If any industry was on fire for the past few years it was the semiconductors, and with good reason. Semiconductor use in various products from gaming to automobiles to bitcoin mining has exploded. For one of the first time in recent memory, there is actually a shortage, which many in the industry believe will last until next year. The good news for aggressive growth investors eyeing the industry is the sideways trading since February could be ready to break out to the upside.
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In a series of Jefferies research reports, top-notch semiconductor analyst Mark Lipacis remains very positive on four industry leaders, especially with some original equipment manufacturers paying up to four times the normal average selling prices. In addition, he sees upside to gross margin estimates due to the very positive pricing environment.

Four top picks are rated Buy at Jefferies, and all make good sense for aggressive growth investors looking to add exposure to the sector. It is important to remember that no single analyst report should be used as a sole basis for any buying or selling decision.

Analog Devices

This stock could very well continue to benefit from the increase in information technology and 5G spending. Analog Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of analog, mixed-signal and digital signal-processing integrated circuits for use in industrial, automotive, consumer and communication markets worldwide.

The company offers signal-processing products that convert, condition and process real-world phenomena, such as temperature, pressure, sound, light, speed and motion, into electrical signals.

Analog Devices has among the best end-market exposure, with high communications and aerospace/defense market exposure, in addition to offering investors a powerful 5G content growth story. Plus, acquisitions over the past few years like Linear Technology and Hittite Microwave should provide revenue and additional cost synergies that are still coming.

Investors in Analog Devices stock receive a 1.67% dividend. The Jefferies price target for the shares is $188, and the Wall Street consensus price target is $183.35. Shares closed on Tuesday at $164.91 apiece.

Marvell Technology

This top company also is a favored mid-cap pick at Jefferies. Marvell Technology Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: MRVL) is a fabless supplier of mixed-signal and analog semiconductor products to a number of storage, computing and communication applications, including hard disk drives, personal computers, servers, Ethernet switches, printers and connectivity markets.

The company has a unique positioning in markets that could rebound fastest in the second half of the year and into 2022. Top analysts are expecting enterprise and global 5G infrastructure deployments. In addition, multiple product cycles across the cloud, 5G and autos, which collectively are 25% of sales, as well as design internet protocol across processors, storage and computing.

In addition, Marvell has the ability to monetize Arm server internet protocol and drive potential synergies from the company’s Inphi acquisition, which has been approved by Chinese regulators and should close in the second or third quarter.

Shareholders receive a 0.47% dividend. Jefferies has a $55 price target, while the consensus target is $56. Marvell Technology stock rose over 5% on Tuesday to close at $50.73.
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Microchip Technology

This company is a huge Internet of Things benefactor and the stock has been very strong recently. Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide.

The company acquired Microsemi in June of 2018, and most analysts believe that purchase and earlier acquisitions afford Microchip Technology ongoing mergers and acquisitions linked upside potential from cross-selling (to boost sales) and manufacturing synergies (to reduce costs).

Microchip’s sales, margins and earnings per share are somewhat more levered to the cyclical stabilization and recovery that is now upon us than many peers, owing to its relatively more vertically integrated manufacturing network, significant channel inventory reduction over the past seven quarters and elevated financial leverage.

The dividend yield is 1.08%. The $194 Jefferies price target is higher than the $176.43 consensus target. Microchip Technology stock closed at $152.61 on Tuesday.

Nvidia

This top chip company has reported strong earnings the past few years, and the stock was absolutely hammered last quarter but had rallied back smartly. Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) is one of the leaders when it comes to supplying graphics processing technology for the 3D graphics market, including desktop graphics processors and gaming consoles.

Nvidia is also moving into visual computing chips for cars, mobile devices and supercomputers. The company has been able to use its ability to leverage past investments, with a more controlled spending structure ahead on unified, which enables strong cash flow that is allowing a focus on capital return, which is currently estimated to be $1 billion next year.

The analyst feels that the company deserves a higher multiple, as Nvidia is on a roadmap to grow its per-share earnings by an impressive compounded annual growth rate of around 37% over the next five years. This is as it builds its ecosystem, starting with chips, switch fabrics, software and artificial intelligence computing systems. The analyst cites downside risks that include demand destruction due to a prolonged outbreak of COVID-19 virus, slower PC gaming growth and competition from competitors and new entrants to the deep learning market.

Investors receive just a 0.09% dividend. Jefferies has set a $740 price target. The consensus target is just $715.34. Nvidia stock closed at $698.28 a share.

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Of course, the increased demand and diminished product availability will be great for some chip companies, but it could put some intense pressure on the companies needing the semiconductors. Some have even indicated there could be factory closings as a result. Buying any of these four solid stocks could very well be a great short-term and long-term strategy for aggressive growth investors.

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