Deutsche Bank, Citigroup and Needham Lift Price Targets to $250–$265
Deutsche Bank raised Lam Research’s target to $260 from $195, Citigroup lifted its to $265 from $190 and Needham increased its to $250 from $160. Zacks upgraded the stock to strong-buy and HSBC raised its price objective to $181.
1. AI-Driven Foundry Demand to Lift Q2 Systems Revenues
Lam Research expects second‐quarter Systems revenues to benefit from surging AI‐driven foundry buildouts, with advanced etch tool bookings up more than 40% sequentially and thin film deposition equipment orders rising roughly 35%. Management highlighted that leading logic and memory producers have placed multiple new tool purchase orders for patterning and 3D NAND applications, driving an anticipated Systems revenue growth rate in the mid‐20s percentage range compared with the prior quarter.
2. Institutional Stake Adjustments Reflect Diverging Views
During the most recent quarter, CIBC Asset Management reduced its position by 2,800 shares to hold 394,526 shares, representing roughly $52.8 million in notional exposure. In contrast, First Citizens Bank & Trust increased its stake by 10,408 shares to 140,433 shares, a move valued at approximately $18.8 million at quarter end. Meanwhile, Norges Bank added a new position valued at about $1.89 billion, underscoring ongoing interest from large sovereign and pension investors despite some trimming by smaller asset managers.
3. Insider Sales Signal Caution on Near-Term Valuation
Company insiders sold a total of 50,418 shares during the past quarter, generating approximately $7.67 million in proceeds. Director Bethany Mayer divested 1,298 shares for net proceeds of $207,667, reducing her stake by 44%, while senior manager Ava Harter sold 9,010 shares for about $1.42 million—a 13.7% reduction in her position. The cumulative insider selling represents 0.31% of outstanding equity, suggesting some executives are locking in gains ahead of the busy semiconductor equipment cycle.