Analysts at Zacks Investment Research have elevated Lam Research to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), citing an improving earnings outlook driven by robust spending on advanced memory and logic process equipment. This upgrade reflects a consensus shift: over the past month, three major brokerages raised their ratings, including Bank of America lifting its recommendation to Buy and Wells Fargo moving to Overweight. The upgrade underscores growing confidence that Lam Research is positioned to capitalize on accelerating demand for AI chip production and next-generation DRAM capacity expansion.

Lam Research is expected to exceed second-quarter consensus estimates, as strong orders for etch and deposition tools tied to artificial intelligence accelerator chips combine with a sustained ramp in DRAM wafer fab investments. Industry bookings data indicate a 15% quarter-over-quarter increase in tool orders for high-volume memory manufacturers, while logic customers have committed to multi-year agreements for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) etch systems. Management commentary suggests that backlog could support at least two quarters of revenue growth above the current consensus of $6.0 billion.

In the quarter ended October, Lam Research reported revenue of $5.32 billion, surpassing the Zacks consensus by 1.7%, and delivered non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.26, beating estimates by $0.04. Revenue grew 27.7% year-over-year, driven by strength in both deposition (+32% year-over-year) and etch (+24%). The company’s return on equity reached 60.6%, while its net margin expanded to 29.7%. Lam Research also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share, representing a 22.9% payout ratio and an annualized cash return of $1.04 per share to investors.