10 Biggest Semiconductor Companies in the World [2024]

Summary: The semiconductor industry is a cornerstone of the global technology sector, which is witnessing unprecedented growth driven by increasing demand for advanced electronics and artificial intelligence (AI). According to some reports, the global semiconductor market is projected to reach almost $1 trillion by 2030. In this guide, we explore the 10 biggest semiconductor companies in the world to consider investing on platforms like eToro.

What are semiconductor companies?

Semiconductor companies design, manufacture, and distribute semiconductor chips used in a wide array of electronic products, most notably graphics processing units (GPUs). These and similar devices include, among other things, integrated circuits, microprocessors, all sorts of memory chips, and sensors, all of which are essential for powering tools ranging from smartphones and computers to cars and industrial machinery.

The industry encompasses a variety of companies, including those that design chips, those that manufacture them, and integrated device manufacturers that do both. Semiconductors are crucial for advancements in AI, 5G, autonomous vehicles or electric vehicles (EV), and more, meaning semiconductor companies are pivotal in driving innovation across multiple sectors.

In this guide, we focus on large companies that lead semiconductor production and innovation, based primarily on their market capitalization at the time of writing (May 2024).

What is the current state of the semiconductor industry?

The semiconductor industry is experiencing robust growth and significant investment, driven by a surge in demand for electronic devices, quantum computing, and advanced automotive technologies. 

Key growth areas include:

• AI and machine Learning: Semiconductors are fundamental in processing the complex algorithms used in AI;
• 5G technology: Global 5G networks are driving demand for advanced semiconductors;
• Automotive: The push towards electric and autonomous vehicles means more need for sophisticated semiconductor components;
• Internet of Things (IoT): The proliferation of IoT devices across various sectors is boosting semiconductor usage.

Despite facing challenges like supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, the semiconductor industry remains a dynamic and essential part of the global economy.

Where to buy semiconductor stocks?

Semiconductor stocks are available on numerous online trading platforms. Our go-to brokerage is eToro, a major brokerage with millions of active users and features such as:

• Commission-free stock trading;
• Access to over 2,000 stocks from 17 different exchanges;
• Charting tools;
• The option to purchase fractional shares.

10 biggest semiconductor companies in the world

The 10 biggest semiconductor companies in the world are:

1. NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA);
2. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) (NYSE: TSM);
3. Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO);
4. Samsung (KRX: 005930);
5. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) (NASDAQ: AMD);
6. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC);
7. Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM);
8. Texas Instruments (NASDAQ: TXN);
9. ARM Holdings (NASDAQ: ARM);
10. Analog Devices (NASDAQ: ADI).

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1. NVIDIA (NVDA)

NVIDIA, one of the Magnificent 7 stocks and one of the largest companies in the world by market cap, is renowned for its graphics processing units (GPUs), which are crucial for AI, gaming, and even data center operations. Its innovative hardware and software platforms, including CUDA and the NVIDIA AI Enterprise suite, constantly push the limits of technology and are thus critical for machine learning and AI research.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM)

TSMC stands as the world’s leading dedicated independent semiconductor foundry, producing advanced semiconductor chips integral to a diverse array of devices, including smartphones and data centers. It is also known for wafer manufacturing and probing.

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Broadcom (AVGO)

Broadcom designs, develops, and supplies a broad range of semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions. Its products include specialized chips for networking, storage, and broadband, which are essential for supporting AI workloads. 

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Samsung 

Samsung is a major player in the semiconductor industry with its memory chips and foundry services. Its advanced memory solutions, including DRAM and NAND flash, are essential for data storage and processing in various electronic devices. Samsung’s Foundry Fab Automation accelerates the market introduction of transformative technologies by efficiently producing high-quality products.

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Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

AMD is known for its high-performance microprocessors, motherboard chipsets, embedded processors, and GPUs. AMD’s Ryzen processors and Radeon graphics cards are widely used in gaming, professional visualization, and data centers, being the largest competitors to NVIDIA.

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Intel Corporation

Intel is another semiconductor leader, known especially for its microprocessors. Intel’s products power a wide range of computing devices, and its innovations in AI, 5G, and edge computing products are setting new industry standards.

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Qualcomm (QCOM)

Qualcomm is a wireless technology leader known for its Snapdragon mobile processors. Qualcomm’s innovations in 5G technology are driving advancements in connectivity, making it a key player in the semiconductor space.

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Texas Instruments (TXN)

Texas Instruments designs and manufactures semiconductors, analog chips, and embedded processors used in electronic systems across industries such as automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.

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Arm Holdings (ARM)

Arm Holdings is a leading designer of semiconductor and software solutions, particularly known for its ARM architecture widely used in mobile devices, data centers, and the automotive industry.

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Analog Devices (ADI)

Analog Devices specializes in data conversion, signal processing, and power management. Its products have uses in communications, healthcare, automotive, and industrial applications.

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Pros and cons of investing in semiconductor companies

Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.

FAQs about the 10 biggest semiconductor companies

What are the top 10 biggest semiconductor companies in the world?

The top 10 biggest semiconductor companies are NVIDIA, TSMC, Broadcom, Samsung, AMD, Intel, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, Arm Holdings, and Analog Devices.

What is the fastest growing semiconductor company?

The fastest growing semiconductor company is NVIDIA.

Who is the market leader in the semiconductor industry?

With its $2.82 trillion market cap, NVDIA is the semiconductor market leader.

What is the biggest semiconductor company in the world?

NVIDIA is generally regarded as the biggest semiconductor company in the world.

Can you buy semiconductor stocks?

Yes, you can buy semiconductor stocks on trading platforms such as eToro.

Where to buy semiconductor stocks?

You can buy semiconductor stocks on investment platforms such as eToro.

Are semiconductor stocks an ESG investment?

While semiconductor companies are increasingly focusing on sustainability practices, semiconductor manufacturing is resource-intensive and demands the use of hazardous chemicals. As such, these companies are not the ideal ESG investment.