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Is ADI Stock Still Worth Holding Despite Falling 8% in a Month?

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Analog Devices (ADI - Free Report) , an original equipment manufacturer of analog, mixed signal and digital signal processing semiconductor microchips, has lost 8.5% in the past month, underperforming the Zacks Computer and Technology sector, Zacks Semiconductor - Analog and Mixed industry and the S&P 500 index’s decline of 2.7%, 7% and 2.4%, respectively.

ADI One-Month Price Performance Chart

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ADI’s stock declined as investors grew wary of the U.S. government's recent policies against China, fearing potential negative impacts on ADI’s business. Analog Devices is highly exposed to the Chinese market, which accounted for approximately 22% of ADI’s 2024 top line.

The latest tariff policy with a 25% additional tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and a 10% additional tariff on imports from China has also raised investors’ concern. The proposed tariff of 25% on semiconductor products has further weakened investors’ confidence in the future of semiconductor companies, including ADI.

ADI Grapples With Competitive Headwinds

Analog Devices competes with Texas Instruments (TXN - Free Report) , Microchip Technologies (MCHP - Free Report) and NXP Semiconductors (NXPI - Free Report) across analog, mixed and digital signal processing semiconductor products.

Analog Devices faces direct competition from Texas Instruments in the high-performance analog semiconductor space. In 2024, Texas Instruments generated $12.2 billion in revenues from the analog semiconductor segment, significantly surpassing Analog Devices' total revenues of $9.43 billion. This highlights Texas Instruments' dominant position in the global analog semiconductor market.

Like ADI, Microchip Technologies also offer analog, mixed-signal and analog-to-digital converters including MCP3564R, MCP3913 and MCP47CMB22 models. ADI also competes with NXP Semiconductors for its mixed signal semiconductor solutions across automotive, industrial, and Internet of Things applications market.

NXP Semiconductors also competes with ADI in Analog Front-End Devices and Power Management ICs. NXP offers interface products facilitating communication between different system components, including inter-integrated circuit digital temperature sensors. ADI's interface solutions encompass products like CAN transceivers and digital isolators, serving comparable functions.

Furthermore, Texas Instruments and Microchip Technologies recently secured a $1.6 billion and $160 million grant from the U.S. government's CHIPS Act, respectively, aimed at strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing. In contrast, Analog Devices did not receive a similar grant, potentially giving Texas Instruments and Microchip Technologies a competitive edge in expanding their production capacity, advancing technology and reducing reliance on external supply chains.

Despite these competitive and regulatory headwinds, ADI’s segments are on a path to recovery.

ADI Benefits From Recovery Across Its Segments

ADI’s industrial segment, which is also the largest contributor to its top line, is showing signs of recovery from its cyclical downturn. New trends, including the industry’s shift toward decentralized intelligence and modular manufacturing, are driving the demand for ADI’s software-defined connectivity solutions.

Furthermore, there's increasing traction in ADI’s high-density and low-power software-configurable input/output products due to the rising demand from major automation suppliers. ADI’s consumer segment is driven by the rapid growth of the electronics wearables market, which is boosting demand for high-performance sensors and signal chains used in consumer wearables.

Due to the proliferation of AI-based data centers, ADI is experiencing strong traction for its high-precision electro-optical controllers used for high-speed networking. Furthermore, the rise of AI infrastructure build-outs is fueling demand for ADI’s high-voltage power protection systems, driving its communications segment.

These factors are driving ADI’s top-line growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Analog Devices’ fiscal 2025 revenues is pegged at $10.27 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 8.97%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ADI’s fiscal 2025 earnings is pegged at $7.11, suggesting year-over-year growth of 11.4%.

Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Conclusion: Hold ADI for Now

Although ADI faces challenges from U.S. government policies, a recovery in key end markets driven by strong demand for its innovative products makes this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock worth retaining. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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