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MU vs. FORM: Which Semiconductor Stock Has More Potential Right Now?
ZACKSยท 2025-08-12 15:01
Core Insights - Micron Technology and FormFactor are key players in the semiconductor ecosystem, with Micron focusing on memory and storage solutions, while FormFactor specializes in advanced test and measurement technologies essential for chip manufacturing [1][2] Micron Technology - Micron is positioned for long-term growth due to its involvement in AI, high-performance data centers, autonomous vehicles, and industrial IoT, leading to increased demand for advanced memory solutions like DRAM and NAND [3] - The company has diversified its revenue base by shifting focus from consumer electronics to more stable sectors such as automotive and enterprise IT, resulting in a 37% increase in revenues and a 208% rise in non-GAAP EPS year-over-year for Q3 2025 [4] - Micron's HBM3E products are gaining traction due to their energy efficiency and bandwidth, making them suitable for AI workloads [5] - The partnership with NVIDIA as a core HBM supplier for its GeForce RTX 50 GPUs highlights Micron's integration in the AI supply chain, along with plans for a new HBM advanced packaging facility in Singapore set to launch in 2026 [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts revenue growth of 45.7% for fiscal 2025 and 32% for fiscal 2026, with EPS expected to improve by 497.7% in fiscal 2025 and 57.9% in fiscal 2026 [7] FormFactor - FormFactor is benefiting from the growing demand for advanced packaging, which enhances product performance, power, and density, particularly in the HBM market [8] - The Advanced Probe Card market is projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2028, driven by innovations in products like SmartMatrix and Kepler, which cater to advanced technologies such as 5G [9] - In Q2 2025, FormFactor reported a sequential increase in revenues and EPS of 14.3% and 17.4%, respectively, driven by demand for DRAM probe cards, especially HBM products [10][11] - Despite these gains, FormFactor faces profitability challenges, with a non-GAAP gross margin decline to 38.5% due to a lower-margin DRAM mix and higher operational costs [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates modest revenue growth of 0.5% for 2025 and 8% for 2026, with EPS expected to decline by 7.8% in 2025 but increase by 29.1% in 2026 [13] Valuation and Stock Performance - Micron trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 2.9, while FormFactor trades at 2.7, reflecting Micron's stronger growth and profitability [14] - Year-to-date, Micron shares have increased by 47%, whereas FormFactor shares have decreased by 35.8% [16] Conclusion - Micron holds a strategic advantage with stronger near-term growth and higher profitability, driven by its leadership in DRAM, NAND, and HBM, alongside significant investments in fabrication and packaging capabilities [18]