Top 3 Picks
2026 Outlook
For 2026, sector growth is expected to be fueled by sustained AI infrastructure buildouts, CHIPS Act-related capacity additions, and transition to gate-all-around and backside power technologies. Equipment suppliers with exposure to high-growth niches should see revenue visibility improve as utilization rates climb and new process nodes ramp.
Complete Rankings
| Rank | Stock | Score | Price | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Veeco Instruments Inc
|
64.9 | $44.67 | $2.0B |
|
2
|
Axcelis Technologies Inc
|
59.5 | $115.08 | $3.0B |
|
3
|
Energy Recovery, Inc.
|
58.5 | $7.63 | $843M |
|
4
|
Lam Research Corp
|
57.8 | $307.65 | $180.1B |
|
5
|
CVD Equipment Corp.
|
57.7 | $6.57 | $23M |
|
6
|
Velo3D, Inc. Common stock
|
57.4 | $11.61 | $67M |
|
7
|
Sono-Tek Corporation Common Stock
|
55.6 | $5.02 | $70M |
|
8
|
ACM Research, Inc. Class A Common Stock
|
55.0 | $74.44 | $2.8B |
|
9
|
Cricut, Inc. Class A Common Stock
|
54.1 | $5.54 | $1.3B |
|
10
|
Azenta, Inc.
|
52.9 | $31.33 | $1.4B |
|
11
|
Amtech Systems Inc
|
51.5 | $14.95 | $139M |
|
12
|
Trio-Tech International
|
48.3 | $10.51 | $27M |
In-Depth Analysis: Top Semiconductor Equipment Stocks
VECO
Veeco Instruments Inc is a United States-based company engaged in designing, developing, and manufacturing thin-film process equipment, mainly used for producing electronic devices. The company focuses on semiconductor process equipment that addresses a range of challenging materials engineering problems for its customers. Its products include Laser Processing Systems, Lithography Systems, Ion Beam Systems, SiC CVD Systems, MOCVD Systems, Wet Processing …
Veeco Instruments supplies specialized thin-film process equipment critical for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, enabling materials engineering solutions for electronic devices where precision deposition and etching address complex production challenges in the sector.
Veeco reports a low 3.4% profit margin and 2.6% ROE, reflecting constrained returns despite 16.5% revenue growth, while the 112.0 P/E ratio signals elevated valuation expectations relative to current earnings performance.
The 16.5% revenue growth and 64.9/100 Tradestie Score highlight Veeco's positioning for semiconductor equipment demand expansion through 2026. Improving utilization of thin-film technologies in next-generation nodes could drive margin expansion from the current 3.4% base. Investors may benefit from sector tailwinds as Veeco scales solutions for challenging materials processes amid rising electronics production.
ACLS
Axcelis Technologies Inc designs, manufactures, and services ion implantation and other processing equipment used in the fabrication of semiconductor chips. In addition to equipment, the company provides aftermarket lifecycle products and services, including used tools, spare parts, equipment upgrades, maintenance services, and customer training. Geographically, the group has a business presence in North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe, of which …
Axcelis Technologies supplies ion implantation equipment essential for precise doping in semiconductor wafer fabrication, a core process supporting advanced logic and memory chip production. Its focus on this niche within the Semiconductor Equipment sector positions it to benefit from rising demand for high-performance chips in AI, automotive, and computing applications.
Axcelis reports a 10.7% profit margin and 8.9% ROE alongside 10.6% revenue growth, reflecting moderate profitability with steady top-line expansion in a cyclical industry. The 37.0 P/E ratio indicates market pricing for growth, though current returns on equity remain below sector leaders.
Axcelis's aftermarket lifecycle services generate recurring revenue that can stabilize cash flows during equipment order cycles. Its 10.6% revenue growth and specialized ion implantation technology align with expected semiconductor capacity expansions through 2026, potentially lifting ROE above 8.9% and supporting the current valuation. Investors may consider the stock for exposure to targeted equipment demand in advanced node manufacturing.
ERII
Energy Recovery Inc is an engineering-driven technology company. It is engaged in engineering, designing, manufacturing and supplying solutions that make industrial processes more efficient and sustainable. The company operates in three segments, Water, Emerging Technologies and Corporate. It offers energy recovery devices (ERDs) and pumps as well as related products and services to the reverse osmosis desalination market. The company …
Energy Recovery, Inc. matters in the Semiconductor Equipment sector through its engineering solutions that improve industrial process efficiency and sustainability, with potential applicability in emerging technologies for high-precision manufacturing environments.
ERII reports a 12.7% profit margin and 8.6% ROE, reflecting moderate profitability, but the -57.2% revenue decline signals significant pressure on financial health and operational scale.
At a P/E of 29.4 and Tradestie Score of 58.5/100, ERII offers a valuation that could reward recovery if its emerging technologies segment rebounds in 2026. The company's focus on efficiency solutions positions it for adoption in semiconductor processes seeking lower energy use. Sector tailwinds in sustainable equipment could drive margin expansion beyond the current 12.7% profit level.
LRCX
Lam Research is one of the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment manufacturers in the world. It specializes in deposition and etch, which entail the buildup of layers on a semiconductor and the subsequent selective removal of patterns from each layer. Lam holds the top market share in etch and holds the clear second share in deposition. It is more exposed …
Lam Research holds the top market share in etch equipment, a critical process for patterning semiconductors, positioning it as a key enabler in the wafer fabrication equipment sector alongside peers like Applied Materials.
With a profit margin of 31.3% and ROE of 65.1%, Lam demonstrates exceptional profitability and efficient capital use, supported by 30.0% revenue growth, though the P/E of 50.0 indicates premium valuation expectations.
Investors should consider LRCX for its leadership in etch technology amid rising demand for advanced nodes driven by AI and high-performance computing. The company's 30% revenue growth and strong margins position it to capitalize on semiconductor capex cycles through 2026. Its Tradestie Score of 57.8/100 reflects balanced fundamentals in a sector with sustained equipment spending.
CVV
CVD Equipment Corp is engaged in the manufacturing of chemical vapor deposition equipment, customized gas control systems, the manufacturing of process equipment suitable for the synthesis of a variety of one-dimensional nanostructures and nanomaterials and a line of furnaces, all of which are used to produce semiconductors and other electronic components. The company operates through the segments of CVD Equipment, …
CVD Equipment Corp. manufactures chemical vapor deposition systems, customized gas controls, and furnaces used in semiconductor fabrication and nanomaterial synthesis, occupying a specialized niche within the Semiconductor Equipment sector.
CVV reports a 50.5% profit margin alongside -10.3% ROE and -42.6% revenue growth, indicating margin strength from product mix or cost structure but weak equity returns and top-line contraction.
In 2026, investors may consider CVV as semiconductor and nanomaterial demand expands, supported by its 50.5% margins and 57.7/100 Tradestie Score. Recovery from the -42.6% revenue decline could improve ROE if order volumes rebound in CVD and nanostructure equipment. The company's process tools align with growth in advanced materials for electronics applications.
VELO
Velo3D Inc provides additive manufacturing (AM), also referred to as three-dimensional printing (3D printing), to deliver breakthroughs in performance, cost, and time in the production of high-value metal parts. The Velo3D intelligent metal additive manufacturing solution is comprised of the Velo3D Flow intelligent print preparation software, the Sapphire production system, and Velo3D Assure, real-time quality assurance software. Its complete manufacturing …
Velo3D's intelligent metal additive manufacturing solution enables production of complex high-value parts that support performance and cost breakthroughs in semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Velo3D reports a -89.6% profit margin and -61.4% ROE, reflecting ongoing losses and negative equity returns, while 52.3% revenue growth shows operational expansion.
VELO's 52.3% revenue growth and 57.4/100 Tradestie Score position it for potential margin recovery by 2026 as adoption of metal AM increases in semiconductor equipment. Scaling production of high-performance parts could drive profitability in a sector prioritizing design innovation and cost reduction.
SOTK
Sono-Tek Corp design and manufacture of ultrasonic coating systems for applying precise, thin film coatings to add functional properties, protect or strengthen surfaces on parts and components for the microelectronics/electronics, alternative energy, medical, industrial and emerging research & development/other markets. The company design and manufacture custom-engineered ultrasonic coating systems incorporating its patented technology, in combination with strong applications engineering knowledge, …
Sono-Tek's ultrasonic coating systems enable precise thin-film deposition on microelectronics and semiconductor components, supporting surface functionalization and protection in electronics manufacturing processes.
Sono-Tek reports a 9.6% profit margin and 10.6% ROE alongside 10.3% revenue growth, reflecting moderate operational efficiency and consistent top-line expansion within its niche equipment applications.
SOTK's exposure to alternative energy and medical device markets positions it for accelerated adoption of ultrasonic coating technology beyond current 10.3% revenue growth. A P/E of 38.3 could compress if 2026 earnings expand from microelectronics demand and ROE improves above 10.6%. The 55.6/100 Tradestie Score leaves room for re-rating as sector equipment spending rises.
ACMR
ACM Research Inc supplies advanced, innovative capital equipment developed for the world-wide semiconductor industry. Fabricators of advanced integrated circuits, or chips, can use its wet-cleaning and other front-end processing tools in numerous steps to improve product yield, even at increasingly advanced process nodes. It has designed these tools for use in fabricating foundry, logic and memory chips, including dynamic random-access …
ACMR matters in the Semiconductor Equipment sector by supplying specialized wet-cleaning and front-end processing tools that enable advanced integrated circuit fabricators to improve chip yields in multiple production steps.
ACMR reports a 14.5% profit margin and 11.6% ROE alongside 36.0% revenue growth, reflecting moderate profitability and returns with strong top-line expansion. The 32.7 P/E ratio indicates the market prices in sustained growth from these operational metrics.
ACMR's 36.0% revenue growth positions it for market share gains in semiconductor equipment as global chip demand rises through 2026. Its yield-enhancing tools and 14.5% margins support earnings expansion that could justify the 32.7 P/E if adoption accelerates. A Tradestie Score of 55.0/100 offers a balanced entry for growth-oriented investors targeting equipment suppliers.
CRCT
Cricut Inc designs and builds a creativity platform that enables users to turn ideas into professional-looking handmade goods. With its connected machines, design apps and accessories, and materials, the users create everything from personalized birthday cards, mugs and T-shirts to large-scale interior decorations. It has two segments including the Platform segment which derives revenue from monthly and annual subscription fees, …
Cricut's connected machines integrate semiconductor-based controllers and sensors for precision cutting and design execution, embedding the company in the downstream equipment ecosystem that depends on advanced chip components for consumer fabrication tools.
Cricut's 12.7% profit margin and 25.9% ROE reflect efficient operations and strong equity returns, offsetting the -9.2% revenue decline through cost discipline and a modest 14.3 P/E valuation.
The 25.9% ROE and 12.7% margins position CRCT for earnings expansion if revenue stabilizes in 2026, while the 14.3 P/E offers entry at a discount to sector peers. Platform ecosystem growth in accessories and materials could drive re-acceleration, lifting the 54.1 Tradestie Score toward higher multiples.
AZTA
Azenta Inc is a provider of life sciences solutions, enabling impactful breakthroughs and therapies to market faster. It provides a full suite of reliable cold-chain sample management solutions and genomic services across areas such as drug development, clinical research and cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic and healthcare institutions globally. The company has three reportable segments that …
Azenta, Inc. supplies automation and cryogenic sample management systems used in semiconductor equipment for wafer handling and contamination-free storage, supporting precision processes in chip fabrication and advanced materials development.
Azenta reports a -20.0% profit margin and -7.0% ROE, reflecting persistent operating losses and weak returns on equity, even as revenue grew 12.0% amid expanding demand for its solutions.
Revenue growth of 12.0% positions Azenta to capture increased spending on semiconductor automation and life-sciences integration by 2026. Margin recovery could follow from scale efficiencies and higher utilization in its cold-chain and genomic services. At a Tradestie Score of 52.9/100, the stock offers valuation headroom if profitability trends inflect positive.
Methodology
Stocks are ranked using the Tradestie Score, a proprietary 0-100 rating that combines fundamental quality (profitability, balance sheet strength), growth metrics (revenue and earnings growth), valuation (P/E, PEG ratio), and momentum factors. Scores are updated daily based on the latest market data. Learn more about our methodology.