Free Trial

Lam Research Proves Analysts Wrong with a Strong Earnings Report

Lam Research

Key Points

  • Lam Research stock is up more than 4% after a solid earnings report and bullish guidance for the coming quarter.
  • The company expects strong growth from AI-related applications to be a tailwind for 2025.
  • LRCX stock may be confirming a double bottom. 
  • Five stocks we like better than Lam Research.

In the week heading into the first quarter earnings report for its 2025 fiscal year (FY), Lam Research Corp. NASDAQ: LRCX stock was down nearly 15%. Furthermore, analysts were lowering their price targets for LRCX stock over concerns of slowing growth that would make it difficult to see the stock outperforming the market.  

However, the stock is reversing course with a gain of over 4% in early trading the morning after the company’s earnings report. Is this a temporary lift or a sign that Lam Research may be proving its naysayers wrong? 

Before reviewing what came out of the earnings report, it’s important to get a sense of what the company does and why that’s significant for investors. Semiconductors have been a volatile sector in the last four years, mostly to the upside. That’s because this is a sector that provides the “picks and shovels” that allow companies to build out their artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.  

Lam Research in turn makes wafer-fabrication equipment and related services that the chipmakers need. In a world where more chips are needed in smaller spaces, Lam’s etch and deposition machines allow chips to be stacked vertically.  

Lam Research Today

Lam Research Co. stock logo
LRCXLRCX 90-day performance
Lam Research
$81.50 +1.20 (+1.49%)
As of 04:00 PM Eastern
52-Week Range
$68.87
$113.00
Dividend Yield
1.13%
P/E Ratio
26.34
Price Target
$95.77

A Bullish Reversal May Be in Play 

Analysts aren’t necessarily bearish on LRCX stock. Heading into earnings, the consensus price target for the stock was $141.28. That suggested an increase of over 90% in 12 months. And it comes after the company completed a 10-for-1 stock split in October. 

But the concerns weren’t without some merit. Prior to the fourth quarter of FY2024, Lam Research had delivered several quarters in which revenue and earnings came in lower year over year (YOY). This makes sense when you consider where the company is in the semiconductor chain.  

Many chipmakers were forecasting slower growth. If companies need fewer picks and shovels, those companies will need fewer handles and spades. 

However, the trend shifted in the fourth quarter of FY 2024. This came at a time when many chipmakers started to upgrade their internal forecasts. But as investors know, one time doesn’t make a pattern. That's why it’s significant that this is now two consecutive quarters where Lam Research delivered a YOY beat on revenue and earnings.  

Lam Research Co. (LRCX) Price Chart for Tuesday, January, 21, 2025

 Artificial Intelligence Continues to Provide a Tailwind 

The headline numbers in the company’s earnings report showed topline revenue of $4.17 billion, higher than the $4.06 billion that analysts were expecting. On the bottom line, Lam delivered earnings per share (EPS) of 86 cents, above expectations of 81 cents.  

Although the company won’t offer full-year guidance until next quarter. It did project its second-quarter revenue to be $4.3 billion, which is higher than the current forecast for $4.22 billion. The company is forecasting EPS of 87 cents, which is above estimates for 85 cents.  

And according to Lam Research’s president and chief executive officer, Timothy Archer, it’s demand for AI applications that will continue fueling this growth. Although not giving specific numbers, the company sees strong growth in leading-edge logic nodes (NAND) as well as areas such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM).  

LRCX Stock May Have Confirmed Support 

The Lam Research analyst forecasts on MarketBeat are showing that analysts are wasting no time in doubling down on their outlook. Since the report, four analysts have lowered their price targets on LRCX stock with two of the forecasts being below the consensus price of $97.29. Supporting that price target is the company’s forward price-to-earnings ratio around 20x which puts it in the lower half of technology stocks.  

However, while it may be too early to go all in on the stock, it’s important to note that the bounce after earnings may be confirming a double bottom for the stock around $72 per share. The question is whether the stock will continue to move higher. At one point in pre-market trading the stock climbed near $78 before pulling back to around $75.  

Should You Invest $1,000 in Lam Research Right Now?

Before you consider Lam Research, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Lam Research wasn't on the list.

While Lam Research currently has a "Moderate Buy" rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

Unlock the Potential in Options Trading Cover

Options trading isn’t just for the Wall Street elite; it’s an accessible strategy for anyone armed with the proper knowledge. Think of options as a strategic toolkit, with each tool designed for a specific financial task. Keep reading to learn how options trading can help you use the market’s volatility to your advantage.

Get This Free Report
Chris Markoch
About The Editor

Chris Markoch

Editor & Contributing Author

Retirement, Individual Investing

Like this article? Share it with a colleague.

Companies Mentioned in This Article

CompanyMarketRank™Current PricePrice ChangeDividend YieldP/E RatioConsensus RatingConsensus Price Target
Lam Research (LRCX)
4.8324 of 5 stars
$81.50+1.5%1.13%26.34Moderate Buy$95.77
Compare These Stocks  Add These Stocks to My Watchlist 

Featured Articles and Offers

7 Large-Cap Stocks Headed for Strong, Steady Gains in 2025

7 Large-Cap Stocks Headed for Strong, Steady Gains in 2025

While 2025 may not deliver massive returns, so MarketBeat analyst Chris Markoch shares his list of seven stocks primed for consistent performance.

Related Videos

The Real Reason Tesla Stock Is Soaring – and Why Tech Expert Says It Won’t Stop
Small Caps, Financials & Bitcoin Lead the Rising Bull Market: Chris Rowe’s Top Picks
Massive Market Moves Following Trump Win: Tesla, JP Morgan, & Bitcoin Soar

Stock Lists

All Stock Lists

Investing Tools

Calendars and Tools

Search Headlines