Lam Research versus Applied Materials stock
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 24 2024
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Should l Buy AMAT?
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Analyst Views on AMAT
Wall Street analysts forecast AMAT stock price to fall
22 Analyst Rating
18 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 351.320
Low
190.00
Averages
288.05
High
425.00
Current: 351.320
Low
190.00
Averages
288.05
High
425.00
About AMAT
Applied Materials, Inc. is a materials engineering solution company. The Company provides equipment, services and software to the semiconductor, display, and related industries. It operates in three segments: Semiconductor Systems, Applied Global Services (AGS), and Display. The Semiconductor systems segment designs, develops, manufactures and sells a range of primarily 300 mm equipment used to fabricate semiconductor chips, also referred to as integrated circuits (ICs). The AGS segment provides services, spares and factory automation software to customer fabrication plants globally. The AGS segment also manufactures and sells 200mm and other equipment. The Display segment is comprised primarily of products for manufacturing liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and other display technologies for televisions, monitors, laptops, personal computers (PCs), tablets, smartphones, and other consumer-oriented devices.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Global Stock Markets Retreat as Oil Prices Surge
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.94%, reaching a 3.25-month low, reflecting investor concerns over escalating tensions in Iran, which may impact future investment decisions and market stability.
- Surge in Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices rose over 4% to an 8.5-month high due to threats from Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying fears of energy supply disruptions and potential inflationary pressures in the economy.
- Natural Gas Price Spike: European natural gas prices surged more than 22% to a three-year high after Qatar's Ras Laffan plant was targeted by an Iranian drone attack, posing significant risks to global liquefied natural gas supply and market stability.
- Economic Data Expectations: This week, the ADP employment change is expected to increase by 50,000, while the ISM services index is projected to slip slightly, with markets closely monitoring these indicators to assess economic health and potential implications for Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.
See More
Global Stock Markets Plunge as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict
- Stock Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 2.18%, reaching a 3.25-month low, indicating market concerns over the Iran conflict that may lead to decreased investor confidence and increased volatility.
- Surge in Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices rose over 8% to an 8.5-month high due to Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, potentially causing long-term disruptions in global energy markets and raising inflation expectations.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year German bund yield climbed to a 2.5-week high of 2.814%, reflecting market worries about future inflation, which may prompt investors to shift towards bonds for safety.
- Economic Data Focus: This week, the market will focus on U.S. employment data and economic indicators, with the ADP employment change expected to rise by 40,000 and the ISM services index anticipated to slip slightly, indicating potential economic slowdown.
See More
Global Stock Markets Plunge as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 1.82%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 2.07%, and the Nasdaq 100 decreased by 1.78%, marking a 2.5-month low for the S&P 500, indicating growing concerns about the global economic outlook.
- Surging Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices surged over 7% to an 8.5-month high due to escalating conflict in Iran, raising fears of energy supply disruptions and increasing inflation expectations, which negatively impact stock market performance.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year German bund yield reached a 2.5-week high of 2.814%, while the 10-year UK gilt yield climbed to a 3-week high of 4.536%, reflecting market concerns over future inflation, further pressuring stock prices.
- Earnings Outlook: Despite market volatility, 73% of S&P 500 companies exceeded earnings expectations, with Q4 earnings growth projected at 8.4%, indicating strong corporate fundamentals, yet market sentiment remains subdued.
See More
Iran War Drives Market Volatility and Sector Performance
- Market Reaction: Stocks initially retreated following the US and Israel's joint military actions against Iran, but rebounded after the February ISM manufacturing index exceeded expectations, indicating investor focus on economic data.
- Surge in Energy Prices: The halt of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's attacks on three oil tankers led to WTI crude oil prices soaring over 65% to an 8.25-month high, potentially exacerbating global inflationary pressures.
- Defense Stocks Rise: The ongoing conflict in Iran has bolstered earnings prospects for defense companies, with Aerovironment's stock rising over 12%, while Northrop Grumman and RTX Corp also saw increases of over 4%, reflecting market optimism about defense spending.
- Economic Data Focus: Investors are keenly awaiting upcoming economic data releases, including ADP employment changes and the ISM services index, which are expected to influence future monetary policy directions amid rising inflation concerns.
See More
Investors Eye Opportunities in AI Supply Chain
- TSMC Market Share Growth: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) achieved a 72% market share in foundry spending in Q3, with a forecasted revenue growth of 38% in Q1 2026 and 30% for the full year, which will drive margin expansion and solidify its leadership in global semiconductor manufacturing.
- Surge in Lam Research Equipment Demand: Lam Research anticipates a 23% increase in equipment sales in 2026, benefiting from increased capital expenditures from TSMC and memory chipmakers like Micron and SK Hynix, whose spending is expected to rise by 25% and 30%, respectively, providing a stable revenue base for the company.
- Applied Materials R&D Advantage: As the largest wafer fabrication equipment provider, Applied Materials spent $3.6 billion on R&D last year and expects a 20% growth in equipment revenue in 2026, further enhancing its market share and competitive edge.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: TSMC plans to invest between $52 billion and $56 billion in new manufacturing facilities over the next few years, representing a 32% year-over-year increase, which will provide strong growth momentum amid surging AI computing demand.
See More
Coatue Management's Strategic AI Stock Investments
- TSMC Growth Potential: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's market share reached 72% in Q3, with a forecasted revenue growth of 38% in Q1 2026 and 30% for the full year, highlighting its critical role in the surge of AI compute spending, with a projected 25% CAGR over the next four years.
- Lam Research Equipment Demand: Lam Research anticipates a 23% increase in equipment sales in 2026, driven by rising capital expenditures from memory chip manufacturers like Micron and SK Hynix, whose spending is expected to rise by 25% and 30%, respectively, fueling over 40% growth in its advanced packaging business.
- Applied Materials Market Leadership: As the largest wafer fabrication equipment provider, Applied Materials invested $3.6 billion in R&D last year, with a 20% revenue growth outlook for equipment in 2026, maintaining a competitive edge despite cyclical fluctuations in the semiconductor industry, and poised to expand market share.
- Investor Valuation Concerns: While Lam Research's stock trades at a high forward P/E of 46, indicating potential overvaluation risks, its stable service revenue base and future capital expenditure growth still make it attractive, necessitating careful assessment of market dynamics by investors.
See More
Global Stock Markets Retreat as Oil Prices Surge
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.94%, reaching a 3.25-month low, reflecting investor concerns over escalating tensions in Iran, which may impact future investment decisions and market stability.
- Surge in Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices rose over 4% to an 8.5-month high due to threats from Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying fears of energy supply disruptions and potential inflationary pressures in the economy.
- Natural Gas Price Spike: European natural gas prices surged more than 22% to a three-year high after Qatar's Ras Laffan plant was targeted by an Iranian drone attack, posing significant risks to global liquefied natural gas supply and market stability.
- Economic Data Expectations: This week, the ADP employment change is expected to increase by 50,000, while the ISM services index is projected to slip slightly, with markets closely monitoring these indicators to assess economic health and potential implications for Federal Reserve monetary policy decisions.
See More
Global Stock Markets Plunge as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict
- Stock Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 2.18%, reaching a 3.25-month low, indicating market concerns over the Iran conflict that may lead to decreased investor confidence and increased volatility.
- Surge in Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices rose over 8% to an 8.5-month high due to Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, potentially causing long-term disruptions in global energy markets and raising inflation expectations.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year German bund yield climbed to a 2.5-week high of 2.814%, reflecting market worries about future inflation, which may prompt investors to shift towards bonds for safety.
- Economic Data Focus: This week, the market will focus on U.S. employment data and economic indicators, with the ADP employment change expected to rise by 40,000 and the ISM services index anticipated to slip slightly, indicating potential economic slowdown.
See More
Global Stock Markets Plunge as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 1.82%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by 2.07%, and the Nasdaq 100 decreased by 1.78%, marking a 2.5-month low for the S&P 500, indicating growing concerns about the global economic outlook.
- Surging Oil Prices: WTI crude oil prices surged over 7% to an 8.5-month high due to escalating conflict in Iran, raising fears of energy supply disruptions and increasing inflation expectations, which negatively impact stock market performance.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year German bund yield reached a 2.5-week high of 2.814%, while the 10-year UK gilt yield climbed to a 3-week high of 4.536%, reflecting market concerns over future inflation, further pressuring stock prices.
- Earnings Outlook: Despite market volatility, 73% of S&P 500 companies exceeded earnings expectations, with Q4 earnings growth projected at 8.4%, indicating strong corporate fundamentals, yet market sentiment remains subdued.
See More
Iran War Drives Market Volatility and Sector Performance
- Market Reaction: Stocks initially retreated following the US and Israel's joint military actions against Iran, but rebounded after the February ISM manufacturing index exceeded expectations, indicating investor focus on economic data.
- Surge in Energy Prices: The halt of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's attacks on three oil tankers led to WTI crude oil prices soaring over 65% to an 8.25-month high, potentially exacerbating global inflationary pressures.
- Defense Stocks Rise: The ongoing conflict in Iran has bolstered earnings prospects for defense companies, with Aerovironment's stock rising over 12%, while Northrop Grumman and RTX Corp also saw increases of over 4%, reflecting market optimism about defense spending.
- Economic Data Focus: Investors are keenly awaiting upcoming economic data releases, including ADP employment changes and the ISM services index, which are expected to influence future monetary policy directions amid rising inflation concerns.
See More
Investors Eye Opportunities in AI Supply Chain
- TSMC Market Share Growth: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) achieved a 72% market share in foundry spending in Q3, with a forecasted revenue growth of 38% in Q1 2026 and 30% for the full year, which will drive margin expansion and solidify its leadership in global semiconductor manufacturing.
- Surge in Lam Research Equipment Demand: Lam Research anticipates a 23% increase in equipment sales in 2026, benefiting from increased capital expenditures from TSMC and memory chipmakers like Micron and SK Hynix, whose spending is expected to rise by 25% and 30%, respectively, providing a stable revenue base for the company.
- Applied Materials R&D Advantage: As the largest wafer fabrication equipment provider, Applied Materials spent $3.6 billion on R&D last year and expects a 20% growth in equipment revenue in 2026, further enhancing its market share and competitive edge.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: TSMC plans to invest between $52 billion and $56 billion in new manufacturing facilities over the next few years, representing a 32% year-over-year increase, which will provide strong growth momentum amid surging AI computing demand.
See More
Coatue Management's Strategic AI Stock Investments
- TSMC Growth Potential: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's market share reached 72% in Q3, with a forecasted revenue growth of 38% in Q1 2026 and 30% for the full year, highlighting its critical role in the surge of AI compute spending, with a projected 25% CAGR over the next four years.
- Lam Research Equipment Demand: Lam Research anticipates a 23% increase in equipment sales in 2026, driven by rising capital expenditures from memory chip manufacturers like Micron and SK Hynix, whose spending is expected to rise by 25% and 30%, respectively, fueling over 40% growth in its advanced packaging business.
- Applied Materials Market Leadership: As the largest wafer fabrication equipment provider, Applied Materials invested $3.6 billion in R&D last year, with a 20% revenue growth outlook for equipment in 2026, maintaining a competitive edge despite cyclical fluctuations in the semiconductor industry, and poised to expand market share.
- Investor Valuation Concerns: While Lam Research's stock trades at a high forward P/E of 46, indicating potential overvaluation risks, its stable service revenue base and future capital expenditure growth still make it attractive, necessitating careful assessment of market dynamics by investors.
See More
