Marvell (MRVL) Stock; Edges Up as Jefferies Holds $120 Target

TLDRs;

• Marvell stock gained slightly as Jefferies maintains $120 price target.
• Analysts highlight AI chip growth and networking acquisitions as key drivers.
• Trade tensions and sector volatility keep investors cautious this week.
• Upcoming earnings reports from tech giants may influence chip stock momentum.

Shares of Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL) edged slightly higher at the close of last week, following Jefferies’ decision to maintain a buy rating and hold a $120 price target on the chipmaker.

Marvell ended Friday at $80.46, a modest 0.1% gain, as investors prepared for the market’s reopening on Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Marvell Technology, Inc., MRVL

Jefferies Holds Strong Buy Rating

Jefferies analyst Blayne Curtis emphasized Marvell’s potential in the semiconductor sector, keeping the stock as one of his top picks for 2026 alongside Broadcom and Nvidia.

Curtis pointed to Marvell’s expanding AI chip business as a major growth driver, noting the company’s acquisitions in networking and photonics as evidence of its long-term strategic positioning. Despite market uncertainties, Jefferies believes Marvell has the potential to reach $120 within the next year, roughly 49% above Friday’s closing price.

Slight Gains Amid Market Caution

The stock’s slight uptick comes in a broader context of cautious trading. U.S. markets ended the week nearly flat, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose 1.2% amid mixed sentiment.

Analysts warn that January is historically a volatile period for tech stocks, and traders are weighing a mix of geopolitical risks, including President Donald Trump’s announced plan to impose an additional 10% tariff on imports from several European countries starting February 1. Such developments have contributed to a risk-off sentiment that may temper short-term gains.

AI and Networking Expansion Drives Optimism

Marvell’s recent acquisitions signal its commitment to AI-driven infrastructure. On January 6, the company announced a $540 million acquisition of networking gear maker XConn Technologies, which CEO Matt Murphy described as a step toward building a “compelling switching platform” for data centers.

In November, Marvell acquired optical networking startup Celestial AI for $3.25 billion, strengthening its capabilities in silicon photonics, a technology that uses light to transfer data efficiently for AI workloads. These moves position Marvell as a growing force in AI and networking solutions, which remains central to its bullish outlook.

Additionally, Marvell is expanding its footprint in global supply chains. The company is participating in Vietnam’s first semiconductor fabrication facility, aligning with industry trends to diversify away from China. Analysts note that these strategic moves, along with continued demand for AI chips, could support longer-term growth despite near-term market fluctuations.

Upcoming Tech Earnings Could Shake Markets

Investors are also keeping a close eye on earnings reports from major technology companies later this week. Netflix, Johnson & Johnson, and Intel are all scheduled to release quarterly results, which may provide insights into corporate spending trends and tech demand.

While Marvell’s next official earnings report is slated for March 4, traders will be watching Tuesday’s market open closely to gauge whether the recent optimism and Jefferies’ $120 target can hold in the face of broader market volatility.

While Marvell faces competition from industry giants like Broadcom and Nvidia, analysts remain confident in the company’s long-term positioning, particularly in AI infrastructure and networking solutions. The combination of strategic acquisitions, global expansion, and continued analyst support suggests that the chipmaker could continue attracting investor interest in 2026.

The post Marvell (MRVL) Stock; Edges Up as Jefferies Holds $120 Target appeared first on CoinCentral.