Chip shortages lead companies to buy more equipment to boost production, says Jim Cramer

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor capital equipment sector presents a safer investment opportunity compared to data storage stocks, which have seen significant price increases recently. Group 1: Data Storage Stocks - Major players in the data storage sector, including Micron, Western Digital, Seagate, and SanDisk, have reported substantial gains, with SanDisk more than doubling in value since the beginning of the year [1][2]. - Despite a severe shortage of memory products due to data center expansions, the volatility of commodity chip makers makes them risky investments [2][3]. - Potential disruptions from competitors or changes in investment strategies by hyperscalers could negatively impact these stocks [3]. Group 2: Semiconductor Capital Equipment - The semiconductor capital equipment companies, such as ASML, Applied Materials, KLA, and Lam Research, have also seen significant gains, ranging from 29% to 39% since January [5][6]. - These companies are expected to benefit from increased orders as manufacturers ramp up production to address chip shortages [5][6]. - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plans to invest between $52 billion and $56 billion in capital expenditures for 2023, a 27% to 37% increase from the previous year, indicating strong demand for semiconductor production [7][8]. Group 3: Future Outlook - TSMC does not anticipate a balance between supply and demand until 2028 or 2029, suggesting sustained high capital expenditures, which is favorable for capital equipment makers [8]. - The demand for AI semiconductors is driving investments in advanced manufacturing equipment, benefiting companies like ASML [9]. - Micron is also investing heavily in new production facilities, which will create consistent orders for capital equipment suppliers [11][12]. Group 4: Market Reactions and Predictions - Intel's recent poor guidance, despite solid quarterly results, highlights the challenges in meeting chip demand, which could lead to increased business for capital equipment makers [13][14]. - Upcoming earnings reports from major semiconductor capital equipment companies are highly anticipated, with expectations for strong performance, although the high stock prices may lead to volatility [15][16]. - Analysts suggest that if stocks like Lam Research experience a pullback, it could present a buying opportunity for long-term investors [18][19].