SNPS vs. MRVL: Which Stock Has an Edge in the Interconnect Market?

Core Insights - Synopsys (SNPS) and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are key players in the AI Cluster and Data Center interconnect market, with the market projected to grow from $15.38 billion in 2025 to $25.89 billion in 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 11% [1][2]. Synopsys (SNPS) Overview - Synopsys is actively capturing the AI cluster interconnect market through product launches such as Ultra Accelerator Link and Ultra Ethernet IP solutions, with UALink offering a throughput of 200 Gbps per lane [3][4]. - The Ultra Ethernet IP is designed to help customers build AI scale-out networks, maximizing bandwidth at data rates up to 1.6 terabytes per second [4][5]. - Despite its strong product offerings, SNPS faces competitive pressure from companies like Broadcom and Marvell Technology, which can vertically integrate their chips and networks [6]. - SNPS' Design IP business experienced an 8% year-over-year decline, impacting both revenue and earnings, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 earnings at $12.8 billion, a decline of 2.8% year-over-year [6][7]. Marvell Technology (MRVL) Overview - Marvell Technology is well-established in the data center connectivity market, with products like Active Copper Cable Linear Equalizers and COLORZ 800G ZR/ZR+ for Multi-Site AI Training, which supports scalable transmission up to 2,000 km [9][11]. - The enterprise networking segment saw a 28% year-over-year revenue increase to $194 million, while carrier infrastructure grew 71% to $130 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 [12]. - MRVL expects third-quarter revenues to be around $2.06 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 35.9%, with fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings expected to grow by 78.3% and 19.2%, respectively [13]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, Marvell Technology shares have decreased by 25.1%, while Synopsys stock has lost 6% [14]. - MRVL is trading at a forward sales multiple of 7.88X, above its median of 7.40X, while SNPS' forward sales multiple is at 8.76X, below its median of 11.04X [16]. Conclusion - While both companies are positioned to benefit from the data center interconnect market, SNPS faces challenges such as a decline in its Design IP business and increased competition, making MRVL a more attractive investment option at present [17][18].