SCREEN Semiconductor Solutions and tech giant IBM (IBM) have announced a new agreement to improve how tiny computer chips are made. More specifically, they are focusing on a special cleaning process that helps keep the chip-making equipment free of dust and scratches. This is really important because modern chips are getting so small that even the tiniest speck of dirt can ruin them.
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The new chips are made using a powerful technique called EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography, which lets companies fit more power into smaller chips. But the next level of this technology, called High NA (High Numerical Aperture) EUV, is even more advanced and sensitive. To make it work well, the machines and materials used must be incredibly clean.
And that’s where this partnership helps. To tackle these challenges, IBM will use its knowledge of chip manufacturing, while SCREEN provides its specialized wafer-cleaning equipment. Unsurprisingly, both companies said that they are excited about how this partnership could help improve chip quality and performance, especially as the demand for AI-powered technologies grows.
Is IBM a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on IBM stock based on six Buys, six Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average IBM price target of $293.58 per share implies 8.1% upside potential.
