Following NVIDIA's $NVDA (+1,6 %) 800-volt architectures (probably planned for 2027) in data centers for higher energy efficiency and scalability to meet the increasing power requirements of AI applications. I asked myself who COULD benefit from this. And that's when I came across AIXTRON $AIXA (+0,77 %)
What does AIXTRON do?$AIXA (+0,77 %)
- AIXTRON is a German manufacturer of deposition and epitaxy systems (mainly MOCVD = "Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition") for the semiconductor and optoelectronics industry.
- Customers use AIXTRON equipment for the production of components such as LEDs, lasers, sensors, power semiconductors (e.g. with silicon carbide (SiC) or gallium nitride (GaN)), as well as opto/electronic components.
- The company is headquartered in Herzogenrath (Aachen region), Germany.
History in brief
- Founded in 1983 as a spin-off of RWTH Aachen University (then Institute for Semiconductor Technology) with the aim of commercializing MOCVD research systems.
- Since the 1990s fully focused on the production of systems for compound semiconductors (III-V materials).
- IPO in the mid-1990s (Neuer Markt) and later conversion to the European company form (SE).
Business model & technology focus
- AIXTRON develops, produces and installs equipment for material deposition (not only MOCVD, but also other processes) including services, training and support.
- The technologies address megatrends such as energy efficiency (e.g. power semiconductors with SiC/GaN), digitalization (data transmission, laser technology) and miniaturization (sensor technology, micro LEDs) - AIXTRON sees great market opportunities here.
- Investment in research and development is high - for example, around 14% of revenue is invested in R&D (2023) and the company holds hundreds of patent families.
Key figures & market position
- Number of employees approx. 1,200 (as of 2024) at various locations worldwide
- Turnover most recently e.g. in 2024 at around €633.2 million according to Wikipedia.
- AIXTRON is listed in the German TecDAX, among others, and is considered an important supplier in the semiconductor supply chain in the field of compound semiconductors.
Opportunities & challenges
Opportunities:
- The trend towards power semiconductors (SiC, GaN), for example for electric vehicles, charging infrastructure and data centers, opens up growth potential.
- The demand for energy-efficient and high-performance optoelectronic components (e.g. micro LEDs, laser systems) could benefit AIXTRON.
- The company can leverage competitive advantages through technological specialization.
Challenges:
- The semiconductor equipment market is cyclical and heavily dependent on end markets such as automotive, consumer and storage - weakness in these areas can affect AIXTRON.
- International trade and export controls (e.g. for high-tech equipment) and geopolitical risks can have a negative impact on business. For example, AIXTRON is affected by export/dual-use regulations.
- Competitive pressure from other manufacturers and the fast pace of technology require continuous innovation and investment.
Why should you pay attention to AIXTRON?
Because AIXTRON plays a key role in a highly innovative value chain: Compound semiconductor systems are important building blocks for modern technologies - from LED displays to POWER ELECTRONICS. So if you have an eye on future-oriented semiconductor equipment, you can't completely ignore AIXTRON.📈
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