Core Insights - Marvell Technology (MRVL) and Lumentum Holdings (LITE) are key players in the AI connectivity sector, providing essential semiconductor solutions for data centers and high-performance computing infrastructure [1][3]. Marvell Technology (MRVL) - Marvell Technology's product offerings include Active Copper Cable Linear Equalizers, Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Active Electrical Cables (AEC), interconnects, ethernet switches, and co-packaged optics [2]. - The company is developing scale-up switches to connect AI accelerators, which require multi-terabit bandwidth and ultra-low latency to support the growing AI market [4]. - MRVL anticipates data center switch revenues to surpass $300 million in fiscal 2026 and $500 million in fiscal 2027 [5]. - Recent acquisitions of XConn Technologies and Celestial AI aim to enhance MRVL's connectivity portfolio, adding PCIe and CXL switching solutions and advanced photonic interconnect technology [6]. - As of November 1, 2025, MRVL has cash and cash equivalents of $2.71 billion and long-term debt of $3.97 billion, raising concerns about its leveraged balance sheet [7]. - In Q3 fiscal 2026, enterprise networking revenues increased by 57% year-over-year to $237 million, while carrier infrastructure revenues grew by 98% to $168 million [8]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects MRVL's 2026 revenues and earnings to grow by 42% and 81% year-over-year, respectively [8]. Lumentum Holdings (LITE) - Lumentum specializes in optical components for data centers and high-speed networks, facilitating rapid data transfer between servers and racks [10]. - In Q1 fiscal 2026, Lumentum reported revenues of approximately $533.8 million, a 58% increase from the previous year, with over 60% of revenues from cloud and AI customers [11]. - The company has seen improved gross and operating margins, with non-GAAP gross margin rising by 660 basis points and operating margin expanding by 1,570 basis points year-over-year [12]. - Management anticipates steady growth as 800G products ramp up and prepares for future 1.6T products, with Zacks Consensus Estimates indicating a 56% increase in total revenues and a 175% increase in earnings for fiscal 2026 [13]. - LITE shares have surged by 266.2% over the past year, contrasting with MRVL's decline of 35.5% [14]. Valuation and Performance Comparison - LITE is currently trading at a forward sales multiple of 8.38X, significantly above its median of 3.39X, while MRVL's forward sales multiple is at 6.79X, below its median of 7.28X [17]. - The overall assessment indicates that Lumentum presents a stronger investment case compared to Marvell Technology, primarily due to lower balance-sheet risks and more direct exposure to AI connectivity [20].