Marvell Stock Plunges As Wall Street Warns Of Limited Near-Term Growth Prospects

Core Viewpoint - Marvell Technology's strong second-quarter results were overshadowed by disappointing third-quarter guidance, leading to a decline in stock price and adjustments in price forecasts by analysts [1][5]. Financial Performance - Marvell reported adjusted earnings of 67 cents per share, slightly exceeding Wall Street's forecast of 66 cents, with revenue at $2.006 billion, just below the consensus estimate of $2.009 billion [2]. - The company achieved a record revenue of $2.006 billion in the second quarter, marking a 58% year-over-year increase, with expectations for continued growth into the third quarter [3]. Market Demand and Growth Drivers - The growth was driven by strong demand for AI-focused products, including custom silicon and electro-optics, alongside a recovery in enterprise networking and carrier infrastructure markets [4]. - For the third quarter, Marvell anticipates revenue between $1.957 billion and $2.163 billion, with adjusted EPS projected between 69 cents and 79 cents [5]. Analyst Reactions - Analysts have responded to the guidance by trimming price forecasts, citing both near-term challenges and long-term opportunities [5]. - Rosenblatt Securities described the results as mixed, noting adjustments in data center ASIC shipments that contributed to a slight revenue shortfall, while maintaining a Buy rating due to a strong pipeline of upcoming ASICs [6][7]. - JP Morgan noted that the July-quarter results were in line with expectations, highlighting strong consumer demand offsetting weaker data center and carrier sales [8]. Future Outlook - Analysts expect flat data center revenue, with growth in optical networking offset by uneven custom ASIC shipments, which are projected to reaccelerate in 2026 [9]. - J.P. Morgan reiterated an Overweight rating while adjusting its price forecast to $120 from $130, citing strong long-term drivers despite near-term lumpiness [10]. - Goldman Sachs maintained a Neutral rating, cutting its price forecast to $72 from $75, reflecting slower growth assumptions and ongoing content loss at Amazon [11][12].