Economic Overview - The U.S. inflation rate has reached 3% in September, the highest level since January, with consumer prices rising by 0.3% in that month, up from an annual rate of 2.9% [1][9]. Investment Opportunities - Amid rising inflation, dividend growth stocks present a favorable investment option as their increasing payouts can help maintain purchasing power [2][9]. - Companies with a strong history of dividend growth tend to have robust financial health, providing a defensive hedge against economic uncertainty [4][5]. Selected Dividend Growth Stocks - Five dividend growth stocks identified as solid investment choices include: - **Vertiv (VRT)**: Expected revenue growth of 27.5% for 2025, long-term earnings growth rate of 30%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.08% [10][11]. - **Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)**: Projected revenue growth of 33.8% for 2025, long-term earnings growth rate of 29.2%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.88% [11]. - **Oracle (ORCL)**: Anticipated revenue growth of 16.5% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 17.2%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.71% [12]. - **Lam Research (LRCX)**: Expected revenue growth of 11.9% for fiscal 2026, long-term earnings growth rate of 19.6%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.69% [13]. - **Elbit Systems (ESLT)**: Projected revenue growth of 16.4% for 2025, long-term earnings growth rate of 23.3%, and an annual dividend yield of 0.51% [14]. Investment Criteria - Stocks selected for their strong fundamentals include criteria such as: - Positive 5-Year Historical Dividend Growth, Sales Growth, and EPS Growth [6][7]. - Price/Cash Flow ratio less than the industry average, indicating undervaluation [8]. - 52-Week Price Change greater than the S&P 500, ensuring better performance over the past year [8].

Core Insights - Lam Research Corp. (LRCX) has consistently outperformed earnings expectations, marking its 14th consecutive earnings beat with earnings of $1.26 against a consensus of $1.21 [2] - The company is projected to experience double-digit sales growth in Fiscal 2026 and Fiscal 2027, with revenue expected to increase by 11.9% and 11.7% respectively [8] Financial Performance - For the quarter ending September 28, 2025, Lam Research reported a revenue increase of 27.6%, reaching $5.32 billion compared to $4.17 billion a year ago [2] - The gross margin as a percentage of revenue improved to 50.6% from 48% in the previous year [3] Regional Revenue Breakdown - Revenue distribution by region includes China at 43%, Taiwan at 19%, Korea at 15%, Japan at 10%, United States at 6%, Southeast Asia at 5%, and Europe at 2% [3] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have revised earnings estimates upward for Fiscal 2026 and 2027, with the Zacks Consensus for Fiscal 2026 increasing to $4.68 from $4.53 (13% growth) and for Fiscal 2027 rising to $5.44 from $5.08 (16.1% growth) [4] Stock Performance - Lam Research shares have reached new all-time highs, gaining 18.2% in the last month and up 109.4% year-to-date [5] Valuation Metrics - The company has a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 32.4, indicating a premium valuation, as a P/E over 20 is considered expensive [8] - Lam Research also offers a dividend yield of 0.7% [8]

Group 1: Company Analysis - Intel Corporation is highlighted for its ongoing efforts in innovation and market positioning within the semiconductor industry [1] - Trilogy Metals Inc is noted for its strategic focus on mining and exploration in the resource sector, particularly in relation to copper and zinc [1] - VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF is discussed in the context of its investment strategy targeting rare earth elements and strategic metals, which are critical for various technologies [1] - Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF is emphasized for its role in the growing lithium market, driven by the demand for electric vehicles and battery technologies [1] Group 2: Market Trends - The analysis covers the increasing demand for semiconductors, driven by technological advancements and consumer electronics [1] - There is a notable trend towards sustainable mining practices and the importance of rare earth elements in the transition to green energy [1] - The lithium market is experiencing significant growth, influenced by the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions [1]

Core Insights - Stanley-Laman Group, Ltd. has established a new position in Lam Research valued at approximately $8.79 million as of September 30, 2025, indicating institutional confidence in the company [1][2][10] Company Overview - Lam Research Corporation is a leading supplier of wafer fabrication equipment and services to the global semiconductor industry, focusing on advanced process solutions for manufacturing complex integrated circuits [5][6] - The company reported a total revenue of $19.59 billion and a net income of $5.81 billion for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] Recent Performance - As of October 21, 2025, Lam Research shares were priced at $145.04, reflecting a 99.1% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 86.4 percentage points [3][4] - The company's stock has risen 112% year-to-date, driven by growth in the semiconductor sector, particularly due to the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution [7][10] Investment Implications - The new stake by Stanley-Laman represents 1.3% of the fund's total reportable U.S. equity assets, suggesting a strategic investment in the semiconductor sector [2][3] - Lam Research's recent earnings beat and its critical role in the semiconductor industry make it a compelling investment opportunity for retail investors [11]

Revenue and Income - Revenue for the three months ended September 28, 2025, was $5,324,173, representing a 3% increase compared to $5,171,393 for the three months ended June 29, 2025[77] - Net income for the September 2025 quarter was $1,568,660, down from $1,720,088 in the June 2025 quarter[77] - Systems revenue reached $3,547,565, up from $3,437,625 in the previous quarter, driven by investments in the Foundry market segment[83] - Customer support-related revenue was $1,776,608, slightly increasing from $1,733,768 in the previous quarter[83] Gross Margin and Expenses - Gross margin increased to $2,684,879, or 50.4% of total revenue, compared to $2,589,709, or 50.1%, in the previous quarter[77] - Research and development expenses were $580,178, accounting for 10.8% of revenue, compared to 11.2% in the previous quarter[87] - SG&A expense for the September 2025 quarter was $279,345,000, representing 5.2% of revenue, an increase from $243,128,000 in September 2024[89] - R&D expense in the September 2025 quarter increased due to higher employee-related costs and increased spending on supplies[88] Deferred Revenue and Cash Position - The deferred revenue balance increased to $2.77 billion at the end of September 2025, up from $2.68 billion at the end of June 2025[77] - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash increased to $6.7 billion at the end of September 2025, up from $6.4 billion at the end of June 2025[80] - Total gross cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash balances were $6.7 billion as of September 28, 2025, an increase from $6.4 billion as of June 29, 2025[102] Cash Flow Activities - Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.78 billion for the three months ended September 28, 2025[103] - Net cash used for investing activities was $186.0 million, primarily for capital expenditures[104] - Net cash used for financing activities was $1.28 billion, mainly due to $975.8 million in treasury stock repurchases and $292.0 million in dividends paid[105] - Changes in operating asset and liability accounts included a decrease in inventory of $189.8 million and an increase in accounts receivable of $255.0 million[103] Tax and Interest - Interest income for the September 2025 quarter was $63,930,000, up from $54,633,000 in June 2025, but down from $68,449,000 in September 2024[90] - Income tax expense for the September 2025 quarter was $58,893,000, with an effective tax rate of 15.6%, up from 3.3% in June 2025[94] Market Segment Focus - Foundry market segment revenue accounted for 60% of total revenue in the September 2025 quarter, up from 52% in the previous quarter[84] - The company continues to focus on R&D investments to support leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing processes[87] - The company expects to maintain sufficient liquidity reserves to support operations and investments through at least the next twelve months[106]

Core Insights - The company offers a Growth Investor Pro service that focuses on teaching investing, trading, and risk management [1] - A successful swing trading alerts system has been in operation for several years [1] - Weekly live webinars are provided, along with access to senior staff and a 24x7 chat environment for participants [1] Subscription Details - A one-month trial is available for $99, allowing potential subscribers to evaluate the service before committing to an annual subscription [2] - The service has received numerous 5-star reviews, indicating positive feedback from users in both bear and bull markets [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses three technology stocks—Micron, Lam Research, and Intel—that are outperforming Nvidia in 2025, highlighting their attractive valuations and potential for growth in the AI sector [3][9]. Company Summaries Micron (MU) - Micron has seen a remarkable year with a 137% increase year-to-date, driven by demand in the AI data center market [10]. - The company has a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27.2, indicating it still has room for growth as AI demand continues [10][11]. - Analysts suggest that DRAM could be a significant growth area, as high-performance memory is essential for AI and data centers [11]. Lam Research (LRCX) - Lam Research has gained 103% year-to-date, benefiting from the AI wave [12]. - Analysts believe that the full impact of AI on Lam Research's performance is yet to be realized, with expectations of further price target increases [12][13]. - The company is viewed positively due to cyclical and structural tailwinds in the semiconductor equipment sector [13]. Intel (INTC) - Intel has achieved an 89% increase year-to-date, supported by investments from the U.S. government and other firms [14]. - The company plans to launch a new AI data center chip named Crescent Island next year, which could enhance its competitive position in the AI market [15]. - Analysts are optimistic about Intel's prospects, suggesting it could continue to outperform Nvidia in the coming years [15].

Core Insights - Amtech Systems (ASYS) and Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) are key players in the semiconductor ecosystem, with LRCX providing advanced machines for chip manufacturing, particularly for AI technologies, while ASYS focuses on thermal processing and silicon wafer equipment [1][2] Amtech Systems (ASYS) - ASYS is targeting advanced packaging as a growth opportunity, especially in AI infrastructure, with a significant increase in demand for its equipment [3] - In Q3 of fiscal 2025, sales of AI infrastructure equipment were five times higher than the previous year, accounting for approximately 25% of Thermal Processing Solutions' revenues [4] - Despite strong AI demand, ASYS is experiencing weak demand in its mature node semiconductor business, leading to lower sales in wafer cleaning equipment and other tools [5] - The overall growth of ASYS is hindered by the continued weakness in the mature node market, with a projected 24.4% decline in fiscal 2025 revenues according to Zacks Consensus Estimate [6][10] - Current estimates for ASYS show a year-over-year revenue decline of 29.49% for the current quarter and 24.42% for the current year [7] Lam Research Corporation (LRCX) - LRCX is benefiting from strong demand for tools required for next-generation semiconductors, particularly those used in AI applications [9] - In Q1 of fiscal 2026, LRCX reported revenues of $5.32 billion, a 28% increase year-over-year, with a non-GAAP EPS of $1.26, reflecting a 46.5% increase [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects LRCX's full fiscal 2026 revenues to reach $20.13 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 9.2% [14] - LRCX's advanced packaging systems are widely used, and the company is developing tools for panel-level packaging to support larger AI chips [13] - Current estimates for LRCX show a year-over-year growth of 25.25% for the current quarter and 9.21% for the current year [15] Price Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, ASYS shares have increased by 44.3%, while LRCX shares have surged by 104.3% [16] - In terms of valuation, LRCX trades at 8.61 times forward sales multiple, compared to 1.33 times for ASYS, reflecting higher growth expectations for LRCX [18] Conclusion - LRCX presents a more favorable investment outlook due to its solid fundamentals, expanding AI exposure, and consistent growth potential, while ASYS faces challenges in mature node markets despite emerging opportunities [21][22]

Investment Rating - The report assigns a strong buy rating for LAM Research, anticipating a performance that will exceed the benchmark index by more than 20% over the next six months [73]. Core Insights - LAM Research achieved record revenue of $5.324 billion in CY25Q3, representing a year-over-year growth of 27.74% and a quarter-over-quarter increase of 2.95%, surpassing market expectations [3][13]. - The company's non-GAAP gross margin reached 50.6%, up 2.4 percentage points year-over-year and 0.3 percentage points quarter-over-quarter, indicating strong operational efficiency [10][12]. - The demand for AI infrastructure is driving growth in the semiconductor equipment market, with expectations that every additional $100 billion in data center capital expenditure will lead to approximately $8 billion in semiconductor equipment investment [5][23]. Company Performance Overview Revenue Situation - LAM Research's revenue for CY25Q3 was $5.324 billion, exceeding the guidance midpoint of $52 billion and market consensus of $5.232 billion [3][13]. - Deferred revenue at the end of the quarter was $2.769 billion, slightly up from the previous quarter, indicating ongoing service and system-related transactions [13]. Gross Margin Situation - The non-GAAP gross margin for CY25Q3 was 50.6%, close to the upper end of the previous guidance [10][12]. Capital Expenditure - Capital expenditures reached $185 million in CY25Q3, an increase of approximately $13 million from the previous quarter, primarily for investments in U.S. laboratories and Asian manufacturing facilities [11]. Employee Changes - The company employed approximately 19,400 full-time employees by the end of CY25Q3, an increase of about 400 employees, mainly in R&D and field support teams [15]. Revenue Structure By Business Segment - The equipment segment accounted for 60% of total system revenue, with record growth driven by advanced process investments and spending in mature nodes in mainland China [15]. - The customer support business (CSBG) generated approximately $1.8 billion in revenue, showing slight growth both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year [16]. By Region - In CY25Q3, revenue from mainland China constituted 43% of total revenue, up from 35% in the previous quarter, with local customer investments driving growth [19]. Demand Situation Analysis - The company anticipates a revenue reduction of approximately $200 million in the upcoming quarter due to U.S. export restrictions affecting shipments to mainland China, with an estimated total impact of $600 million for the year [22]. - Global demand for wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) is expected to remain strong, with a market size projected to exceed $105 billion in 2025 [22][23]. Technical Progress - LAM Research has made significant advancements in atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology, solidifying its market position with key customers in NAND applications [26]. - The company is also focusing on advanced packaging technologies, with new tools being developed to meet the growing demand in this area [29]. Performance Guidance - For CY2025Q4, LAM Research expects revenue to be around $52 billion, with a non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 48.5% [30].

Core Viewpoint - Lam Research anticipates an increase in semiconductor manufacturing equipment spending driven by data center investments [1] Group 1 - Lam Research's stock price rose by 4.57% as of the after-market prices on October 22, 2025 [1]