Group 1 - Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh raised the price target on Lam Research (LRCX) to $200 from $170, maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares [1] - The firm anticipates upside to 2026 based on fab equipment estimates [1] - The improving wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) outlook is seen as positive for Lam Research [1]

AI chip stocks haven’t had the smoothest of rides lately, but Bank of America believes the bigger trend driving them is intact. In doing so, the investment bank's analysts are putting familiar names at the top of their AI stocks to buy list for 2026. Nvidia (NVDA), Broadcom (AVGO), and Lam Research (LRCX) are BofA’s three headline picks, as it argues that the powerful AI spending boom is still in its early innings. For perspective, four of the biggest tech giants in Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta ...

Key Takeaways LRCX posted a 48.3% YoY jump in Systems revenues to $3.55B, with foundry sales rising to 60% of the total.LRCX gains from AI and HPC-led investments, supported by its strength in critical etch and deposition tools.LRCX is seeing traction for Aether EUV and Akara systems, with FY26 Systems revenues projected at $14.07B.Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) is seeing growing support from artificial intelligence (AI)-driven demand in the foundry market, which is becoming a key driver of its systems rev ...

Group 1 - The stock market is focused on which chip designer will dominate in the AI era, with NVIDIA and AMD as key players, but the essential factory tools for chip production are often overlooked [3] - The competition among chip designers creates a "picks and shovels" investment opportunity, as companies providing the necessary infrastructure for AI clouds are positioned for stable growth [4] - For every $100 billion invested in AI data center infrastructure, approximately $8 billion is expected to flow into the Wafer Fab Equipment (WFE) market, which is projected to exceed $105 billion in 2025 [5] Group 2 - High-end chip manufacturing operates as an oligopoly, requiring specific tools for specific tasks, making it difficult for fabs to substitute equipment [6] - Applied Materials is recognized as a leader in materials engineering, crucial for logic chips and advanced packaging, addressing the heat generated by powerful chips [6] - Both Applied Materials and Lam Research manufacture specialized equipment for next-generation chips, providing stable revenue streams and consistent returns for investors [7]

Group 1 - The core belief of Bank of America is that the AI spending boom has a long development period ahead, with Nvidia (NVDA.US), Broadcom (AVGO.US), and Lam Research (LRCX.US) being top semiconductor stocks to hold through 2026 [1] - The company predicts semiconductor sales will approach $1 trillion by 2026, achieving approximately 30% growth, while wafer fabrication equipment sales are expected to see nearly double-digit year-over-year growth [1] - In addition to the aforementioned companies, Bank of America favors large-cap stocks like KLA (KLAC.US), Analog Devices (ADI.US), and Cadence Design Systems (CDNS.US), as well as small-cap stocks such as Credo Technology (CRDO.US), MKS (MKSI.US), Macom Technology Solutions (MTSI.US), Teradyne (TER.US), and Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS.US) [1] Group 2 - Bank of America states that the AI race is still in the "early to mid-stage," and despite recent stock volatility for companies like Nvidia and Broadcom, investors should focus on industry leaders [2] - The firm forecasts another 50% or higher year-over-year growth for AI semiconductors driven by strong data center utilization, supply constraints, enterprise adoption, and competition among LLM developers, hyperscale cloud providers, and sovereign customers [2] - In the analog chip sector, the analysts advise investors to be selective due to skepticism about industry improvement, citing a lackluster macro environment, declining automotive production, increased competition from China, and weak consumer demand [2] Group 3 - Emerging themes for 2026 include co-packaged optics, robotics, and quantum computing, with Lumentum (LITE.US) and Coherent (COHR.US) identified as leaders in the co-packaged optics space [3] - The focus of the White House on robotics technology in 2026 is expected to benefit Teradyne [3] - Quantum computing is still viewed as an "emerging opportunity," despite its long-term implications [3]

Market Overview - Major U.S. stock indices experienced a significant decline on December 12, 2025, primarily driven by sell-offs in technology stocks due to concerns over an AI bubble narrative [1] - Investors reacted negatively to news from Broadcom, which indicated expected margin pressure in its AI business for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, despite exceeding fiscal fourth-quarter earnings estimates [1] Investment Strategy - In the current market environment, equity investors may favor dividend-growth stocks over high price-growth stocks, as companies with a history of raising dividends typically demonstrate strong financial health, providing a defensive hedge against economic uncertainty [2] - Stocks with a strong history of year-over-year dividend growth are suggested to form a healthier portfolio with greater potential for capital appreciation compared to simple dividend-paying stocks or those with high yields [2] Selected Dividend Growth Stocks - Five dividend growth stocks have been identified as potential solid choices for investment: TE Connectivity (TEL), Enersys (ENS), Donaldson (DCI), Lam Research (LRCX), and Leidos Holdings (LDOS) [3][9] - These stocks exhibit positive sales and earnings per share (EPS) growth histories, consistent dividend increases, solid fundamentals, and favorable valuation metrics [9] Characteristics of Dividend Growth Stocks - Stocks with a strong history of dividend growth are typically associated with mature companies that are less vulnerable to market volatility, thus providing a hedge against economic or political uncertainties [4] - These stocks are characterized by superior fundamentals, including sustainable business models, long-term profitability, rising cash flows, good liquidity, strong balance sheets, and value characteristics [5] - Although these stocks may not have the highest yields, they have historically outperformed the broader stock market and other dividend-paying stocks [6] Performance Metrics - Selected stocks must meet specific criteria, including: - 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth Greater Than Zero - 5-Year Historical Sales Growth Greater Than Zero - 5-Year Historical EPS Growth Greater Than Zero - Next 3-5 Year EPS Growth Rate Greater Than Zero [7] - Additional metrics include a Price/Cash Flow ratio less than the industry median and a 52-Week Price Change greater than the S&P 500 [8] Individual Stock Insights - **TE Connectivity (TEL)**: Expected fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 10.2%, long-term earnings growth rate of 12.3%, and an annual dividend yield of 1.23% [10][11] - **Enersys (ENS)**: Projected fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 4%, long-term earnings growth rate of 15%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.71% [11][12] - **Donaldson (DCI)**: Anticipated fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 3.4%, long-term earnings growth rate of 10%, and an annual dividend yield of 1.30% [12] - **Lam Research (LRCX)**: Expected fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 14.1%, long-term earnings growth rate of 20.3%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.65% [13] - **Leidos Holdings (LDOS)**: Projected fiscal 2025 revenue growth of 3.4%, long-term earnings growth rate of 11.6%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.84% [14]

Core Insights - Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) is recognized as one of the 13 best nanotechnology stocks to invest in currently [1] - Analysts have reaffirmed positive ratings for Lam Research, with Bernstein maintaining a buy rating and a price target of $175.00 [2] - Morgan Stanley has increased its price target for Lam Research from $137 to $158, while keeping its wafer fab equipment (WFE) forecast for 2026 at $129 billion, indicating an 11% year-over-year growth [3] Company Developments - Lam Research announced the opening of a new $65 million office facility in Tualatin, Oregon, which spans 120,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 700 workspaces [4] - The new facility is part of Lam's multi-year Silicon Forest strategy aimed at enhancing research and development capabilities to support the anticipated growth of the $1 trillion global semiconductor industry [4] - The senior vice president of Lam Research highlighted that the new facility will enhance the company's ability to advance process development and semiconductor production machinery [5] Market Position - Lam Research is a significant supplier of semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, having shifted from a focus primarily on memory chip manufacturers to gaining substantial market share in logic chip equipment [5]

Core Viewpoint - Lam Research (LRCX) has shown significant stock performance, with a 4.2% increase over the past month and a 133% gain since the beginning of the year, outperforming both the Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry [1] Financial Performance - In the last earnings report on October 22, 2025, Lam Research reported an EPS of $1.26, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.21, marking a consistent record of positive earnings surprises over the last four quarters [2] - For the current fiscal year, Lam Research is projected to achieve earnings of $4.79 per share on revenues of $21.04 billion, reflecting a 15.7% increase in EPS and a 14.11% increase in revenues. For the next fiscal year, earnings are expected to rise to $5.57 per share on revenues of $23.63 billion, indicating year-over-year changes of 16.23% and 12.33%, respectively [3] Valuation Metrics - Lam Research's current valuation metrics indicate a trading multiple of 35.1X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is below the peer industry average of 37.7X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock trades at 37.7X compared to the peer group's average of 22.8X. The PEG ratio stands at 1.73, suggesting that the company is not positioned among the top tier from a value perspective [7] Style Scores - The stock has a Value Score of D, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of C, resulting in a combined VGM Score of B. These style scores can assist investors in selecting stocks that align with their investment strategies [6][5] Zacks Rank - Lam Research holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), supported by a favorable earnings estimate revision trend. This rank is crucial as it takes precedence over style scores in determining stock selection [8] - The company meets the criteria for investment recommendations, as it carries a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) along with Style Scores of A or B, indicating potential for further growth in the upcoming weeks and months [9]

Core Viewpoint - Lam Research (LRCX) is currently rated as a 2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating potential for near-term price increases [3][11]. Momentum Characteristics - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, with the aim of capitalizing on established price movements [1]. - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps identify stocks with strong momentum characteristics, such as price changes and earnings estimate revisions [2]. Performance Metrics - LRCX shares have increased by 1.73% over the past week, while the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry has risen by 4.96% during the same period [5]. - Over the last quarter, LRCX shares have surged by 37.64%, and over the past year, they have gained 120.7%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which increased by only 5.34% and 14.25% respectively [6]. Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for LRCX is 10,412,334 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7]. Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, 11 earnings estimates for LRCX have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $4.53 to $4.79 [9]. - For the next fiscal year, 6 estimates have also moved higher, indicating positive sentiment regarding future earnings [9].

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools to enhance stock market investment confidence and knowledge [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a unique rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [3][4][5][6][7] Zacks Style Scores - Each stock is rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperforming the market [4] - The Style Scores are categorized into Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [4][5][6][7] Value Score - The Value Score identifies stocks trading below their true value using ratios like P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales [4] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses stocks based on projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to identify sustainable growth opportunities [5] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score evaluates stocks based on price trends and earnings outlook changes to identify favorable buying opportunities [6] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive indicator for selecting stocks with attractive value, growth, and momentum [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to simplify stock selection, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks yielding an average annual return of +23.93% since 1988 [8][9] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B are recommended for maximizing return potential [10] Stock to Watch: Lam Research (LRCX) - Lam Research Corporation, a supplier of wafer fabrication equipment for the semiconductor industry, holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a VGM Score of B [12] - LRCX is projected to have a year-over-year earnings growth of 15.7% for the current fiscal year, with upward revisions in earnings estimates [13]