We've seen a technology sector boom in the last 12-18 months,
from consumer electronics to corporate IT spending stocks taking
off. Tech heavyweights such as
Apple
(NASDAQ:
AAPL
) have been leading the charge, but don't underestimate the ability
of small-cap tech stocks to cash in, too.
Of particular interest to investors should be penny stock
investments trading for under $5 that focus on semiconductors.
Chips and circuits are crucial to every manner of electronic
devices, from the iPad in your living room to mega computers in a
corporate server room. And one big order can cause semiconductor
stocks like these to explode higher almost overnight.
To help you focus on the tech boom through affordable stocks,
here are 4 semiconductor plays that you should consider now:
Axcelis Technologies Inc. (
ACLS
)
Axcelis Technologies Inc.
(NASDAQ:
ACLS
) is a designer, manufacturer and servicer of processing equipment
used in the production of semiconductors. The company also offers
service, support, equipment upgrades and maintenance service to its
clients. Over the past 12 months, this penny stock has soared
+131%, compared to gains of +20% and +11% for the NASDAQ and Dow
Jones, respectively. It is also important to note that in its last
income statement, ACLS reported a quarterly revenue growth of
+115%. Buy this penny stock as it approaches its 52-week high of
$3.77.
Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (
TSEM
)
Independent specialty foundry
Tower Semiconductor Ltd.
(NASDAQ:
TSEM
) is involved with the production of semiconductors. Tower also
provides design services and technical services for its clients.
Since this time last year, TSEM stock has gained +36%, compared to
smaller gains by the broader markets. TSEM has also made strides on
the earnings front, as experts are projecting EPS of 14 cents this
quarter against EPS of -16 cents last year. TSEM is another penny
stock worth buying as it closes in on its 52-week high of
$1.87.
ChipMOS (
IMOS
)
Holding company
ChipMOS Technologies
(NASDAQ:
IMOS
) provides a wide range of back-end testing services for
semiconductors. Over the past 52-weeks, IMOS is up +121%, and has
gained +25% over the past three months. Importantly, in its last
income statement, the penny stock reported a quarterly revenue
growth of +41% year-over-year. Because of its low price, IMOS
offers the potential for large gains in your portfolio. IMOS has a
52-week range of 60 cents to $2.00.
Camtek Ltd. (
CAMT
)
Camtek Ltd.
(NASDAQ:
CAMT
) is involved with the design, development, manufacture and
marketing of automated optical inspection and other related
products. Over the past year, CAMT stock is up +57%, compared to
smaller gains by the broader markets. This penny stock has also
posted impressive gains in the last month and is up +38% in that
time. Shareholders are also pleased to see a net profit margin of
+8% in Camtek's last income statement. Earnings wise, experts
estimate EPS of 7 cents this quarter after CAMT posted EPS of just
2 cents last year. Buy CAMT stock while it trades near its 52-week
high of $3.55.
As of this writing, Louis Navellier did not own a position in
any of the stocks named here.