Semiconductor Stocks Returns
Track 21 chip stocks across AI processors, memory, equipment, and wireless semiconductors
Segment Performance (5Y Average)
AI Chip Leaders
3 stocks
| Company | Ticker | 1Y Return | 5Y Return | $1K → ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA Corporation | NVDA | +1.1% | +787.3% | $8,872 |
| Broadcom Inc. | AVGO | -12.7% | +582.3% | $6,823 |
| Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | AMD | +98.1% | +312.6% | $4,126 |
Memory & Storage
3 stocks
| Company | Ticker | 1Y Return | 5Y Return | $1K → ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micron Technology, Inc. | MU | +295.4% | +1217.9% | $13,179 |
| Western Digital Corporation | WDC | +165.5% | +756.5% | $8,565 |
| Seagate Technology Holdings | STX | +141.6% | +733.1% | $8,331 |
Chip Equipment
4 stocks
| Company | Ticker | 1Y Return | 5Y Return | $1K → ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KLA Corporation | KLAC | +30.7% | +383.0% | $4,830 |
| Lam Research Corporation | LRCX | +49.2% | +355.7% | $4,557 |
| Applied Materials, Inc. | AMAT | +68.7% | +199.5% | $2,995 |
| Teradyne, Inc. | TER | +55.4% | +138.4% | $2,385 |
Analog & Mixed Signal
5 stocks
| Company | Ticker | 1Y Return | 5Y Return | $1K → ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analog Devices, Inc. | ADI | +81.3% | +151.2% | $2,512 |
| Monolithic Power Systems, In | MPWR | +12.2% | +140.4% | $2,404 |
| Texas Instruments Incorporat | TXN | +93.2% | +74.0% | $1,740 |
| ON Semiconductor Corporation | ON | +40.9% | +55.1% | $1,551 |
| Microchip Technology Incorpo | MCHP | +27.9% | +13.8% | $1,138 |
Mobile & Wireless
5 stocks
| Company | Ticker | 1Y Return | 5Y Return | $1K → ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvell Technology, Inc. | MRVL | +122.1% | +195.5% | $2,955 |
| NXP Semiconductors N.V. | NXPI | +28.0% | +42.1% | $1,421 |
| QUALCOMM Incorporated | QCOM | -5.1% | +39.3% | $1,393 |
| Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | SWKS | +14.2% | -39.0% | $611 |
| Qorvo, Inc. | QRVO | +9.7% | -57.3% | $427 |
Legacy Processors
1 stocks
| Company | Ticker | 1Y Return | 5Y Return | $1K → ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Corporation | INTC | +63.8% | +44.5% | $1,445 |
All Semiconductor Stocks (5Y Returns)
Understanding the Chip Sector
AI has reshaped the semiconductor hierarchy. NVIDIA's dominance in AI training chips has made it the most valuable chip company. AMD competes in both AI and traditional CPUs. Broadcom benefits from custom AI chips and networking.
Equipment makers are the picks-and-shovels play. LRCX, AMAT, KLAC, and TER sell to all chip manufacturers regardless of who wins the AI race. They benefit from the industry's massive capital expenditure cycle.
Memory is cyclical but essential. Micron leads in memory chips critical for AI workloads. The segment experiences boom-bust cycles based on supply/demand dynamics.
Intel's fall from grace. Once dominant, Intel lost its manufacturing edge and market share to AMD and NVIDIA. Its turnaround depends on successfully rebuilding fab technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best semiconductor stocks?
The best performing semiconductor stock over 5 years is MU with a return of +1217.9%, turning $1,000 into $13,179. AI chip designers have dramatically outperformed other semiconductor segments, with an average 5-year return well above the sector average of +291.7%.
Is NVIDIA or AMD a better investment?
NVIDIA dominates AI training chips with 80%+ market share, while AMD competes in both AI accelerators and traditional CPUs/GPUs. NVIDIA has delivered stronger returns driven by AI demand, but AMD offers a lower entry point and is gaining AI market share. Both benefit from the AI buildout, but NVIDIA commands a premium for its market leadership.
How has the chip shortage affected semiconductor stocks?
The post-COVID chip shortage drove semiconductor stocks higher as demand exceeded supply. While the acute shortage has eased for most chip types, AI chip demand remains far above supply. Memory chips (MU, WDC) are cyclical and have recovered from their 2022-2023 downturn as AI drives new demand for HBM memory.
What are the best semiconductor ETFs?
The top semiconductor ETFs are SMH (VanEck Semiconductor, heavy NVDA weight), SOXX (iShares Semiconductor), and XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor). SMH is the most popular with strong NVIDIA exposure. SOXX offers broader diversification. Both have dramatically outperformed the S&P 500 over 5 years.
Why did Intel stock fall so much?
Intel (INTC) has been the worst performer among major chip stocks with a 5-year return of N/A. Intel lost its manufacturing edge to TSMC, ceded CPU market share to AMD, and missed the AI chip revolution that propelled NVIDIA. Its turnaround depends on rebuilding its foundry technology.