10 Biggest Semiconductor Companies

Semiconductors are the lifeblood of modern technological devices, powering everything from smartphones to space vehicles. There is a thriving competition among semiconductor manufacturers who strive to create chips that are smaller, less expensive, and faster. The semiconductor industry can be classified into four key segments: microprocessors, memory chips, commodity integrated circuits, and advanced “systems on a chip.”

In this industry, there are several key players, including major global brands and smaller, specialized firms. Regardless of their size, these firms are critical to the production of technology hardware and industrial equipment. Despite its cyclical nature, the semiconductor industry is considered critical for its sustained growth trend and crucial role in propelling new technology.

The following is a list of the top 10 semiconductor companies based on their trailing 12-month revenue (as of Dec. 22, 2022) as reported by YCharts. The list includes companies who manufacture semiconductor equipment and whose stocks are publicly traded in the U.S.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSM)

• The world’s largest dedicated independent (pure-play) semiconductor foundry, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., services a multitude of high-tech industries globally. Clients range from startup ventures to leading multinational OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). TSMC’s ability to deliver custom-made, high-performance chips in large volumes gives it a unique place in the semiconductor industry.

Intel Corp. (INTC)

• One of the oldest and most well-known names in the computing industry, Intel is a leading manufacturer of processors for personal computers and servers. In addition to its core microprocessor business, Intel is also investing heavily in new areas such as autonomous driving technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing.

Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM)

• As a pioneer in wireless communication, Qualcomm’s technologies have powered the mobile revolution and brought smartphones into the mainstream. Its Snapdragon processors are synonymous with Android devices, while its CDMA technology helped shape the framework of modern cellular communication.

Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)

• Broadcom is a global infrastructure technology leader built on 50 years of innovation and engineering excellence. The company’s extensive product portfolio serves multiple applications within four primary end markets: wired infrastructure, wireless communications, enterprise storage, and industrial and other.

Micron Technology Inc. (MU)

• Micron has established itself as one of the leading worldwide providers of advanced semiconductor solutions. Micron’s DRAM and Flash components are used in today’s most advanced computing, networking, and communications products.

NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA)

• NVIDIA is synonymous with graphics processing units (GPUs) that power a vast amount of video games, designers’ software, and supercomputers worldwide. NVIDIA’s GPUs also find application in the emerging fields of AI, deep learning, and autonomous vehicles.

Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT)

• As a leading equipment supplier to the semiconductor industry, Applied Materials is at the forefront of the latest technological innovations. Its expertise in modifying materials at atomic levels and on an industrial scale helps chipmakers produce smaller, faster, and more power-efficient chips.

ASE Technology Holding Co. Ltd. (ASX)

• Born from the merger of Advanced Semiconductor Engineering and Siliconware Precision Industries, ASE Technology is a leader in providing semiconductor manufacturing services in assembly, test, materials, and design manufacturing.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

• AMD has been Intel’s main competitor for central processing units (CPUs) for decades. It also designs and produces GPUs and other hardware for PCs and consoles, gaining considerable market share over the years. AMD’s Ryzen and Epyc server processors are considered major competitors to Intel’s dominance.

ASML Holding N.V. (ASML)

• ASML is a Dutch company and currently the largest supplier in the world of photolithography systems for the semiconductor industry. These systems are used by chipmakers like Intel and Samsung to manufacture the microchips that power a myriad of electronic devices and systems.

These industry leaders continue to shape the semiconductor industry and drive technological innovation globally.