The transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable. A recent McKinsey & Company research report estimates generative AI alone could add $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in annual value across analyzed use cases -- comparable to the United Kingdom's entire gross domestic product. This technological revolution requires immense computing power, driving unprecedented demand for specialized semiconductors. Furthermore, rising electricity costs in data centers have created an urgent need for energy-efficient chips.

Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors offer superior performance, compared to traditional silicon, particularly in high-temperature and high-power environments. These chips can deliver significantly greater energy efficiency, sometimes exceeding 40%, while operating at temperatures far above 200 degrees Celsius.

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These features make them essential for data centers running AI applications, where power consumption and heat management represent critical challenges. As this technology gains momentum, one leading manufacturer stands uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing demand, potentially making its shares a once-in-a-decade type of opportunity. Read on to find out more.

Powerful positioning

Wolfspeed (WOLF) dominates the SiC semiconductor market with its wide-bandgap chips. These chips handle higher voltages and frequencies than conventional silicon semiconductors, reducing energy loss in power-intensive applications. Global Markets Insights projects 30% annual growth for SiC chips through 2032.

Wolfspeed has invested heavily to compete in this ultra-high-growth market. The company recently opened the world's largest 200 millimeters (mm) SiC manufacturing facility in New York and is constructing a second plant in North Carolina.

The strategic shift to 200mm wafer production provides a significant advantage. This larger wafer size enables substantially higher production efficiency, compared to the industry-standard 150mm wafers. Combined with its new facilities, Wolfspeed expects this transition to reduce die costs by at least 50%.

Growth meets opportunity

Despite market leadership in SiC technology, Wolfspeed shares trade at less than 1x trailing sales after declining 93% over the past 36 months. This steep sell-off reflects near-term challenges, including high expansion costs and temporary slowdowns in electric-vehicle (EV) demand. The company also faces headwinds from rising interest rates and recent export restrictions on key metals from China.

WOLF data by YCharts.

Still, Wall Street analysts forecast a healthy 46% revenue rise in fiscal 2026 as production capacity expands and demand accelerates. As a bonus, the company recently completed a $200 million equity offering to strengthen its balance sheet and support continued expansion.

A key catalyst is the U.S. CHIPS Act, where Wolfspeed was awarded $750 million in proposed direct funding as part of potential access to up to $2.5 billion in total funding. This package would combine CHIPS Act grants, debt financing, and Section 48D tax credits to support U.S. capacity expansion.

However, recent political developments have injected uncertainty into the timing and execution of CHIPS Act funding. A January 2025 executive order temporarily froze all federal grants and loans, though a federal judge quickly blocked the order.

While this legal battle creates near-term uncertainty around the $52 billion program, strong bipartisan support for domestic semiconductor production suggests the funding will ultimately proceed, albeit potentially with delays.

Time to power up

Wolfspeed faces significant risks beyond just mounting losses and a concerning debt-to-equity ratio of 10.2. Larger competitors, like Infineon and ON Semiconductor, are aggressively entering the SiC market. Meanwhile, rapid advances in AI chip architecture could dramatically alter data center power requirements, potentially undermining demand. These challenges make this tech stock a highly speculative investment best suited for aggressive investors.

Yet market leaders trading at deep discounts during industry transitions can offer rare opportunities for risk-tolerant investors. With $11 billion in design wins and SiC technology currently positioned as critical for AI and electric vehicles, Wolfspeed presents a once-in-a-decade chance to invest in a dominant player at a fraction of its potential value. However, success requires careful management execution and the semiconductor industry to evolve as expected -- neither of which is guaranteed.