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MRVL vs. ALAB: Which AI-Connectivity Stock is a Better Buy?
ZACKSยท2025-08-13 16:41

Core Insights - Marvell Technology (MRVL) and Astera Labs (ALAB) are key players in the semiconductor industry, focusing on networking products and AI connectivity [1][2] - The ongoing AI boom is expected to drive growth in the semiconductor sector, raising questions about which stock presents a better investment opportunity [2] Marvell Technology (MRVL) - Marvell Technology is experiencing growth due to the increasing demand for custom silicon in AI workloads, particularly from AI-data centers and hyperscalers [3][6] - The company's advanced optical interconnects, such as the 1.6T PAM DSP, enhance data center performance while reducing power consumption, crucial for scaling AI infrastructure [4][6] - In its first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings, Marvell reported significant traction in its electro-optics products for AI and cloud computing, with new co-packaged optics solutions offering improved interconnect densities and networking architecture [5][6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Marvell's 2026 revenues is $8.2 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 42.6%, with earnings estimated at $2.79 per share, indicating a 77.7% increase [7][8] Astera Labs (ALAB) - Astera Labs has positioned itself as a leader in next-generation data center connectivity, benefiting from the industry's shift towards open standards-based AI platforms [11][12] - The company has seen a 45.3% increase in its stock price year-to-date, contrasting with a 29.5% decline in MRVL shares [10][16] - Astera Labs is heavily investing in R&D, with a 66.4% year-over-year increase to $66.7 million, while maintaining bottom-line growth [13][14] - The consensus estimate for ALAB's 2025 earnings is $1.58 per share, suggesting an 88.5% year-over-year increase [14][15] Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, MRVL shares have decreased by 29.5%, while ALAB shares have increased by 45% [16] - MRVL is trading at a forward sales multiple of 7.44X, below its three-year median of 9.39X, whereas ALAB's forward sales multiple is 35.56X, above its one-year median of 19.77X [17] Conclusion - Both companies are benefiting from the AI proliferation, but ALAB shows stronger potential due to its focus on AI connectivity and strategic partnerships [18] - ALAB holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a stronger investment case compared to MRVL, which has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [19]