SKYT vs. MRVL: Which Semiconductor Stock is the Better Investment?

Core Insights - SkyWater Technology (SKYT) and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are significant players in the semiconductor industry, with SKYT focusing on specialty foundry services and MRVL on custom silicon solutions for data centers and AI infrastructure [1][2] Summary of SKYT - SkyWater Technology has been enhancing its business through new product development and strong execution, particularly in the Wafer Services segment, which has seen increased customer interest in thermal imaging and diagnostics [3][5] - The company is transitioning from legacy programs to new technology platforms, with the ThermaView platform contributing to business growth and the planned acquisition of Fab 25 in Austin expected to increase capacity and support sectors like electric vehicles and medical devices [4][6] - In Q1 2025, SkyWater reported revenues of $61.3 million, a 13% year-over-year increase, with a gross margin of 24.2% and over $4 million in adjusted EBITDA [5] - Advanced computing, primarily from quantum projects, now constitutes 10% of total revenues, with partnerships aiding expansion in this area [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SKYT's 2025 loss is 1 cent per share, with revenues projected at $307.15 million, indicating a 10.26% year-over-year decline [7] Summary of MRVL - Marvell Technology is experiencing strong momentum in its data center business, driven by rising demand for AI applications and innovations in custom silicon programs [8][11] - The company has seen recovery in traditional segments, although automotive and industrial revenues declined by 12% sequentially, and consumer revenues dropped by 29% sequentially in fiscal Q1 2026 [10] - In fiscal Q1, Marvell reported revenues of $1.90 billion, a 63% year-over-year increase, with the data center segment contributing 76% of total revenues and a non-GAAP gross margin of 59.8% [11] - The custom silicon business is growing rapidly, particularly in AI, but operates at lower gross margins, which may impact overall profitability [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MRVL's fiscal 2026 earnings is $2.79 per share, with revenues expected to reach $8.21 billion, reflecting a 42.43% year-over-year growth [13] Price Performance and Valuation - In the past month, MRVL shares increased by 7.4%, while SKYT shares decreased by 5.8%, suggesting potential upside for SKYT [14] - MRVL's forward 12-month P/S ratio is 6.61X, significantly higher than SKYT's 1.17X, indicating that SkyWater is relatively undervalued [17] - SKYT's Value Score of B suggests it is an attractive option for value investors, compared to MRVL's Value Score of D [17] Investment Outlook - SkyWater presents a stronger investment case for 2025, driven by new product adoption, expanding quantum partnerships, and the upcoming Fab 25 acquisition [19] - While Marvell benefits from AI-driven growth, its lower-margin custom silicon and segment softness may hinder profitability, making SkyWater a more compelling choice for long-term investors focused on value [20]