intel is the largest and most well-known silicon stock, and for good reason.
The company has a long history of innovation in the semiconductor industry and is currently a leader in the development of silicon-based technologies.
Intel’s stock has been on the rise recently as investors anticipate growth in the company’s data center business.
When it comes to investments, Intel is not overvalued compared to other technology firms.
It is significantly less expensive than the NASDAQ-100, which has a P/E ratio of 32.
Intel’s low stock price and 3% dividend yield appear to have benefited the company’s stock market performance.
In January of this year, Intel increased its quarterly dividend by 5%.
This may have drawn more investors to Intel shares at a time when the company was experiencing a downturn.
However, Intel’s resiliency this year is due to more than just the stock’s price and dividend.
The semiconductor giant is attempting a turnaround, and the company announced plans to drive long-term growth.
In 2023 and 2024, Intel forecasts revenue growth in the mid-to high-single digits.
YoY growth is expected to reach 10% to 12% by 2026, according to its recent announcement.
Intel’s revenue growth is expected to improve in the coming years as the company seeks to expand its market share in its core businesses.
KLA Corp (NASDAQ: KLAC)
KLA Corp is a leading supplier of process control and yield management solutions for semiconductors and related industries.
The company’s products are used in the fabrication of semiconductor devices and other advanced technologies.
On a fundamental level, KLA is seeing revenue and profitability growth, as seen by its latest earnings report.
The company’s expanding operating margin of 37% in 2021 vs 29% in 2019 is part of the story behind its increase in earnings.
It’s important to note that KLA’s operating margin has demonstrated considerable cyclicality in the past.
In addition, a strong balance sheet and cash flow support KLA’s capacity to fuel its continuous success.
With cash on hand of $2.6 billion, it will be enough to cover all the company’s obligations and costs for the next 12 months.
Governments are also mobilizing to boost production to wean their economies off of reliance on South Korean and Taiwanese chip titans.
All of these make KLAC one of the best semiconductor stocks in the future.
Best Silicon Material Stocks
NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA)
NVIDIA is a leading developer of graphics processing units (GPUs) and related technologies.
The company’s GPUs are used in various industries, including gaming, automotive, and data centers.
NVIDIA’s recent foray into the artificial intelligence (AI) market has been a major success, and the company is well-positioned to capitalize on it.
Its strong position in the GPU market and its successful entry into AI could make it a good option for anyone looking to invest in silicon stocks.
NVIDIA’s rapid growth supports its high stock price.
The titan reported a 61% gain in revenue to $26.9 billion in its first quarter this year, while adjusted net income increased by 79% to $11.2 billion.
The data and gaming markets, which NVIDIA leads, have a lot of room for expansion in the next few years, so this phenomenal rate of growth looks like it could stay.
Its revenue is predicted to rise about 50% to more than $40 billion next year, which could be great for NVDA stock price.
Kulicke and Soffa Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: KLIC)
Kulicke and Soffa Industries is a semiconductor equipment company that provides manufacturing solutions for the microelectronics industry.
The company’s products are used in the fabrication of integrated circuits and other advanced semiconductor devices.
KLIC’s revenues increased by 144% in the fiscal year, while earnings per share increased by sevenfold, according to its latest financial report
The company’s margin also surged in 2021 compared to the year prior, but the picture is skewed since a pandemic-related drop in revenues during 2020 drastically reduced profits.
To reassure the investors, KLIC has zero debt and a conservative balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.5x (in this case, merely liabilities without fixed payment commitments).
While the worldwide macro trend of increasing demand is undeniable, the semiconductor industry is not without its challenges.
Kulicke & Soffa’s excellent financial position may allow it to weather the inevitable vagaries of the semiconductor business.
SiTime Corp (NASDAQ: SITM)
SiTime Corp is a leading supplier of innovative silicon timing solutions for the consumer, industrial, and communications markets.
The company’s products include high-performance MEMS oscillators, clocks, and clock generators that enable customers to develop differentiated products with lower power consumption and higher quality.
SiTime’s mission is to make electronics more reliable, sustainable, and intelligent.
According to SiTime, today’s devices include one to two timing chips, resulting in a 40 billion-unit market.
However, as silicon-based timing applications develop and consumers and enterprises own more linked devices, this number could rise to 125 billion units by 2030.
The company is seeing strong growth thanks to its innovative products and commitment to quality.
In the most recent quarter, revenue was up $63 million from last quarter, and net earnings improved to $0.66 per share from a net loss of $0.4 same time last year.
Overall, SiTime is a strong company with a bright future, which could make it a good investment option in the silicon industry.
Should You Buy Silicon Stocks?
With the silicon industry growing at a rapid pace, it’s no wonder that silicon stocks are on the rise.
After the rollout of 5G and the market’s transition to EV (Electronic Vehicle) production, silicon is becoming an even more important material in the manufacturing world.
If you’re thinking of investing in this industry, there are a few things you should know.
First, it’s important to do your research and find a company with a solid track record and a promising future.
Second, remember that investing in any stocks comes with risks.
There is no guarantee that the stock prices will go up, and you could lose money if the stock value falls.
So make sure you’re comfortable with the potential risks before investing.
Finally, always consult with a financial advisor to get professional advice on which stocks are right for you.
With proper research and due diligence, silicon stocks can be a profitable and wise investment for those looking to capitalize on the industry’s growth.
Where to Buy Silicon Stocks?
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent online brokers that’ll let you pick up some shares of silicon stocks.
The most common are Robinhood and Webull.
Robinhood is a free app that allows you to buy and sell stocks without paying any fees. It’s perfect for people just starting out in the stock market.
This commission-free trading app offers various stocks and learning resources to help you get started.
Webull is another commission-free trading app that offers a wide variety of stocks.
Webull provides users with in-depth analyses of stocks and offers various learning resources.
Silicon Stocks: How to Choose
Use these tips when choosing the best silicon stocks to add to your portfolio:
Excellent Profit Margins
Semiconductor stocks likely aren’t going anywhere without profits. Turning a profit fuels future products, helps pay off debt, and keeps expenses at bay.
Of course, high profits and free cash flow are strong indicators that a company is doing well. Investors love seeing these kinds of numbers, as they often lead to share price growth.
Long-Term Growth Potential
A company may be all the rage right now, but many businesses have trouble keeping up with the long-term demand of the industry they’re a part of. This holds especially true for silicon stocks that need to constantly evolve to survive.
Just keeping up with what everyone else is doing won’t be enough. It’s too easy for the market to become saturated this way, leading to a company’s eventual decline and fall from grace.
Semiconductor companies need to continually innovate and launch new products to stay ahead of the competition. Where possible, finding new avenues for semiconductor use is also a win.
The fastest-moving firms are sometimes able to work in patents to protect new releases from would-be copycats. They’re only good for seven years, but that can offer a long runway to bigger and better things.
Strong Leadership Team
Many of the above factors wouldn’t be possible without a leadership team to back them up. After all, it takes a crew of forward-thinking individuals to grow in such a cutthroat industry.
It’s worth digging up information on a company’s executive suite to see which companies or projects they’ve been a part of in the past. Any big feathers in their cap can translate to success in the company they’re currently a part of.
Stellar Balance Sheet
Manufacturing microchips is a very expensive process and must take place in the most stringent of environments. It’s crucial to understand how these organizations plan to both pay for and upkeep these facilities while churning out products.
Profit is a big indicator, but it’s not the only one. Look into where these semiconductor stocks are investing and who is invested in them.
Very high debt levels should always be a red flag, even if a company has a plan to reduce it. Make sure there’s plenty of cash relative to that debt so there’s room to pay interest and make adjustments when unexpected events happen.
Best Silicon Stocks: Final Words
Silicon is an excellent investment because it is a key component in many industries.
From construction to automotive to healthcare, there are countless applications for silicon.
This means that there will always be a demand for the product, which could make it a more stable investment.
The silicon market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including rising demand from emerging markets and the increasing popularity of silicon-based products.
One of the best ways to invest in silicon is through companies with a strong foothold in the industry.
By investing in these businesses, you could benefit from their expertise and experience in the market.
Additionally, you will have exposure to the broader silicon market, which is sure to benefit your portfolio.
Silicon Stocks FAQs
Is it a Good Time to Buy Semiconductor Stocks?
Now could be a good time to buy semiconductor stocks. The industry benefits from the strong demand for chips used in cars and other connected devices. Additionally, the global chip market is projected to grow by about 10% this year. Projections aren’t promises, though, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
What Are Silicon Stocks?
Silicon stocks are shares of companies that make or sell silicon products, such as sealants, adhesives, and insulation. However, semiconductor companies that make silicon-based products for the electronics industry are also classified as silicon stocks.
What Is the Best Semiconductor Stock to Buy Right Now?
Currently, Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) is the biggest and most well-known semiconductor company in the world. It has a market cap of over $200 billion and produces processors, motherboards, graphics cards, and other components for PCs, data centers, and the Internet of Things.
The company is well-positioned for the future of computing, with a strong product lineup and a growing presence in fast-growing markets like 5G networking, artificial intelligence, and self-driving cars.
Is Silicon Laboratories a Buy?
While Silicon Laboratories is not on our list, we have seen buy ratings from Zacks. A buy rating doesn’t guarantee profits, so you’ll be buying at your own risk.
Is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing a Buy?
Unlike Silicon Laboratories, Zacks gives Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing a neutral rating. This means that you might want to hold the stock if you already own it. Nothing is stopping you from buying it, but you might want to check other buy ratings before you commit.